Pursuit - No 56 - Vol 14 No 4 - 1981

Magazine Overview

Title: Pursuit
Issue: Volume 14, Number 4, Whole Number 56
Date: Fourth Quarter 1981
Publisher: The Society for the Investigation of The Unexplained (SITU)
Tagline: 'Science is the Pursuit of the Unexplained'

This issue of Pursuit magazine offers a diverse collection of articles exploring various unexplained phenomena, from mysterious animal encounters and geological anomalies to ancient human history and fossil evidence that challenges conventional science. The cover features a stylized footprint, hinting at the mystery animal investigation within.

Symposium

The "Symposium" section, revived for this issue, serves as a forum for members to share personal impressions of the unexplained. The editors note the variety of topics covered, ranging geographically from North Carolina to Mexico, Germany, France, and even Atlantis, and thematically from ancient rites to UFO sightings.

Drift, Rift, and the Remarkable Human Footprint Discovered in Cambrian Rock (by Paul B. Thompson)

Paul B. Thompson details his research into continental drift, focusing on a major rift passing through his valley in Utah. He discusses geothermal activity in the area, citing high temperatures found in test wells. Thompson also presents his interpretation of Noah's flood, using evidence of massive erosion and deposition to support the idea of a catastrophic event at the close of the Ice Age. He connects this to the formation of geological features like the Grand Canyon. The article also recounts the discovery of a human footprint with trilobites in Cambrian rock by William J. Meister, which Thompson views as evidence supporting his unconventional geological theories.

Cast of Human Footprint With Trilobites-Said To Have Been Found In Cambrian* Rock (by W. J. Meister)

This article, featuring excerpts from a report by Melvin A. Cook, professor of metallurgy at the University of Utah, discusses the discovery of a fossilized human footprint embedded with trilobites in what is identified as Cambrian rock. W. J. Meister found the specimen, which appeared to be a right foot wearing a sandal. Dr. Cook's examination suggests the footprint is genuine and presents a contradiction to conventional geology due to the simultaneous occurrence of modern human evidence with ancient trilobites. The article also touches upon geological events like the shifting of the polar axis and the melting of ice caps causing floods, and the formation of lake terraces.

The Sampson County Mystery Animal (by Paul B. Thompson)

This article investigates a series of unexplained incidents in Sampson County, North Carolina, during 1977, involving a mysterious animal that caused significant property damage and killed numerous pets. The author compares the case to similar incidents in Indiana and New Jersey. The animal's actions, including mangled animals and damaged structures, led to speculation about its identity, with theories ranging from a large dog or bobcat to Bigfoot. The article analyzes the footprints found, noting their resemblance to canine tracks but also their unusual characteristics. It explores the possibility of the animal being a hyena, citing their physical traits and predatory behavior, and discusses the concept of 'Out-of-Placeness' for such phenomena. The author concludes that while the creature's antics were baffling, it was likely not a true hyena but another type of Fortean 'monster.'

A Prehistoric Race of White People May Have Lived in West Virginia's Kanawha Valley (by Nancy Clark)

Nancy Clark recounts the findings of historian Dr. J. P. Hale, who in the late 19th century reported on evidence suggesting a prehistoric race of white people, possibly from the Mediterranean region, inhabited the Kanawha Valley of West Virginia long before recorded history. The article details the discovery of a carved wooden statue of a footless human form and discusses local Indian legends about a 'lost tribe' of white people who were driven westward. Hale also noted ancient stone works in the area, further supporting the idea of an unknown ancient civilization.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue of Pursuit magazine revolve around the investigation of phenomena that lie outside the scope of conventional scientific understanding. The editorial stance, as indicated by the magazine's tagline and the content, is one of open inquiry and a willingness to explore unconventional theories and evidence. The Society for the Investigation of The Unexplained (SITU) positions itself as a platform for presenting data and promoting investigations into subjects that orthodox science may overlook or dismiss. The issue emphasizes the importance of variety in research and encourages members to contribute their findings and perspectives, fostering a community dedicated to exploring the 'Unexplained world.' The articles collectively advocate for a broader definition of scientific inquiry, one that accommodates anomalies and challenges established paradigms.

This issue of "Pursuit" magazine, dated Fourth Quarter 1981, features a diverse collection of articles covering archaeology, anthropology, parapsychology, and environmental concerns. The content ranges from ancient mysteries and cult activities to modern scientific and pseudoscientific investigations.

The Kanawha Valley Mystery

The issue begins with an exploration of ancient stone walls and burial grounds in the Kanawha Valley. Hale's observations noted a seven-to-eight-mile wall of undressed stones, approximately seven feet high and wide at its base, with remnants of two round towers. He also described ancient burial grounds where bodies were deposited horizontally, facing east, suggesting a connection to sun-worshippers. Captain William N. Page's investigation in 1877, detailed in the "History of the Kanawha Valley," supported the idea of a prehistoric race distinct from Native Americans, noting that skeletons found had well-proportioned craniums and facial bones resembling the white race. Page also noted the discovery of copper implements at a similar site. Page concluded that the Kanawha Valley was inhabited by a prehistoric race with different intelligence and customs than Native Americans. Hale theorized that a "lost race" of white people, possibly primitive sun-worshippers, may have brought carved images to America. The article mentions a carved wood image, dubbed "the Kanawha Madonna," found in a crevice, which was examined and deemed "pre-Indian." Research indicated the wood was 300 to 450 years old. The West Virginia Archeologist reported on studies of the Mount Carbon stone walls, suggesting they might be of Adena, archaic, or middle woodland construction, with their function considered ceremonial. The true origin and purpose of the Kanawha Madonna remain unproved.

The Resurrection of Huitzolopochli

This article by George Agogino details a clandestine human-sacrifice cult that operated in the Sierra Madre Oriental Mountains of northeast Mexico between 1962 and 1965. The cult, led by twins Magdalena and Eleazer Solis, mixed modern spiritualism with the ancient Aztec rite of human sacrifice to the sun-god, Huitzolopochli. The "converts" were given drugs to inhibit natural revulsion, and the ritual involved the removal of the victim's heart with a stone knife. The Solis twins, motivated by wealth and power, did not perform the killings themselves but were aided by "ordained priests," the Hernandez brothers. Sacrificial victims were volunteers. The cult was discovered by local authorities and the military, leading to the death of the Hernandez brothers and the arrest and imprisonment of the Solis twins and other cult members. Agogino's investigation in 1972 and 1973 confirmed the events, though he found that the villages mentioned were ranchos and that official information was scarce. The investigation suggested fewer than five victims were killed by heart removal, though other murders occurred. The article notes that the Solis twins might have established new centers of the cult elsewhere.

Recollections from the Life of a Radiesthesist

This section presents a condensed translation of the memoirs of Maria Frauzen, a German medical dowser and healer. Frauzen describes her learning of magnetopathy and radiesthesia from her teacher, Matthias Leisen. Radiesthesia is defined as a physiological sensibility to the emanations of matter, allowing individuals with the gift to move rods or pendulums involuntarily. Leisen's method, which involved using glass rods containing different chemical elements to diagnose illness, is presented as a simple and reliable diagnostic system, particularly for selecting homeopathic medications. Frauzen adapted this method, eventually learning to rely on her own hands' jerking motions to diagnose and select treatments. She emphasizes that radiesthesia cannot replace orthodox medicine but can be a valuable therapeutic tool. The article also recounts her experiences with dowsing for water and her ability to diagnose illnesses based on water samples. A notable anecdote involves her successful treatment of a child with double pneumonia, where she identified nicotine poisoning in the prescribed medicine, attributing it to a smoking pharmacist.

Icebergs or 'Waters of the Earth'?

This article, Chapter 8 from "The Diving Hand" by Christopher Bird, discusses the concept of transporting icebergs to alleviate water shortages. It recounts a 1977 conference in Iowa where scientists and engineers considered the feasibility of towing a mile-long iceberg from Antarctica to a desert country. The challenges of such a feat, including the long towing time (nearly eight months) and the significant melting problem, are highlighted. Wilford Weeks of the U.S. Army's Cold Regions Research Laboratory expressed skepticism about bringing an unprotected iceberg from the coldest to the hottest place on earth. The article also touches upon older water-transport schemes like canals and aqueducts. It introduces Adolf Erik Nordenskiold's theory from over eighty years prior, which suggested that water could be produced deep within the earth, contradicting the conventional hydrologic cycle. Stephan Riess, a mining engineer, developed a geological theory about water origin that aligns with dowsers' findings, citing an incident where a deep mine explosion caused water to gush out in immense quantities.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue revolve around the exploration of the unknown, the intersection of ancient beliefs and modern investigation, and the search for solutions to fundamental human needs like health and water. The articles showcase a willingness to consider unconventional theories and practices, from prehistoric civilizations and cult activities to dowsing and iceberg utilization. The editorial stance appears to be one of open-minded inquiry, presenting diverse perspectives and research findings without necessarily endorsing them as definitive truth, encouraging readers to consider possibilities beyond conventional understanding.

This issue of Pursuit magazine, dated Fourth Quarter 1981, features a diverse range of articles, including investigations into the origins of water, the symbolism of the Tree of Life, and the discovery of a novel type of blood cell.

Water Origins and Geological Theories

The issue begins by exploring the theories surrounding the origin and location of water, particularly in geological contexts. It references Vitruvius's ancient method for finding water based on ground vapors. The article highlights the work of mining engineer Stephan Riess, who investigated how water could rise through hard rock into mine shafts. Riess's research suggested that water is continually manufactured deep within the earth under specific temperature and pressure conditions and forced up through rock fissures. His observations were supported by classical authors like Anaxagoras, Plato, Aristotle, Seneca, and Pliny the Elder, who proposed that water was formed within the earth or flowed through underground rivers.

Vitruvius, in his 'Ten Books on Architecture,' was among the first to state that water was best found in rocks, not in sands or gravel. Leonardo da Vinci compared the earth to a living body, with water flowing through its veins like humors. The issue also touches upon the hydrologic cycle, illustrating precipitation, evaporation, transpiration, and groundwater flow.

Riess's practical experience is detailed through his work in Nelson, Nevada, where he successfully located a water source in crystalline rock for a mine. He developed a twofold approach: studying surface structure to identify contacts between rock strata and analyzing rock composition. Riess focused on identifying vertical pipes or fissures, often associated with igneous rock formations like basalt and dykes, which could act as conduits for deep water.

The article contrasts Riess's methods with conventional geological approaches, noting that his ideas were considered outlandish by some. It also presents historical accounts of large-scale water extraction from mines, such as the Comstock Lode and the Tombstone mine, highlighting the immense volumes of water encountered.

Further exploration into water found in rock is presented through the work of C. Louis Kervran, a biologist and engineer. Kervran asserts that water can be found in impermeable rock, challenging conventional geological dogma. He describes 'constituent water' formed within rocks millions of years ago and trapped by crystallization. Kervran's research in Brittany, France, where wells in granite are common, supports the idea of 'rock water' or 'L'eau des roches.' The article mentions the industry of Katell Roc, bottling pure water from a granite-based source, whose composition differs from typical rainwater, leading to questions about its origin.

The Tree of Life: Symbolism and Pre-Columbian Contact

Another significant section of the magazine is dedicated to the enigmatic symbol of the Tree of Life. Diane E. Wirth's article, 'The Tree of Life Offers Evidence of Pre-Columbian Contact,' explores the widespread presence of this symbol across cultures, from ancient Assyria to pre-Columbian Mesoamerica.

The article details the basic elements of the Tree of Life motif: the tree itself, usually at the center; a bird element at the top, representing heavens; and attendants or guardians on either side. It notes the complexity of Mayan representations compared to the simpler Aztec versions. The Aztec Tree of Life, Tonacaquahuitl, signifies 'God of rains and of health and tree of sustenance or of life,' conveying fertility and generation.

The symbolism is broken down further, with the tree representing the community structure, the trunk as the leader, branches as chiefs, leaves as vassals, and flowers as maidens. The tribes saw themselves as descendants of the Tree of Life, imbuing it with a genealogical quality.

The article suggests that the similarities between Old World and New World Tree of Life traditions provide evidence of trans-oceanic voyages and cultural diffusion. It discusses the Tree of Life in various mythologies, including Scandinavian (Odin's wisdom), Egyptian (water of life), Gaelic (youth and longevity), Indian (universe and gifts from gods), and Chinese (garden of immortality). The Persian representation of the Tree of Life is also noted, with kings having artificial silver trees constructed.

In the New World, the Tree of Life is found in Peruvian textiles and Osage Indian 'charts.' The article analyzes the elements of these illustrations, noting the association of the bird element with divinity and the serpent with wisdom. The fruit of the Tree of Life is consistently described as white across ancient traditions.

The article concludes by posing the question of whether the similarities are mere coincidence or evidence of diffusion, highlighting the debate among scholars.

The Medusa Cell: A New Discovery in Blood Research

The final major article introduces the 'Medusa cell,' a newly discovered variety of eosinophil white blood cell in mammals, identified by Dr. Jacob S. Hanker. These cells are described as having sensitive pseudopods that allow them to move through liquid environments and engulf other organisms, including normal cells, potentially contributing to anemia.

The exact function of eosinophils, including Medusa cells, remains largely unknown, though they are believed to be part of the body's defense against foreign proteins and parasites. The article notes that particular cancers can increase eosinophil numbers.

Dr. Hanker discovered the Medusa cells while experimenting with new staining techniques on blood samples from leukemia patients. Tests on rats and healthy humans confirmed the existence of these predatory cells. The research suggests that calcium and magnesium ions influence the extension of pseudopods, while phosphate causes their retraction.

The article raises critical questions about the Medusa cell's role: why it attacks normal cells unlike other white blood cells, why it requires large pseudopods, and whether its increased presence in cancer patients indicates a defensive role or a contribution to the disease's progression. Medical researchers are optimistic about the potential of this discovery to unlock new areas of research, including cancer studies, allergies, and radiation therapy.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

This issue of Pursuit magazine consistently explores themes of hidden knowledge, ancient wisdom, and scientific discovery that challenge conventional understanding. The articles on water origins, the Tree of Life, and the Medusa cell all delve into phenomena that are either not fully understood, have been historically overlooked, or are only recently being uncovered. The magazine appears to favor a perspective that values unconventional theories and historical research, particularly when they offer alternative explanations for natural phenomena or cultural practices. The editorial stance seems to be one of open inquiry, encouraging readers to consider evidence that may lie outside mainstream scientific or historical consensus, as exemplified by the exploration of Riess's and Kervran's theories on water and the discussion on Tree of Life diffusion.

Title: Pursuit
Issue: Vol. 14, No. 4 (Fourth Quarter 1981)
Publisher: Pursuit Magazine
Date: October 1981

This issue of Pursuit magazine delves into various mysteries, with a significant focus on the search for Atlantis, alongside articles on astrological earthquake prediction, Sasquatch, and UFOs.

Atlantis: Lost and Found Again

The lead article, "ATLANTIS: Lost and Found Again," by Jon Douglas Singer, M.A., explores several facets of the Atlantis mystery. It begins with the remarkable, though unverified, adventure of Dr. Ray Brown, who in 1968, while diving off the coast of Spain, accidentally discovered a 90-foot-high Egyptian-style pyramid underwater. Inside, he found a chamber with two metallic arms cradling a crystalline sphere, which he took. Dr. Brown claimed that when held at eye-level, the crystal revealed three shadow-pyramids arranged in a row, possibly mimicking the Giza pyramids. The article notes that photos and text excerpts related to this discovery were reprinted from "The Pyramid Guide" (July-August 1975).

The narrative then shifts to the efforts of Maxine Asher, a California historian, who organized an expedition in 1971 to search for Atlantis, believing it was located off the coast of Spain. Asher's interest was sparked by studying the Etruscans and their possible connection to Atlantis. She found clues in Spain, including inscriptions and spiral designs, which she compared to Etruscan ruins. Her expedition, the Ancient Mediterranean Research Association (AMRA), was formed with former professors, including Dr. Julian Nava. In 1972, Asher met Spanish diver Francisco Salazar Casero (Paco or Pantera), who had previously dived near sunken cities off the Cadiz region. AMRA also received input from Dr. J. Manson Valentine and Dr. Egerton Sykes, and included oceanographer Bruce Rosendahl and Gail Cayce. The expedition, which involved psychic research inspired by Edgar Cayce, arrived in Spain in July 1973. However, they faced significant bureaucratic and financial obstacles, including issues with diving permits near an American naval base. The expedition was also plagued by alleged spying, break-ins, and theft, leading Asher to suspect opposition from academics or the Spanish government. Despite these challenges, on July 16, 1973, divers reported finding underwater ruins near Zahara de los Atunes, including columns, walls, and amphoras. However, the film developed from the dive was blank except for one frame. The expedition faced further setbacks due to storms and police interference. A press conference announced the discovery, but a later UPI update branded the story a hoax. The expedition eventually broke up, with some members returning home and others, including Asher, continuing to Ireland. The article concludes that the Cadiz investigation, like others, ended with question marks.

Further accounts discuss the Russian discovery of sunken structures off the Portuguese coast on the Ampere Seamount, photographed by Vladimir Marakuyev's expedition. Initially reported at 200 feet depth, later reports suggested 300-600 feet. The ship involved was variously named as Moskovsky Universitet or Kurchatov. The structures were described as walls and staircases, with some experts calling them natural phenomena while others, like Egerton Sykes, theorized they were remnants of a contemporaneous culture. The site is located on the Podkova Archipelago, which some researchers link to Atlantis.

The "Addenda" section provides updates: a 1980 TV program "In Search Of..." examined the Bimini Wall, with a geologist suggesting it was beachrock but noting unusual features. Ray Brown's crystal sphere is mentioned as repelling metal, possibly due to "anti-gravity" properties. An article in "Beyond Reality" magazine reported Ivan Sanderson seeing underwater causeways and towns off Yucatan. The location of Robson's Island is discussed, and a Greek researcher, Vasilios Paschos, supports Plato's theory of Atlantis being in the Atlantic, though oceanographic drilling failed to find such a continent.

Deep-Sky Earthquake Predicting

Allan J. Grisé presents an article on predicting earthquakes using astrological methods. He posits that solar eclipses and lunar nodes are key factors in determining "earthquake seasons." Grisé suggests that major earthquakes are not caused by forces below the ground but are influenced by celestial alignments. He analyzes several significant earthquakes, including the New Madrid (1811), Charleston (1886), San Francisco (1906), Chile (1906), Tien Shan (1911), Kansu (1920), Japan (1933), and Alaska (1964), correlating their occurrences with specific planetary aspects, solar eclipses, and lunar nodes. He notes that Taurus and Scorpio are considered "hot earthquake signs."

Books Reviews

The "Books" section features several reviews:

• MANLIKE MONSTERS ON TRIAL, edited by Marjorie Halpin & Michael M. Ames. Reviewed by George W. Earley. This review criticizes the book for not including all papers from the symposium on Sasquatch, suggesting some were omitted due to controversial topics. Earley expresses disappointment that the book focused more on folklore and less on actual investigations, feeling it reached a conclusion before beginning.
• CELESTIAL PASSENGERS: UFOs and Space Travel by Margaret Sachs and Ernest Jahn. Reviewed by Kim L. Neidigh. Neidigh describes the book as an introductory text on UFOs and space travel, noting that it covers many cases personally studied by Ernest Jahn. The review praises its coverage of tektites, the space program, and extraterrestrial intelligence, but points out issues with disjointed organization, lack of bibliography/index, and outdated information on the space shuttle.
• PROJECT IDENTIFICATION by Harley D. Rutledge, Ph.D. Reviewed by Robert Barrow. Barrow praises the book for presenting scientific work on UFOs based on direct observations, contrasting it with less rigorous approaches. The book details an eight-year investigation in southeastern Missouri, using advanced instrumentation. Rutledge, initially a skeptic, became a believer in UFO existence and the need for further investigation.
• THE CASE FOR LIFE AFTER DEATH by Elizabeth McAdams and Raymond Bayless. Reviewed by Sabina W. Sanderson. Sanderson finds the book to be a slim, superficial work that lacks sensationalism but is not a "major reference work." She notes its objective tone is questionable and criticizes the lack of discussion on alternative explanations and puzzling omissions, such as Eileen Garrett. The review suggests the book presents a one-sided introduction to the subject.
• MISSING TIME by Budd Hopkins. Reviewed by Robert Barrow. Barrow hails Hopkins's book as "fresh and exciting," based on extensive study of nineteen UFO abduction cases since 1976. The review highlights the detailed transcripts of hypnosis sessions, the similarities in witness descriptions, and Hopkins's insights into the nature of UFO encounters, including the possibility of mechanical implants and the importance of curiosity about the phenomenon.

The Medusa Cell

A brief section discusses the discovery of "Medusa cells" by Dr. Hanker at Duke University, noting their unusual appearance and potential connection to various health conditions, though their exact nature and significance remain under investigation.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The magazine consistently explores unexplained phenomena, with a strong emphasis on Atlantis and UFOs. The editorial stance appears to favor open investigation into these subjects, even when faced with skepticism or controversy. The inclusion of diverse articles, from archaeological speculation to astrological prediction and scientific reviews, suggests a broad interest in fringe science and paranormal topics. The reviews of books often critically assess the methodology and conclusions presented, indicating a desire for rigorous, albeit unconventional, research.

This issue of Pursuit, dated Fourth Quarter 1981 (Volume 17), features a diverse range of articles exploring unexplained phenomena, from celestial influences on earthquakes to ancient metallurgical mysteries and modern UFO sightings.

Deep-Sky Earthquake Predicting (Continued from page 179)

This section continues the discussion on correlating planetary alignments with major earthquakes. The author notes that significant quakes, like the Richter + 8 in Ecuador on August 18, 1980, occurred when Pluto was 60° from the nodes, Mars was sextile a solar eclipse, and Uranus was squaring the nodes. The article questions how an eclipse that happened months earlier can be aspected, pondering the nature of time in celestial realms and whether eclipses weaken Earth's gravity field. It also links volcanic eruptions, like Krakatoa and Mount St. Helens, to similar planetary configurations. The author urges a scientific consideration of this data, acknowledging that the cause of earthquakes is still unknown and that our knowledge of gravity, light, and time is limited. The piece also highlights the "Great Crack" in the Earth's crust spanning 1700 miles across mid-America, discovered via satellite photos, suggesting future seismic activity there might also correlate with planetary alignments.

Symposium (Continued from page 148)

This section features a contribution from Evan Hansen, who discusses an alleged "shoe print" found in a mid-Cambrian trilobite bed. He criticizes Erich von Däniken for misrepresenting facts in his books and emphasizes his own interest in finding verifiable facts. Hansen invites anyone interested in his research to contact him.

Fred Mallory Packard

A tribute to Fred Mallery Packard, an early SITU member and environmentalist, who died on December 5, 1981, at age 68. Packard, a Harvard graduate with a degree in biology, had a distinguished career as a park ranger, executive secretary of the National Parks Association, and executive director of the Fairfax County Park Authority. He also worked for the Bureau of Land Management and the National Park Service, advising governments worldwide on park administration and wildlife protection. After retiring, he continued his work through the International Union for the Conservation of Nature and Natural Resources.

In India's Rustless Pillar There's a Hint of Damascus Steel

This article examines the 23-foot-high wrought-iron pillar in Delhi, India, which has remained rustless for approximately 1600 years. The pillar, noted for its resistance to oxidation, is compared to the legendary Damascus steel. The article references a report by G. Wranlen, a scientist from the Royal Institute of Technology, Stockholm, published in the British New Scientist and Science Journal. Wranlen's findings suggest that the pillar's rustless condition is due to the climate of Delhi and a protective oxide layer, rather than the iron's composition. His research indicates that the part of the pillar below ground is covered by a thick rust layer, and that the bright, polished section above ground is due to visitors rubbing against it. Wranlen concludes that the good preservation is due to a protective film of corrosion products, not an inherent coating. The article also touches upon the possibility that ancient Indian aboriginals possessed advanced steel-making technology, potentially linking it to Damascus steel, and notes that modern science is only now catching up to this ancient knowledge.

Midget Pyramid in Thailand

Terry Colvin, a SITU member, shares a photograph and details of a small pyramid he found in a temple complex in southern Thailand in 1973. He estimates its height at 20 feet and its age between 100 and 300 years, possibly dating back to the Burmese-Thai wars. The pyramid is located near Chanthaburi and shows influences of Khmer and Mon civilizations.

Victim's Dream Nabs Killer

A brief report about how a dream helped Miami police identify and apprehend Roberto Alvarez, who fatally shot Rafael Gonzalez. Gonzalez had dreamt of being killed by Alvarez, a former employee, six days before the incident.

UFOs in Formation Sighted Over Guadalajara, Mexico, in April 1980

This report details an unusual witness-concurrence involving six members of the Miranda family and a guest who observed a formation of 100-200 UFOs over Guadalajara. The sighting, which lasted 4-5 minutes, involved a larger, drum-shaped craft escorted by numerous smaller objects. The report includes sketches made by Luis Miranda, the son who first spotted the objects while looking for Jupiter. The objects were described as round, shining with a light green and blue hue, and the main craft had a black, orange, yellow, gray, and silver appearance, while the escorts were silvery.

Perils of the Demon Sea

This article discusses the mysterious "Demon Sea," a stretch of the Pacific Ocean off Japan's east coast where ten ships have vanished and the freighter Marcona Trader returned with a damaged hull. The damage, described as a 33-foot section of its bows missing, led to speculation about collisions with derelicts or large marine animals. However, the Japanese Maritime Safety Agency concluded that the ships were sunk and the Marcona Trader damaged by huge waves, over 100 feet high and moving at incredible speed. The article questions why such waves form in this specific area and mentions a theory involving the collision of the Black Current with ice-laden winds from Siberia. A 40-ton robot is planned to be anchored in the area by 1983 for further study.

Bigfoot in Thumb'?

Cindy Barone reports on strange occurrences at her family's farm in Michigan's "Thumb" region, including torn fences, ripped barn doors, high-pitched screaming, and spooked farm animals. Her daughters described an encounter with a tall, black, furry creature with red eyes that stood on two legs. The family feels frustrated by the local sheriff's office's unwillingness to take their story seriously.

Letters

Astrology v. Astronomy = Wilson v. Velikovsky?

C. Leroy Ellenberger critiques Edgar Wilson's book "Creator of the Pyramids," arguing that Wilson, who believes the Giza Pyramids were built under extraterrestrial direction, omitted this information from a previous article on solar system stability. Ellenberger questions the evidence for Wilson's claims, citing discrepancies in his calculations and his ambiguous representation of planetary velocities. He concludes that Wilson's pyramidology is a flawed attempt to refute Velikovsky.

'Perceptual Effects'-Continued

An unnamed author, identified only by initials E.C., objects to the non-use of their name in a previous article, "Some Perceptual Effects of UFO Contact." They argue that anonymity fosters suspicion and that a more responsible approach is needed to build reader confidence in UFO research.

The Sound Doctrine of Audial Meaning

Neil M. Lorber writes to T.B. Pawlicki, stating that electromagnetic signals from a radio have no audial meaning in themselves; only when translated into sound waves by a speaker do they gain audial meaning. Lorber dismisses the idea of hearing radio waves directly as an "ESP version of 'static'" and calls the notion of hearing sound waves without electrical or magnetic qualities "extreme and far-fetched."

How to Take Great Pictures on a Saturday Night

Frances D. Grunzweig, director of DCG Photographic Laboratory Inc., analyzes a photograph of a purported spaceship taken by an "unsophisticated Arab." Grunzweig asserts that the photograph, presented as taken during the day, was actually shot at night and is likely an artful abstraction created by Douglas Petersen, a photographer specializing in such effects, possibly using a fluorescent bulb as a light source. She suggests the photographer may have been fooling the publication.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

This issue of Pursuit maintains its focus on the unexplained, presenting a wide array of topics from astronomical correlations with geological events to eyewitness accounts of UFOs and cryptid encounters. The editorial stance appears to be one of open inquiry, encouraging readers to submit their findings and experiences, while also maintaining a critical eye, as seen in the analysis of the "unsophisticated Arab's" photograph and the critique of Edgar Wilson's theories. The magazine emphasizes the importance of verifiable facts and responsible research, even while exploring fringe subjects. There is a clear interest in ancient technologies and historical anomalies, as evidenced by the articles on the Rustless Pillar and the potential for advanced ancient metallurgy.

Title: PURSUIT
Issue: Vol. 1, No. 4
Date: September 1968
Publisher: The Society for the Investigation of the Unexplained (SITU)
Country: USA
Language: English

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 a number of other distinguished authors. The organization was founded as a "foundation" for the exposition and research of paranormal phenomena, which they termed "disquieting mysteries of the natural world." To engage professionals and non-professionals with similar interests, the steering group decided to publish a newsletter. The inaugural issue was released in May 1967. The response, while not overwhelming, was sufficient to confirm the founders' belief in public interest.

By March 1968, with Newsletter No. 2, new plans for the Sanderson foundation were announced, envisioning a larger structure to be known as the Society for the Investigation of The Unexplained. This was formally established and filed with the New Jersey Secretary of State. The choice of name proved prophetic, as Dr. Sanderson later titled one of his books "Investigating the Unexplained," published in 1972 and dedicated to the Society.

Another publication in June 1968 featured "Pursuit" as its main title for the first time, with "newsletter" as a subtitle. By Vol. 1, No. 4 in September 1968, which incorporated the "fourth Society newsletter," the abbreviation "SITU" was formally adopted as the designation for the Society. This issue also introduced the Scientific Advisory Board, listing its members and their affiliations. Administrative matters were reduced to the final four pages of the twenty-page issue. The majority of the content was dedicated to investigative reporting on various phenomena. These included a report on a "great armadillo" (6 feet long, 3 feet high) allegedly captured in Argentina, the phenomenon of "instantaneous transportation of solid objects" from one place to another, even through solids, an investigation into the attack on the University of Colorado UFO Project led by Dr. Edward U. Condon, and updated information on "ringing rocks" and "stone spheres."

Thus, SITU was founded, and Pursuit began its chronicle of the investigation into the unexplained.

Governing Board and Scientific Advisory Board

The document lists the members of the Governing Board, including Robert C. Warth as President, Gregory Arend as Vice-President, and Nancy L. Warth as Secretary and Treasurer. Other trustees include Gregory Arend, Steven N. Mayne, Robert C. Warth, Nancy L. Warth, Martin Wiegler, and Albena Zwerver.

The Scientific Advisory Board is extensive, featuring prominent individuals from various academic and research institutions. Dr. George A. Agogino (Eastern New Mexico University) is listed for Anthropology and Paleo-Indian studies. Dr. Carl H. Delacato (The Institute for the Rehabilitation of the Brain Injured) is noted for "Mentalogy." Dr. J. Allen Hynek (Northwestern University) is recognized for Astronomy. Dr. Martin Kruskal (Princeton University) for Mathematics. Dr. Samuel B. McDowell (Rutgers the State University) for General Biology. Dr. Vladimir Markotic (University of Alberta) for Anthropology, Archaeology, Ethnosociology, and Ethnology. Dr. John R. Napier (Queen Elizabeth College, University of London) for Physical Anthropology. Dr. Michael A. Persinger (Laurentian University) for Psychology and Environmental Psychophysiological Laboratory. Dr. Frank B. Salisbury (Utah State University) for Plant Science and Plant Physiology. Dr. Berthold Eric Schwarz (National Institute for Rehabilitation Engineering) for Mental Sciences. Dr. Roger W. Wescott (Drew University) for Anthropology, Cultural Anthropology, and Linguistics. Dr. A. Joseph Wraight (U.S. Coast and Geodetic Survey) for Geography and Oceanography. Dr. Robert K. Zuck (Drew University) for Botany.

Index and Books Reviewed (1981)

Page 2 of the document contains an index for the year 1981, listing articles and authors alphabetically. It covers a wide range of topics including UFOs, paranormal phenomena, historical mysteries, and scientific investigations. Notable entries include "Atlantis: Lost and Found Again," "Dark Side of the UFO," "The Medusa Cell," "Mississauga Blob," "Odd Luminosities (UFOs) and Other Fortean Events Before Earthquakes," and "Teleportation and Relativistic Rest-Mass?"

Additionally, a "Books Reviewed" section lists several titles and their authors, providing a glimpse into the literature being discussed within the community. These include "Manlike Monsters on Trial," "MEVS: Creator of the Pyramids," "Missing Time," "Mythical Creatures of the U.S.A. and Canada," "Psi: Scientific Studies of the Psychic Realm," "Stones of Atlantis," and "UFOs and the Limits of Science."

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The primary theme of SITU and its publication Pursuit is the investigation of unexplained and paranormal phenomena. The organization appears to adopt a serious, research-oriented approach, evidenced by its establishment of a Scientific Advisory Board composed of academics and professionals. The editorial stance seems to be one of open inquiry into subjects often considered on the fringes of mainstream science, encouraging both professional and amateur interest. The content ranges from detailed investigative reports on specific cases and phenomena to reviews of relevant literature and discussions of broader scientific and historical mysteries.