Pursuit - No 51 - Vol 13 No 3 - 1980

Magazine Overview

Title: Pursuit
Issue: Volume 13, Number 3, Whole Number 51
Date: Summer 1980
Publisher: The Society for the Investigation of the Unexplained (SITU)
Tagline: 'Science is the Pursuit of the Unexplained'

This issue of Pursuit magazine, the quarterly journal of SITU, is dedicated to exploring various facets of the unexplained, with a strong emphasis on critical investigation and the examination of both genuine mysteries and elaborate hoaxes. The cover features a striking black and white illustration of a creature with the provocative question, "Have You Ever Seen a Monster Like This One?"

SITU and Its Mission

The Society for the Investigation of the Unexplained (SITU) is defined as an organization existing to collect data on unexplained phenomena, promote rigorous investigation, and disseminate significant findings to its members. SITU focuses on events and phenomena that orthodox science may overlook or dismiss. Membership is open to all, regardless of professional scientific background, and costs $10 annually, including the journal. Contributions to SITU are tax-deductible.

Operations and Publications

SITU maintains extensive reference files and conducts research, though a fee may be charged for extensive requests. The Society's legal and financial affairs are managed by a Board of Trustees, with a Scientific Advisory Board providing counsel. SITU maintains a neutral stance on political, religious, and social views, with opinions expressed in Pursuit belonging to individual authors. The journal is published quarterly, with reduced-rate subscriptions available to libraries. All content is protected by international copyright.

Featured Articles and Editorials

Editorial: Anatomy of a Hoax

Fred Wilson's editorial, "Anatomy of a Hoax," emphasizes the importance of studying hoaxes to refine investigative techniques, establish precedent, and combat prejudice. He argues that understanding how mysteries are solved and how deceptions are perpetrated is crucial for investigators. The editorial introduces two hoaxes discussed in the issue: the Lake George Monster and the story of "Princess" Caraboo, highlighting the ongoing battle between people and bureaucracies as a modern-day monster.

The Lake George Monster Hoax of 1904

This cover story by Joseph W. Zarzynski details the elaborate hoax perpetrated by American artist Harry Watrous. Watrous, a prominent painter and member of Lake George's social elite, created a fearsome "sea-serpent" effigy to outdo his neighbor, Colonel W. D. Mann, a fellow fisherman and editor of "Town Topics." The hoax, constructed from a cedar log and activated by a pulley system, successfully fooled many and even impacted the local tourist business. The article traces the monster's journey through various owners, including a stint in the Virgin Islands, before its eventual resting place at the Lake George Historical Association.

Sooner or Later You Too May Have ESP

In this article, T. B. Pawlicki explores personal experiences and anecdotal evidence suggesting the existence of ESP, particularly the phenomenon of "mental pre-tuning" to radio broadcasts. Pawlicki posits that human bodies, acting as electrical capacitors, might resonate with radio frequencies, drawing parallels to early radio technology and induction coils. He notes that while mainstream science has largely abandoned the study of ESP due to its seemingly inexplicable nature, the phenomenon continues to be experienced and hypothesized about.

Guest Editorial: A Reader's Guide to Parapsychological Literature

Kim L. Neidigh provides a critical guide for readers navigating the field of parapsychology. The editorial poses key questions to help evaluate the credibility of research, focusing on the author's qualifications, the methodology of experimental or anecdotal evidence, the rigor of controls, the corroboration of testimony, and the presence of factual support versus sensationalism. Suggested readings include works on psychology and statistics.

Adamski on Trial

Diane E. Wirth examines the claims of George Adamski, known for his accounts of flying saucers and encounters with Venusians. Wirth compares a "symbolic message" Adamski claimed to receive from a Venusian with a petroglyph discovered by Marcel Homet in the Amazon. Homet, who had explored the Amazon in 1949-50, predating Adamski's claim, stated he and Adamski were acquainted but never discussed UFOs. Wirth suggests Adamski may have adopted the design from Homet's published petroglyphs, casting doubt on the extraterrestrial origin of Adamski's "message."

Is Teleportation the Macroscopic Analog of The Quantum 'Barrier Penetration' Effect?

Morgan D. Eads explores the theoretical connection between quantum mechanics and macroscopic phenomena like teleportation. The article explains the Schrodinger equation and the concept of "barrier penetration" or the "tunnel effect," where particles can pass through barriers without expending energy. Eads proposes the idea of a "Macro-Matter wave" to describe how such effects might manifest on a larger scale, drawing parallels to reported instances of mysterious disappearances and reappearances, often associated with poltergeist activity.

The 1909 Mystery Airships in the Irish Papers

This article by John Hind investigates the reports of mysterious airships sighted in Ireland in 1909, examining the contemporary newspaper accounts and the public's reaction to these unexplained aerial phenomena.

Part II - The Bermuda Triangle et al: A Natural Phenomenon

LeVonne K. Angelo continues her exploration of the Bermuda Triangle, arguing that many of its mysteries can be explained by natural phenomena, challenging the more sensational theories surrounding the region.

SITUations in the NEWS

This section provides brief summaries of recent news items related to unexplained phenomena, keeping readers updated on current events in the field.

THE NOTES OF CHARLES FORT

Deciphered by Carl J. Pabst, this section likely presents excerpts or interpretations of the work of Charles Fort, a pioneer in the study of anomalous phenomena.

BOOKS in REVIEW

This section offers critical assessments of recently published books relevant to the topics covered by Pursuit magazine.

LETTERS to the EDITOR

This column features correspondence from readers, allowing for discussion, debate, and the sharing of personal experiences and opinions.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue of Pursuit include the critical examination of hoaxes, the exploration of parapsychological phenomena like ESP, the theoretical underpinnings of unexplained events such as teleportation, and the investigation of aerial mysteries. The editorial stance, as articulated by Fred Wilson, is one of thoughtful pursuit, encouraging readers to engage critically with evidence, distinguish fact from fiction, and remain open to phenomena that lie beyond conventional scientific understanding. The magazine champions rigorous investigation and the sharing of information within its community of members.

This issue of Pursuit from Summer 1980 features an in-depth article titled "The 1909 Mystery Airships In the Irish Papers" by John Hind. The article, reprinted by permission from Irish UFO News and copyrighted in 1979, delves into a historical wave of sightings of unidentified aerial phenomena that were interpreted as 'airships' in the early 20th century.

The 1909 Mystery Airships In the Irish Papers

The article begins by discussing the advantages and disadvantages of studying historical UFO phenomena, noting that while source material is likely complete, direct investigation is impossible. The focus is on the period from the late 19th century to the first fourteen years of the 20th century, when reports of 'phantom airships' differed from modern UFOs in that they were interpreted at the time as actual airships, either from a 'foreign power' or a 'secret inventor.'

These airship reports occurred in geographically localized waves, with notable periods in 1896 in the U.S., and 1909 and 1913 in Britain, and 1908 in Denmark. The reports shared similarities with modern UFO data, including sightings of strange lights and encounters with craft and occupants.

The article notes that at the time of the sightings, only Britain had operational airships, and these were generally low-powered blimps. Germany was developing rigid airships, which would later be used in WWI. The 'heyday' of airships as luxury transporters began after WWI and ended with the Hindenburg disaster in 1937.

The author then focuses on the 1909 airship 'flap' as reported in Irish newspapers. Three papers were examined for May 1909: the Belfast Telegraph (Unionist-oriented), the Irish Times (non-politically oriented), and the Irish News (Nationalist readership).

Belfast Telegraph Coverage

The Belfast Telegraph began coverage on May 15th with the headline "AMAZING AIRSHIP STORY," noting the War Office's interest and the growing belief that the sightings were indeed of an airship. The report itemized sightings by witnesses, location, and date, and suggested two prevailing opinions: that it belonged to an English inventor or was a German airship released from a North Sea warship.

Irish News Coverage

The Irish News entered the fray on May 17th with the headline "MYSTERIOUS AERO THAT STOPPED OVER LONDON FOR A FILL OF TOBACCO: A Queer Story Told to a Newspaper By a Couple of Strollers." This article recounted a detailed encounter from the London Star, where two men, Grahame and Bond, described an airship with occupants who asked for tobacco. The craft was described as cigar-shaped, about 200-250 feet long, with three propellers and a searchlight. One occupant looked like a Yankee, the other like a German smoking a pipe.

Belfast Evening Telegraph Coverage

On May 17th, the Belfast Evening Telegraph reported on a 'MYSTERIOUS AIRSHIP FLIES OVER BELFAST,' describing a brilliant light seen over suburban districts at a great altitude. Witnesses described a long-shaped object, and while its construction was indistinguishable, the presence of occupants was inferred from a flashing red light. The paper discussed the possibility of a German airship, acknowledging the difficulty of unobserved entry into Ireland but also Germany's advanced aerial capabilities.

Further Irish Newspaper Reports and Analysis

The Irish Times briefly mentioned English and Welsh sightings and an article on German airship technology. The Irish News published a letter from 'Wide Awake' warning of the 'threatening presence' of German airships and urging vigilance. The editor of the Irish News noted that this letter arrived before the 'honoured' visit to Belfast was announced.

Sighting Details

Table 1 provides a list of reported sightings from Irish papers, including details like the object's shape, location, and date. Examples include a cigar-shaped, lit object at Cardiff docks, a cigar-shaped object with an occupant on Caerphilly Mountain, and a complex airship on the ground in Teddington, London.

Political Satire and 'Invasion Hysterics'

The Irish News, on May 21st, editorialized on "Invasion Hysterics," disparaging hoax reports and sarcastically comparing the 'marvelous German invention' to the Wright brothers' efforts. The paper also noted reports of foreigners taking notes of local infrastructure, linking this to the 'hysterical fear' in Britain.

Author's Comments and Hypotheses

The author concludes by offering several comments:

1. Established histories do not mention extensive airship testing in the British Isles before WWI, making genuine airship activity unlikely for most sightings.
2. The airship phenomenon shares profile similarities with modern UFOs, including light sightings, close encounters, localized 'waves,' and the 'them-and-us' interpretation.
3. Hoaxes were identified, with newspapers using the phenomenon for political satire, as seen in the 'Anxious Orangeman' letter.
4. The phenomenon adapted to contemporary cultural specifics, with the Unionist Belfast Telegraph treating it seriously due to invasion fears, while the Irish News, for whom this was less relevant, did not.

Synthesizing these points, the author suggests that due to the antiquity of the reports, definitive conclusions about the physical stimuli are difficult. Two tentative hypotheses are proposed:

• Mass Hysteria: The phenomenon might have been a form of mass hysteria, which shows a remarkable propensity for manufacturing compelling evidence.
• Collective Unconscious: The phenomenon could be analogous to a dream-premonition in the individual unconscious.

The article concludes by suggesting that studying the 1909 airship phenomenon could aid in understanding the modern UFO phenomenon, and calls for more comprehensive surveys of the source literature.

Part II: The Bermuda Triangle et al: A Natural Phenomenon

This section, continued from a previous issue, by LeVonne K. Angelo, explores phenomena related to whirlpools and 'light wheels.' It discusses 'Devil's Sea' depressions resembling deep dishes and whirlpools like Charybdis, the Maelstrom, and the Naruto Strait. The article connects these to lights and 'light wheels' observed by pilots and captains, describing three types of light wheels (eight, nine, and twelve-spoked) that follow magnetic lines.

The author then presents diagrams (Figures 6-24) illustrating patterns related to various events, including "Star Tiger," "Star Ariel," "Army C-54," "Sno Boy," "Sao Paulo," "Sylvia L. Ossa," "Ithaca Is.," "DC-3," "Revonoc," "Marie Sulphur Queen," "Rubicon," "Witchcraft," "Southern Cross," "VA Fogg," "U.S.S.R. Vostok IV," "U.S. Apollo 15," "Gemini 8," and "Soyuz I." These diagrams appear to represent astrological or electromagnetic patterns associated with disappearances or specific events, often involving missing persons or 'spontaneous human combustion.'

The article discusses geomagnetic fields, polar magnetic substorms, and phenomena like x-rays and low-frequency radio waves. It mentions research suggesting electromagnetic fields moving faster than the speed of light and posits that vortices might operate at 'electromagnetic speeds,' with subatomic particles operating in 'anti-matter' dimensions. Entering these 'time-less zones' can lead to permanent disappearance.

The diagrams are presented as evidence for patterns related to disappearances, spontaneous combustion, and even the loss of specific vessels like the Rubicon, Witchcraft, Southern Cross, VA Fogg, Revonoc, and Marie Sulphur Queen. The article notes that while planets change, the patterns appear consistent for disappearances and spontaneous combustion, with only nonhuman items like parrots disappearing, while cats, canaries, and dogs are left behind.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue are the historical investigation of unexplained aerial phenomena, the comparison of past events to modern UFO sightings, and the exploration of natural or unconventional explanations for mysterious occurrences, including mass hysteria, electromagnetic phenomena, and potentially astrological or geophysical correlations. The editorial stance, particularly in the first article, is one of critical historical analysis, seeking to understand past events within their contemporary context while drawing parallels to current mysteries. The second article takes a more speculative approach, linking geophysical and astronomical data to unexplained disappearances.

This issue of Pursuit magazine, dated Summer 1980, focuses on a variety of unexplained phenomena, mysteries, and unusual events from around the world. The cover story highlights persistent reports of Bigfoot and similar creatures in Asia, Canada, and the USA. The magazine features a collection of 'Situations in the News' that cover a wide range of intriguing topics.

Key Articles and Reports

Bigfoot and the 'Ape-Man' of China The lead article, "Bigfoot Alive and Well: Reports Persist of Prints And Sightings in Asia, Canada and U.S.A.," details the ongoing interest in Bigfoot. It specifically focuses on China's planned expedition to the Shennongjia forest region to find a 'wild man,' or 'ape-man.' Researchers at Peking's Academy of Sciences have documented over 30 sightings in two years. A commune leader described the creature as about 7 feet tall with distinctive facial features and large hands and feet. Scientists theorize it could be a descendant of a giant ape. The report also touches on the American Bigfoot and notes similarities.

Mysterious Animal Deaths Several reports detail mysterious animal deaths. In Johannesburg, South Africa, hundreds of thousands of spiders with potentially fatal venom have invaded the city. In Colorado, five horse deaths are described as resembling cattle mutilations from the 1970s, with clean incisions and no footprints. The cases of Rebel, Skip's Easy Money, and the Bauer horse are presented, with officials often attributing them to natural causes or predators, though some investigators and witnesses remain skeptical, suggesting government involvement or 'sex cults.'

Paranormal Encounters The "Karoo Desert Cycle Ghost Rides Again" report recounts a motorcyclist's encounter with a ghost near Uniondale, South Africa, believed to be a woman who died in a motorcycle accident. The ghost reportedly clung to the rider and hit his helmet until he slowed down.

Yeti Sightings Reports from the Himalayas detail a Polish climbing expedition to Mt. Everest that found footprints of the Abominable Snowman, or Yeti. British climbers also claim to have heard a piercing scream and found large, human-like footprints in Nepal's Hinku Valley, convincing at least one skeptic.

Scientific Investigations and Anomalies

• Tunguska Event: Two geophysicists from Caltech, Thomas J. Ahrens and John D. O'Keefe, propose that the 1908 Tunguska explosion was caused by a giant, 'dirty snowball' comet, which would explain the immense force without leaving a crater. Soviet scientists also studied the event, suggesting a meteorite weighing over 5 million tons caused the explosion, possibly containing diamond and graphite.
• Venus Lightning: A Soviet scientist suggests that thunderstorms with up to 50 lightning bolts per second on Venus may account for the planet's mysterious nightside glow. This discovery makes Venus the third planet known to have lightning.
• 'Red Sweat' Scare: An investigation into a 'red sweat' rash affecting Eastern Airlines flight attendants revealed the cause to be flaking 'DEMO ONLY' lettering from life vests, particularly noticeable on new vests used on A300 aircraft over water.
• 'Oily Ooze' Case: Officials declared the 'oily ooze' case in Rio Grande, New Jersey, closed, with the perpetrator unidentified. The substance appeared as black shadows and blotches, eventually forcing a family to move due to contamination and the death of their dog.
• 'Superbubble' in Space: An astronomer announced the discovery of an immense 'superbubble' of hot gas in the Milky Way, 1,200 light years in diameter, storing vast amounts of energy.

Other News Items

• Philippine Triangle: Three Singapore air force Skyhawks vanished over the Sierra Madre mountains, drawing parallels to the Bermuda Triangle.
• Mayan Canal Grid: NASA radar used to map Venus revealed an extensive network of ancient Mayan drainage canals in Guatemala and Belize, suggesting how the Maya supported their population.
• Mammoth Creation: Soviet scientists are attempting to create a 12-foot-tall mammoth in a test tube using preserved cells, though finding a viable cell is a challenge.
• Self-Igniting Cars: Three 1980 Ford LTD police vehicles in New Orleans caught fire without apparent reason, prompting an investigation.
• Mysterious 'Ice Fall': A large chunk of ice fell near a swimming pool in Concordville, PA, narrowly missing swimmers.
• Africanized Bees: Dr. Anthony Raw suggests that Africanized bees, which have spread through Brazil, pose little danger to the U.S. due to their preference for warmer climates and the difficulty of stopping their reproductive cycle.
• Delayed Mail: A postcard mailed in 1945 by the War Department finally reached its destination 35 years later.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The magazine consistently explores the unexplained, the mysterious, and the fringe aspects of science and human experience. It presents reports of alleged paranormal events, unexplained disappearances, and unusual animal behavior alongside scientific investigations and theories. The editorial stance appears to be one of open inquiry, presenting various accounts and theories without necessarily endorsing them, encouraging readers to consider possibilities beyond conventional explanations. Themes of mystery, the unknown, and the limits of current scientific understanding are prevalent throughout the issue.

Title: Pursuit
Issue: Summer 1980
Volume: 13
Date: Summer 1980
Publisher: Pursuit Magazine
Country: USA
Language: English
ISSN: 0033-4061
Price: $2.75

The 'Oily Ooze' Incident

The lead story, "SITUations in the NEWS," details the 'Oily Ooze' incident that plagued the Buonocore family at their home on Teal Road in Rio Grande, New Jersey. The substance, described as an 'oily ooze,' spread from the walls to floors, furnishings, and even clothing, rendering the house uninhabitable. State and county officials conducted an extensive investigation, drilling numerous test wells and analyzing samples. The primary suspect was the Atlantic Electric Company's kerosene-fueled turbine and its storage tanks, but officials concluded there was no connection. Despite neighbors reporting 'oily ooze' in their homes and trees dying around a suspected oil pool, authorities eventually declared the case a hoax or vandalism, suspecting the identity of the hoaxer but not naming them. Test papers and oil pads used by authorities showed petroleum-like substances, but officials attributed these factors to man-made sources rather than environmental ones. Some neighbors, however, expressed doubts, believing the authorities did not fully understand the problem.

The Amazing Story of 'Princess' Caraboo

This section, authored by Carl J. Pabst, retells the historical incident of 'Princess' Caraboo, who appeared in Bristol, England, in April 1817. Described by Charles Fort as a 'fake princess,' she amazed witnesses with her supposed ability to speak and write in Javanese or Malay, or a language unknown to linguistic experts. Her subsequent confession of imposture left Fort pondering the 'bamboozlements by which conventional thought upon this earth is made and preserved.' The article delves into various accounts and conflicting details surrounding Caraboo's story, including her supposed origins, her interactions with various individuals like Manuel Eynesso and Mrs. Worrall, and the examination of her writings by scholars who deemed them 'humbug.' The narrative highlights the inconsistencies and the difficulty in drawing absolute lines between morality and immorality, particularly when dealing with impostures.

Abbreviations

A comprehensive list of abbreviations used in the text is provided, covering terms from 'ab' (about) to 'W. Indian' (West Indian), with explanations for each.

Books in Review

The magazine features several book reviews:

• A GEO-BIBLIOGRAPHY OF ANOMALIES: Primary Access to Observations of UFOs, Ghosts, and Other Mysteries by George M. Eberhart is reviewed by George M. Eberhart himself. It is described as a milestone reference work, comprising over 22,000 anomalous events and sites in North America, with detailed indexing and extensive source citations. The reviewer praises its accessibility and breadth, covering a vast array of Fortean phenomena.
• INTERSTELLAR TRAVEL: PAST, PRESENT, AND FUTURE by John W. Macvey is reviewed by Kim L. Neidigh. The book, written by an astronomer, covers topics from relativity and black holes to the origin of life and UFO sightings. It is recommended as an excellent introductory text for those interested in space mysteries.
• THE CYCLES OF HEAVEN by Guy L. Playfair and Scott Hill is reviewed by George M. Eberhart. This book is presented as a classic treatise on the relationship between man and the universe, exploring cosmic forces, planetary cycles, and the human body's electromagnetic nature. It examines correlations between astronomical events and terrestrial phenomena, including earthquake prediction and biorhythms, and suggests that humans can learn to control their natural cycles.
• ALTERNATIVE THREE by Leslie Watkins with David Ambrose & Christopher Mills is reviewed by Bill Banks. The book purports to explain UFOs as a joint US-USSR venture to colonize Mars due to an impending greenhouse effect, involving mass kidnappings and lobotomies. The reviewer criticizes the book's lack of citations, footnotes, and index, and points out several logical and factual lapses.
• THE SHAPE OF EVENTS TO COME by Gopi Krishna is reviewed by John White. This prophetic work, written in rhymed verse and prose, warns of a global catastrophe resulting from 'intellect-gone-wild' and nuclear weapons, but also offers a positive vision of humanity evolving towards a higher state of consciousness. The reviewer regards Gopi Krishna as a yogi-scientist established in cosmic consciousness.
• COSMIC TRIGGER: FINAL SECRET OF THE ILLUMINATI by Robert Anton Wilson is briefly mentioned as a semi-biographical account touching on Fortean themes like UFOs, the '23 enigma,' and Nikola Tesla's occult experiments.
• 'Life Energies and Physics of Paranormal Phenomena' edited by John White and Stanley Krippner is reviewed by W. Ritchie Benedict. This collection of over 40 essays by specialists in various fields explores the intersection of science and the paranormal, including topics like dowsing, orgone energy, ufology, and quantum mechanics. The reviewer commends its clarity and accessibility, noting its potential to bridge the gap between science and the public.
• SCIENCE SEEKS TO SOLVE THE MYSTERY OF THE SHROUD by Kenneth F. Weaver, published in National Geographic, is briefly noted for its discussion of the Shroud of Turin and the limitations of techno-research in proving its authenticity.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue of Pursuit revolve around unexplained phenomena, mysteries, and the intersection of science with the paranormal. The magazine features detailed accounts of alleged anomalous events, historical cases, and critical reviews of books exploring these subjects. The editorial stance appears to be one of open inquiry into Forteana, encouraging researchers to examine evidence critically while acknowledging the possibility of hoaxes and misidentifications. The reviews often highlight the importance of rigorous research, clear documentation, and the potential for conventional thought to be 'bamboozled' by unexplained phenomena, as exemplified by Charles Fort's perspective.

Title: Pursuit
Issue: Vol. 13, No. 3
Date: Summer 1980
Publisher: The Society for the Investigation of the Unexplained (SITU)
Country: USA
ISSN: 0033-4685

Letters to the Editor

The "Letters to the Editor" section begins with instructions for submission, emphasizing that letters should be signed and subject to abridgement.

Barbara Jordison writes to Peter Murphy regarding his inquiry about synchro data, suggesting that his interest in numerology might lead him to write an article on the subject. She includes a graph illustrating the frequency distribution of 480 synchro data from January to October 1972, showing variations in pulse rates per minute (pm's) and amplitude (am's) over time, with a noted 'sunset' point.

Frank B. Salisbury, a professor of plant physiology, responds to an article by Curtis W. Watkins on "Hypno-Art." Salisbury connects Watkins' description of his vocabulary being 'quite different and also quite garbled' and his inability to write clearly under hypnosis to the concept of right-brain dominance. He cites Thomas R. Blakeslee's book "The Right Brain" to explain that while the left brain handles logical, sequential thinking, the right brain is associated with conceptualizing images and emotions. Salisbury posits that hypnosis may free the right brain to take control, resulting in Watkins' unique paintings, which differ significantly from his conscious state art. He finds this deduction personally satisfying, offering an 'ah-ha' feeling of understanding how the mind works.

Charles Berlitz is the subject of a brief report titled "Was Charles Berlitz Himself Caught in the Bermuda Triangle? 'Not Yet!' He Says." An amateur radio operator in Key West, Florida, reportedly intercepted a garbled "may-day" message that could have originated from Berlitz's expedition ship. The message included phrases like "All systems have failed... the pyramid from the ocean God be with us." A U.S. Coast Guard spokesman described the situation as a puzzle. The account, originally from the German magazine *Neue-Weltchau*, was sent to SITU's president, Bob Warth, by Berlitz himself, who added the comment "Noch nicht!" (meaning 'not yet!') in red ink.

Brian Barinoff expresses interest in an article on the Menehunes, mythical midgets of Hawaii, and their ancient waterworks, questioning if there's a connection to the 2-foot Fiji dwarfs reported in a previous issue.

Michael K. Diamond offers an alternative explanation for a bone fragment presented as a yeti relic by Bigfoot hunter Peter Byrne. Diamond identifies the bone, displayed in a Buddhist shrine in Nepal, as an osteoderm from the neck skin of a crocodile, citing its morphology and a similar illustration in Milton Hildebrand's "Analysis of Vertebrate Structure." He notes the lama purchased the fragment for the equivalent of $350.

Loren Coleman responds to Michael Bradley's letter regarding melanism in cougars (*Felis concolor*). Coleman disputes Bradley's claim that melanism is 'extremely common' in the Eastern subspecies, stating it is virtually non-existent. He references historical accounts and notes the lack of photographic evidence or zoo records of black pumas. Coleman suggests Bradley may be influenced by Bruce Wright's statements about large felines in New Brunswick and criticizes the miscataloging of sightings. He emphasizes interest in what was actually seen, rather than speculative interpretations.

Joseph Pruente, an inventor, expresses his pleasure in becoming a member of SITU and his desire to contribute articles. He seeks correspondence with like-minded individuals educated in various fields, particularly those in Arizona and the Tucson area, who are open-minded and interested in exploring the unknown. He provides contact information via postal mail and phone.

Origins of SITU/Pursuit

This section details the founding of SITU and the evolution of its publication, Pursuit. Ivan T. Sanderson, a zoologist and author, established a "foundation" in 1965 for the exposition and research of the paranormal. In May 1967, a newsletter was first published to attract professionals and non-professionals interested in these mysteries. By March 1968, plans for a larger structure, the Society for the Investigation of The Unexplained (SITU), were announced. The publication's name changed to Pursuit in June 1968, with "newsletter" as a subtitle. By September 1968, the abbreviation SITU was formally adopted, and the Scientific Advisory Board was introduced. Early issues covered phenomena such as a large armadillo, instant transportation, and the University of Colorado UFO Project.

Thanks-and a Look Ahead

Robert C. Warth, President of SITU and Publisher of Pursuit, reflects on the results of a questionnaire sent to readers. He expresses gratitude for the thoughtful and constructive feedback, which has provided valuable insights since SITU's inception in 1965. Warth states that Pursuit aims to present a realistic view of the unexplained, balancing objective reporting with the imaginative spirit necessary for discovery. He notes that readers prefer less abstract, more easily readable content, with a focus on facts, evidence, and objectivity, while still valuing imagination. The magazine will continue to offer a diversity of articles rather than specialized issues. Warth acknowledges the staff's voluntary efforts and the challenges of increasing publication frequency due to printing and mailing costs. He thanks readers for their support and announces a new questionnaire at the end of the year.

Membership Information

An advertisement provides details for potential members, including a membership application form and fees ($10/year in USA, $12.50 outside USA, $15 via air mail). It also includes a confidential section for addresses of members available through SITU with permission, and a form for members to fill out regarding how they learned of SITU and their fields of interest. A notice about address changes for the magazine is also present.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The issue demonstrates a commitment to exploring a wide range of unexplained phenomena, from the psychological (hypnosis, right-brain function) to the cryptozoological (Menehunes, yeti, cougars) and the anomalous (Bermuda Triangle, synchro data). The editorial stance, as articulated by Robert C. Warth, favors accessible, evidence-based reporting that encourages curiosity and imagination without resorting to excessive speculation. The magazine aims to inform its readers about ongoing investigations and interpretations of mysteries, reflecting a balanced approach to the study of the unexplained.