Pursuit - No 55 - Vol 14 No 3 - 1981

Magazine Overview

Title: Pursuit
Issue: Volume 14, Number 3, Whole Number 55
Date: Third Quarter 1981
Publisher: The Society for the Investigation of the Unexplained (SITU)
Theme: Science and the Unexplained, with a focus on advanced technology, UFO phenomena, and cryptozoology.

Editorial Stance

The magazine, published by SITU, presents itself as a platform for investigating and reporting on unexplained events and subjects that orthodox science may not address. It encourages member participation and aims to provide significant data to its members. The editorial stance appears to be open-minded and investigative, willing to explore controversial topics and present information that may be dismissed by mainstream scientific communities.

Cover Story: Tesla ABM Defenses & Star Wars Now

The cover prominently features the article "Tesla ABM Defenses," which delves into the theoretical offensive and defensive weapon systems proposed by Nikola Tesla. The accompanying diagram illustrates how Tesla's concepts, such as an "EMP Globe," "Tesla Fireball," and "Tesla Shield," could be employed for defense. The article connects these ideas to Soviet military ambitions, citing a statement by Major General George J. Keegan of the U.S. Air Force who warned in January 1977 that the Soviets were developing "dramatically exotic new weapons, twenty years ahead of anything ever conceived in the U.S." The piece also notes Soviet Premier Leonid Brezhnev's statements about Soviet military doctrine being defensive, contrasting with the perceived offensive capabilities of their emerging weaponry.

Lieutenant Colonel Thomas E. Bearden (U.S. Army-Ret.) is credited with presenting a report on Tesla's weapons systems, expounding on theories and evidence. The foreword by John White suggests that Bearden's material might be dismissed by government and scientific circles but emphasizes the importance of welcoming truth regardless of the source. The article "Tesla's Secret and the Soviet Tesla Weapons" is slated for incorporation into future editions of Bearden's book, "Excalibur Briefing."

Article: Some Perceptual Effects of UFO Contact by Eugenia Macer-Story

This article is an interview with an individual identified as E.C., who recounts her experiences with UFOs and potential telepathic contact. E.C. first became aware of UFOs in Hollywood in 1971, where she and her boyfriend observed metallic, saucer-shaped objects in the sky. She took pictures of these objects, describing them as having a reflective, non-lit surface.

E.C. describes a close encounter in California where she witnessed an angular spacecraft, unlike the saucers she had seen before. This craft was silent, internally lit, and appeared to have occupants controlling it with a joystick-like device. The occupant was described as extremely skinny, wearing a dark, metallic, stretch-knit jumpsuit with a hood that concealed a bulbous head, clearly non-human. The craft floated silently at about five miles an hour, paralleling her as she ran.

Upon returning to New Jersey, E.C. experienced further sightings, including a steady yellow light following her car in the Poconos area. She states that her interest in actively investigating UFOs intensified after seeing the film "Close Encounters of the Third Kind" in 1977, which she felt reinforced her own experiences and made her question their nature.

Article: The Brazilian Flap: MUFON Director Reports a UFO ‘Colony’ in the Amazon Basin by Joan T. Griffith

This article details an investigation conducted in August 1981 by MUFON regional director Charles L. Tucker into a surge of UFO reports in the Amazon Basin of Brazil. Tucker is convinced that a "colony" of UFOs exists along the Amazon River, from Obidos to Belem.

The investigation involved a ten-day expedition covering a thousand miles, utilizing a cattleboat, canoes, and a small aircraft. Tucker reported that entire communities have witnessed UFO activity, with some residents claiming their grandparents also saw spacecraft decades ago. The local attitude towards these sightings is described as prosaic, with UFOs being "taken for granted."

The article highlights specific incidents: Maria Clares of Colares was allegedly burned by rays from a man in a "tight, black skin suit" wielding a weapon. In Mte. Alegre, schoolteacher Antonia Rodriguez and her husband reported a similar attack by a being in a "black diver's suit" with a ray-gun. These incidents, along with other reports of injuries, have caused concern among fishermen.

Brazilian Air Force Major Holando Lima led the initial government investigation but was later advised to continue on his own time. According to Major Lima, three types of spacecraft have been reported: disc/saucer-shaped (some as large as a soccer field), triangular/wedge-shaped, and silvery/cylindrical.

Witnesses described various light phenomena associated with UFOs, including white floodlights, soft blue lights, red beams that remained visible in water, and yellow beams capable of paralyzing.

The article also touches upon the history of UFO and USO (Unidentified Submarine Object) sightings in Brazil during the 1960s and mentions several cases documented by SITU's founder, Ivan Sanderson. It further explores ancient evidence in South America, such as alleged Phoenician petroglyphs, Nazca Plains "airstrips," and artifacts depicting "space-travel" themes, suggesting a long history of interaction with advanced or extraterrestrial visitors.

Charles Tucker notes that public skepticism towards UFOs has decreased and believes significant conclusions about the phenomenon are imminent.

Article: The Congo Water-Dragon by Philip Averbuck

This article discusses the investigation into a cryptid known as the "Congo dragon" or "Mokele-mbembe," which has been reported in the People's Republic of Congo and Cameroon. The author, Philip Averbuck, investigated the phenomenon in October-November 1979, shortly before a similar expedition by James Powell and Roy Mackal in early 1980.

Based on a 1913 reconnaissance report by Baron von Stein zu Lausnitz, the animal is described by natives as having a brownish-grey, smooth skin, a size comparable to an elephant or hippopotamus, a long and flexible neck, and a single large tooth or horn. Some accounts also mention a long, muscular tail like an alligator's. The description bears resemblance to a small sauropod dinosaur.

Powell and Mackal's 1980 investigation reportedly confirmed many details of von Stein's report. Informants described "chicken-comb decorations on the head." The article notes that while the "one tooth" description is problematic for paleontologists, the idea of a horn is more plausible and supported by fossil evidence of structures like the Brachiosaurus's cranial lump.

Other Sections

Books: A review of "Excalibur Briefing" by Thomas E. Bearden is mentioned, with the article "Tesla's Secret and the Soviet Tesla Weapons" being incorporated into future editions.

SITUations: This section likely contains brief reports or updates from SITU members or related to the organization's activities.

The Notes of Charles Fort: This recurring section is dedicated to the work of Charles Fort, a pioneer in collecting anomalous phenomena reports. The specific content of this issue's notes is not detailed in the provided text but typically involves obscure historical accounts of unexplained events.

References: A comprehensive list of references is provided, citing numerous books and articles related to UFOs, ancient civilizations, archeology, and cryptozoology, indicating the research depth of the articles.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

Recurring themes in this issue include the potential for advanced, unconventional technologies (Tesla's weapons), the persistent mystery of UFOs and potential extraterrestrial contact (Brazil flap, E.C.'s experiences), and the exploration of cryptids and ancient mysteries (Congo Water-Dragon, ancient astronaut theories). The editorial stance is one of open inquiry, presenting evidence and theories that challenge conventional scientific paradigms, and encouraging readers to consider phenomena that lie outside the mainstream.

Title: Pursuit
Issue: Third Quarter 1981
Volume: 105-114
Date: 1981-09-30
Publisher: Pursuit
Cover Headline: TESLA SECRET and the Soviet Tesla Weapons

This issue of Pursuit magazine, dated Third Quarter 1981, features a prominent article on Nikola Tesla's controversial theories and inventions, alongside a detailed account of a potential lake monster sighting.

Lake Monster Sighting in Cameroon

The issue begins with an account of a sighting in Lake Barombi Mbo, Cameroon, by A. S. Arrey, who was four or five years old in 1948-1949 when the incident occurred. Arrey describes swimming with friends when the water began to boil. Two animals, a male and a female, emerged from the lake about 200 yards away. Arrey describes the male animal as having a neck that stretched 12 to 15 feet above the water, with skin like a viper's. The head was about 2 feet long, and both animals had a horn or cap about 8 inches long at the back of their heads. The body, visible in the water, was estimated to be about one meter thick. The animals remained visible for about an hour, moving only their heads and necks. Arrey's mother had reportedly seen them when he was very young, and they were said to appear only every 10 to 20 years. The witness also recounts a belief that British soldiers who ran from the animals later died, succumbing to their magic. Accompanying the text are hand-drawn sketches by Arrey, illustrating the creatures as seen from the lake, with notes indicating the male was larger than the female and that their appearance was around 1948-1949. The sketches also depict a 'village' and a depth of '1 meter' for the water level.

Tesla's Secret and Soviet Tesla Weapons

Authored by Thomas E. Bearden, this extensive article explores Nikola Tesla's discoveries, particularly his non-Hertzian electric waves and his concept of scalar electrostatic potential (SEP), denoted as Ø. Bearden argues that Tesla's work was suppressed and largely removed from history due to its potential for free energy and powerful weapons.

Scalar Electrostatic Potential (SEP)

The article posits that conventional electromagnetic theory is flawed, particularly in its definition and use of Ø. SEP is described as a single-point function, representing the 'instantaneous intensity' of virtual-state activity and the 'instantaneous stress' on spacetime. Unlike vector fields, SEP itself does not directly perform work, but a differential of SEP (voltage) between two points can produce force. The theory suggests that the vacuum is filled with virtual-state activity and charge fluctuations.

Tesla Waves and Scalar Interferometry

Bearden explains that Tesla discovered a new type of electrical wave, a scalar longitudinal wave, which is fundamentally different from ordinary EM waves. These waves, termed 'Tesla waves' or Ø-field waves, are not bound by the speed of light and can affect time flow, gravitational fields, and universal constants. The article introduces the concept of 'scalar interferometry,' where scalar waves can interfere to produce vector EM waves at a distance without losses. This phenomenon is linked to natural occurrences like earth stress lights and ball lightning, and potentially to UFOs.

Applications and Implications

Tesla's work is presented as having implications for tapping energy from the Earth's core, developing 'fireball weapons' capable of destroying armies, and creating a 'Tesla Shield' for impenetrable defense. The article suggests that Tesla's wireless transmission systems, tested prior to 1900, utilized these scalar principles to transmit energy without losses. The suppression of Tesla's work is attributed to his financial backers who feared his intent to provide free energy.

The Nature of Charge and Mass

The article distinguishes between 'charge' and 'charged mass,' arguing that current EM theory erroneously equates them. Charge is described as a measure of virtual-flux density, related to Ø, while mass is a spatial, 3-dimensional concept. The interaction of charged masses and virtual particles is key to understanding charge and its relation to time.

Tesla's Legacy and Suppression

Bearden contends that Tesla was a visionary inventor whose work was deliberately obscured. His patents were allegedly adulterated, and his name was removed from electrical textbooks. The article cites numerous newspaper clippings from the 1930s and 1940s detailing Tesla's claims about new inventions, including a 'death beam,' wireless power transmission, and the ability to influence cosmic rays. The Rogers undersea and underground communication system, used by the U.S. in WWI, is presented as an example of Tesla wave technology that was later 'lost.'

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The issue strongly advocates for the validity and significance of Nikola Tesla's theories, presenting them as a revolutionary paradigm shift in physics and technology. The editorial stance appears to be one of vindicating Tesla's work against conventional scientific dogma and highlighting the potential for his discoveries in energy, defense, and understanding unexplained phenomena. Themes of suppressed technology, alternative physics, and the possibility of undiscovered creatures are central to the issue's content.

This issue of Pursuit, dated Third Quarter 1981, focuses heavily on the suppressed and advanced technologies attributed to Nikola Tesla, particularly his work on scalar waves and their potential applications as weapons and energy sources. It also features an experimental use of the I Ching for political predictions.

T. Henry Moray and Zero-Point Energy

The article introduces T. Henry Moray as a brilliant inventor who succeeded in tapping "limitless zero-point energy of vacuum (spacetime) itself." By 1939, his amplifier had 29 stages and produced 50 kilowatts, with the potential for much higher output. However, his work was suppressed, his device destroyed by a Soviet agent in 1939, who also obtained the drawings for the tubes and the device. The Moray amplifier is now reportedly a standard component of Soviet secret superweapons and Tesla weapons.

Tesla's Wireless Transmission and Scalar Waves

In the 1920s and 1930s, Tesla announced the perfection of his wireless transmission of energy without losses, even to interplanetary distances. The article cites H. Winfield Secor's "Tesla Maps Our Electrical Future" in Science and Invention, which detailed Tesla's use of "longitudinal stress-waves" in his wireless power transmission. Tesla argued that radio transmitters did not emit Hertz waves but rather waves of sound, propagated by compressions and rarefactions of the medium. He distinguished between longitudinal scalar waves and the pair-coupled vector waves produced by normal means. Tesla also announced weapons like a "death ray" capable of destroying hundreds of aircraft and his "ultimate weapon to end all war-the Tesla shield." These secrets were never revealed by Tesla before his death in 1943. The article notes that the Soviet Union had weaponized Tesla's scalar wave effects by 1981.

Tesla Weapons: Scalar Interferometer, Shield, and Howitzer

The issue details several Tesla-based weapons. The "Scalar Potential Interferometer" is described as a multimode Tesla weapon. In pulse mode, it fires a single, intense 3-dimensional scalar Ø-field pulse, followed by a second pulse that pair-couples to form a violent EMP, similar to a nuclear weapon's EMP but without vector transmission loss. This mode can be powered by Moray generators or conventional explosive generators. In continuous mode, two continuous scalar waves are emitted and pair-couple into vector energy, creating a "continuous fireball" weapon capable of destroying aircraft or missiles at a distance. An example of a Soviet test of this mode is shown in figure 11, depicting a "Continuous Tesla Fireball." The Tesla shield is described as a thin, impenetrable hemispherical shell of energy that vaporizes anything that hits it. The Saryshagan howitzer is presented as a huge Tesla scalar interferometer with four modes of operation, potentially a high-energy laser or particle beam weapon.

References and Scientific Context

A substantial portion of the magazine is dedicated to a list of references, citing various scientific articles, books, and publications that support the concepts discussed, including works on Hertzian waves, scalar potential, underground wireless, earthquake lights, actinide magnetism, and Soviet directed-energy weapons. These references aim to provide a scientific basis for the claims regarding Tesla's technology.

I Ching Notebook: Political Predictions

In contrast to the technological focus, Roderic Sorrell presents an "I Ching Notebook" detailing his experiments with the I Ching to predict the outcomes of specific national elections. He explains the process of obtaining hexagrams by randomly throwing three coins and interpreting their meanings. The article covers predictions for:

• November 1976 U.S. Presidential Election: Ford (H29 Danger, H6 Conflict) vs. Carter (H1 The Creative, H34 Great Power). Carter won unexpectedly.
• March 1977 Indian General Election: Indira Ghandi (H36 Darkening of the Light, H5 Calculated Waiting). She lost but remained in the political arena.
• August 1977 French General Election: Candidates included Giscard d'Estaing (H42 Increase, H27 Nourishing), Marchais (H64 Before Completion, H4 Immaturity), Mitterand (H39 Obstacles, H48 The Well), and Chirac (H6 Conflict, H56 The Wanderer). Giscard d'Estaing won.
• May 1979 United Kingdom General Election: Labor Party (H62 Over-development of the Small, H36 Darkening of the Light) vs. Conservative Party (H23 Splitting Apart, H35 Progress). The Conservatives gained power.

Sorrell notes that hexagrams are built from trigrams, with the lower trigram representing the inner condition and the upper trigram the outer, manifested condition. He emphasizes that the I Ching provides a logical and coherent language.

Implications and Acknowledgements

The article touches upon the potential peaceful implications of Tesla waves, including antigravity, materialization, dematerialization, transmutation, and advanced medical benefits. It also suggests that the human brain itself may function as a Tesla scalar interferometer. The author, T.E.B., expresses gratitude to various individuals and organizations for their assistance in compiling the information, particularly for references supporting scalar potential waves and interferometry.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes are the revolutionary and suppressed nature of Nikola Tesla's scientific discoveries, particularly his work on scalar electromagnetics and free energy. The editorial stance appears to be one of advocating for the release and understanding of this technology, believing it holds the key to future advancements and the elevation of humanity, while also acknowledging its potential for misuse as weapons. The I Ching section introduces a complementary theme of exploring ancient wisdom for understanding and prediction in modern contexts.

This issue of Pursuit magazine, dated Third Quarter 1981, delves into a variety of intriguing topics, including political predictions using the I Ching, personal UFO encounters, and paranormal mysteries. The magazine features articles by Harold Holland, Sabina Warren Sanderson, and reviews of several books related to paranormal phenomena, cryptozoology, and UFO research.

1980 U.S. Presidential Election Predictions

The lead article details the author's use of the I Ching to predict the outcome of the 1980 U.S. Presidential election. Beginning on November 10, 1979, the author cast hexagrams to determine the nominees for each party. For the Democrats, readings for Jimmy Carter (H56 moving to H35), Edward Kennedy (H41), and Jerry Brown (H23) suggested Carter would win the nomination, albeit with diminished support. For the Republicans, initial readings for Ronald Reagan (H35 moving to H16), Howard Baker (H16 moving to H7), and Alexander Haig (H7) indicated Reagan had strong prospects. George Bush (H1 moving to H34) was also considered, with a reading suggesting great success but potential overextension of power.

Further consultations throughout late 1979 and early 1980 refined these predictions. The author initially believed Bush might win the presidency due to a synchronicity with Carter's earlier reading, but later readings indicated Reagan's strength. A reading for John Anderson (H7 moving to H19 for nomination, H46 for presidency) suggested advancement but not yet breaking through. By April 1980, a reading for Carter's presidency (H31 moving to H28) indicated he would be "washed out." Reagan's reading (H16 moving to H40) suggested a positive breakthrough, while Bush's (H5 moving to H43) indicated calculated waiting. An overall reading (H54 moving to H40) suggested someone new in the White House, not an incumbent. The author concluded that Reagan would win the election, and that after some tragic event, George Bush would succeed him.

Perceptual UFO Effects

This section features an interview with an individual identified as E.C. (and later, Harry Lebelson) regarding UFO experiences. E.C. recounts an experience in California in 1971 where they saw a metallic craft and later a creature with large, yellow, slit-like eyes. E.C. describes the creature as having a banana-shaped yellow slit for an eye with the pupil on the outside. The experience was frightening, and E.C. felt a sense of avoidance regarding the creature's face.

Later, in February 1981, E.C. and Harry Lebelson investigated a sighting at Wanaque reservoir in New Jersey. They observed a yellow ball of light and a smaller red ball of light bouncing over the ice. The lights moved in a 180-degree arc and then seemed to hop across the sky. E.C. describes the light as being about sixty to eighty feet above the water. Both E.C. and Lebelson reported the light vanishing suddenly, as if a switch was turned off. Lebelson's photograph captured unusual light patterns, which he believes were reflections from car headlights and houselights on the opposite shore, though E.C. maintains the light source was unusual and not visible to the naked eye. The interview explores the possibility of telepathic suggestion or external guidance in these experiences.

The Regular Rapping and Other Mysteries

Harold Holland recounts a series of mysterious rapping sounds that occurred at his home over five days in January 1981. The raps, which came from the front door, were audible but no one was ever seen. Despite initial thoughts of a poltergeist or a prankster, the source was eventually identified as a large, gray, red-topped woodpecker. Holland also notes observations of tadpoles active in near-freezing water and a dead snake on a road in cold weather, questioning how these creatures remain active.

Was It Collective PK?

Sabina Warren Sanderson discusses the concept of psychokinesis (PK) as a potential explanation for unusual events. She references a case where a box fell after a man spoke strongly against religion, suggesting a possible link between strong negative emotions and PK. Sanderson also recounts a story from the Dominican Republic where a man who cursed a saint's statue was struck dead by lightning. While acknowledging the lack of proof, she posits that PK, possibly collective, could explain such events. The article touches on the difficulty of investigating the unknown and the resistance to such inquiries.

Books Reviewed

The issue includes reviews of several books:

• The Excalibur Briefing by Tom Bearden: Reviewed by Energy Unlimited, this book is described as an outstanding work on paranormal phenomena, UFOs, and military psychotronic applications, covering topics like psychotronic generators, biofields, and hyperspace.
• Les Derniers Dragons d'Afrique (Africa's Last Dragons) by Bernard Heuvelmans: Reviewed by Philip Averbuck, this book is presented as a definitive text on reports of large, aquatic, unknown animals in Africa, including chapters on giant serpents and flying animals. Heuvelmans' theory has shifted to emphasize an aquatic saber-toothed cat.
• UFOs and the Limits of Science by Ronald D. Story and Richard Greenwell: Reviewed by Robert Barrow, this book is critiqued for its selection of ten UFO cases and the authors' surprise that many UFO researchers refused to take a stand on specific cases. The review suggests that newcomers might find it useful but notes its literary shortcomings.

Miscellany

This section contains a correction regarding the name of a parapsychologist mentioned in a previous issue, an appeal for a specific issue of Psychic World magazine, and a reminder for readers to notify SITU of any change of address.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue are the exploration of the unknown through various methods, including divination (I Ching), personal testimony (UFO encounters), and scientific inquiry into paranormal and unexplained phenomena. The magazine appears to maintain an open-minded stance towards these subjects, presenting detailed accounts and analyses while also acknowledging the challenges of proof and investigation. The editorial stance encourages further research into synchronicity and the mechanisms of paranormal events, suggesting a commitment to exploring the frontiers of human understanding beyond conventional scientific paradigms.

Title: Pursuit
Issue: Third Quarter 1981
Volume: 14
Publisher: SITU
Date: 1981-09

This issue of Pursuit magazine, a publication focused on unexplained phenomena, presents a diverse range of articles, reviews, and reports. It includes book reviews on psychokinesis and UFOs, detailed accounts of unusual incidents, and historical logs of meteorological and seismic events.

Book Reviews

"Limits of Science" Reviewed

The review of "Limits of Science" by an unnamed author, critiqued by an unnamed reviewer, suggests the book offers some interesting information on classic UFO incidents and proposes introducing epistemology into UFO studies. However, the reviewer finds the book's overall contribution limited, questioning if it truly needed to be written due to its lack of substantial new material. The book is described as rehash of historical UFO accounts, with a critical examination of the Socorro, New Mexico, UFO landing case. The reviewer notes the authors' tendency to be overly negative and sometimes contradictory in their analysis.

"To Stretch a Plank: A Survey of Psychokinesis" Reviewed

Sabina Warren Sanderson reviews Diana Robinson's "To Stretch a Plank," a book intended to update the field of psychokinesis (PK) for the "intelligent layman." The review highlights Robinson's approach, which balances scientific rigor with accessible language. The book is divided into sections covering laboratory experiments with micro-PK, macro-PK phenomena involving individuals like Uri Geller, and the controversial topic of psychic healing. Robinson also explores modern media's role in PK, such as Ted Serios and thoughtography, and discusses the concept of poltergeists, suggesting they may be caused by PK on the part of a living individual rather than spirits. The review notes Robinson's contention that a lack of success in exorcism does not disprove the spirit hypothesis. The book concludes with a philosophical approach to PK, questioning the nature of the universe and suggesting that unconscious PK might be more significant than conscious efforts.

"No Witness" Reviewed

Ray W. Boeche reviews Gerald A. Hausman's "No Witness," subtitled "An Investigative Reporter's Firsthand Factual Account." While praising Hausman's writing as excellent and gripping, Boeche finds the book's contribution to the study of cattle mutilations minimal. The book is described as more of a personal account of the reporter's emotions and views encountered during his investigation, using cattle mutilations as a backdrop. Intriguing incidents are mentioned, such as psychic attacks and unusual sightings, but they are left largely unexplored in favor of the author's psychological responses. Boeche concludes that the book is best appreciated as a "non-fiction story" rather than a practical resource for serious researchers.

SITUations

This section reports on contemporary curious and unexplained events, urging members to submit clippings and reports.

Rock Hopper Penguin Apprehended as Vagrant

A rock hopper penguin was found exhausted on a beach in Monmouth Beach, New Jersey. After being taken to the police station and then to the New Jersey Humane Society, it was identified by specialists and flown to sunny California for rehabilitation at the Bronx Zoo. The bird's presence in New Jersey remains a mystery.

Beast Bites Off More of House Than It Can Chew

In Knox County, Indiana, the home of Terry and Mary Harper was damaged by an unknown entity that tore off part of a door and aluminum siding, leaving tooth-marks, blood, and cream-white fur. Later, a strange, hairy biped, estimated to be 7-8 feet tall, was sighted in a nearby cornfield. The incident is compared to the "Wantage Event" in Sussex County, New Jersey.

Halloween Treat

In North Adams, Massachusetts, a 13-year-old boy reported seeing a red fireball and finding a glowing red rock, possibly a meteorite, in his backyard on Halloween night. The event attracted local attention and officials suggested sending the rock for analysis.

Rainstorm of Tiny Frogs

Thousands of small green frogs fell from the sky in Nafplion, southern Greece, during a rainstorm. Scientists believe a whirlwind sucked them up from north African marshes and carried them over the sea.

Report from ORION: The Nickelsville Glass Rod

This report details an investigation by the ORION group into a glass rod found by J.D. Salyer in Nickelsville, Virginia. The rod, approximately 24 inches long and 1 inch in diameter, was found after a bright object reportedly fell from the sky. Analysis of the glass indicates it is common soda-lime silicate glass, likely manufactured in an English-speaking country, and has not been exposed to significant radiation, suggesting an age of less than fifty years. The report discusses various hypotheses for its origin, including a possible lens flare misinterpretation by the witness.

Deformed Skulls a Mystery

A high incidence of craniosynostosis (premature fusing of skull bones) in newborn infants was reported in two Colorado mountain towns, Steamboat Springs and Idaho Springs, at a frequency much higher than the national average. Researchers suspect an environmental cause but have found little evidence.

Our Toothy Ancient Ancestors

An article discusses a fossilized jawbone of a mammal, found in Arizona and dated at 180 million years old, which predates current theories on mammal evolution. The find, discovered by Kathleen Smith, has a distinctive tooth arrangement that may upset existing classifications.

'It's Not Me-It's Him'

This is a human interest story about 77-year-old identical twins, William and Nimrod Saltzer, who share many similarities in their lives, including working at the same shoe factory for 50 years and undergoing eye surgery on the same day.

Suicidal Birds

A phenomenon of hundreds of birds committing "mass suicide" by diving into glass-covered outdoor lamps has been observed in Haflong, India, periodically since 1905. Scientists have found no explanation for this behavior.

Satellite Records Comet Crash

The Naval Research Laboratory reported that a comet collided with the sun two years prior, generating immense energy. This event marked the first confirmed case of a celestial body colliding with the sun and the first time a comet was discovered by a satellite.

Solar Flares Are Disastrous

Biologist Marsha Adams proposes that solar flares may be responsible for earthquakes, human illnesses, and crime sprees. Her research suggests that low-frequency radio signals associated with solar flares could trigger earthquakes and create a "resonance" with human brain waves, leading to depression or flu-like symptoms.

The Notes of Charles Fort

This section, deciphered by Carl J. Pabst, is a chronological log of meteorological and seismic events from 1821. It meticulously records phenomena such as fireballs, earthquakes, volcanic eruptions, strange atmospheric conditions, and unusual falls of objects like stones, dust, and seeds, citing various scientific journals and publications as sources.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The magazine consistently explores the boundaries between the known and the unknown, with a particular interest in UFOs, psychokinesis, and other paranormal or unexplained phenomena. The editorial stance appears to be one of open inquiry, presenting evidence and theories from various sources while acknowledging the limitations of current scientific understanding. The "SITUations" section highlights the ongoing reporting of curious events, encouraging reader participation. The "Notes of Charles Fort" section demonstrates a commitment to historical documentation of anomalous events, providing a long-term perspective on phenomena that defy easy explanation. The magazine seems to encourage critical thinking and investigation into subjects often dismissed by mainstream science.

Title: THE SOCIETY FOR THE INVESTIGATION OF THE UNEXPLAINED
Issue: Vol. 14, No. 2
Date: August 30, 1981
Publisher: The Society for the Investigation of the Unexplained
Country: USA
Language: English

This issue of the magazine, titled "Pursuit," focuses on the ongoing investigation into the Lake Champlain monster, commonly referred to as 'Champ.' The cover story, "Does Champ Exist?," highlights a scientific seminar held in Shelburne, Vermont, where eyewitnesses shared their accounts and scientists presented theories. The magazine also details the origins and structure of The Society for the Investigation of the Unexplained (SITU), including its Governing Board and Scientific Advisory Board.

Origins of SITU/Pursuit

The Society for the Investigation of the Unexplained (SITU) was established in 1965 by zoologist, biologist, botanist, and geologist Ivan T. Sanderson, along with other distinguished authors, as a "foundation" for the exposition and research of paranormal phenomena. To engage professionals and interested individuals, a newsletter was launched in May 1967. By March 1968, the foundation's structure expanded, and it was formally named The Society for the Investigation of The Unexplained, with documents filed with the New Jersey Secretary of State. The name "Pursuit" first appeared as a subtitle in June 1968, and by September 1968 (Vol. 1, No. 4), it was the main title, incorporating the "fourth Society newsletter." This issue also formally adopted the abbreviation SITU.

Issue number 4 marked a shift in content, with administrative matters relegated to the back pages and investigative reporting taking precedence. Topics covered included the capture of a large armadillo in Argentina, the instant transportation of solid objects, the attack on the University of Colorado UFO Project headed by Dr. Edward U. Condon, and information about "ringing rocks" and "stone spheres."

Does Champ Exist? Eyewitnesses Attend Scientific Seminar

This article reports on a scientific seminar held in Shelburne, Vermont, concerning the Lake Champlain monster. Approximately 200 people attended, including scientists and purported witnesses. The seminar aimed to find answers to the 400-year-old question of whether a serpent-like monster inhabits Lake Champlain.

Eyewitness Accounts

Eyewitnesses, who previously feared ridicule, shared their experiences. Mrs. Mansi of New York described seeing a creature in the middle of the lake in 1977, initially mistaking it for a school of fish, then a diver, and finally a neck and head emerging from the water. She described it as "majestic" but terrifying, with the thought that it "had legs and was going to come up on shore." She managed to take a color photograph before fleeing with her family. Another witness, Eugene Viens Jr. of Malletts Bay, recounted seeing a disturbance like "a large school of fish" followed by five points emerging from the water.

Scientific Theories and Panel Discussion

The panel of scientists included Dr. George Zug (Smithsonian Institution), Joseph Zarzynski, Dr. Roy Mackal, and Dr. Philip Reines. While the evidence for Champ's existence was considered "overwhelming" by the scientists, they could not agree on its identity. Possibilities discussed included a large species of eel, sturgeon, another known marine animal, a deviant or unknown animal, or a prehistoric marine denizen thought to be extinct. Dr. George Zug stated, "I believe there is a population of large animals of some kind (in Lake Champlain)."

"Champ" a Dock?

This section presents a more anecdotal perspective on the monster, suggesting that some sightings might be related to structures like docks. A witness described how his small dock, extended into the lake, was sometimes mistaken for the monster. The article notes that the Trustees' decision to break docks for winter storage and reassemble them in spring, along with ice and waves, could lead to misidentification.

Lake Champlain's Monster Gaining Credibility

This article summarizes the seminar, noting that believers outnumbered skeptics. It reiterates that scientists agreed the evidence for Champ is overwhelming but debated its classification. The possibility of a large eel, sturgeon, unknown animal, or prehistoric creature was raised. The article mentions that the Lake Champlain Committee sponsored the event, and the Society for the Investigation of The Unexplained (SITU) is actively involved in chronicling these events.

Consolidated Newswire Report: August 30, 1981

This report from Shelburne, Vermont, confirms that a panel of distinguished scientists cannot agree on the identity of a large marine animal living in Lake Champlain. The creature, known as 'Champ,' has been the subject of almost 150 sightings. Scientists agreed the evidence is overwhelming but suggested it could be a large eel, sturgeon, an unknown animal, or a prehistoric marine creature. Dr. George Zug of the Smithsonian Institution expressed belief in a population of large animals in the lake.

The article references "Pursuit No. 54 (Vol. 14, No. 2, Second Quarter 1981)" for a chronology of sightings and investigations. It also notes that copies of this issue were made available for purchase by nonmembers at the conclusion of the conference.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The primary theme of this issue is the persistent mystery of the Lake Champlain monster, 'Champ.' The magazine, through its publication "Pursuit," documents the ongoing efforts of The Society for the Investigation of the Unexplained (SITU) to investigate such phenomena. The editorial stance appears to be one of open inquiry, presenting both eyewitness accounts and scientific analysis without definitively concluding the nature of the creature. The magazine encourages professional and public interest in "disquieting mysteries of the natural world." The inclusion of a diverse Scientific Advisory Board suggests a commitment to rigorous, multidisciplinary investigation. The historical context, dating back to Samuel de Champlain's 1609 sighting, underscores the long-standing nature of the mystery.