Pursuit - No 66 - Vol 17 No 2 - 1984

Magazine Overview

Title: Pursuit
Issue: Volume 17, Number 2, Whole No. 66
Date: Second Quarter 1984
Publisher: The Society for the Investigation of the Unexplained (SITU)
Theme: Science and the pursuit of the unexplained, with a focus on ancient geometry, planetary grids, and historical mysteries.

The Becker-Hagens Report: The Planetary Grid: A New Synthesis

This issue features a significant article by William Becker and Bethe Hagens titled "The Planetary Grid: A New Synthesis." The authors propose a new approach to understanding unexplained phenomena by blending ideas from various researchers in earth phenomena, human history, discovery, and geometry. They note that for the past year and six months, they have received numerous letters from researchers seeking explanations for events that orthodox science often dismisses.

The article draws a parallel between the Renaissance's rediscovery of Greco-Roman science and philosophy, which led to a new "individual point of view" and a focus on visual detail, and the current network of planetary grid researchers. This new research, they suggest, may lead to a unifying symbol for a new understanding of Earth, transcending the "Iron Age" just as the Renaissance transcended the Dark Ages. The driving force behind this research is the evidence of Pre-Egyptian civilizations with advanced technologies, which is now considered a necessary assumption for comprehensive archaeological study.

Becker and Hagens believe the "planetary grid" is an ancient model that brings control through comprehensive understanding, rather than detached manipulation. They quote Dan Winter on the idea of collective consciousness and a "new body of mind."

Planetary Grid Researchers: Prehistoric to Present

The article highlights evidence of planetary grid research dating back to the Neolithic period. The Ashmolean Museum in Oxford exhibits hand-sized stones with precise geometric proportions, linked by Keith Critchlow to Neolithic peoples in Britain around 1400 B.C. These stones represent the five Platonic solids: octahedron, icosahedron, dodecahedron, tetrahedron, and cube. Other researchers, like Jeffrey Goodman and A.M. Davies, date similar artifacts to as early as 20,000 B.C., suggesting their use in hunting or warfare. Critchlow notes the advanced mathematical ability indicated by these objects, suggesting they might have been used in designing stone circles and studying celestial phenomena.

Lucie Lamy's research indicates knowledge of these geometric solids as early as the Egyptian Old Kingdom (2500 B.C.). Becker and Hagens agree that sophisticated three-dimensional geometries were within the capabilities of Pre-Egyptian civilizations. They propose that these stones were not just for planning calendrical monuments but also for meteorological study, developing terrestrial maps, and charting ley lines of energy. They suggest these stones were "planning models" for worldwide travel, predating the pyramids.

The authors analyze the Neolithic stones, noting the placement of points for further wrapping. They contend that these objects were not for hunting but served as planning and mnemonic functions, possibly similar to ritual objects or religious symbols. They believe the stones were intended for the study and analysis of spherically determined systems of geometry.

The Unified Vector Geometry (UVG) 120 Sphere

The article proposes that combining the wrapping patterns of the icosahedron and dodecahedron creates a "Unified Vector Geometry (UVG) 120 Sphere." This figure, composed of 15 "great circles" intersecting at 62 points, synthesizes the dodecahedron and icosahedron. The authors suggest this geometry can be applied in two forms: a "girded sphere" for mapping and dowsing, and an armillary sphere for astronomical measurement. They note that this form is similar to R. Buckminster Fuller's domes.

Plato's description in the Timaeus of a cosmology based on the five regular volumes is discussed, with tradition associating the cube with earth, tetrahedron with fire, octahedron with air, icosahedron with water, and the dodecahedron with the universe or "prana/aether." Becker and Hagens suggest Plato's "fifth composition" is more complex and based on the dodecahedron, representing Gaia, the living planet Earth. They propose that Plato's noble framework for building the universe unifies all five Platonic solids.

Cairo Alignments for "Hidden Halos"

The article examines the "Jesus Map" (dated 6018 B.C. by Richard J. "Dick" Benson), which depicts the city of Cairo and megaliths like Cheops, Kephren, Mikerinus, and the Sphinx. Benson's work is seen as providing a new framework for historical linguistics and geometry. The map shows angles and measurements that align with the UVG 120 Sphere. The authors suggest that Cairo's geometric site plan, based on angles discovered by Cyr and others, connects sites across continents and is eerily similar to those in the UVG 120 Sphere.

Donald Cyr's work on "Hidden Halos" suggests that ancient sites were aligned to detect atmospheric events. This research requires interdisciplinary cooperation to recreate a holistic approach to understanding ancient lifestyles.

The Expanded Cartography of Admiral Piri Reis

The Piri Reis map (dated 1523 A.D.) and the Buache map (1737) are presented as evidence that early, possibly Pre-Egyptian civilizations possessed advanced mathematical, astronomical, and geophysical skills. Both maps show Antarctica without its ice cover, a feat not achieved by instruments until 1958. The Piri Reis map shows "wind rose" lines converging on Cairo with specific angular divisions, which the authors believe are extensions of site lines and solstice markers around ancient Cairo. They have used their UVG 120 Sphere geometry to attempt to complete the world map originally drawn by Admiral Piri Reis.

The article also discusses the controversial continents of Mu and Pan, noting that maps of these mythical lands, predating geophysical studies, show remarkable patterns that align with contemporary oceanography, such as mountain ridges and continental boundaries.

Sanderson's "Twelve Devil's Graveyards"

Ivan Sanderson's research in the 1960s and 70s identified 12 areas around the globe with magnetic anomalies and energy aberrations linked to strange physical phenomena, including ship and plane disappearances. These areas, equally spaced, form a pattern resembling an icosahedron. The Bermuda Triangle is highlighted as a high-profile area due to traffic, but other zones, like the Devil's Sea east of Japan, are also noted for disappearances and time-warp occurrences. A pilot near the Hawaii zone reported a "dead zone" experience where instruments failed and communication was lost.

Philadelphia Experiment: Grid 'Coincidence'

An editorial note highlights a coincidence discovered while reading "The Philadelphia Experiment" by William Moore and Charles Berlitz. The path of the U.S.S. Eldridge during its alleged time travel and disappearance was found to run close to and parallel with a major grid line connecting the Philadelphia Navy Yard with the Norfolk dock area and extending to a "Bermuda Triangle" point. The editors invite readers to share their thoughts on whether the vessel's alleged journey was on this grid coordinate line.

SITUations and Letters to the Editors

The "SITUations" section (page 88) likely contains updates or news from the Society. "Letters to the Editors" (page 91) provides a platform for member correspondence, and "The Notes of Charles Fort" (page 93) offers a continuation of explorations into the work of Charles Fort.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue of Pursuit are the interconnectedness of ancient geometry, planetary grids, and unexplained phenomena. The magazine champions the investigation of subjects that orthodox science often ignores, encouraging a holistic and open-minded approach. The editorial stance is one of presenting research and evidence from various sources, inviting members to participate and contribute their findings, and fostering a community of inquiry into the unexplained. The journal itself is presented as a quarterly publication dedicated to this pursuit, with a commitment to international copyright protection for its contents.

Title: Pursuit
Issue: 57
Date: Second Quarter 1984

This issue of Pursuit magazine, published in the second quarter of 1984, focuses heavily on the concept of a global "Planetary Grid" and its potential connections to UFO phenomena, ancient civilizations, and unexplained events. The content draws from the work of various researchers, particularly Ivan Sanderson and R. Buckminster Fuller, and utilizes complex geometric models to illustrate the proposed grid system.

The Planetary Grid and Ivan Sanderson's Research

The lozenge-shaped anomalies of electro-magnetic aberration identified by Ivan Sanderson in the late 1960s spurred a worldwide reinvestigation into whole earth geometry. A persistent confusion has been the precise location of equally spaced points that zig-zag the globe at a 36° angle from the equator, representing the angle of incidence with the equator.

Dr. J.J. Hurtak, in "The Book of Knowledge: The Keys of Enoch," proposes areas of artificial and natural time warp zones used for contact by "the Brotherhood." These are explained as natural time-warp contact areas used by the Brotherhood, suggesting a metaphysical theory of a universal pulse that can make time appear to go backward or forward, facilitating the manifestation and disappearance of planes of existence. Sanderson's work is presented as identifying prime spots for such contact.

Ivan Sanderson and his colleagues are credited as contemporary rediscoverers of what Christopher Bird termed the "Planetary Grid" in a 1975 New Age Journal article. Bird's writing highlighted a parallel "morphogenetic" research effort into earth/human origins and grids. This effort was influenced by three Russian researchers: Nikolai Goncharov, Vyacheslav Morozov, and Valery Makarov, who published an article titled "Is the Earth a Large Crystal?" Their work, similar to Sanderson's, outlined a worldwide grid of points, adding 50 more to Sanderson's 12. These points coincided with seismic fracture zones, ocean ridge lines, worldwide atmospheric highs and lows, migratory animal paths, gravitational anomalies, and ancient city sites.

Geometric Models and Russian Research

The tradition of using the overlapping icosahedron/dodecahedron grid, established by the Russians, has been adopted by most grid researchers, with the exception of Captain Bruce Cathie, who uses Fuller's vector equilibrium model (cubeoctahedron). The Russian research, combined with Sanderson's, matched seismic and atmospheric patterns. Themes in predictive science of the grid include dramatic divergences, with "classic geometrics" used to predict physical events and phenomena, following Sanderson's tradition. Athelstan Spilhaus (faults, seismic activity), J.J. Hurtak (time warps, paraphysical grid line connections), and A.M. Davie (coincident events) are mentioned.

Another branch of theory focuses on harmonics. Bruce Cathie charts phenomena grouped under "UFO," while Michael Helus explores a universal theory of harmonics called "Astrosonics," aiming to develop a practical health technology by reactivating cosmic harmonics. John Sinkiewicz theorizes that humanity might be making a mistake by assuming "Nature" is natural, suggesting that earth's energy grid is out of alignment and no longer anchored at the poles. He believes New Age spiritual communities are rediscovering and rebuilding sacred sites to activate this new grid.

Ray Stoner, working with shamans, searches museums and ruins for components of the global "power system" believed to have been centered in the pyramids. His theory is politically revolutionary, as many key "artifacts," like the unusual stone yoke shown in Illustration #13, are found in the collections of the wealthy.

Illustration #13: The Mayan Stone Yoke

Archaeologists hypothesize that Mayan athletes wore "stone yokes" during their games. These yokes, approximately 24" by 18" and 4" wide, are carved from solid granite and weigh several hundred pounds. Ray Stoner notes a resemblance to magnets, with carvings of heads facing opposite directions on the two poles. The object is considered incomplete, possibly requiring an attractive base plate.

Illustration #14: The Dragon Line and Cosmic Egg

The work of Stoner and Sinkiewicz bridges the gap to the work of dowsers, including Christopher Bird and Terry Ross. Thousands of dowsers are uncovering a transcontinental network of lines based on Gaia's flow and the "ley" of the land. This concept is also present in Chinese and Japanese Geomancy, which identifies archetypes of the tiger and dragon in landscapes and uses them for siting buildings to balance forces with underground water and cosmic energy. Dowsers in the US, including Tom Bearden and Ken MacNeill, are pushing grid research into practical "free energy devices."

A New Synthesis: Predictions and Speculations

In 1983, a drawing of the Russian planetary grid from Moira Timms' book "Prophecies and Predictions" immediately brought to mind R. Buckminster Fuller's "nature's comprehensive building system." This drawing, adapted from Chris Bird's article, depicted an "incomplete" geodesic sphere, was the basis for Fuller's geodesic domes and synergetic geometry. By adding 60 lines connecting Sanderson's icosahedron vertices to the added Russian dodecahedron vertices, the Neolithic craftsman's model was duplicated, establishing Fuller's 15 "great circle" polyhedron as a key link in grid ideas. The Russian work in "Chemistry and Life" further supported this.

Illustration #15: EarthStar Map

The EarthStar map was created to be comfortable for audiences oriented to the equatorial linearity of a standard Mercator map. It depicts major river systems, seismic zones, ocean currents, and the lines of the UVG 120 Polyhedron. The sides of the Basic Triangle measure 1400, 2200, and 2600 miles, summing to 6200 miles, or one-quarter of the Earth's circumference. It is believed this map was used by ancient navigators for convenient long-distance travel.

Illustration #16: UVG 4/30 Diamond Centers

The UVG 4/30 Diamond centers on EarthStar are considered fertile zones for research into earth's ancient history due to their geological stability and the presence of advanced cultures. These include complexes in Alexandria/Cairo/Jerusalem (point 1), a potential nuclear waste storage area in Gabon (point 40), the Hopi lands (point 17), Australian aborigine sacred lands (point 44), the British Isles stone circles (point 11), the Ugansk Bay Eskimo art complex (point 9), buried Amazonian cities (point 36), Argentine Tafi megaliths (point 48), Soviet defense research sites (point 5), and the Galapagos Islands (point 34).

The Becker-Hagen Earth Star

This section discusses how the magazine's presentation of the planetary grid evolved from a Russian drawing, leading to a personal "curiosity/compulsion syndrome" for the authors, resulting in a library filled with grid-related information. They met with Chris Bird and received a cascade of information from friends and researchers.

The authors propose that the planetary grid map outlined by Goncharov, Morozov, and Makarov is essentially correct, anchored to the north and south axial poles and the Great Pyramid at Gizeh. They suggest overlaying this with a complex, icosahedrally-derived, spherical polyhedron developed by R. Buckminster Fuller, termed the "Unified Vector Geometry (UVG) 120 Sphere." This form has an elegant organization of 121 "great circles" and 4,862 points. The number 120 refers to the 120 identical triangles composing the spherical polyhedron. The UVG 120 Sphere and Polyhedron use shape names and numbers referring to the quantity of smallest UVG Basic Triangles within a given form.

Illustration #17: Rhombic Triacontahedron Projection

This illustration shows the rhombic triacontahedron projection method developed by R. Buckminster Fuller, continuing the numbering system originally published by Russian researchers. The UVG 4/30 Diamond, used in the EarthStar foldable globe/map, contains 4 Basic Triangles and 30 diamonds, allowing for easier assembly and orientation.

Illustration #18: Basic UVG Triangle

The Basic UVG Triangle, with its 30, 60, and 90-degree angles, defines 120 triangles, 62 major grid points, and 15 major great circles. It features 45 intersection points and 16 lines that manifest 106 minor great circles and 4800 minor points globally. The text provides examples of how minor grid points and lines are identified (e.g., Oxford, England; Italy's boot heel).

Illustration #19: KAL 007 and KAL 902 Incidents

Two incidents involving modern jetliners are presented as evidence of the grid system's influence. On September 1, 1983, KAL 007, en route to Seoul, was diverted from its "Red Route 20" course and located by Soviet radar in Soviet airspace, ultimately being shot down. The plane's geo-compass is described as being pulled off its north bearing by the grid system, energizing the magnetic odometer and accelerating the plane's travel.

Similarly, on April 20, 1978, KAL 902, flying from Paris to Anchorage, was diverted by an energized line running from the Bermuda Triangle. The plane's bearing shifted significantly, and it was shot down by a Russian missile near Murmansk.

These incidents, involving sophisticated aircraft following computerized navigational systems, are presented as examples of how they drifted off course and followed minor grid lines, leading to their destruction by Russian pilots. The magazine predicts future incidents of this nature.

The "Predictable Physical Pattern"

Ivan Sanderson theorized a "predictable physical pattern" of energy events working through the planetary grid system. This pattern was discovered in a different context by R. Buckminster Fuller, who presented evidence that micro-photography of balloon skin layers, under near-ideal conditions, produced visible patterns identical to the UVG 120 Sphere surface structure. This is attributed to interior gas molecules ricocheting off the inner surface, creating "great circle" patterns of "shortest distance" frequency. The analogy is drawn to the Earth's formation from clustered gravitational packing of cosmic dust particles and gases, suggesting that the lines of vectorial energy hypothesized to be transiting the Earth's surface are comparable.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue are the interconnectedness of geometry, energy fields, and unexplained phenomena. The editorial stance appears to be one of advocating for the exploration and understanding of these complex, often esoteric, concepts. The magazine presents the Planetary Grid theory not as mere speculation but as a framework for understanding historical mysteries, technological advancements (like free energy devices), and even potential future events. There is a strong emphasis on the predictive power of geometric models and the idea that ancient civilizations may have understood and utilized these energy systems. The magazine positions itself as a disseminator of cutting-edge, albeit unconventional, research, encouraging readers to consider these theories as valid avenues of inquiry.

This issue of Pursuit magazine, dated Second Quarter 1984, features a collection of articles exploring theories related to ancient civilizations, unexplained phenomena, and scientific hypotheses. The cover story, "Was It An Extraterrestrial Spacecraft? A Curious Sixteenth Century Woodcut," by Luis Schoenherr, examines a historical woodcut and interprets it as a depiction of an alien craft.

Article: Electromagnetic Band Widths and Megalithic Sites

The issue begins with a discussion of R. Buckminster Fuller's concept of electromagnetic band widths and their potential connection to a "hidden master pattern" in the UVG 120 Sphere. The author suggests that this principle might have been used by ancient peoples for forecasting events, citing experiments that were deemed too dangerous to repeat. The article draws parallels between this theory and the "Russian crystal earth concept," which posits that the Earth retains a deep crystal structure with energy concentrated at its edges and vertices. Satellite imagery is mentioned as having documented thermal/structural energy developments along these edges. The text also connects these ideas to Megalithic sites, proposing that ancient constructions correspond to an "infrastructure" for a planetary grid. Evidence from the United States and Peru, such as mounds and Nazca lines, is presented as further support for this theory, suggesting that past cultures were aware of and attuned to the energies of the UVG 120 Sphere.

Further exploration of this planetary grid concept is presented through "Illustration #21," which shows "unobstructed minor grid energy lines" focusing into a "Basic Triangle corner in the British Isles," a region with a high clustering of megaliths. "Illustration #22" maps a "transcontinental system of energy ley lines" published by Golin Bloy, which shows a diamond pattern superimposed on Europe and North Africa. This pattern is noted to correspond with the UVG 120 Sphere, with various locations in Europe, including Oxford, Berlin, and Chartres, identified within specific triangles of the grid.

"Illustration #23" presents a diagram of the "Sefirotic Tree of the Kabbalah" overlaid on a map of the Middle East and Africa, suggesting a connection between sacred geography and the tree's structure. The text explains that the "trees" can represent "chakras in the body of universal man, the Anthropos" and that there are "extended trees" that create chains and great circles across the sphere, akin to electromagnetic band widths. This concept is linked to the work of Robert Gulick and John Michell, who have explored "harmony of the spheres" and ley lines.

Captain Bruce Cathie, an airline pilot and grid researcher, is mentioned for his theories on the grid's harmonic pattern and its relation to UFO phenomena. The article notes that the UVG 120 Polyhedron shifts back and forth with the cubeoctahedron, which Cathie uses to map UFO phenomena, suggesting a connection to the "heartbeat of Gaia." The text also speculates that ancient holidays and feasts were timed to coincide with grid and solar system energy fields, citing the tragedies of KAL 007 and KAL 902 as occurring during significant holiday periods. The stone polyhedra are suggested to have served as charts for travelers navigating energy points on the grid.

Footnotes provide additional context, including references to a publication called "The Crystal's Dance," the work of Jeffrey Goodman on "psychic archaeology," and the contributions of Robert Cowley and A.M. Davie. The issue also includes a detailed "CHART: Becker-Hagens Planetary Grid System Coordinates," listing numerous geographical locations with their latitude and longitude, presumably corresponding to points on the planetary grid.

Article: When the Moon Is In Perigee: Hypothesis of a Soviet Scientist

This section introduces a hypothesis by Soviet scientist Dr. A. E. Elkin, translated from an article in ISVESTIA. The hypothesis attempts to explain unexplained disappearances in areas like the Bermuda Triangle and a similar zone between Japan and the Philippines. Dr. Elkin's research, based on statistics of airplane disappearances, suggests a correlation with the astronomic activity of the Earth, Moon, and Sun. He posits that the Earth's distorted shape and its orbit cause changing influences from the sun and moon, with the strongest effects occurring in June and December. The hypothesis specifically links disasters to periods when the moon is close to perigee, causing tidal forces to shift the Earth's ionized magma and create magnetic anomalies. These anomalies could affect gyroscopes, clocks, and electronic equipment on planes and ships. Dr. Elkin suggests that these natural forces could also cause earthquakes and seaquakes. The article lists specific periods in 1976 and 1977 as potentially dangerous for "Triangle" areas and predicts earthquakes in various regions, including Turkey, New Zealand, Japan, South America, and California. The writer notes that a predicted earthquake in Turkey at the end of November 1976 did occur.

Article: Was It An Extraterrestrial Spacecraft? A Curious Sixteenth Century Woodcut

This article, by Luis Schoenherr, examines a sixteenth-century woodcut and proposes that it depicts an extraterrestrial spacecraft. The author dismisses the idea that the figures are merely fantastical animals, pointing to a realistic rendering of a comet in the upper left margin. The woodcut shows a strange, torpedo-shaped object in the sky with a figure resembling a "man in the moon" with a transparent visor, and a naked human body in the rear. A cone of rays emanates from the object's belly, containing images of buildings and faces, which the author interprets as a three-dimensional, hologram-like projection. The presence of ecclesiastical authorities is noted, suggesting the event was perceived as supernatural. The article acknowledges that the woodcut was used to illustrate an astrologically inspired forecast for the year 1524, which predicted "many astounding things" due to planetary conjunctions. The "fish" motif is explained by the conjunction of celestial bodies in Pisces, the sign of the Fishes.

Article: Life Force, Psychokinesis and the Electric Girl

Dr. Michael D. Swords writes about the historical fascination with "Life Force" and its potential to influence material objects. He discusses the "Electric Girl" phenomenon of the 1840s, involving a French girl named Angelique Cottin, who exhibited unusual electrical abilities. The article frames this within the context of the early nineteenth century, a period of imagination and creativity where strict empiricism was often supplemented by intuition and expansive visions. Researchers like Davy, Faraday, Oersted, and Galvani explored the "Correlation of Forces," seeking a unity in Nature's phenomena. The concept of "will power" and the mind's connection to physical forces are discussed, with astronomer royal John Herschel locating the source of these forces in the "Will of God." Baron von Reichenbach's work on a quasi-material "odylic force" is also mentioned, though described as a "nebulous dream." The "Electric Girl" case is presented as a significant, though controversial, piece of evidence from this era, occurring during a time when establishment science was becoming more conservative.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

This issue of Pursuit magazine consistently explores the intersection of ancient knowledge, unexplained phenomena, and speculative science. Recurring themes include the existence of planetary grids and energy lines, the possibility of extraterrestrial contact, and the search for underlying natural laws that govern both the cosmos and human experience. The magazine appears to adopt an open-minded, investigative stance, presenting hypotheses and interpretations that challenge conventional scientific paradigms. There is a clear interest in ancient cultures and their potential understanding of advanced concepts, as well as a willingness to consider unconventional explanations for anomalous events.

Title: Pursuit
Issue: Second Quarter 1984
Publisher: Pursuit
Country: USA
Language: English
ISSN: 0033-4062

This issue of Pursuit magazine, dated Second Quarter 1984, features a diverse range of articles exploring unexplained phenomena, from scientific investigations into ball lightning to reports on UFOs, cryptozoology, and spontaneous human combustion. The magazine adopts a Fortean perspective, examining evidence and hypotheses with a blend of scientific inquiry and open-mindedness.

Solving The Mystery of Ball Lightning - a Military/Scientific Imperative

By Harry Lebelson, this article delves into the phenomenon of ball lightning, referencing a 1984 Agence France-Presse report of a 'ball of fire-like lightning' entering a Soviet airliner. The article highlights ongoing research in both the Soviet Union and the United States, particularly the Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency (DARPA), which is investigating directed energy weapons and their potential to create ball lightning-like phenomena. Research by Battelle Laboratories aimed to understand probable hazards and explore theoretical explanations for ball lightning, including self-contained and continuously energized theories. The study concluded that while a bona fide, long-lasting artificial ball lightning has not yet been produced, monitoring Soviet research is crucial. Recommendations include using metallic hollow structures as escape channels for dangerous fireballs. The article notes that some of DARPA's recommendations have been adopted to lessen hazards in testing directed energy weapons and electrical railguns.

The Infrared Factor

By John A. Keel, this piece explores the concept of infrared vision and its potential relevance to Fortean phenomena. Keel explains how infrared radiation is heat, invisible to the human eye, but detectable by specialized devices and certain animals. He suggests that creatures like Bigfoot and phantom black panthers might possess infrared vision, explaining their attraction to heat sources like air conditioners or hot car hoods. The article posits that this infrared sensitivity could also be a factor in UFO encounters, with Ufonauts potentially being blind to the visible spectrum and operating in the infrared. Keel also touches on the idea of 'magnetic' names and places, and the potential for 'windows' where paranormal activity is more likely.

The Nebraska UFO-Cryptozoology Conference

Reported by Michael D. Swords, this section details a conference held in November 1983. The event featured prominent figures such as J. Allen Hynek and Roy Mackal, covering topics like cryptozoology, spontaneous human combustion, and UFOs. Dr. Mackal presented research on 'Mokele Mbembe,' a dinosaur-like creature in the Congo, and discussed lake monsters, suggesting correlations with salmon influx. He also touched upon the 'Octopus Giganteus Verrill' and potential 'Saurian' discoveries in South America. Loren Coleman explored 'magnetic' names and places, while Larry Arnold discussed spontaneous human combustion (SHC), presenting gruesome case details and various hypotheses for its cause. J. Allen Hynek defined the 'UFO Phenomenon' based on report volume, number of percipients, and the content of reports, emphasizing the difficulty in evaluation. Walter Andrus presented 'classic close encounters,' including the McMinnville Disk Photo, an abduction case near Emory, Texas, and the Delphos, Kansas landing trace. The section also touches upon the 'Cash-Landrum' case, involving a UFO sighting and subsequent health damage, and the controversial 'Billy Meier' case, deemed a hoax.

Missing disks, time, and mutilators tales from the Dark Side

This section continues the conference report. Len Stringfield's paper on crashed saucers and hidden humanoids, presented by Ray Boeche, is discussed, noting the alleged involvement of a bio-specialist in autopsies. The section then focuses on animal mutilations, with Linda Moulton Howe's presentation on 'Strange Harvest.' The article outlines the characteristics of mutilations, the scale of the problem in the U.S. (particularly in Colorado), and official statements acknowledging the issue. Hypotheses for mutilations are explored, including extraterrestrial bio-testing, government secrecy, satanic cults, pranksters, and natural predators. The lack of clues at mutilation sites and the correlation with nuclear technology sites are highlighted, leaving the cause uncertain.

GRANDFATHER IS HERE TO STAY

By Sarah Fitzjarrald, this is a personal narrative about her grandfather, Solomon Jackson, a physician who died in 1887. The author recounts inheriting his medical journals from 1867 and a set of 'System of Surgery' books by Samuel D. Gross, copyrighted 1866. She details the serendipitous discovery of her grandfather's name stamped in the surgery books, a moment of personal connection to her family history.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue of Pursuit are the investigation of unexplained phenomena, the intersection of science and the paranormal, and the role of government secrecy in obscuring the truth. The magazine consistently presents evidence, eyewitness accounts, and scientific hypotheses, encouraging readers to consider possibilities beyond conventional explanations. The editorial stance appears to be one of critical inquiry, acknowledging the limitations of current scientific understanding while advocating for continued research into Fortean subjects. There is a clear emphasis on the importance of evidence, even when it challenges established paradigms, and a skepticism towards easy explanations or hoaxes that might discredit genuine phenomena.

This issue of Pursuit magazine, dated Second Quarter 1984, focuses on a variety of curious and unexplained events, UFO sightings, and historical mysteries. The cover story, "SITUations," encourages reader submissions of newsclippings and reports deemed responsible.

Personal Anecdotes and Family History

The issue opens with a personal account of acquiring a grandfather's books and mustache cup, which leads to reflections on coincidences and unexplained events surrounding his death and the disappearance and reappearance of his belongings. The author shares memories of her grandmother and emphasizes that these events are presented as further offerings in the realm of the unexplained, without attempting definitive explanations.

International Mysteries and Discoveries

An addendum to a previous article discusses new data on French sunken cities, referencing Dr. Dimitri Rebikoff's work on the Bimini Road and other submerged sites. It mentions a tantalizing reference to a recently discovered sunken city off the coast of St. Tropez, France, potentially linked to the legendary drowned metropolis of Ker Ys.

SITUations: A Collection of Unexplained Events

This section presents a series of brief reports on unusual occurrences:

• Mystery Gas Detected in Pyramid: Egyptian army experts investigated a mysterious gas seeping from the pyramid of Chephren, which caused eye irritation and breathing difficulties for tourists. The gas was believed to have dissipated, and tests were needed to determine its origin.
• Extinct Bird Reported at Reserve: The white-tailed sea eagle, thought extinct, was discovered in a newly designated nature reserve in northeast China.
• Professor Claims Answer to Mystery of Pyramids: Hans Goedicke, a professor at Johns Hopkins University, proposed a theory that the great pyramids of Egypt were built on a plateau at Giza due to a combination of earthly terrain, kingly megalomania, and sun worship, linking them to Heliopolis and the benben stone.
• Lightning Deaths Blamed on Witches: In Johannesburg, South Africa, tribal "diviners" blamed alleged witches for a lightning strike that killed 13 girls, leading to fears of retribution.
• Huge Dinosaur Bone Found in California: The largest dinosaur bone ever discovered in Southern California, a three-foot-long upper thigh of a duckbill dinosaur, was unearthed at a construction site in Carlsbad. The bone is estimated to be 70 million years old.
• Robertson Kangaroo Sightings Probed: A 6-foot-tall kangaroo was spotted on Highway 49 in Robertson, described as making 10-foot-high bounces.

Scientific and Historical Investigations

• 'Christ Cloth' Blood Same as on Shroud: Dr. Alan D. Whanger, a shroud expert, presented evidence suggesting that bloodstains on a cloth believed to have been placed on Jesus Christ's face came from the same person whose impression is on the Shroud of Turin. He also believes an explanation for the shroud's image is close.
• Goliath a Pushover?: A theory proposed in the New England Journal of Medicine suggests that Goliath may have suffered from a rare growth disorder (multiple endocrine neoplasia) that made him a giant but also vulnerable to a small rock.
• Bobolinks May Use Built-in Compass: Researchers have found tiny bits of iron oxide in the heads of bobolinks, suggesting they may use it as a magnetic compass during migration, possibly in conjunction with celestial navigation.
• Mass Fish 'Suicide' Puzzle to Biologists: Millions of anchovies invaded Santa Cruz Harbor, causing them to suffocate due to depleted oxygen levels. This phenomenon has occurred multiple times in the harbor's history.
• Nevada Bigfoot Report: A Nevada motorcyclist reported spotting a 7-foot creature resembling Bigfoot while riding on a highway.
• Massa the Ape: Massa, the world's oldest captive gorilla at 52, survived a life-threatening tooth infection. Plans are in place to study his brain and organs after his passing to understand aging.
• 'Deathstar' Seen as Comet-spewer: Scientists propose the existence of a 'deathstar' that showers Earth with comets every 28 million years, potentially causing mass extinctions, including that of the dinosaurs.
• Meteorite Hints at Life in Space: Scientists discovered amino acids from a meteorite that struck China, indicating the possibility of life on other planets.
• From "The Golden Hind": An excerpt discusses a story about Elizabeth Sydenham and Sir Francis Drake, involving a cannonball and a possible meteorite.

Letters to the Editors

J.N. Williamson writes about Zecharia Sitchin's "Earth Chronicles and the Giza Forgery," exploring the concept of Nefilim and their potential attributes, suggesting they possessed a sense of humor, were literate, venerated a Creator, and preferred peace.

Situations (Continued)

• Nebraska Conference: Reports on two hypnotic regression cases linking UFOs with "cattle-napping" and emotional human abduction.
• Rock Markings are Perplexing: Soviet scientists investigated hexagonal rock markings near Ukhta, concluding they were made by the head of a bolt with digits '8' and '4' pressed into them, but the origin of the bolt remained unexplained.
• The Man Who Never Dreams: An Israeli scientist documented a case of dreamless sleep in a 33-year-old subject, possibly caused by a tiny bit of shrapnel lodged in his brain.

Scientific Reports and Corrections

• Satellites Reveal Ancient Mayan Cities: Satellite remote-sensing data led to the discovery of two ancient Mayan cities in southern Mexico, identified as possibly Oxpemul and another previously unknown site.
• Pyramids Are Not Made of Polymers, Say Experts: Researchers at a symposium on archaeometry expressed skepticism towards Joseph Davidovits' theory that ancient monuments were constructed from man-made stone using a low-temperature polymerization process.
• Corrections: A list of corrections for a previous article by Mr. Nelli on "Energy and Paranormal Phenomena" is provided.

The Notes of Charles Fort

This section, deciphered by Carl J. Pabst, is a chronological catalog of unusual events, phenomena, and sightings from the 19th century, meticulously detailing dates, locations, and brief descriptions of occurrences such as earthquakes, meteors, auroras, strange sounds, and other unexplained phenomena. It serves as a historical record of Fortean observations.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The magazine consistently features reports on unexplained phenomena, UFOs, ancient mysteries, and fringe science. The editorial stance appears to be one of open inquiry, presenting various accounts and theories without necessarily endorsing them, encouraging readers to send in their own observations. The inclusion of Charles Fort's notes suggests a historical perspective on anomalous events and a commitment to documenting the unusual.

Title: THE SOCIETY FOR THE INVESTIGATION OF THE UNEXPLAINED

Issue: Vol. 1, No. 4

Date: September 1968

Publisher: The Society for the Investigation of The Unexplained

Country: USA

Language: English

ISSN: 0033-4685

Cover Headline: The Planetary Grid: A New Synthesis

This issue of Pursuit, dated September 1968, marks Vol. 1, No. 4 and the formal adoption of the abbreviation SITU as the designation of the Society. The cover features a striking graphic titled "The Planetary Grid: A New Synthesis," presenting two stylized globes overlaid with a complex geometric grid.

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, F.L.S., F.R.G.S., F.Z.S., in association with other distinguished authors. Its purpose was to create a "foundation" for the exposition and research of the paranormal, focusing on "disquieting mysteries of the natural world." To encourage participation from professionals and interested non-professionals, the steering group decided to publish a newsletter. The first issue was released in May 1967. The response, while not overwhelming, was encouraging enough to confirm public interest in their work.

Newsletter No. 2, dated March 1968, outlined new plans for the Sanderson foundation, envisioning a larger structure to be called the Society for the Investigation of The Unexplained, with official documents filed with the New Jersey Secretary of State. The name proved prophetic, as Dr. Sanderson later titled one of his books "Investigating the Unexplained," published in 1972 and dedicated to the Society.

In June 1968, another publication was issued, this time with "Pursuit" displayed as the main title and "newsletter" as a subtitle. By Vol. 1, No. 4 in September 1968 (which incorporated the "fourth Society newsletter"), the abbreviation SITU was formally adopted. This issue also introduced the Scientific Advisory Board, listing the names and affiliations of its members. Administrative content was reduced to the final four pages of the twenty-page issue.

Content Highlights

The September 1968 issue featured investigative reporting on several phenomena. These included the reported capture of "a great armadillo (6 feet long, 3 feet high)" in Argentina, the concept of instant transportation of solid objects "from one place to another and even through solids," an investigation into the attack on the famed University of Colorado UFO Project headed by Dr. Edward U. Condon, and updated information on "ringing rocks" and "stone spheres."

Governing and Scientific Advisory Boards

The Governing Board is listed with Robert C. Warth as President, Gregory Arend as Vice-President, and Nancy L. Warth as Secretary and Treasurer. Trustees include Gregory Arend, Steven N. Mayne, Nancy L. Warth, Robert C. Warth, Martin Wiegler, and Albena Zwerver.

The Scientific Advisory Board comprises a diverse group of professionals from various fields:

• Dr. George A. Agogino (Director of Anthropology Museums, Eastern New Mexico University)
• Dr. Carl H. Delacato (Director, The Institute for the Rehabilitation of the Brain Injured)
• Dr. J. Allen Hynek (Director, Lindheimer Astronomical Research Center, Northwestern University)
• Dr. Martin Kruskal (Program in Applied Mathematics, Princeton University)
• Dr. Samuel B. McDowell (Professor of Biology, Rutgers the State University)
• Dr. Vladimir Markotic (Professor of Anthropology, University of Alberta)
• Dr. John R. Napier (Unit of Primate Biology, Queen Elizabeth College, University of London)
• Dr. Michael A. Persinger (Professor, Department of Psychology, Laurentian University)
• Dr. Frank B. Salisbury (Plant Science Department, Utah State University)
• Dr. Berthold Eric Schwarz (Consultant, National Institute for Rehabilitation Engineering)
• Dr. Roger W. Wescott (Professor and Chairman, Department of Anthropology, Drew University)
• Dr. A. Joseph Wraight (Chief Geographer, U.S. Coast and Geodetic Survey)
• Dr. Robert K. Zuck (Professor and Chairman, Department of Botany, Drew University)

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The publication's core mission is the investigation of the unexplained and paranormal phenomena. The editorial stance appears to be one of encouraging professional and public interest in these "disquieting mysteries of the natural world." The inclusion of a broad Scientific Advisory Board suggests an effort to approach these topics with a degree of scientific rigor and interdisciplinary perspective. The content of this issue, focusing on specific cases and broader concepts like the "Planetary Grid," indicates a commitment to reporting on a wide range of unusual subjects.