Pursuit - No 71 - Vol 18 No 3 - 1985

Magazine Overview

Title: Pursuit
Issue: Volume 18, Number 3, Whole No. 71
Date: Third 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 delves into a variety of unexplained phenomena, with a strong focus on the controversial topic of dinosaur and human coexistence. The cover features a striking image of dinosaur tracks alongside a diagram, hinting at the central theme of the lead article. The magazine is published by SITU, an organization dedicated to collecting and investigating reports of unexplained events.

Dinosaurs and Men: The Case for Coexistence

The feature article, "Dinosaurs and Men: The Case for Coexistence" by John W. Patterson, challenges conventional scientific timelines by suggesting that humans and dinosaurs may have lived at the same time. Patterson begins by quoting Albert Einstein on the importance of creative imagination in science. He then presents several lines of evidence:

• Eyewitness Accounts: Reports of creatures resembling dinosaurs persist, including a German U-boat captain's account of a crocodile-like monster in the North Atlantic in 1915, and a Congolese scientist's filming of the Mokele Mbembe. A paramedic reported seeing a 'pterodactyl-like bird' in Texas, and similar sightings by school teachers are noted.
• Physical Evidence: A badly decomposed animal with a long neck and flippers, found in the Indian Ocean in 1977, is discussed, with some arguing it resembles a pseudoplesiosaur. More tantalizing are artifacts such as terra cotta, stone, and metal inscriptions from five unrelated sites in the Americas depicting dinosaurs, which have reportedly survived scientific skepticism.
• Ancient Art and Folklore: The article highlights the Granby Stone and Julsrud Collection figurines, which depict both dinosaurs and extinct mammals like the woolly mammoth. Patterson argues that it is unlikely ancient peoples could have accurately reconstructed dinosaur anatomy from fossil bones alone, suggesting direct observation.
• Paluxy River Tracks: A significant portion of the article focuses on the controversial dinosaur and human footprints found in the same strata along the Paluxy River in Glen Rose, Texas. The author contrasts this with similar finds in the Soviet Union's Turkmen Republic. An anthropological expert suggests the Paluxy prints are eroded dinosaur tracks with imprint pressure ridges misinterpreted as hominid toes, but Patterson finds this explanation unsatisfactory.
• Other Anomalous Finds: The article mentions "prehistoric walls" in Cretaceous strata near Rockwall, Texas, a hammer found encased in limestone dated to 300 million years old, and sandal or shoe prints in Cambrian strata in Utah, with one print containing a fossil trilobite.

Patterson also touches upon the idea that ancient legends of monsters and dragons might have a basis in truth, referencing passages in the Old Testament book of Job. He discusses the Laetoli footprints in Tanzania, dated at 3.75 million years, as evidence of early hominids.

The article explores the implications of human-dinosaur coexistence on evolutionary theory, with one expert suggesting that while a single find might not be major, the possibility of recent dinosaurs or dinosaurs with human-like footprints cannot be dismissed. The author also critiques the common explanations for dinosaur extinction (climate change, disease, etc.) and introduces the concept of global catastrophes.

Lost and Sunken Lands of Scotland

This article by Jon Douglas Singer, M.A., explores legends and geological evidence of submerged lands and cities around Scotland.

• Legends: Tales of lost lands and sunken cities, such as Finfolkaheem (the underwater town of the Finfolk) and the 'Land Under Waves,' are discussed. The author notes the scarcity of Pictish myths compared to Irish and Welsh traditions.
• Geological Evidence: Jill Walsh's work is cited, showing that as recently as 6,000 B.C., Britain was connected to mainland Europe, with a plain that gradually submerged as sea levels rose.
• Archaeological Evidence: The article highlights the discovery of submerged prehistoric structures in Loch Ness, including stone circles found underwater by divers. These 'Kleinhenge I and II' sites are compared to Stonehenge and are estimated to be at least 4,500 years old, suggesting they were built when the lakebed was dry land.
• Possible Connections: Singer suggests that these legends and discoveries might be linked to prehistoric Pictish tales or even distorted myths of a prehistoric water-cult, possibly related to the Arthurian legend of the Lady in the Lake.

Related SITUations

This section provides brief summaries of other articles or news items:

• Arctic Dinosaur Find Dims Asteroid Dust Theory: Over 150 dinosaur bones discovered on Alaska's North Slope are presented as evidence against the theory that an asteroid impact caused dinosaur extinction 65 million years ago. Paleontologist William Clemens suggests that the finds indicate dinosaurs were adapted to environments with extended periods of darkness, like those experienced in the Arctic.

Epilog

F.W. Holiday contributes an epilog reflecting on the human tendency towards self-induced blindness regarding the unexplained, quoting, "The human mind seems to have a remarkable faculty for self-induced blindness despite any amount of scientific training."

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue revolve around challenging established scientific paradigms, particularly concerning the timeline of human and dinosaur existence. The magazine champions the investigation of anomalous evidence, folklore, and ancient accounts that fall outside mainstream scientific acceptance. The editorial stance, as expressed in the "Important Notices" on page 2, is that SITU does not hold any political, religious, corporate, or social views, and opinions expressed in Pursuit are those of the individual member or author. The publication aims to present data and encourage further research into the unexplained, even if it means questioning widely accepted theories and embracing unconventional ideas.

Title: Pursuit
Issue: Third Quarter 1985
Volume: 18
Cover Headline: The Wars Of Gods And Men
Publisher: Pursuit
Country: USA
Language: English
ISSN: 0147-7751

This issue of Pursuit magazine features a prominent article by Zecharia Sitchin titled "The Wars Of Gods And Men," which is part of his "Earth Chronicles" series. The magazine also includes articles on "Continental European Big Cats" and a related situation concerning Roman forts found in Scotland.

The Wars Of Gods And Men by Zecharia Sitchin

Zecharia Sitchin invites readers on a "Journey Into Time" using his "Earth Chronicles" time machine, which he describes as a mental exercise rather than a physical one. He begins by recounting a childhood incident where he questioned the biblical term "Nefilim," learning it meant "Those Who Had Come Down" to Earth.

Sitchin posits that ancient myths and biblical accounts are not mere fiction but records of actual prehistoric events involving beings from another planet. He focuses on the Sumerian civilization, which he claims possessed advanced knowledge of astronomy, including the concept of a spherical solar system and the existence of planets beyond Saturn, knowledge that predates modern discoveries.

Sumerian Civilization and Astronomy:
Sitchin highlights the sudden emergence of a highly advanced civilization in Sumer (also known as Shin'ar), which he believes was taught by beings called the Anunnaki. These Anunnaki, he suggests, came from a planet named Nibiru, which has a 3,600-year orbit. He interprets Sumerian astronomical tablets and cylinder seals as depicting our solar system with the Sun at the center, and lists planets in order, including those discovered much later by modern science. He notes that Earth is referred to as the "Seventh" planet, implying a count from outside the known solar system, suggesting the presence of a "twelfth member" (Nibiru).

The Anunnaki and Earth's History:
According to Sitchin, the Anunnaki arrived on Earth approximately 450,000 years ago because their own planet, Nibiru, was facing atmospheric erosion. A faction, led by Alalu, crash-landed on Earth and discovered gold, which was needed to restore Nibiru's atmosphere. This led to a planned extraction of gold, with settlements established in Mesopotamia, including a spaceport at Sippar and mission control at Nippur.

Later, around 416,000 years ago, Anu and his heir Enlil arrived, deciding to mine gold in southern Africa. This division of labor and power led to conflicts between the Anunnaki factions, particularly between Enki and Enlil, and their descendants. These conflicts, referred to as the "Wars of the Gods," eventually involved mankind.

Biblical Parallels and Ancient Structures:
Sitchin connects the Anunnaki with biblical figures like the Nefilim and Anakim. He suggests that the "gods" of ancient Egypt and Sumer were these extraterrestrial beings. He interprets the construction of the pyramids of Giza and the Sphinx not as the work of pharaohs, but as Anunnaki space facilities, with the Great Pyramid serving as a landing beacon. He claims the hieroglyphics in the Great Pyramid were a forgery by Howard Vyse.

He also discusses the biblical account of the Deluge and the Tower of Babel, linking them to the Anunnaki's activities and the eventual nuclear destruction of the spaceport in the Sinai Peninsula around 2024 B.C. This event, he posits, ended the Sumerian civilization and was witnessed by Abraham.

Evidence and Future Predictions:
Sitchin points to archaeological evidence, such as the massive stone blocks at Baalbek and the charred plain in the Sinai Peninsula (shown in figures), as supporting his claims. He believes that by understanding past events involving extraterrestrial beings, we can predict future developments, suggesting that humanity's drive to explore space is preordained.

Review of "The Wars of Gods and Men":
The article mentions that Sitchin's latest book, "The Wars of Gods and Men," was reviewed in the first issue of PURSUIT for 1985. The lecture on which this article is based was given at the 10th Annual Ancient Astronaut Conference in Zurich, Switzerland, on September 20, 1985.

Related SITUation: 4 Roman Forts Found In Scotland

This section reports on the discovery of four Roman forts and hundreds of other unrecorded ancient structures in Scotland, revealed by an aerial survey. The dry summer weather highlighted the outlines of these buried edifices due to variations in vegetation. The most significant find is a three-acre Roman fort near Drumlanraig Castle in Dumfries, likely occupied in the late first and mid-second centuries A.D. Two smaller forts were found nearby, and a fourth was located east of Lanark. The survey also identified about 20 "souterrains" (mysterious stonewalled underground constructions) along the eastern Scottish coast. The report notes that Romans occupied Britain from 43 A.D. for about 400 years.

Continental European Big Cats by Ulrich Magin

This article investigates historical and contemporary sightings of Pumas in Europe. It begins by noting that lions were once found in Greece and mentions Ulysses' encounter with lions and wolves on the island of Aia. The author then focuses on Puma sightings reported in Germany and France over the last 40 years.

Germany:
Sightings in Germany include a reported bear sighting in Hamburg in 1974, which was dismissed as a hoax. In 1982, a "puma wave" occurred around Hamburg, with numerous sightings, including a claimed attack by an animal that was later found to be a rabbit's hair. Further investigations revealed a monster model. Sightings continued near Hannover in 1983 and 1985, with police finding footprints but no definitive animal, leading to some mystery.

France:
Historical accounts of strange beasts in France date back to medieval times. Modern reports from 1977 in Epinal describe mysterious killings of livestock, attributed to a large, unknown beast. Despite hunts and sightings, the animal remained elusive. In the summer, sightings described large cats, bigger than wildcats, with black fur and shiny coats, sometimes seen in pairs, leading police to conclude they were pumas.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue revolve around ancient mysteries, extraterrestrial theories, and unexplained phenomena. Zecharia Sitchin's extensive article strongly advocates for the ancient astronaut theory, reinterpreting historical and biblical texts to support his narrative of Anunnaki intervention in human history. The "Related SITUation" article touches on historical archaeology, while the "Continental European Big Cats" piece explores modern-day cryptozoology and unexplained animal sightings. The magazine's stance appears to be one that encourages exploration of alternative historical and scientific explanations, particularly those that challenge conventional narratives and delve into the realm of the unexplained and potentially extraterrestrial.

This issue of Pursuit magazine, dated Third Quarter 1985, features a diverse range of articles on paranormal phenomena, unexplained events, and scientific investigations. The cover story details an incident of ice falling from the sky in Connecticut, while other articles explore sightings of large cats in Europe, personal psychic experiences, parapsychological research, and lake monster legends.

Big Cats in Europe

The magazine presents several accounts of large cat sightings across Europe. In Germany, escaped zoo animals are a recurring theme, with reports of lions and jaguars escaping and their fates remaining unknown or quickly resolved. Switzerland also features reports of tiger sightings near Chur, though one was later identified as a hoax. Italy reports incidents of dead livestock, with a bite to the throat attributed to pumas seen previously in Bari. The article notes that escaped zoo animals are usually caught within hours or days, questioning the prolonged presence of these animals in the wild. Alternative explanations offered include the possibility of living fossils or re-established wild lynx populations, with specific mentions of lynx in the Pyrenees, Alps, and Jura mountains. Wolves are also considered as a possible misidentification. The article highlights specific regions with regular big cat reports: Denmark, Hamburg, and Hannover; the Saar-region, Vosges, and Burgundy; and Bari and Foggia. The author expresses skepticism about pumas still living in these regions.

Ice Falls from the Sky in Connecticut

This section details a mysterious incident on June 25, 1985, in Hartford, Connecticut, where a large piece of ice, described as about 5-feet wide and weighing an estimated 1,200 pounds, fell from the sky into a backyard. Witnesses heard a "whirling" noise before the impact. Initial theories ranged from a comet to an airplane. Scientists from Central Connecticut State University analyzed the ice and concluded it was terrestrial in origin, similar to rainwater with air bubbles, suggesting it formed rapidly in the atmosphere, likely on an aircraft. Sodium and nickel were found, ruling out a comet. However, Walter S. Houston of the American Meteor Society remained unconvinced and sent a sample for further analysis, believing a comet origin was still possible due to the presence of nickel. A letter to the editor from Doris M. Novak suggests that such "ice bombs" from aircraft are a documented phenomenon, potentially carrying human fecal material and spreading illnesses, posing a serious health threat.

Psychic Experiences of a Chief Medical Officer

Dr. Rauni-Leena Luukanen, Chief Medical Officer of Lapland, Finland, shares her profound personal psychic experiences. She recounts an out-of-body experience during an abdominal operation where she observed the procedure from above and received insights into her life mission. She also describes a vision leading to her divorce and a subsequent career opportunity in Lapland. Her experiences include joining a meditation group, developing automatic writing, and receiving precognitive messages. One message directed her to Malaysia for the International Red Cross, which she fulfilled, continuing her automatic writing there. She discusses how her experiences have helped her understand her own reactions and relationships, including past-life connections. Dr. Luukanen also details an out-of-body experience where she traveled to different locations and observed her physical body, experiencing a near-death state. She recounts a severe car accident where she perceived an entity assisting her, and a subsequent message about learning the lesson of obedience. The article concludes with a 12th-century poem by Rumi about transformation and the fearlessness of death, emphasizing the continuity of existence.

The 28th Annual Parapsychological Association Convention

Michael D. Swords reports on the 28th Annual Parapsychological Association Convention held in Boston in August 1985. The dominant theme was psychokinesis (PK), with a debate focusing on Helmut Schmidt's model, which incorporates Quantum Mechanics. Schmidt's experiments suggested that consciousness, not machines, is key to PK, and that events do not manifest until observed. The report also touches upon the 'Many Worlds Theory' of QM and precognition as potential explanations for PK phenomena. The Princeton Group delivered data supporting a 'recognitive test-rigging' scenario. Brief mentions are made of correlations between introversion, 'feeling-style' decision-makers, and psi-ability, as well as the mental states of faith healers and fire-walkers.

The Lake Como Monster

This article by Gary S. Mangiacopra investigates the legend of the Lake Como Monster in Italy. The author notes Italy's relative lack of lake monster folklore compared to other nations. The Lake Como monster legend gained prominence after World War II. Initial reports in 1946 described a "rose-colored" monster responsible for overturning fishing boats. A follow-up report claimed the creature was captured, killed, and eaten, identified as a large sturgeon. However, three months later, the 'monster' reappeared, this time reported as a mini-submarine used by smugglers to transport high-value cargo from Switzerland to Italy. The author dismisses the submarine theory due to Lake Como's geographical location and the impracticality of using such a vessel for smuggling on that lake. The article considers the possibility that the captured sturgeon was a genuine, albeit unknown, monster, or that the legend persists due to misinterpretations and the tendency to seek simple explanations for unusual events. Dr. Roy P. Mackal's theory of migrant sea monsters entering freshwater lakes is also mentioned as a potential explanation.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue of Pursuit magazine revolve around unexplained phenomena, the intersection of science and the paranormal, and personal accounts of extraordinary experiences. The magazine appears to maintain an open-minded yet critical stance, presenting various theories and evidence while acknowledging skepticism and the need for rigorous investigation. The editorial stance encourages the serious consideration of parapsychological phenomena by the medical and scientific communities. The inclusion of diverse topics like big cats, ice falls, psychic abilities, and lake monsters suggests a broad interest in Forteana and the unexplained.

This issue of Pursuit magazine, dated Third Quarter 1985, features a diverse range of articles covering paranormal phenomena, scientific skepticism, and historical mysteries. The cover story, "Danger Under the Waves: The Giant Octopus of the Mediterranean" by Ulrich Magin, explores historical and contemporary accounts of unusually large octopi in the Mediterranean Sea, questioning whether these sightings point to a distinct species.

"Bad Science, Bad Journalism" - Discover Magazine Scolded for Article on Hudson Valley UFOs

Thomas Burch's article critiques Discover magazine's November 1984 feature on the Hudson Valley UFO flap. Burch argues that Discover's explanation—attributing the sightings to hobbyist pilots flying in formation—oversimplified the issue and unfairly stereotyped UFO investigators and believers. He presents evidence from scientists associated with MUFON (Mutual UFO Network) who take UFO reports seriously, citing their diverse scientific backgrounds and their belief that UFOs represent a real phenomenon worthy of investigation, possibly of extraterrestrial origin. Burch contends that Discover's claim that "few scientists take UFO reports seriously" is inaccurate and that the magazine, by promoting a simplistic explanation, has committed both bad science and bad journalism.

SITUation: Explaining Visions of Virgin Mary

This section, written by J. Dart, LA Times, discusses Michael P. Carroll's sociological interpretation of Marian apparitions. Carroll, a professor at the University of Western Ontario, suggests that these visions can be explained as psychological phenomena, such as hallucinations stemming from repressed sexual feelings, grief over lost loved ones, or the Oedipus complex. He notes that many seers were adolescents or celibate adults, and that the apparitions often serve as a sublimation of desires or a way to identify with Mary. The article also touches upon the Roman Catholic Church's generally skeptical stance towards such apparitions, emphasizing their investigation process to exclude non-supernatural explanations. Despite the church's caution, Carroll notes that such phenomena continue to draw significant public attention.

Books Reviewed

THE MOON AND THE PLANETS: A CATALOG OF ASTRONOMICAL ANOMALIES

Reviewed by Robert Barrow, this section discusses William R. Corliss's fifth volume in his Catalog of Scientific Anomalies series. Barrow praises Corliss for his persistence in compiling contradictory or embarrassing discoveries, primarily from scientific journals. This volume focuses on astronomical anomalies within the solar system, covering topics like planetary orbital anomalies, lunar geology, and mysterious phenomena observed on various planets. Barrow highlights the book's extensive use of illustrations and references, noting its contribution to challenging established scientific understanding.

UFOS AND OUTER SPACE MYSTERIES

Reviewed by George W. Earley, this section examines James E. Oberg's book, which is described as a collection of articles and papers on UFOs and space mysteries. Earley notes Oberg's background as an ex-USAF captain and his current work in NASA Mission Control. While acknowledging Oberg as a prominent UFO skeptic, Earley points out that Oberg's book offers suggestions for UFO believers to improve their report investigations. The review mentions that some chapters delve into topics beyond UFOs, such as the 'Sirius Mystery' and the 'Tunguska Echoes,' which Earley feels fit better into 'ancient astronaut' theories. Earley suggests Oberg may have included these to fill the book rather than writing new UFO-focused content.

Report on Three Conferences by Robert Warth

Robert Warth reports on three conferences attended in the third quarter of 1985: The U.S. Psychotronics Association meeting in Dayton, Ohio; the New Frontiers Center seminars on healing modalities and alternative health care; and the Ancient Astronaut Society's 10th World Conference in Zurich, Switzerland. The report lists numerous lectures and workshops from these events, covering a wide array of topics including Tesla physics, electromagnetics, paranormal phenomena, mind-brain interaction, psychotronics, radionics, healing modalities, psychic phenomena, and ancient astronaut theories.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

This issue of Pursuit magazine consistently explores the boundaries between established science and anomalous phenomena. There is a clear editorial stance favoring serious investigation of unexplained events, whether they be giant sea creatures, UFO sightings, or psychic abilities. The magazine challenges scientific skepticism when it appears to be dismissive or based on prejudice, advocating for a more open-minded and rigorous scientific approach. The articles also highlight the psychological and sociological factors that can influence perceptions of the paranormal, suggesting that a multi-disciplinary approach is necessary to understand these complex issues. The magazine appears to champion the idea that many phenomena, while not yet fully understood, are real and deserve continued study, pushing back against what it perceives as overly rigid or dismissive scientific establishments.

Title: Pursuit
Issue: Third Quarter 1985 (Vol. 13)
Publisher: SITU
Date: 1985-09

This issue of Pursuit magazine, a publication focused on unexplained phenomena and Forteana, features a diverse range of articles, reviews, and news items. It includes in-depth reviews of books on UFOs and psychology, reports on archaeological discoveries, historical curiosities, and brief accounts of unusual events.

Book Reviews

The Archetype Experience by Gregory L. Little

Reviewed by Robert Barrow, this book attempts to explain UFO phenomena through the lens of Carl Jung's theories. Little proposes that UFOs are not alien spacecraft but rather archetypal images that manifest in the unconscious, particularly during times of societal stress. Barrow notes that while Little's theory is intriguing, it may not fully account for recent UFO reports involving abductions. He suggests that the book's focus on Jung's 'Flying Saucers: A Modern Myth of Things Seen in the Skies' is somewhat limited by consistently spelling 'Skies' as 'Sky.' The review highlights the complexity of Little's framework, which incorporates terms like archetypes, synchronicity, eschatology, and ethnocentrism. Barrow finds the book a worthwhile read, though he acknowledges that many readers might remain unconvinced, especially given the increasing reports of physical encounters with UFOs.

The Bicameral Critic (Selected Shorter Writings by Colin Wilson)

Edited by Howard F. Dossor, this collection of Colin Wilson's writings is reviewed by Dennis Stacey. Wilson, known for his prolific output on paranormal and philosophical topics, explores various subjects, including 'Men in Black,' 'The Dark Gods,' and 'Faculty X'—a concept related to intuition and active imagination. Stacey notes Wilson's recurring theme of higher states of consciousness and the brain's dual hemispheres. The review recommends the book as a good introduction to Wilson's work and a valuable addition for collectors, despite minor quibbles like typos.

SITuations: Curious and Unexplained Events

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

'Oldest' Mummy May Help Unravel a Mystery

Archaeologists have unearthed a 7,810-year-old mummy in northern Chile, believed to be the oldest known mummy in Africa. This discovery challenges conventional timelines for the development of advanced human society in the Americas. The Chinchorro culture, to which the mummy belongs, practiced elaborate mummification techniques, including skinning the body, removing organs, and reinforcing bones with straw and wood struts, before covering it with a clay mask and hair wig.

Dental Filling Is 2,200 years Old

An Israeli archaeologist discovered the world's oldest known dental filling in the skull of a middle-aged warrior buried 2,200 years ago. A bronze wire was inserted into the tooth, likely to treat decay, a practice believed to be related to ancient notions of 'toothworms.' This find indicates a sophisticated level of dental intervention in ancient times.

'Pharaoh's Curse' an Allergy, French Doctoral Thesis Claims

Dr. Caroline Stenger-Philippe proposes that the deaths of several explorers who entered Tutankhamen's tomb in 1922 were not due to a curse but to a severe allergic reaction to mold and fungi present in the tomb's airtight chambers. This condition, allergic alveolitis, led to pulmonary insufficiency.

Missing Man Took Walk Found In Florida

A 79-year-old man, Berger Hauge, who went missing during a walk in Schenectady, NY, was later found at home in St. Petersburg, Florida, with no explanation for his journey.

450-Mile "Cat Walk"

Barbara Paule's cat, Muddy Water White, returned home to Dauphin, PA, after a three-year, 450-mile journey, having gone missing in Ohio in 1982.

Timber Wolf Returns to Mate

A timber wolf that was washed away from a wildlife refuge during flooding returned to its mate.

Lightning Bolt Ends Quibbling Over Beard

Francis Bock's beard was partially shaved off by a lightning bolt that struck his tent in Quinby, Virginia, an event his family considered a miracle.

Letters to the Editor

Letter from Tuuri Heporauta

Heporauta submits pages from Henry Kjellson's 1961 book 'Forsvunnen Teknik' (Disappeared Technology), interpreting Egyptian hieroglyphs from Dendera Temple. He suggests that depictions of electric eels and lamps might represent ancient electrical devices, with double-lined figures possibly symbolizing protective garments. He also discusses snake imagery guarding temple vaults, interpreting it as a metaphor for security rather than literal snakes.

Research Notes

'Pharaoh's Curse' an Allergy, French Doctoral Thesis Claims

This section reiterates the findings of Dr. Caroline Stenger-Philippe, who suggests that the 'Pharaoh's Curse' associated with Tutankhamen's tomb was likely a severe allergic reaction to mold, not a supernatural curse.

Missing Man Took Walk Found In Florida

This is a brief report on the case of Berger Hauge, who disappeared during a walk and was later found in Florida.

450-Mile "Cat Walk"

This is a brief report on the cat that returned home after a three-year journey.

Timber Wolf Returns to Mate

This is a brief report on the timber wolf that returned to its mate.

Lightning Bolt Ends Quibbling Over Beard

This is a brief report on the lightning strike that partially shaved Francis Bock's beard.

Research Notes: Archaeology and Anomalies

Researchers Study Climatic Peculiarity

Scientists are investigating a strip of land in northeast China with unusual temperature fluctuations, experiencing summer freezes and winter warmth.

Haunting Voices Give Way to Shovels, Picks

Archaeologists excavating the ruins of a 300-year-old Spanish mission and graveyard in Texas, the oldest European structure in the state, believe the 'voices' heard by a deceased resident may have been related to the site.

Aspirin Intake Blamed For Mystery Music

An elderly woman's auditory hallucinations of phantom music ceased after she reduced her daily aspirin intake, suggesting a link between heavy aspirin use and such phenomena.

Amorous Fish Hums a Human Headache

Marine biologists suspect that toadfish may be the source of a persistent, loud hum plaguing houseboaters in a California community for a decade. The humming is described as a 'romantic hoo-hooing' of the fish.

Campers Say Bearlike Animal Told Them to Get Off Property

A couple reported being confronted by an 8-foot-tall, bear-like creature that verbally ordered them off their campsite in Washington state.

4th Burial Proves Final For Shepherd In Kenya

Musyoka Mututa, a Kenyan man known for 'cheating death' by reviving after being pronounced dead three times, finally passed away on his fourth funeral.

'Dead' Baby Found Alive In Morgue

A premature baby, pronounced dead and taken to the morgue in Italy, was discovered alive after a night, an event doctors could not scientifically explain.

Remains of Peking Man Shrouded in Mystery

Chinese authorities are closing a cement plant near the Zhoukoudian site, home of Peking Man, due to damage to the area. The original skull and bone casts of Peking Man, lost during WWII, remain a mystery.

Dolphin-Like Fossil Bones Identified

Fossilized bones found in Antarctica appear to belong to a previously unknown dolphin-like mammal, estimated to be 4 million years old.

The Notes of Charles Fort

This section, deciphered by Carl J. Pabst, continues the cataloging of Charles Fort's notes, detailing various phenomena and events chronologically. It includes entries on meteors, earthquakes, volcanic eruptions, strange falls (like viscous matter and stones), unusual animal behavior, and peculiar atmospheric events from the early 19th century.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The magazine consistently features a broad interest in the unexplained, encompassing UFOs, paranormal phenomena, archaeological anomalies, and historical curiosities. The editorial stance appears to be one of open inquiry, presenting various theories and reports without necessarily endorsing them, encouraging readers to submit their own findings. There is a clear emphasis on documenting events and research that fall outside conventional scientific understanding, often drawing from historical records and contemporary reports.

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 outlines the origins and structure of The Society For The Investigation of The Unexplained (SITU), a research organization focused on paranormal phenomena. It details the establishment of the society, its publication history, and its governing and scientific advisory boards.

Origins of SITU/PURSUIT

The organization traces its roots to 1965 when zoologist, biologist, botanist, and geologist Ivan T. Sanderson, along with other distinguished authors, established a "foundation" for the exposition and research of the paranormal. To engage professionals and interested individuals, a newsletter was planned. The first issue was released in May 1967. The response, while not overwhelming, was sufficient to encourage the founders and demonstrate public interest.

Newsletter No. 2, dated March 1968, announced significant new plans for the Sanderson foundation. A larger structure, envisioned by its architects, was to be built, and the entire entity was to be named The Society for the Investigation of The Unexplained. This name proved prophetic, as Dr. Sanderson later titled one of his books, "Investigating the Unexplained," published in 1972, in dedication to the Society.

Another publication followed in June 1968. While "newsletter" remained a subtitle, the name "PURSUIT" was prominently displayed for the first time. By September 1968, with Vol. 1, No. 4 (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. The content shifted from administrative matters, which were relegated to the final four pages, to investigative reporting. Topics covered included a report on a "great armadillo" (estimated at 6 feet long and 3 feet high) allegedly captured in Argentina, the phenomenon of solid objects being instantly transported from one place to another, even through solid matter, an analysis of 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 born, and PURSUIT began its chronicle of the investigation into the unexplained.

Governing Board

The Governing Board consists of:

• President: Robert C. Warth
• Vice-President: Gregory Arend
• Secretary and Treasurer: Nancy L. Warth
• Trustees: Gregory Arend, Marie Cox, Frank Tiewski, Nancy L. Warth, Robert C. Warth, Martin Wiegler, Albena Zwerver.

Scientific Advisory Board

The Scientific Advisory Board comprises distinguished professionals from various fields:

• Dr. George A. Agogino: Distinguished Director of Anthropology Museums and Director, Paleo-Indian Institute, Eastern New Mexico University (Archaeology).
• Dr. Carl H. Delacato: Director, The Institute for the Rehabilitation of the Brain Injured, Morton, Pa. (Mentalogy).
• Dr. J. Allen Hynek: Director, Lindheimer Astronomical Research Center, North-Western University (Astronomy).
• Dr. Martin Kruskal: Program in Applied Mathematics, Princeton University, Princeton, New Jersey (General Biology).
• Dr. Samuel B. McDowell: Professor of Biology, Rutgers the State University, Newark, New Jersey (General Biology).
• Dr. Vladimir Markotic: Professor of Anthropology, Department of Archaeology, University of Alberta, Canada (Ethnosociology and Ethnology).
• Dr. John R. Napier: Unit of Primate Biology, Queen Elizabeth College, University of London, England (Physical Anthropology).
• Dr. Michael A. Persinger: Professor, Department of Psychology, Laurentian University, Sudbury, Ontario, Canada (Psychology).
• Dr. Frank B. Salisbury: Plant Science Department, College of Agriculture, Utah State University (Plant Physiology).
• Dr. Berthold Eric Schwarz: Consultant, National Institute for Rehabilitation Engineering, Vero Beach, Florida (Mental Sciences).
• Dr. Roger W. Wescott: Professor and Chairman, Department of Anthropology, Drew University, Madison, N.J. (Cultural Anthropology and Linguistics).
• Dr. A. Joseph Wraight: Chief Geographer, U.S. Coast and Geodetic Survey, Washington, D.C. (Geography and Oceanography).
• Dr. Robert K. Zuck: Professor and Chairman, Department of Botany, Drew University, Madison, N.J. (Botany).

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The primary theme of this issue is the formal establishment and early activities of SITU and its publication, PURSUIT. The editorial stance is one of serious, scientific investigation into paranormal phenomena, as evidenced by the establishment of a Scientific Advisory Board composed of academics and researchers from diverse scientific disciplines. The content highlights a commitment to reporting on unusual events and research, aiming to bring a professional and systematic approach to the study of the unexplained.