Pursuit - No 70 - Vol 18 No 2 - 1985

Magazine Overview

Title: Pursuit
Issue: Volume 18, Number 2, Whole No. 70
Date: Second Quarter 1985
Publisher: The Society for the Investigation of The Unexplained (SITU)
Tagline: 'Science is the Pursuit of the Unexplained'

This issue of Pursuit magazine, published by SITU, focuses heavily on a detailed case study of presumed telekinetic abilities, alongside a variety of other articles on unexplained phenomena.

K: A Presumed Case of Telekinesis

The lead article, "K: A Presumed Case of Telekinesis," by Berthold E. Schwarz, M.D., presents a psychiatrist's observations of a 25-year-old unemployed foundry worker, identified as 'K' (later revealed as Joe A. Nuzum), who allegedly demonstrated control over telekinetic faculties over several months in 1984. The report details numerous experiments conducted in Vero Beach, Florida, and Pennsylvania, some of which were recorded on videotape and audiotape. K, who also possessed skills in escapes and sleight-of-hand, reportedly performed feats such as bending metal objects (knives, keys, screwdrivers, coins, nails), stopping clock pendulums, influencing electronic timepieces, and causing lights to dim. He also claimed to have telekinetically 'zapped' insects, making them lifeless, and shattered glass, even sustaining an eye injury from flying fragments.

Schwarz describes K's history, including his family background, educational difficulties, and lifelong ambition to be involved with magic, which later merged with an interest in psychical phenomena. K's psychodynamic makeup is characterized as passive, with the ability to enter a trance-like state for his demonstrations. Despite intact memory, his general cognitive skills were not highly developed. He was described as courteous, warm, responsive, and having a gentle sense of humor, though he was a 'night owl' and preferred the quiet of the night for his experiments.

The article meticulously documents K's experiments chronologically from January 13 to January 21, 1984. These included bending a knife handle, successfully opening a combination lock via trance-induced scribbles, influencing a pendulum, and bending a key. Spontaneous effects were also noted, such as a travel alarm clock's hand bending and a television light blowing out during an experiment. K also attempted, with mixed success, to influence matches, paperclips, and a dollar bill. The report mentions attempts at thoughtographic Polaroid shots and telepathic tests, with partial success.

Schwarz notes that K's abilities were not easily duplicated by others and that he was willing to submit to further objective testing. The article also touches upon K's emotional state, which fluctuated between success and despair, and his need for a supportive environment. The investigation involved other individuals, including the psychic Uri Geller, who contacted the author, and various witnesses to K's demonstrations.

Other Articles

The issue also features a diverse range of articles:

• "How Chemistry Tracked the Prehistoric Amber Trail" by Professor Curt W. Beck.
• "The Bermuda Triangle: What's Left When the Wreckage Settles?" by Michael D. Swords.
• "Captures and Stranding of Monsters in Loch Ness, Part II" by Ulrich Magin.
• "The Newark Works - Key to a Lost Technology" by K. W. Moak.
• "'Phantom Hitchhikers Haunt World's Highways and Roads'" by Harry Lebelson.
• "The Tzolkin: An Interpretation" by Stuart W. Greenwood.
• "Our Mexican Ancestors" by Maurice Chatelain.
• "Porphyria - Can it Explain Vampires and Werewolves?" by Eric S. Held.
• "Meet E.T. in St. Louis" by Michael D. Swords.
• **"Two Explanations of Zombies - two related SITUations."
• **"SITUations"
• **"The Notes of Charles Fort - Deciphered by Carl J. Pabst."

Society Information and Publications

Page 2 provides details about SITU, its purpose, membership benefits (including the journal PURSUIT), and operations. It clarifies that SITU does not hold political or religious views and that opinions expressed in PURSUIT are those of the individual authors. Contributions to SITU are noted as tax-deductible.

Page 3 contains the table of contents and a brief editorial note about the lead article on Dr. Berthold Schwarz and his investigation of 'K.' It also includes a correction regarding a previous issue's citation.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring theme throughout the issue is the exploration of unexplained phenomena, with a particular emphasis on parapsychology and psychic abilities in the lead article. The editorial stance, as indicated by the society's name and tagline, is one of scientific inquiry into subjects that lie outside the scope of conventional science. The magazine aims to collect, investigate, and report on such phenomena, encouraging member participation through articles and letters. The focus on detailed case studies, like the one on telekinesis, suggests a commitment to presenting empirical data and observations, even when dealing with controversial subjects.

This issue of Pursuit, dated Second Quarter 1985, delves into a variety of anomalous phenomena, with a strong focus on telekinesis, the Bermuda Triangle, and the application of chemistry in archaeology. The magazine features articles by Michael D. Swords, Curt W. Beck, and William Corliss, among others, presenting research and case studies.

Telekinetic Experiments with Subject K

The issue extensively documents experiments with a subject identified as 'K', who exhibits presumed telekinetic abilities. Over nine days in Florida and two and a half days in Pennsylvania, K demonstrated various feats. These included telekinetically opening a combination padlock, correctly identifying ESP cards, levitating a penny, stopping the second hand of a Timex quartz clock, and altering the time on a watch. The experiments were often videotaped and conducted under varying conditions, with varying degrees of success. The author notes that K was only successful at certain times and under certain conditions, suggesting a possible link to psychological states or environmental factors.

Further accounts detail K's attempts to telekinetically affect pennies, causing one to levitate. Loud metallic sounds and the movement of objects were reported during these sessions. K also reportedly caused a glass tumbler and a desk calendar to fall. His ability to affect inanimate objects was also observed with a Timex quartz clock, where the second hand stopped for over 25 seconds. At a Fortean phenomena association, K reportedly 'zapped' a precision ratemeter, causing significant increases in counts. He also demonstrated an ability to influence a spring-wound Timex watch, changing its hands. Other attempts, such as levitating a quarter under a glass or bending metal, had mixed results.

Affidavits from individuals like Dwayne Bastian, a magician, and others corroborate K's abilities, describing feats such as shattering glass, making a dollar bill rise, stopping pendulums, and influencing magnets. The article also touches upon the potential for K's abilities to be used in a detrimental manner, citing an instance where a dove reportedly died after K 'zapped' it.

The Bermuda Triangle: What's Left When the Wreckage Settles?

Michael D. Swords critically examines the Bermuda Triangle phenomenon, moving beyond the sensationalism to analyze witness testimonies and potential explanations. He notes that while many cases are anecdotal and difficult to verify, a pattern of electromagnetic effects seems to emerge. Swords suggests that phenomena such as engine failures, instrument malfunctions, and physiological effects on experiencers could be attributed to widespread electromagnetic interference, potentially explaining aerial and boating accidents.

The article references research on 'Close Encounters of the Second Kind' (CEIIK) cases involving UFOs, which often report tangible effects on vehicles and environments. Rodeghier's study of 441 CEIIK cases indicated effects like engine and light failures, increased heat, static in the air, and partial paralysis. The 'Persinger hypothesis' is also discussed, which posits that earth-stress forces create local EM fields that can affect the brain, potentially explaining pilot errors and UFO phenomena.

A table (Table 1) lists numerous 'witness cases' associated with the Bermuda Triangle, detailing the type of aircraft or boat, year, and reported anomalous phenomena, including clear air turbulence, electrical drainage, compass effects, boiler failures, odd clouds, and lightning.

How Chemistry Tracked the Prehistoric Amber Trail

Professor Curt W. Beck explains the symbiotic relationship between chemistry and archaeology, highlighting how chemical analysis can determine the origin of ancient artifacts. The article focuses on amber, a valuable trading item throughout prehistoric Europe. By analyzing the infrared spectra of amber samples, chemists can distinguish between different fossil resins and trace their geographical sources.

The research team at Vassar College analyzed over 3,500 amber finds, revealing extensive trade networks dating back to the Late Palaeolithic period. The principal trade route to Greece during the Bronze Age led from Denmark to the Eastern Aegean, with raw amber being shipped and worked in Italy during the Iron Age. Chemical identification through infrared spectroscopy provides the essential basis for understanding these complex trade networks.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The magazine consistently explores anomalous phenomena, presenting them with a degree of scientific inquiry, even when dealing with the speculative. The editorial stance appears to be one of open-minded investigation into reported psychic abilities, UFO sightings, and historical mysteries, while also seeking rational explanations, such as electromagnetic effects or chemical analysis. There is an emphasis on collecting data, analyzing patterns, and encouraging further scientific study of these phenomena. The articles often cite previous research and encourage readers to explore related works.

This issue of Pursuit magazine, dated Second Quarter 1985, features a diverse range of articles exploring mysteries and unconventional theories. The cover highlights two main features: "Captures and Stranding of Monsters In Loch Ness, Part II" by Ulrich Magin, and "Phantom Hitchhikers Haunt World's Highways and Roads" by Harry Lebelson. Additionally, there is an in-depth analysis of ancient structures titled "The Newark Works: Key to a Lost Technology?" by K. W. Moak, and an interpretation of the Maya calendar, "The Tzolkin: An Interpretation" by Stuart W. Greenwood.

Captures and Stranding of Monsters In Loch Ness, Part II

Ulrich Magin continues his investigation into the Loch Ness Monster, presenting further facts discovered since his previous article. He references the Berliner lustrierte Zeitung's description of the "Neosaurus" as a 31-meter-long, 7.8-meter-high creature weighing 36 tons, with measurements allegedly taken by engineers from the Technical University of Edinburgh. Magin discusses two strandings recorded during the 1933-34 peak sighting period, both from the Inverness Firth, which led to speculation that Nessie might be a marine animal visiting the loch. He recounts an incident where a seal caught off Avpch was claimed by sceptics to be the monster, a claim denied by the Northern Chronicle. Another case involved a 13-foot silver-grey sea serpent trapped off Findhorm, identified as an oarfish by Sir Alexander Gordon-Cumming, a theory also refuted by the Inverness Courier. Magin mentions a claim by a German party that they captured the monster and displayed it in Bavaria, suggesting it might be a hoax from the Berliner Illustrierte Zeitung. He also discusses the supposed claw of "Nessie" described by Tim Dinsdale, which appeared in the Northern Chronicle in 1937. The photograph showed what looked like a crocodile's foot, 18 inches long with thick, hard skin and 4-inch talons, leading to the conclusion it was indeed a crocodile's foot, possibly a stuffed one. Magin expresses difficulty in finding any mention of a 1942 basking-shark carcass in Loch Ness in the Inverness Courier, suggesting it might be an American invention. He debunks the myth that Loch Ness "never gives up its dead," citing reports of drowned bodies washed ashore in the Inverness Courier.

The Newark Works: Key to a Lost Technology?

K. W. Moak presents a radical interpretation of the Newark Works, an ancient Native American earthwork complex in Ohio, as a functional waveguide circuit for manipulating unknown energy. He notes the growing tendency among anomalists to see ancient structures as devices for manipulating unknown energies, but highlights the lack of recognizable analogues to conventional EM manipulation devices. Moak argues that any recognizable energy must have specific characteristics like transferability, attenuation, velocity, and oscillation, which are difficult to reconcile with prehistoric structures. However, he identifies the Newark Works as a significant exception due to its pattern resembling a waveguide circuit used in microwave technology. A waveguide, he explains, is a system of conducting elements based on geometry, used for EM manipulation. Moak illustrates how various features of the Newark Works, based on surveys from 1837-47, correspond to waveguide components such as resonant cavities, stubs, irises, and attenuators. He points out the precise geometry and interconnectedness of the works, suggesting a deliberate plan. Moak challenges the conventional archaeological view of the works as sites for ritual activities, arguing that their size, closed geometry, and peculiar features are more consistent with an electronic analogue function. He suggests that the dimensions of the avenues (20 feet wide) could correspond to half the wavelength of an unknown energy, implying a frequency of 27.5 Hz and a slower propagation velocity than EM. Moak speculates that the energy might not be electromagnetic, as the works are constructed of materials (clay, soil, brick) that are insulators for EM energy. He proposes that the energy could be sound, given the conductivity of hard-packed walls to sound waves and the potential role of Raccoon Creek's moving water as a source of low-frequency vibrations. He concludes that the Newark Works might hold the key to understanding ancient energy manipulation, potentially accessible through modern reconstruction.

Phantom Hitchhikers Haunt World's Highways and Roads

Harry Lebelson explores the phenomenon of "Phantom Hitchhikers," spectral figures who appear on roadsides and vanish inexplicably. He recounts the experience of Mae Doria in Oklahoma in 1965, who picked up a young boy who disappeared from her car. Doria noted the boy's unusual lack of a coat in winter. Two years later, a gas man recognized the location of her encounter and mentioned hearing a similar story from 1936. The article also details Terri Walsh's encounter with a hitchhiker holding a sign that read "Home," who urged her to go home to her father, after which he vanished. Walsh found her father had suffered a heart attack, and he later commented that he wouldn't have had a chance without her. A well-documented case from England during World War 2 involved Charles Bordeaux, an OSI officer, investigating a report of a ghost pilot hitchhiker. A security guard at Lakenheath Air Force Base claimed to have fired at a figure running across the flight line, who then disappeared, but the bullet struck and killed a mechanic. The phenomenon is presented as relatively new but with historical precedents.

The Tzolkin: An Interpretation

Stuart W. Greenwood offers a new interpretation of the Maya Tzolkin, or "Sacred Round," a 260-day count integral to the Maya calendar. He notes that no obvious astronomical cycle matches this period and explores various explanations, including the synodic period of Mars or the interval between conception and birth. Greenwood suggests a Venus-centered perspective, proposing that the 260-day period might represent the orbital period of a hypothetical planet between Earth and Venus, or the synodic period of a planet relative to Venus. He examines Bode's Law, noting its predictive accuracy for planetary distances, and highlights the anomaly of a missing planet at 2.8 A.U. between Mars and Jupiter, where the asteroid belt is located. Greenwood discusses the Umlands' scenario of extraterrestrials from outside the solar system (the Maya) establishing bases on Earth and a hypothetical "Planet X." He suggests that the Maya were preserving a calendar from their original home planet, which orbited closer to the Sun than Earth. His investigation points to a planet at 2.74 A.U. from the Sun with a 260-day synodic period relative to Venus, which aligns reasonably well with Bode's Law prediction. He concludes that the 260-day count's sacredness to the Maya, their focus on Venus, and the calculated planetary distance provide cumulative support for this interpretation, suggesting a connection to ancient space flight and extraterrestrial influence.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

This issue of Pursuit magazine consistently explores themes of unexplained phenomena, ancient mysteries, and unconventional interpretations of historical events and artifacts. The editorial stance appears to favor open-minded investigation into subjects often dismissed by mainstream science, such as UFOs, cryptids (Loch Ness Monster), and alternative theories about ancient civilizations and their technologies. The magazine encourages readers to consider possibilities beyond conventional explanations, presenting detailed arguments and evidence for these speculative theories. The articles collectively suggest a world where hidden histories, unknown energies, and potential extraterrestrial influences may have played significant roles in shaping human civilization and its understanding of the universe.

This issue of Pursuit magazine, dated Second Quarter 1985, features a diverse range of articles exploring ancient mysteries, astronomical theories, and contemporary phenomena. The cover story, "Porphyria - Can it Explain Vampires and Werewolves?" by Eric S. Held, examines the genetic disorder porphyria as a potential medical explanation for folklore surrounding these mythical creatures. The issue also includes extensive articles by Maurice Chatelain on "Our Mexican Ancestors" and the "Citadel of Teotihuacan," delving into the mathematical and astronomical significance of ancient Mexican sites, and a report on the "1985 MUFON UFO Symposium" by Michael D. Swords.

Our Mexican Ancestors

Maurice Chatelain's article, "Our Mexican Ancestors," explores the mathematical constants and measurements found in ancient Mexican civilizations, particularly at Teotihuacan. He highlights the significance of the number 2268, identified as the Nineveh Constant, which appears in the dimensions of buildings and city layouts, suggesting a common origin with Sumerian and Egyptian civilizations. Chatelain discusses the work of Hugh Harleston and Henri Stierlin in measuring the ruins, noting discrepancies and the potential for a specialized Mexican yard of 1.0582 meters. The article details how dimensions of structures like the Grand Avenue in Teotihuacan and the Great Pyramid in Egypt are related to this constant and to astronomical cycles. It also touches upon ancient measurement systems for length, area, and volume, comparing them to modern metric and imperial systems. The author posits that Teotihuacan was more than a religious center; it was a sophisticated astronomical observatory and cosmic computer.

Pyramids of Teotihuacan and Their Mathematical Significance

Chatelain provides detailed dimensions of the Pyramids of Teotihuacan (Sun, Moon, and Quetzalcoatl), relating their volumes and base areas to fractions of the Earth's volume and to the Nineveh Constant. He notes the sacred nature of the number 126, linked to nuclear stability and energy, and its role in calculating the volume of the Great Pyramid. The article also discusses the potential astronomical alignments of the pyramids, such as the "shade effect" on the Pyramid of the Sun during equinoxes, which allowed ancient astronomers to determine precise times for astronomical events. The research suggests that the builders of these structures possessed advanced knowledge of mathematics and astronomy, possibly predating the Aztecs.

Connections to Mars and Celestial Bodies

The article further explores potential connections between the Great Pyramid and Mars, citing research by a British gentleman named Saunders. Saunders found that the apothem of the Great Pyramid, when projected, intersects the celestial equator at an altitude corresponding to a Mars-synchronous satellite. This, along with other observed 'coincidences' regarding planetary distances, satellite orbits, and pyramid dimensions, leads Chatelain to suggest a deliberate cosmic program planned by ancient builders. He also notes the relationship between the Earth's rotation, Mars' rotation, and the orbits of its moons, Phobos and Deimos, suggesting these were not accidental.

Base Areas of Ancient Monuments

A table lists the base areas of various ancient monuments worldwide, showing them as exact fractions of the Earth's surface area. This table includes sites like Teotihuacan, Cheops, Angkor, and others, providing their dimensions in meters and their calculated areas in square kilometers.

Porphyria - Can it Explain Vampires and Werewolves?

Eric S. Held's article investigates the possibility that the genetic disorder porphyria could explain the origins of vampire and werewolf myths from the Middle Ages. Dr. David Dolphin of the American Association for the Advancement of Science proposed that the symptoms of porphyria, such as extreme photosensitivity, hair growth, and skin lesions, might have led to individuals being perceived as 'werewolves.' Dolphin further suggests that the need for heme, which is deficient in porphyria victims, could have led them to drink blood, thus becoming the basis for vampire folklore. The article explains porphyria as a disorder in heme production, noting its rarity and various types. It discusses how the lack of modern medical treatment in the Middle Ages might have forced victims to seek blood, potentially leading to the myth of vampires, especially in regions with a higher incidence of inbreeding, like Transylvania. However, the article also acknowledges that this theory faces skepticism from other scientists regarding its historical prevalence and the direct link to werewolf-like features.

The 1985 MUFON UFO Symposium

Michael D. Swords reports on the 1985 MUFON (Mutual UFO Network) UFO Symposium held in St. Louis. The convention brought together ufologists to discuss UFO phenomena, with some searching for alien bodies or secret documents. The report highlights presentations by Dan Wright, who discussed UFO sightings with electromagnetic interference, and an official from the host group who recounted an encounter with short, unusual "people" claiming to be from Hammond, Indiana. Marge Christensen, MUFON Public Relations Director, spoke about shifting the burden of proof onto the government and the establishment of regional UFO resource centers. George Fawcett, a UFO researcher and author, presented an overview of UFO experiences, including alleged film evidence, common physiological effects of close UFO exposure, and specific cases like the Delphos landing site and the Pascagoula abduction. Swords expresses a critical view of some presentations, noting a lack of critical analysis and an over-reliance on anecdotal evidence, while acknowledging the complexity and enduring nature of the UFO phenomenon.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

This issue of Pursuit magazine consistently explores the intersection of ancient civilizations, scientific inquiry, and unexplained phenomena. The articles by Chatelain emphasize the mathematical and astronomical sophistication of ancient cultures, suggesting a shared global heritage and advanced knowledge. The piece on porphyria highlights how medical conditions can influence folklore and mythology. The MUFON symposium report reflects the ongoing efforts of researchers to document and understand UFO sightings, albeit with a critical eye towards the methodology and evidence presented. The magazine appears to maintain an open yet analytical stance, encouraging investigation into mysteries while demanding rigorous examination of evidence and theories. The recurring theme is the search for underlying patterns and explanations, whether in ancient monuments, human biology, or unexplained aerial phenomena.

Title: Pursuit
Issue: Second Quarter 1985 (Volume 18)
Publisher: Pursuit
Country: USA
Language: English

This issue of Pursuit magazine, dated the Second Quarter of 1985, presents a diverse collection of articles exploring unexplained phenomena, from UFO sightings and alleged government cover-ups to more esoteric topics like voodoo zombies and folklore. The magazine features detailed reports, case studies, and expert opinions, aiming to provide a platform for serious investigation into subjects often relegated to the fringes of accepted science.

Key Articles and Features

UFOs and Government Secrecy

The issue opens with a discussion of Mr. Stringfield's UFO presentations, often based on anonymous military sources, including a 1978 case at Ft. Dix-McGuire Air Force Base involving a dead humanoid body and a formation of UFOs. The narrative highlights the paranoia surrounding the witness and the subsequent debriefing by military personnel.

Peter Gersten, a New York lawyer and advocate for UFO secrecy abolition, argues that the evidence for UFO reality is "beyond reasonable doubt," drawing an analogy to witness testimony in criminal cases. However, the author questions the 'motive' and 'opportunity' for such cases, especially concerning the existence of extraterrestrials.

An important Air Intelligence Report, obtained through the Freedom of Information Act, is mentioned. Its job was to "examine the pattern and tactics of flying saucers," concluding that "the origin of the devices is not ascertainable" and that "it must be accepted that some type of flying objects have been observed." This report was reprinted in the July 1985 MUFON Journal.

Gersten also points out that some government documents are "leaked" after being falsified, and reminds readers that evidence received via hypnosis and lie detectors is not admissible in court, nor is hearsay from anonymous informants. He notes the lack of government documentation on abduction cases and that crashed-saucer cases lack admissible evidence.

John Schuessler, an aerospace engineering manager, became interested in UFOs due to their technology and propulsion. His investigation into close encounters has led him to study physiological and medical effects. He describes symptoms as products of radiation, potentially mutating or ionizing, leading to hair loss, erratic growth, dizziness, headache, nausea, and disorientation. The "Cash-Landrum case" is highlighted, where two women and a grandchild were exposed to a diamond-shaped vehicle, resulting in rapid deterioration and skin lesions. The U.S. government stated that while a device was present, it was not a U.S. technical craft.

Landing Traces and Anomalous Events

Ted Phillips, an authority on landing traces, has narrowed down his extensive portfolio of three thousand cases to 200 of "high strangeness." His work reveals repetitive patterns, particularly "Type 1" (hovering, leaving a dehydrated circle) and "Type 2" (landing on protrusions, leaving indentations and possible heat/radiation effects) landing patterns. Phillips has measured pressures of about 2 ton weights at the pod marks. Statistical patterns for sightings include peaks between 9-10 pm and 1-2 am, with October being the heaviest month and mid-week the heaviest day. Missouri, Iowa, and Ohio are noted as popular states for these phenomena.

The study of landing traces faces challenges in analyzing soil samples for elemental concentrations and organic molecules, with labs often making errors. The issue of UFO-related samples potentially being handled with less rigor is also raised.

Abduction Phenomenon

David Webb and Budd Hopkins, experts on UFO abductions, are featured. Webb discusses statistical and categorical aspects, listing alternative explanations like hoax, delusion, psychosis, or a real experience with distortion. He emphasizes the role of hypnosis, noting that in 52% of cases, it was the entire means of learning about the abduction, and in 68% of cases, the abductee was alone.

Budd Hopkins presents a tape recording of a hypnotic session with an emotionally upset abductee, illustrating cases where "hoax" or "lie" are not viable explanations. He estimates the phenomenon involves hundreds of thousands of people, with entities often described as bulbous-headed, big-eyed, fetal-like aliens. Cases of serial abductions and technological implants are mentioned, with some abductees undergoing CAT scans.

Hopkins and two subjects appeared on the "Sally Jessy Raphael" show to discuss abductions, but the host's rude and derisive behavior is criticized for being ignorant and inhumane.

Voodoo Zombies and Folklore

A section titled "Vampires and Werewolves" touches upon the folklore and attempts to justify it. It then transitions to the topic of voodoo zombies.

An article details Swiss findings that voodoo zombies are caused by neuromuscular paralysis induced by tetrodotoxin from globefish, administered by "hukors" (medicine men) in Haiti. The zombies are then buried and later "resurrected" after receiving datura stramonium. The paralysis can be blocked by a large dose of salt. The article notes that globefish are eaten as a delicacy, but only in specially licensed restaurants.

Another piece focuses on Wade Davis, a Harvard botany student, who investigated the Haitian voodoo myth of zombies. He discovered a secret formula for creating zombies, involving tetrodotoxin from puffer fish, which is 500 times more powerful than cyanide. The formula also includes parts of toads, sea worms, lizards, and human bones. The process involves administering the poison, leading to nausea, difficulty breathing, paralysis, and a drop in blood pressure. Davis believes that after the initial crisis, a second drug may induce amnesia and psychosis, making the victim dependent.

Clervius Narcisse is presented as the first medically documented zombie case. Pronounced dead in 1962, he reappeared alive in 1982, providing details only the dead man could know. Davis's research was published in the Journal of Ethnopharmacology.

Miscellaneous SITUations

The "SITUations" section reports on various curious and unexplained events:

• Lightning and Telephones: Officials suggest a 17-year-old's death might be due to a lethal charge of electricity from lightning striking phone wires, despite New Jersey Bell's denial of equipment malfunction.
• Shroud of Turin: A Duke University professor claims new evidence suggests the man on the Shroud of Turin was Jewish, based on the discovery of phylacteries.
• Ancient Indian Diet: A scientist identified the dietary patterns of ancient Utah Indians by analyzing 6,400-year-old dung, using his sense of smell to break down vapors into various components.
• 'Drowned' City: Archaeologists believe they have discovered remains of a 3,500-year-old city off the coast of India, mentioned in Hindu epics as Dwarka, submerged by the Arabian Sea.
• Lawas River Monster: Several boatmen described seeing a "black monstrous head" with large red eyes emerge from the Lawas River, consistent with local legends of a water spirit.
• Cougars in Upper Midwest: Evidence suggests mountain lions (cougars) may be present in the upper Midwest, with sightings and a bone fragment analyzed.
• Endangered Species Debate: Tigers in West Bengal have killed 22 people in three months, despite deterrents like electrified human dummies. The article questions why the government protects these animals at the expense of human lives.
• Wild Pigs: Marauding packs of wild pigs are threatening the natural beauty of Marin County, California, eating "anything that can't get out of their way."
• Wild Chickens: A flock of 150 wild chickens is causing problems for a resident in Franklin TWP, NJ, by damaging her yard and garden.

The Notes of Charles Fort

This section provides a deciphered list of abbreviations and chronological entries from Charles Fort's notes, detailing numerous historical accounts of meteors, fireballs, earthquakes, strange atmospheric phenomena, and unusual animal falls (like frogs and fish) from the early to mid-19th century. These entries are presented with sources and dates, offering a historical catalog of unexplained events.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The magazine consistently explores phenomena that defy conventional scientific explanation, including UFOs, alleged extraterrestrial encounters, anomalous atmospheric events, and unexplained biological occurrences. There is a clear emphasis on presenting detailed accounts, witness testimonies, and the findings of researchers who operate outside mainstream scientific circles. The editorial stance appears to be one of open inquiry into these subjects, encouraging readers to consider possibilities beyond established paradigms, while also cautioning against hoaxes and misinterpretations, as seen in the discussion of the "Hangar 18" incident and the Philadelphia Experiment.

The recurring theme is the existence of unexplained phenomena that challenge our understanding of the world, whether they originate from extraterrestrial sources, unknown natural forces, or even human manipulation. The magazine acts as a repository for such accounts, providing a platform for detailed investigation and discussion.

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

This document details the origins and early development of The Society for the Investigation of The Unexplained (SITU) and its publication, PURSUIT. It introduces the organization's governing board and its Scientific Advisory Board, composed of distinguished professionals from various scientific fields.

Origins of SITU/PURSUIT

The foundation for SITU was laid in 1965 by zoologist, biologist, botanist, and geologist Ivan T. Sanderson, F.L.S., F.R.G.S., F.Z.S., along with other authors. Their aim was to establish a "foundation" for the exposition and research of the paranormal, focusing on "disquieting mysteries of the natural world." To engage professionals and interested individuals, a newsletter was conceived, with the first issue appearing in May 1967. The response, while not overwhelming, was sufficient to encourage the founders.

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, as officially filed with the New Jersey Secretary of State. The choice of name was prescient, as Dr. Sanderson titled one of his books "Investigating the Unexplained," published in 1972 and dedicated to the Society.

Another publication was released in June 1968, now featuring "newsletter" as a subtitle and introducing the name PURSUIT for the first time. By Vol. 1, No. 4 in September 1968, the abbreviation SITU was formally adopted as the Society's designation. This issue also introduced the Scientific Advisory Board, listing its members and their affiliations. Administrative matters were reduced to the last four pages of the twenty-page issue, with the majority of content dedicated to investigative reporting.

Content Highlights

This particular issue (Vol. 1, No. 4, September 1968) featured investigative reports on several phenomena:

• A "great armadillo": Described as being 6 feet long and 3 feet high, reportedly captured in Argentina.
• Instantaneous Transportation: Reports of solid objects being moved from one place to another, even through solid matter.
• University of Colorado UFO Project: An attack on the famed project headed by Dr. Edward U. Condon.
• Ringing Rocks and Stone Spheres: Updated information on these enigmatic natural occurrences.

Thus, SITU was established, and PURSUIT began its chronicle of the investigation into the unexplained.

Governing Board and Scientific Advisory Board

The Governing Board is led by President Robert C. Warth, with Gregory Arend as Vice-President and Nancy L. Warth as Secretary and Treasurer. Trustees include Gregory Arend, Marie Cox, Frank Tiewski, Nancy L. Warth, Robert C. Warth, Martin Wiegler, and Albena Zwerver.

The Scientific Advisory Board comprises distinguished individuals from various fields:

• Dr. George A. Agogino (Archaeology, Eastern New Mexico University)
• Dr. Carl H. Delacato (Mentalogy, The Institute for the Rehabilitation of the Brain Injured)
• Dr. J. Allen Hynek (Astronomy, North-Western University)
• Dr. Martin Kruskal (Mathematics/Biology, Princeton University)
• Dr. Samuel B. McDowell (Biology, Rutgers the State University)
• Dr. Vladimir Markotic (Anthropology, University of Alberta)
• Dr. John R. Napier (Physical Anthropology, Queen Elizabeth College, University of London)
• Dr. Michael A. Persinger (Psychology, Laurentian University)
• Dr. Frank B. Salisbury (Plant Physiology, Utah State University)
• Dr. Berthold Eric Schwarz (Mental Sciences, National Institute for Rehabilitation Engineering)
• Dr. Roger W. Wescott (Cultural Anthropology and Linguistics, Drew University)
• Dr. A. Joseph Wraight (Geography and Oceanography, U.S. Coast and Geodetic Survey)
• Dr. Robert K. Zuck (Botany, Drew University)

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The primary theme of this publication is the investigation of the paranormal and unexplained phenomena. The editorial stance appears to be one of serious inquiry, evidenced by the establishment of a formal society with a governing board and a diverse scientific advisory committee. The content focuses on reporting on unusual events and phenomena, aiming to provide a platform for professionals and the public interested in these "disquieting mysteries of the natural world."