Pursuit - No 47 - Vol 12 No 3 - 1979

Magazine Overview

Title: PURSUIT
Issue: VOL. 12, No. 3, WHOLE No. 47
Date: SUMMER 1979
Publisher: Robert C. Warth
Editor: R. Martin Wolf
Cover Art: 'WOLF 79'

This issue of PURSUIT, the journal of The Society for the Investigation of the Unexplained, delves into a variety of topics at the intersection of science, consciousness, and the paranormal. The cover features a striking illustration of a tree radiating light, with the prominent title "PURSUIT." The issue is dated Summer 1979 and is Volume 12, Number 3.

Contents Overview

The journal presents a diverse range of articles, including:

• "The Synchro Channel" by Barbara Jordison: Explores a method of collecting data by monitoring simultaneous audio and visual English text, suggesting it as a potential communication channel and linking it to broader concepts of bioentrainment and information retrieval.
• "Let's Test the Communication Hypothesis" by Barbara Jordison: Discusses the possibility of interstellar communication and whether UFO sightings might represent species-to-species messages designed to protect identities.
• "Between the Plastic Eagle, Between the Mezuzah and the Crucifix, an Article of Faith" by Grace Undapresha: Examines the tension between faith and fact, the rise of fundamental Christianity, and the nature of human evolution and transformation.
• "Neodinosaurs" by Ivan T. Sanderson: Reprints the first chapter of Sanderson's book "More "Things"," exploring the persistent question of whether dinosaurs might still exist in remote parts of Africa, citing anecdotal evidence and historical accounts.
• "How to "Fingerprint" a UFO and "Hear" Its Light" by Russ Reardon: Discusses methods for identifying and understanding UFO phenomena.
• "ULF Tree Potentials and Geomagnetic Pulsations" by A. C. Fraser-Smith: Investigates the relationship between ULF electromagnetic fields and geomagnetic pulsations.
• "The Weekend Effect: ULF Electromagnetic Fields, Powerline Harmonics, and an Interview with Antony C. Fraser-Smith": Explores the impact of ULF electromagnetic fields and powerline harmonics.
• "The One Physical Experiment Impossible to Explain" by T. B. Pawlicki: Presents a scientific experiment that defies conventional explanation.
• "Metrification: Even Pyramid Power Won't Save the Sacred Inch" by Robert J. Schadewald: Critiques the metric system and its implications.
• "Ornithological Erratics: Winter 1978-1979" by Loren Coleman: Reports on unusual bird sightings during the winter of 1978-1979.
• "UFOs Down Under and All Over" by Jon Douglas Singer: A survey of UFO sightings.
• Symposium, SITUations, Book Reviews, and The Notes of Charles Fort: These sections provide commentary, updates, and reviews related to the society's activities and the broader field of unexplained phenomena.

Key Articles and Themes

The Synchro Channel and Communication: Barbara Jordison's articles explore the concept of a "Synchro Channel" as a potential means of communication, both human and potentially extraterrestrial. She discusses data collection methods and the idea that UFOs might be part of a larger communication effort. The articles question how we interpret information and the role of electronic media in shaping our awareness.

Cryptozoology and Unexplained Creatures: Ivan T. Sanderson's piece on "Neodinosaurs" revives the intriguing possibility of living dinosaurs in Africa, challenging the scientific consensus on their extinction and presenting anecdotal evidence. This aligns with the broader theme of investigating phenomena that are typically dismissed.

Spirituality, Consciousness, and Metaphysics: Grace Undapresha's article delves into the conflict between faith and empirical fact, touching upon the resurgence of fundamental Christianity and the nature of human evolution. The issue also features discussions on Tibetan Buddhism, Kundalini, and the potential for psychic research to be integrated into a scientific framework, as explored by Gene Kieffer and others.

UFO Phenomena and Investigation: Several articles address UFO sightings and the methods used to investigate them, including "How to "Fingerprint" a UFO and "Hear" Its Light" and "UFOs Down Under and All Over." The concept of ULF electromagnetic fields and their potential connection to UFOs is also examined.

The Society's Role and Stance: The journal emphasizes that The Society for the Investigation of the Unexplained does not hold political or religious views. Opinions expressed are those of the authors, not the Society. Membership is open to anyone, not just professionals, and the society provides information and publishes research on unexplained phenomena.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue of PURSUIT include the investigation of phenomena that lie outside conventional scientific understanding, the nature of consciousness and communication (both human and potentially extraterrestrial), and the exploration of historical and anecdotal evidence for the unexplained. The editorial stance is one of open inquiry and a willingness to consider evidence and hypotheses that challenge mainstream scientific paradigms. The journal encourages active participation and research from its members, fostering a community dedicated to exploring the frontiers of the unknown.

Title: PURSUIT
Issue: Summer 1979
Volume: Vol. 10, No. 2
Publisher: International League for the Preservation of Civilisation
Country: USA
Language: English

Article 1: "There Could Be Dinosaurs" (Pages 101-105)

This extensive article, likely a continuation or excerpt from Ivan T. Sanderson's work, explores the compelling possibility that dinosaurs, or creatures akin to them, might still exist in remote, unexplored regions of the world. The author begins by addressing skepticism towards unusual animal reports, emphasizing that science should question the skeptic as readily as the traveler. The vastness of undiscovered species is highlighted, referencing the discovery of the okapi as an example.

The article debunks the notion that the Earth is fully explored, detailing how large areas in continents like Africa and South America remain virtually untouched. It posits that creatures as large as elephants could exist in profusion in places like the Guyanas, unknown to the outside world.

A key argument is the selective habitat of animals; creatures may be common in their specific environment but rare elsewhere. This explains the supposed rarity of many animals, suggesting that if a suitable, inaccessible habitat exists, large beasts could thrive unseen.

• Several anecdotal accounts are presented:
• Central Africa: Stories from Negroes and drawings in caverns suggest a dinosaur-like creature.
• Monsieur Lepage (Congo, 1920): Reported an encounter with a large swamp beast, eight meters long, with a pointed snout, horn, and scaly hump.
• King Lewanika (Barotse tribe): Reported a large reptile in swamps with a long neck and a track as large as a wagon.
• Stephens (Upper Nile): Documented a large, swamp-dwelling reptile known as the "Lau" to local tribes, described as 40-100 feet long with a donkey-sized body and a snakelike head with tentacles.
• Belgian Administrator (Congo): Claimed to have seen and shot at a "Lau."
• "Mokele-mbembe" (Cameroons): Described by native guides as a brownish-gray, elephant-sized animal with a long, flexible neck, one tooth, and an alligator-like tail. It reportedly attacks canoes but does not eat the crew, living in river caves and feeding on vegetation.

The article then connects these accounts to the "Sirrush," a creature depicted in the bas-reliefs of Babylon's Ishtar Gate. Professor Robert Koldewey's analysis suggests the "Sirrush" was not purely mythical but an attempt to depict a real animal, possibly a plant-eating, bird-footed dinosaur. Its features—scaled body, long tail and neck, reptilian head with a single horn, and serpentine tongue—are compared to descriptions of the "Chipekwe" and Monsieur Lepage's beast.

The author argues that if primitive reptiles like tortoises and tuataras have survived from the age of reptiles, there's no reason why other dinosaur groups, especially those less primitive, couldn't have survived in isolated, stable environments like the tropical swamps of Africa, largely unaffected by ice ages.

The article concludes by stating that while there is no positive evidence of extant dinosaurs, the possibility warrants consideration and investigation.

Article 2: "EXEGESIS: UNEXPLAINED DATA RELATED TO UNITED FLIGHT 389" (Pages 106-110)

This article by E. Macer-Story examines the anomalous radar data recorded during the crash of United Flight 389 on August 16, 1965. The U.S. Air Force Air Defense Command radar network (SAGE) recorded two moving targets in the crash area, despite only one aircraft being present.

The radar tracks, AO39 and KO47, displayed unusual behavior. AO39 ceased recording several minutes before the crash, while KO47 began suddenly before the crash and continued for two minutes after, disappearing approximately 23 miles west of the wreckage. This suggests the aircraft disappeared for two minutes, reappeared, crashed, and then continued flying, which would require acceleration far beyond the speed of sound.

The author dismisses the possibility of such acceleration, given that ordinary wreckage was found. The conclusion drawn is that the radar data indicates a malfunction of the SAGE equipment, possibly related to its time standard or demodulation program.

The article also touches upon the irrational behavior of the three experienced pilots, who, during casual conversation, directed the aircraft into an uncontrollable nosedive. While instruments reportedly worked normally, the crash is attributed to either inexplicable human error or sudden equipment failure.

To illustrate the concept of memory malfunction leading to disorientation, the author uses the analogy of a bat flying erratically. This is compared to the pilots' actions and the unusual radar tracking, suggesting a potential parallel in "memory malfunction" or disorientation.

Article 3: "MORE ON EXTANT DINOSAURS" (Pages 105-109)

This article, by Dr. Silvano Lorenzoni, continues the theme of extant dinosaurs, focusing on South America, particularly the Guayanese plateaux in Venezuela. It builds upon a previous issue's discussion and incorporates new readings, conversations, and on-site observations.

Dr. Lorenzoni discusses the geological isolation of the Guayanese plateaux, which dates back to the end of the Cretaceous period (60-80 million years ago), coinciding with the extinction of dinosaurs. This isolation is presented as a key factor supporting the hypothesis of survival for last dinosaur descendants.

Dr. León Croizat's theory is presented: the rising of the Andes caused the primeval South American plateau to crack and lift, leading to erosion and the formation of new river basins. This process broke the plateau into Guyana and the Brazilian uplands, with Guyana being higher and more broken, characterized by "tepuyes" (flat-topped mountains).

Lorenzoni notes that Croizat's theory suggests localized volcanic phenomena and igneous extrusions, which he personally observed on the Auyantepuy.

• Further evidence for unusual fauna in these regions includes:
• Salto Angel area: Local Indians reported "unusual size lizards."
• Roraima: Reports of fossils supposedly seen atop the mountain, though no official reports exist for the Guayana area.

• The article then explores other potential locations of interest in Venezuela:
• Galeras de El Pao: Low hills where an exceptionally large reptile, described as resembling a "Komodo dragon" or large varanid, has been reported. True varanids are not officially known in South America.
• Sierra de Coro: Sandstone walls suggesting "primeval plateau" residues, where a "lungfish" or unknown variety might exist.
• Cerro Santa Ana (Paraguaná Peninsula): An isolated height with a tropical rain forest on its summit, ecologically isolated for 60-80 million years, harboring endemic flora and fauna.
• El Baúl (Galeras de El Baúl): Isolated volcanic hills, ecologically unexplored, potentially harboring unusual fauna.
• Serranía del Moroturo: A wooded mountain range where a "water monster" is reported in a lake.

The author concludes that while some evidence may be hearsay, the possibility of Fortean findings in South America is high, and systematic exploration of these areas would be rewarding. He has begun such a study himself.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The magazine consistently explores topics related to the unexplained, cryptozoology, and fringe science. The articles present evidence and theories that challenge conventional scientific understanding, particularly regarding the existence of unknown or long-extinct creatures. There's a clear editorial stance favoring open-minded investigation and the exploration of remote or unusual environments as potential habitats for such phenomena. The publication seems to encourage detailed reporting of anecdotal evidence, geological theories, and anomalous data, while acknowledging the need for further scientific scrutiny and exploration.

This issue of PURSUIT, dated Summer 1979, Volume 11, focuses on the intersection of electromagnetic phenomena, scientific paradigms, and anomalous events. The cover story highlights the "Weekend Effect" of ULF electromagnetic fields, primarily linked to human activities like the BART transit system and powerline harmonics, and features an interview with Stanford geophysicist Antony C. Fraser-Smith.

The Weekend Effect: ULF Electromagnetic Fields, Powerline Harmonics, and an Interview with Antony C. Fraser-Smith

This extensive article explores the significant ULF (Ultra-Low Frequency) electromagnetic fields detected by Stanford geophysicists Antony C. Fraser-Smith and D. B. Coates. Their research initially focused on Pc 1 geomagnetic pulsations but soon encountered intermittent interference, particularly in the Pc 2 and Pc 3 bands. This interference grew in strength and duration, dominating activity for most of the weekday, but was almost entirely absent on weekends. This "weekend effect" strongly implied a man-made source.

Initial attempts to locate the source by moving equipment were unsuccessful, suggesting it was not in the immediate vicinity of the Stanford field site. Further investigation revealed that the interference was significantly reduced only when the equipment was moved to a site 27 km away from the campus. Crucially, D. B. Coates observed a correlation between large-amplitude ULF signals and the arrival and departure of trains at the nearby Fremont BART (Bay Area Rapid Transit) station. A comparison with BART's schedule confirmed that the BART system was the source of the interference.

The article details the BART system's 1000 V DC electric propulsion, which, when combined with its extensive track length and substations, generates substantial ULF fields. The time-varying magnetic fields produced by the trains' current loops, and the superposition of these fields from multiple trains, create the observed ULF signals. Secondary mechanisms, such as extraneous ULF ripple on the third rail and ULF modulation from DC choppers in the train motors, also contribute.

Fraser-Smith suggests that the BART system, with its large magnetic moment and proximity to sea water, could potentially generate ULF hydro-magnetic waves in the ionosphere, propagating over large distances. This could aid in understanding natural ULF signals and potentially be used to probe the Earth's ground structure or monitor earthquake faults. The identification of BART as a powerful, artificial source of ULF fields is of considerable interest for active experiments in the ionosphere and magnetosphere.

The article also discusses other potential sources of ULF electromagnetic fields, including high-voltage DC power transmission lines, electric railways, and DC-powered mine haulage systems. It notes that the proliferation of these sources is a growing concern, as it indicates that no place on Earth is unaffected by human activities, potentially posing an interference threat to geomagnetic observatories.

Fraser-Smith expresses worry about the increasing levels of electromagnetic radiation from various sources, including Stanford's student transmitter, BART, microwave radiation, and fluorescent lighting. He emphasizes that these fields add up and can disrupt cellular structure, leading to a situation where minimizing exposure is becoming impossible.

The "Flight 389" Incident and Radar Malfunction

The article begins by analyzing the malfunction of a SAGE radar mechanism and the inexplicable nosedive of United Flight 389 into Lake Michigan. The author posits that a mutual phenomenon, possibly an altered electromagnetic atmosphere or a pocket of altered molecular-electronic density, could have affected both the radar equipment and the flight crew's consciousness simultaneously. The geographical separation of the radar and the crash site complicates this theory, suggesting an independent, yet synchronized, effect. The possibility of an unidentified craft emerging from an area of altered density to recover the flight data recorder is also speculated upon, though framed within a science fiction context.

How to 'Fingerprint' a UFO and 'Hear' Its Light

Written by Russ Reardon, this section introduces a commercially available electronic device, a photomultiplier, as a tool for identifying the origin of UFO light. The device can analyze the light's excitation wavelength, creating a unique "fingerprint" for each light source. By connecting the photomultiplier to an audio-amplifier, light vibrations can be converted into sound, allowing each light source to have its own "song." This method is presented as a way to obtain physical evidence of UFOs.

The article details the technical specifications of the photomultiplier and associated equipment, including sources for purchase and recommended audio amplifiers. It suggests that these assemblies, along with other recording methods like motion pictures and radar scans, can contribute to identifying the sources of light from UFOs.

ULF Tree Potentials and Geomagnetic Pulsations

Authored by A. C. Fraser-Smith and reprinted from Nature, this scientific article presents a new method for measuring ULF (Ultra-Low Frequency) geomagnetic pulsations using trees as antennas. This method requires minimal equipment and could lead to more widespread observations. It also provides new information about tree potentials, suggesting they are induced by ULF geomagnetic field fluctuations rather than originating within the trees themselves.

The research involved inserting pairs of electrodes into an oak tree and connecting them to a low-frequency high-gain amplifier. The measurements showed a strong correlation with conventional ULF measurements, indicating that the tree-electrode system effectively detects Pc 1 geomagnetic pulsation events. The study concludes that ULF tree potentials are largely produced by ULF fluctuations of the geomagnetic field. The author suggests that ULF geomagnetic pulsations might have adverse effects on tree growth, potentially correlating with tree ring data, and calls for further studies.

What to Believe—Or, Paring Down the Paradigm

Dr. Arlan Keith Andrews, Sr. discusses the challenges of evaluating anomalous phenomena, such as those reported by Forteans. He emphasizes the importance of a "reality check" – comparing observations with previously classified "real" and "not-real" events. Andrews cautions against denying possibilities solely because they fall outside conventional scientific paradigms, but also warns against accepting every claim without scrutiny. He criticizes the tendency to invent new universes or laws to explain anomalies, advocating for a consistent approach to developing a paradigm for Fortean studies. The article uses examples like Uri Geller's alleged psychic abilities to illustrate the dangers of unproductive research based on unverified claims.

The One Physical Experiment Impossible to Explain

Written by T. B. Pawlicki, this article examines the Young Experiment, which demonstrates the wave-particle duality of electrons. The experiment shows that electrons behave as particles when observed but as waves when not observed, a phenomenon that Pawlicki describes as the "one fact of physics impossible to explain." The author argues that this experiment, and Einstein's theory of relativity as a solution to the Michelson-Morley experiment, represent significant departures from traditional scientific understanding, with the Young Experiment's implications for the nature of reality being particularly profound and largely ignored by the scientific establishment.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The issue consistently explores the boundary between conventional science and anomalous phenomena. There is a strong emphasis on the impact of human-generated electromagnetic fields on the environment and scientific measurements, as highlighted by the BART system and powerline harmonics. The articles also touch upon the philosophical challenges of interpreting unusual events, the need for rigorous scientific methodology, and the potential for new technologies to investigate these phenomena. The editorial stance appears to be one of open inquiry into unexplained events, while advocating for critical evaluation and a grounded approach to understanding the universe, as exemplified by the "reality check" concept and the critique of unsubstantiated claims.

This issue of PURSUIT, dated Summer 1979, Volume 11, is a 128-page magazine published by SITU, priced at $1.50. It delves into a variety of Fortean and fringe science topics, including theoretical physics, historical debates on measurement systems, ornithological observations, and a significant report on UFO sightings.

Physics of Perception and Reality

The issue opens with an article exploring the relationship between observation, light, and the creation of physical reality. It posits that the act of observation transforms diffuse wave structures into particles with mass, location, and instantaneity. The author references the Young Experiment and the Michelson-Morley Experiment, suggesting that scientific belief struggles to accommodate the idea that observation not only defines but creates objective reality. The article introduces the "Plate Flutter Model" as a means to demonstrate these concepts, requiring spatial visualization to comprehend its mechanics across multiple dimensions. It also touches upon the concept of a "field torus" and its geometric structure, composed of interpenetrating toroids, and relates it to the idea of a perfect hologram where every part is identical to every other part. The author suggests that light acts as a phase tuner, differentiating the electronic field and manifesting it as a particle, thus creating material reality from an infinite potential. The article concludes by linking consciousness to phase-defined space and suggests that shared reality stems from being tuned to the same phase, with education reinforcing dominant societal phases.

METRICATION: EVEN PYRAMID POWER WON'T SAVE THE SACRED INCH

This article by Robert J. Schadewald examines the U.S. adoption of the metric system, initiated by the Metric Conversion Act of 1975. It contrasts this with the concurrent boom in "Pyramid Power" theories. The author traces the historical opposition to metrication in 19th-century England, particularly the arguments put forth by Charles Piazzi Smyth. Smyth, influenced by John Taylor's book on the Great Pyramid, argued that the "sacred inch" was the fundamental unit of measurement for both the Great Pyramid and Noah's Ark, deeming it sacrilegious to abandon it for the centimeter. Smyth's extensive research on the Great Pyramid led him to believe it was a storehouse of knowledge supporting the British system, with its dimensions and weight allegedly correlating to astronomical and terrestrial constants. Despite Smyth's efforts, the metric system gained traction, and England's Metric Act of 1864, which allowed but did not mandate metric use, was eventually repealed in 1878. The article notes the irony that "Power Pyramids" are now offered in metric sizes, suggesting Smyth's triumph was temporary.

ORNITHOLOGICAL ERRATICS: WINTER 1978-1979

Loren Coleman reports on an unusual influx of Arctic birds into the United States during the winter of 1978-1979. The article details sightings of various species, including a European barnacle goose and a South African shelduck in Rhode Island, a white pelican, and a Ross's gull in the Chicago area. The most notable aspect is the significant increase in sightings of Arctic owls. Snowy owls, usually seen one or two per year in New England, numbered around fifteen by January 1979. Hawk owls and great gray owls were also reported in increased numbers across the Northeast. Naturalists attribute this phenomenon to a lack of food in the Arctic, forcing the birds southward. The rarest sighting was a boreal owl in Salisbury, Massachusetts, the first seen in New England in 36 years. The article suggests that these bird movements might indicate broader meteorological shifts affecting seasonal weather and small animal survival.

UFOS DOWN UNDER AND ALL OVER

This extensive report by Jon Douglas Singer chronicles a wave of UFO sightings that began in late 1978 and continued into early 1979. The surge in interest was partly triggered by a controversial sighting in Central Park, New York, and the mysterious disappearance of pilot Fred Valentich over Australia. The article details Valentich's last radio transmission describing an unidentified object before his plane vanished. It also covers other Australian UFO reports, including sightings near Melbourne and Geelong. The wave then spread globally, with reports from Italy, Israel, South Africa, and various locations in the U.S., particularly New Jersey. A recurring description of UFOs was their doughnut shape, with references to the Maury Island incident of 1947 and sightings over Italy and Manhattan. The article notes that the New Jersey sightings included objects described as blimp-sized, rectangular, and circular with lights. It also touches upon the enigmatic "Jersey Devil" and its potential connection to UFO phenomena. The report concludes by highlighting several points of significance: the timing of the flap coinciding with Valentich's disappearance and NASA's space probes, the anniversary of previous UFO sightings, the discovery of a new asteroid, and research into neutrino beams for communication, including potential extraterrestrial signals. The article suggests that while the wave has a beginning and middle, its ending remains uncertain.

Other Items

The issue also includes an advertisement for the "11 YEARS IN PURSUIT" Index to Volumes 1-11, a 60-page compilation available for $1.50. It also contains a notice for members planning to move to ensure their address changes are processed.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The magazine consistently explores phenomena that lie outside mainstream scientific consensus, including unconventional physics theories, historical anomalies, and unexplained aerial phenomena. The editorial stance appears to favor open inquiry into these subjects, presenting detailed accounts and various perspectives, even when they challenge established scientific or historical narratives. There is a clear interest in connecting seemingly disparate events and phenomena, suggesting underlying patterns or connections that are not immediately apparent. The articles often delve into historical context and theoretical frameworks, encouraging readers to consider alternative explanations for observed events.

Title: SYMPOSIUM
Issue: Summer 1979 (Vol. 12, No. 3)
Publisher: SITU
Content: This issue of Symposium, the journal of the Society for the Investigation of the Unexplained (SITU), features a collection of articles, reports, and opinions on various unexplained phenomena, scientific curiosities, and Fortean topics. It includes updates on the SITU membership directory, a call for book reviews, and discussions on the journal's operations.

Important Notice to All Concerned

The editors of Pursuit are seeking contributions from Scientific Advisors and Honorary Members, as well as other members capable of contributing to the Society's goals. They request photocopies or re-written accounts of new developments and research pertinent to the field. This information will be used to produce a high-quality journal that covers a wide range of exciting new developments. The editors believe, in line with Ivan Sanderson, that science is the pursuit of the unknown.

SITU Membership Directory Update

An addenda and errata for the SITU Membership Directory is presented. A complete, all-inclusive listing is planned for early 1980, with a cut-off date of October 1, 1979. Members must be paid-up to be included. Matters pertaining to the directory should be addressed to Martin Wiegler at the provided address. Updated coding for members' areas of interest includes Anthropology (AH) and Falling or phantom animals (FA).

Members and Their Interests

A list of new entries in the SITU Membership Directory is provided, detailing member numbers, states, ZIP codes, and their stated interests, which range from U (UFOs) and L (Life after death) to G (Ghosts) and M (Monsters).

Payment for Pursuit Articles

Starting with the Summer 1979 issue, Pursuit will pay 1¢ per word for all articles published. Articles submitted for consideration should be original. Payment will be made upon publication. Articles already published elsewhere or used in SITUations or Symposium columns will not be paid for. Copyright rights for original articles will be returned to the authors.

Plea for Book Reviews

SITU is seeking book reviews, offering $5 per review published. Reviews must be well-written and thoughtful assessments. A member with number 3153 is also seeking contact with other members interested in Bigfoot, operating the Illinois BIGFOOT Center.

Current Pursuits

The journal is seeking information on erratic zoological specimens and specific data on Fortean places with "devil" names, walled structures, and mounds. Information should be sent to Loren Coleman.

Letters to the Editor

Hilary Evans (England) critiques Dr. Lorenzoni's article "The Psychoanalysis Wangle," arguing that while Freud may have been mistaken, his work was foundational. Evans defends the idea of building upon existing hypotheses rather than demolishing them, comparing it to the Fortean method of construction.

Member #380 (Scottsville, Kentucky) recounts two incidents of loud, unusual sounds and vibrations experienced on the nights of January 8 and January 20, 1979. These events occurred during a severe ice storm and were not attributed to known aircraft or seismic activity, leading to speculation about their cause.

A letter from an unnamed member questions the utility of the SITU membership number system, suggesting it does not offer significant privacy protection for members or facilitate communication. The writer speculates it might be intended to protect less prominent members.

Situations

This section reports on curious and unexplained events, encouraging members to submit news clippings and responsible reports with sources. Several brief reports are included:

• New Nessie Films?: A British TV cameraman claims to have filmed a creature with a round, seal-like head in a Scottish loch.
• Iguana Found on Deserted Isle: A 3-foot-long iguana found in Fiji is suggested by Dr. John Gibbins to be a "missing link" in animal migration from South America to the South Pacific.
• Mysterious Rings in Saudi Arabia: Puzzling circular stone formations with appendages, resembling those found in Peru's Nazca Plain, are being studied by archaeologists.
• Atlantis - Have the Russians Found It?: Soviet oceanographers claim to have photographed underwater structures resembling the ruins of Atlantis west of Portugal.
• Man Walked 3 Million Years Ago: Dr. Mary Leakey discovered human-like footprints in East Africa, indicating upright walking predates significant brain development and tool use.
• Mysterious Marine Mammal Strandings: Reports detail mass strandings of sperm whales in Baja California and dolphins and whales in Florida, with investigations finding no clear cause, though parasitic infections and disorientation are considered possibilities.

The Notes of Charles Fort

This section presents a chronological listing of phenomena recorded by Charles Fort, with abbreviations explained. Entries from 1805-1808 detail various events such as earthquakes, volcanic eruptions, meteors, fireballs, strange sounds ("Moodus" sounds), and unusual atmospheric phenomena, often citing specific publications and dates.

Book Reviews

• Pathways to the Gods: The Mystery of the Andes Lines by Tony Morrison: Reviewed as a significant work that uses computerized data to analyze the Andes lines, concluding they were not for astronomical or calendric purposes.
• The Andreasson Affair by Raymond E. Fowler: Described as a stepping stone to understanding the UFO phenomenon, detailing Betty Andreasson's alleged UFO abduction experience.
• The Search for Lost America: The Mysteries of the Stone Ruins by Salvatore Michael Trento: Praised as a stimulating study of pre-Columbian stone structures in North America, offering new explanations for archaeological finds.
• The Philadelphia Experiment: Project Invisibility by William L. Moore: A fascinating account of an alleged U.S. Navy experiment involving the USS Eldridge, which reportedly caused the destroyer to become invisible and teleport.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue of Symposium revolve around the unexplained, the mysterious, and the Fortean. The journal actively solicits reports and information from its members, emphasizing the pursuit of the unknown as a core tenet of science. The editorial stance appears to be one of open inquiry, presenting various phenomena and theories for consideration by the readership, while also maintaining a critical eye through letters and discussions on the journal's own practices. The emphasis on detailed reporting, sourcing, and member participation highlights a commitment to rigorous investigation within the realm of the unusual.

This document is a directory for 'The Society for the Investigation of the Unexplained'. It provides a detailed listing of the organization's leadership, departments, and advisory board members. The publication date and specific issue details are not explicitly stated, but it appears to be an official listing of personnel and organizational structure.

Governing Board

The Governing Board is headed by Robert C. Warth as President and Trustee. R. Martin Wolf serves as Vice President and Trustee, as well as Director. Susan Malone is the Secretary and Trustee, and Greg Arend is the Treasurer and Trustee. Steven Mayne and Albena E. Zwerver are also listed as Trustees.

Departments

The Society's operational departments are organized as follows:

• PURSUIT
• INVESTIGATIONS
• MASS MEDIA
• RESEARCH
• FUND RAISING

Key personnel are listed for these departments, including:

• Managing Editor: Steven Mayne
• Assistant Editor: R. Martin Wolf
• Distribution: Martin Wiegler, R. Martin Wolf, Steven Mayne
• Canadian Media Consultant: Susan Malone, Michael Bradley
• Research: R. Martin Wolf, Robert C. Warth
• Fund Raising: Gregory Arend, Steven Mayne
• Prehistoric Archaeology and Oceanography Consultant: Charles Berlitz, Steven Mayne

Scientific Advisory Board

The Scientific Advisory Board is composed of distinguished individuals from various academic and scientific disciplines. Each member's name, title, affiliation, and area of specialization are provided:

• Dr. George A. Agogino: Chairman, Department of Anthropology, and Director, Paleo-Indian Institute, Eastern New Mexico University (Archaeology).
• Dr. Carl H. Delacato: Director, The Institute for the Rehabilitation of the Brain Injured, Morton, Pa. (Mentalogy).
• Dr. J. Allen Hynek: Director, Lindheimer Astronomical Research Center, Northwestern University (Astronomy).
• Dr. George C. Kennedy: Professor of Geology, Institute of Geophysics, U.C.L.A. (Geomorphology and Geophysics).
• Dr. Martin Kruskal: Program in Applied Mathematics, Princeton University (Mathematics).
• Dr. Samuel B. McDowell: Professor of Biology, Rutgers University, Newark, N.J. (General Biology).
• Dr. Vladimir Markotic: Professor of Anthropology, Department of Archaeology, University of Alberta, Canada (Ethnosociology and Ethnology).
• Dr. John R. Napier: Unit of Primate Biology, Queen Elizabeth College, University of London (Physical Anthropology).
• Dr. Michael A. Persinger: Department of Psychology, Environmental Psychophysiological Laboratory, Laurentian University, Sudbury, Ont., Canada (Psychology).
• Dr. Frank B. Salisbury: Plant Science Department, College of Agriculture, Utah State University (Plant Physiology).
• Dr. Berthold Eric Schwarz: Consultant (Brain Wave Laboratory), Essex County Medical Center, Cedar Grove, N.J. (Mental Sciences).
• Dr. Roger W. Wescott: Professor and Chairman, Department of Anthropology, Drew University, Madison, N.J. (Cultural Anthropology and Linguistics).
• Dr. A. Joseph Wraight: Chief Geographer, U.S. Coast and Geodetic Survey (Geography and Oceanography).
• Dr. Robert K. Zuck: Professor and Chairman, Department of Botany, Drew University, Madison, N.J. (Botany).

The Taxonomy of Knowledge

A significant visual element on the second page is a diagram titled 'The Taxonomy of Knowledge'. This intricate, circular chart attempts to map and categorize various fields of human knowledge, illustrating their interconnections. It divides knowledge into broad categories such as 'Existence', 'Measurement', 'Mental Concepts', 'Human Enterprise', 'Life Sciences', 'Earth Sciences', 'Gross Bodies', and 'Matter'. Within these, numerous sub-disciplines are listed, including Physics, Chemistry, Biology, Anthropology, Mathematics, Logic, Religion, Mythology, Astronomy, Geology, and Technology, among others. The diagram emphasizes the interconnectedness of these fields, suggesting a holistic approach to understanding knowledge.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The document's primary focus is organizational and informational, serving as a directory for 'The Society for the Investigation of the Unexplained'. The inclusion of a diverse Scientific Advisory Board, with members from fields ranging from anthropology and psychology to astronomy and geology, suggests an interdisciplinary approach to unexplained phenomena. The 'Taxonomy of Knowledge' diagram further reinforces a broad, encompassing view of inquiry, integrating scientific, philosophical, and even esoteric subjects. The editorial stance, implied by the Society's name and the breadth of expertise represented, appears to be one of open-minded investigation into phenomena that lie outside conventional scientific understanding.