Pursuit - No 80 - Vol 20 No 4 - 1987

Magazine Overview

Title: Pursuit
Issue: Volume 20, Number 4, Whole No. 80
Date: Fourth Quarter 1987
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 on various forms of unexplained luminous phenomena. The editorial emphasizes the journal's role in documenting and disseminating information on the unexplained, especially in light of the decline of traditional news sources for such stories.

Articles and Features

Stalking the Mysterious Lights

This article by Michael A. Frizzell & George F. Walls explores different types of nocturnal luminous phenomena, differentiating them from conventional UFOs. It discusses:

• Swamp Gas: Also known as ignis fatuus, will-o'-the-wisp, and jack-o'-lantern, this phenomenon is typically found in peat bogs and marshes. While often attributed to methane (CH4), the article notes that methane does not ignite spontaneously. The potential role of phosphine (PH3) is discussed, but laboratory experiments have not conclusively explained the spontaneous ignition or the observed phenomena. The authors suggest that more reservation is needed before definitively assigning swamp gas as the explanation for many nocturnal luminous phenomena.
• Fox Fire: This is bioluminescence from certain fungi, often seen on rotted logs in moist woodlands, emitting a feeble glow.
• Ball Lightning: Described as globular lightning or fireballs, ball lightning is characterized by its variability in size (pea to house-sized) and color (violet, red, yellow, or changing). It can glide silently, explode, and materialize inside sealed objects. The article cites two cases: one in England in 1975 where a housewife was struck by a ball of light, and another in Pennsylvania in 1921 involving Reverend John Henry Lehn. Theories like the 'Finkelstein-Rubenstein Theory of Direct Current Non-Linear Fields' are mentioned, but the phenomenon remains largely inscrutable, with speculation about space-time continuum distortions.
• Ghostlights: These are distinct from other luminous phenomena due to their tendency to 'haunt' specific locations repeatedly. They are often found in rural, isolated areas and can exhibit both retiring and inquisitive behavior. Descriptions include spherical shapes, white, yellow, or orange colors, and speeds up to 50 mph. The article notes that ghostlights often have death stigmas associated with their origins.

The Hebron (Maryland) Light

This section details an incident in 1952 where two state policemen encountered a strange, silent, self-contained sphere of yellow light that moved erratically and seemed to evade them. The light was observed for several minutes before vanishing. This event gained notoriety due to the credible witnesses, including a State Police Commander. Despite a newspaper report attributing the phenomenon to swamp gas, the article argues that swamp gas cannot account for the observed speed and behavior.

Joe Baldwin's Light (The Maco Light)

This case describes a light that appeared near the Maco, North Carolina railroad station after the decapitation of conductor Joe Baldwin in 1867. The light would appear as a flicker, grow stronger, and approach observers before stopping and vanishing. Reports from railroad employees continued until the tracks were removed in 1978, after which the sightings reportedly ceased.

The Marfa Lights

The article highlights the mysterious lights near Marfa, Texas, as particularly interesting due to their potential for scientific scrutiny. The history of sightings dates back to 1883. Detailed observations by geologists Elwood Wright and Pat Kenney in 1973 are presented, including instances of lights moving rapidly, swinging in arcs, looping, and merging. The authors discuss the seismic stress theory, which posits that shifts in the earth's crust can create piezoelectric charges that ionize the air, forming luminous plasmas. They also suggest methods for data acquisition, including photography, video, and electromagnetic spectrum analysis. The Enigma Project's research correlating magnetic and gravity anomaly maps with ghostlight sites is also mentioned.

Related SITUation: Candy in a Flash

This brief section explains the phenomenon of tiny blue-green lights flashing when Wint-O-Green Life Savers are cracked in the dark. This is attributed to triboluminescence, a result of crystal fracture, where negative and positive electrical charges separate and then recombine, exciting nitrogen molecules to produce light. Further research may help monitor stress in materials.

Operations and Organization

SITU maintains reference files and offers research services for a fee. The Society is managed by a Board of Trustees and advised by a Scientific Advisory Board. It does not hold political, religious, or social views, and opinions expressed in Pursuit are those of the individual authors.

Membership and Publication

Membership in SITU is available for calendar years, with different rates for US and international members. Members receive the quarterly journal PURSUIT and other publications. Back issues are available for purchase. The journal is published quarterly, and subscriptions are available to libraries. All contents are protected by international copyright.

Important Notices

SITU does not offer services to non-members. Contributions to SITU are tax-deductible. The membership list is restricted for mailing the journal and internal affairs.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring theme throughout this issue is the exploration of unexplained luminous phenomena, particularly those that defy conventional scientific explanation. The editorial stance is one of promoting rigorous investigation and documenting these anomalies, filling a perceived gap in information due to the decline of traditional media coverage of such topics. The journal aims to provide a platform for serious researchers and to ensure that unusual phenomena receive attention, drawing parallels to how potentially revolutionary technologies like the Dyna-flux generator have been overlooked. The issue advocates for a scientific approach to studying these phenomena while acknowledging their mysterious nature.

This issue of PURSUIT, dated Fourth Quarter 1987, Volume 19, Number 4, published by SITU, features a diverse range of articles exploring paranormal phenomena, archeological mysteries, and scientific concepts. The cover prominently displays a photograph of Alfred Conway with a model of a pyramid, accompanied by the headline "Situations: Pyramid on Florida's Coastline?". The issue is priced at $4.00.

Pyramid on Florida's Coastline?

This article by Jay Hamburg details Alfred Conway's claim of discovering an underwater pyramid off Indian River County, Florida. Conway, a treasure hunter, first noticed a stair-step structure on the ocean floor in 1980 through depth readings. In 1985, he saw what appeared to be the top of a pyramid from the air. He described the structure as a stair pyramid, about 30-feet tall with a base about 86 feet long on each of four sides, and also noted nearby O-shaped and L-shaped structures. Thomas Chisholm, an archeological consultant, suggests that for it to be a genuine archeological find, it would have to have been built between 10,000 B.C. and 6000 B.C., predating known pyramids by thousands of years. Skepticism from archeologists is noted due to the inability to pinpoint the exact location. The article also discusses the potential origin of the stones, suggesting coquina, a soft limestone found in Florida, though its extensive use in construction is dated to the 1600s. A related report by Elliott Jones describes Conway's 1985 sighting of a "flat-topped pyramid" that lit up in a golden color, described as about 40 feet tall with a 20-foot-by-20-foot top and 100-square foot bottom, possibly made of coquina rock. Conway also reported seeing three 50-foot semi-circles and an L-shaped formation nearby.

Apparent Materialization of Copper Foil: Case Report: Katie

Authored by Berthold E. Schwarz, M.D., this report details a series of phenomena experienced by Katie, a thirty-seven-year-old Florida housewife. Over four years, Katie and her family have exhibited a broad spectrum of psychic phenomena, including trance-related apportations, rapid seed germination, metal bending, puffing, possible levitation, paranormal audiotape and photographic effects, independent writing, precognition, and stigmatization effects. A recurring phenomenon is the development of copper foil foliation on Katie's face, neck, hands, chest, abdomen, and other areas, often accompanied by a taste of copper. These events are sometimes preceded by significant life events or delays in planned office sessions. The report includes specific examples, such as an incident where Katie developed foil while attempting to aid an eighty-year-old man with terminal cancer. Another case from January 28-31, 1987, involved a diabetic woman who developed copper foil on her body. The report emphasizes that Katie's mouth and body were examined beforehand, and she drank water before experiments. On December 11, 1986, Katie developed copper foil, and a participant woman, M.B., developed a similar fleck on her forehead, and a copper fleck shaped like a "K" appeared in her coffee, which enlarged and eventually became covered in micro-organisms. The report includes photographic evidence and discusses the analysis of the foil, which was found to be approximately 98% copper and 2% zinc, and was extremely thin. The article also touches upon the difficulty in simulating these phenomena and the potential for fraud, while noting Katie's integrity.

Corn Fall Update

This section provides an update on the phenomenon of corn falling sporadically on the properties of Mike Kobel and Gary Bryan in Evans, Colorado, previously reported in PURSUIT Vol. 19, #4. Ruth Rice reports that a psychic indicated an Indian on a palomino near the fence between the properties, suggesting something was to take place before the end of August. The article also mentions Karen Hunt, an archeologist, who demonstrated a technique called EMPF (electro-magnetic photo fields) to locate structures and graves. Using this method in Mike Kobel's yard, several enclosures and graves were discovered. However, the corn fall phenomenon is ultimately attributed to a neighbor who confessed to shooting corn into the sky as a prank, a practice he had engaged in since he was six years old. The article notes that Mike Kobel remains somewhat skeptical.

Related SITUation: Cherokee Medicine Woman Exorcises Indian Burial Ground

This brief report describes how a Cherokee medicine woman, Wanita Windwalker, was called to help households in Southfield, Michigan, where animals were dying inexplicably. She attributed the problem to disturbed spirits from a nearby Indian burial ground. For $200, she performed an exorcism to help seven confused spirits find peace. The article humorously suggests that readers could perform similar exorcisms with readily available items.

New Concepts in Power Generation

Authored by Jim Murray, this article pays tribute to Nikola Tesla and discusses the author's research into power generation. Murray recounts his early interest in Tesla's work, particularly his concepts of wireless power transmission. He describes his research facility in northern Michigan, established in 1971, to rediscover Tesla's lost information. The article details his investigation into a non-commutating D.C. motor, a new type of D.C. generator, and a self-acting engine that extracts power from the ambient medium. Murray describes his experiments with magnetic flux and the discovery of a "window effect." He details the construction of a novel A.C. generator and the perplexing results he obtained, including an impossible increase in output current when a load was applied. The article emphasizes the difficulty in understanding Tesla's work due to his unique communication style and the scientific community's struggle to grasp his advanced concepts.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

This issue of PURSUIT consistently explores the intersection of the unexplained, the paranormal, and fringe science. The magazine appears to maintain an open-minded stance towards phenomena that challenge conventional scientific understanding, presenting case studies and research that push the boundaries of accepted knowledge. The articles on the underwater pyramid and copper foil materialization highlight a fascination with ancient mysteries and anomalous physical manifestations. The inclusion of Nikola Tesla's work suggests an interest in visionary science and lost technologies. The editorial stance seems to be one of investigation and reporting on phenomena that are not easily explained by mainstream science, encouraging further study and open inquiry.

This issue of Pursuit, dated Fourth Quarter 1987, features two main investigative threads: the development of advanced electrical generation technology and the detailed account of a woman's UFO abduction experiences and subsequent psychic abilities.

The Transforming Generator and Dyna-Flux Alternator

The issue begins with Mr. Murray's personal account of developing a novel electrical generator. He describes an initial breakthrough where he discovered how to 'ortho-rotate the Lenz reaction,' leading to a machine that produced thrust on bearings instead of torque. This led to the concept of a 'Transforming Generator' which incorporated transformer coupling to eliminate inductive reactance, giving it 'alien' properties such as self-regulation and the ability to deliver constant power with square waves of voltage and current.

Murray details the construction of a 750-watt prototype and its performance testing. He observed that as the load increased, the conversion efficiency decreased, leading to the conclusion that power was 'disappearing.' This phenomenon was confirmed by others and was termed 'a new form of inefficiency.'

Further development led to the 'Dyna-Flux Alternator.' The design and testing of this machine are described in detail, including comparisons with a standard alternator. The Dyna-Flux machine, despite its less sophisticated construction (limited laminations, larger air gaps, antiquated yoke), exhibited significantly higher efficiencies, particularly at optimal load points, where its conversion efficiency reached 144.93% compared to the standard alternator's 84.61%. This anomalous efficiency is attributed to 'Energy Resonance,' a concept that suggests bidirectional energy flow and oscillating energy, allowing for efficiencies beyond the theoretical 100% limit of standard electrodynamic machinery.

Murray explains that Energy Resonance requires systems capable of bidirectional energy flow, where energy oscillates and is used repeatedly, with the prime mover only needing to supply enough energy to maintain the overall volume. This phenomenon leads to oscillating power, velocity, torque, as well as voltage and current.

He also touches upon the difficulty in obtaining a patent for this technology, facing multiple rejections from the patent office, and the financial and personal toll it took.

The UFO Abductions of Marianne Shenefield

The second major article focuses on Marianne Shenefield, who, despite being legally blind, possesses a remarkable inner vision. The article, written by Pat Sable, details Marianne's experiences, beginning with her first abduction in July 1952 at the age of 11 in Agawam, Massachusetts. She described seeing a silver object, being taken aboard a craft, and undergoing tests.

Following this event, Marianne developed a strange rash and headaches, and her vision began to deteriorate, eventually leading to a diagnosis of Stargardt's disease. She was abducted a second time in 1972, and during hypnosis sessions in 1974, she began to recall details of these encounters.

Miraculously, on March 15, 1974, Marianne's sight improved dramatically, allowing her to see again. This enhanced vision, however, was not normal physical sight but an 'inner vision' that allowed her to perceive symbols, genetic codes, health, and disease in a brilliant kaleidoscope of colors, 24 hours a day. She learned to live with this ability with the help of various individuals, including psychics and researchers.

Marianne's abilities extend to identifying extraterrestrial encounters, categorizing aliens (Alien 1: true extraterrestrial, Alien 2: holographic, Alien 3: government experiments), and understanding underground races. She has worked with Dr. John Weilgart's theories on a universal language of space.

The article highlights specific instances where Marianne's insights proved accurate, such as her diagnosis of endometriosis as an immune system disorder, which was later supported by scientific research, and her identification of a thyroid problem in PMS patients, aligning with Dr. Nora D. Brayshaw's findings.

Furthermore, Marianne's perception of autistic children, particularly her description of Erica's mind operating in 'pastel colors' and experiencing time differently, is presented as a profound insight into the condition.

Conference Report

The issue concludes with a report on the "The UFO Experience" conference, hosted by John White. It lists various speakers and their topics, including Betty Hill, Budd Hopkins, Dr. David Menke, John Timmerman, Larry Fawcett, Phil Imbrogno, and Ellen Crystall. The report also provides information on upcoming conferences related to UFOs, paranormal research, psychotronics, and Tesla.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue are the exploration of unconventional energy generation and the investigation of anomalous human experiences, particularly UFO abductions and their potential connection to heightened psychic abilities. The magazine appears to adopt an open-minded stance, presenting these topics as serious areas of research and inquiry, encouraging readers to consider possibilities beyond mainstream scientific understanding. The editorial stance seems to be one of pushing the boundaries of current knowledge, questioning established paradigms, and exploring phenomena that challenge conventional explanations.

This issue of Pursuit, dated Fourth Quarter 1987, features a cover story titled "A Famous UFO Case Supports Researcher's Hypothesis" by Luis Schonherr, which examines the Valensole UFO landing. The magazine also includes a detailed account of the Kecksburg UFO retrieval by Stan Gordon, and several "SITUations" articles covering new facts on ancient history and various visions.

A Famous UFO Case Supports Researcher's Hypothesis

Luis Schonherr's article discusses the possibility of boundary layer control by electrostatic discharges influencing UFO behavior, referencing Kenith W. Templin's letter. He highlights the famous 1965 UFO landing at Valensole, France, as a case that could support this hypothesis. The sole witness, lavender farmer Maurice Masse, reported that the UFO drifted away slowly and then dissolved, leaving traces in the lavender field that extended 100 meters beyond its visual disappearance. Masse described the disappearance with a gesture of blowing and moving hands apart, suggesting a rapid, non-accelerated vanishing act. Schonherr notes that if an electrostatic boundary layer control was applied, the UFO should have become luminous and shrunk to a point source. He also considers the possibility of a missing-time experience for Masse, given his paralysis during the encounter. However, the correspondence between the reported trajectory and the lasting traces remains a fact. Schonherr speculates about two propulsion systems: a weak auxiliary drive to move away from the witness and a powerful drive for departure. He ponders whether this power drive accelerated the craft in three-dimensional space or shifted it to a higher dimension. The traces beyond the disappearance point suggest the UFO was still within our space but invisible. Schonherr discusses Occam's Razor, suggesting that the boundary layer control hypothesis requires fewer unproven assumptions than teleportation. He also reflects on the application of Occam's principle in ufology, distinguishing between experimental and spontaneous phenomena. He concludes that while teleportation into higher dimensions cannot be scientifically proven, he would hesitate to use Occam's principle to argue against it.

The Military UFO Retrieval at Kecksburg, Pennsylvania

Stan Gordon's article details the events surrounding the Kecksburg UFO incident on December 9, 1965. A brilliant fireball was observed by thousands across North America. In Kecksburg, Pennsylvania, a witness, Mrs. Jones, reported that the object had crashed in a wooded area. Radio station WHJB received numerous calls, and reporter John Murphy was directed to the area. Mrs. Jones's children described the object as "a star on fire." Upon investigation, authorities found a column of blue smoke and a "four-pointed star" object. The area was secured by state police, and a military retrieval operation commenced. Firemen involved in the initial search discovered an object partially buried in the ground, which they described as foreign in appearance, metallic, and acorn-like, with a "bumper" structure and markings resembling "ancient Egyptian hieroglyphics." The object was reportedly removed by a large military truck. Gordon notes that the military's response, including the establishment of a command post at the Kecksburg Volunteer Fire Department and the involvement of Air Force personnel, suggested a significant operation. He highlights the conflicting reports, with military authorities eventually stating the object was a meteorite, a claim questioned by witnesses and researchers. The article also touches upon the possibility of radiation at the site and the involvement of Project Moon Dust, an Air Force program for recovering fallen space vehicles. The author investigates the role of the 662nd Radar Squadron and its potential involvement in the retrieval. New evidence uncovered suggests that a true UFO, not space debris or a test device, may have crashed in Kecksburg.

SITUations: New Facts on Ancient History

Philistine Ruins Suggest They Weren't Philistines

Archaeologists excavating 3,000-year-old ruins in southern Israel suggest that the Philistines, often depicted in the Bible as uncouth, may have been creators of a sophisticated society. Seymour Gitten, director of the W.F. Albright Institute of Archaeological Research, notes the Bible's negative perspective, stemming from events like the slaying of King Saul and the theft of the Ark of the Covenant. Excavations at Tel Miqne, believed to be the ancient Philistine city of Ekron, have revealed extensive olive oil presses, indicating commercial control of olive oil production. Despite historical warfare, the Israelites and Philistines cooperated against Assyrian threats. Philistine society ended in 603 B.C. with the Babylonian conquest.

Prof Compares Find to Dead Sea Scrolls

Frank Moore Cross, professor of Near Eastern languages and civilization at Harvard University, compares the discovery of thousands of clay tablets at Ras Shamra, Syria, to the Dead Sea Scrolls. These tablets, dating to about 1190 B.C., provide insights into the literature, mythology, and religion of the Canaanite culture, offering context for the Israelite religion. The city of Ugarit was a cosmopolitan center that traded widely. The Ugaritic alphabet, formed from cuneiform symbols, is an early precursor to the Phoenician alphabet. Cross regrets the abandonment of the cuneiform method, believing it would have preserved more ancient documents.

Clay Tablets Describe Life 3,700 Years Ago

Archaeologists have discovered a large collection of 3,700-year-old Mesopotamian clay tablets describing the capture of spies, the use of horses in battle, and the allocation of royal wine. Harvey Weiss of Yale University presented the findings, which date to around 1740-1725 B.C., during the time of Hammurabi. The tablets, written in Akkadian cuneiform script, were found at Tell Leilan in northeastern Syria. This discovery is considered significant for understanding the powerful kingdoms of northern Mesopotamia.

SITUations: Various Visions

Cross of Clouds Appears During Church Dedication

Members of Kimisis Tis Theothokou Greek Orthodox Church in Holmdel Township, New Jersey, reported seeing a cloud shaped like a perfect cross on Sunday. The Rev. George H. Dounelis and about 50 parishioners witnessed the phenomenon during a service. Paul A. Stamoulis, vice president of the parish council, described it as a clear, two-straight-lined cross. The cloud dissipated shortly after Dounelis finished his remarks. The event is seen by the parishioners as a divine sign.

Specter Haunts the Ukraine

Reports of apparitions of the Virgin Mary have drawn large numbers of pilgrims to the western Ukraine. A young man described seeing a "mist well, more of a shadow, something dark" flickering along the gray stones of the Church of the Nativity. These sightings, often silent and glowing, have occurred since mid-May in the village of Grushevo, Lvov region, beginning with a young girl seeing a shining female figure in a long-closed church.

Trawler Ghost Exorcised

A Vicar's service of exorcism has reportedly rid a trawler, the Pickering, of a troubled spirit. The crew had experienced the steering going haywire, radar malfunctions, and lights turning on and off. A ghostly figure was also seen on deck. The Rev. Thomas Willis performed the ceremony in Bridlington Bay, and the crew reported an immediate change, landing healthy catches. The trawler was originally registered in Ireland as the Family Crest, and a man had been lost overboard from it.

Books Reviewed

NIGHT SIEGE; THE HUDSON VALLEY UFO SIGHTINGS

This review by George W. Earley discusses the book "NIGHT SIEGE" by J. Allen Hynek & Philip Imbrogno, with Bob Pratt. The book addresses the repeated sightings of a large, quiet, slow-moving, low-flying assemblage of lights in a "V" or "boomerang" configuration in New York's Hudson River Valley, nicknamed the "Westchester Wing." The review criticizes the FAA and local police departments for dismissing the sightings and notes the frustration of witnesses. Imbrogno and a team investigated the reports, but the reviewer believes more effort should have been placed on pressuring government agencies. The "Westchester Wing" is described as either a true UFO or a secret government craft.

THE GOBLIN UNIVERSE

Reviewed by Jon Erik Beckjord, this book by F.W. Holiday attempts to integrate various phenomena such as Loch Ness Monsters, Bigfoot, UFOs, and reincarnation into a unified theory. The review mentions Holiday's own experiences, including an exorcism of Loch Ness and an encounter with a "Men In Black." The book explores the possibility that something silenced Holiday due to his proximity to the truth.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue of Pursuit include UFO sightings and investigations, with a focus on detailed case studies and potential explanations, including scientific hypotheses and military involvement. There is also a strong emphasis on ancient history and archaeology, drawing parallels between biblical narratives and archaeological discoveries. The magazine appears to maintain a skeptical yet open-minded stance, presenting evidence and witness accounts while also exploring various interpretations and theories. The editorial stance seems to favor in-depth research and critical analysis of phenomena, whether they be UFO-related or historical.

This issue of Pursuit magazine, dated Fourth Quarter 1987, delves into a variety of unexplained phenomena, from alleged extraterrestrial artifacts on Mars to cryptid sightings and paranormal research. The magazine presents a collection of articles, reviews, and reader letters that explore topics often on the fringes of conventional science.

Articles and Reviews

The Monuments of Mars

This section reviews Richard C. Hoagland's book, "The Monuments of Mars," which posits that Martians once existed and that certain surface features, most notably a rock formation resembling a humanoid "face" photographed by NASA's Viking Mars probe in 1976, are ruins of an ancient civilization. Hoagland's work is supported by computer imaging specialists Vincent DiPietro and Gregory Molenaar, though they have disassociated themselves from Hoagland's broader theories. The review notes that the scientific establishment has largely dismissed these findings, but anticipates that upcoming Russian and U.S. Mars probes in 1988 and 1990 could provide crucial evidence.

The Ashby Guidebook for Study of the Paranormal

Reviewed by Robert C. Warth, this guidebook by Robert H. Ashby is recommended for those interested in psychic phenomena and parapsychology. It is described as a revised and enlarged edition of Ashby's 1972 work, offering data on psychic research, improving ESP abilities, and providing extensive bibliographies and a glossary of terms.

SITUations Section

This section, a regular feature of Pursuit, reports on curious and unexplained events submitted by readers. Several brief reports are included:

• Chinese Report Says 'Wild Men' Exist: Scientific tests on hair strands suggest the existence of China's "wild man" or "yeren," said to live in the Shennongjia Mountains, with historical records dating back 3,000 years.
• 'Hairy Man' Found Hanged: A "monkey-man" known as a Maogong reportedly committed suicide by hanging himself during a show in China. The creature was described as a rare, short-tailed Macaque monkey.
• English Physicist Claims He Saw, Photographed Himalayan Yeti: Physicist Anthony B. Wooldridge presents photographs of tracks and a distant figure, claiming it is evidence of the Himalayan yeti.
• Dwarf Tribe Sighting Claimed by Ranger: An Indonesian forest ranger claims to have seen a dwarf tribe, the Mante, in the jungles of northern Sumatra.
• Big Cats in Virginia?: The article discusses ongoing debates about the existence of cougars (big cats) in Virginia, noting that while they once roamed the state, their current presence is unconfirmed.
• Heyerdahl Sees Peru Mystery: Explorer Thor Heyerdahl is leading an excavation project in Tucume, Peru, a city of pyramids believed to be intact and hidden by time.
• Priest: Virgin Mary Statue Oozing Oil: Reports from Ramallah describe a plastic statue of the Virgin Mary oozing olive oil, with one incident considered a "miracle."
• Double Sun - A Rare Sighting: Residents of Mount Laoshan, China, reported witnessing two suns side by side in the sky.
• Major Dinosaur Find in China: An expedition in the Gobi Desert uncovered remains of the largest dinosaur ever found in Asia, along with clues about reptile migration.
• New Fish Found in N.J. River: Researchers discovered a mysterious 4-inch-long fish in the Hackensack River, dubbed an "unidentified swimming object."
• Swan Attacks Copter: A swan reportedly attacked a Soviet helicopter over Siberia, forcing it to flee.
• Air Force Finds Evidence of Sixth Force: Scientists using sensitive gravity measurements suggest the existence of a new fundamental force, potentially impacting missile trajectories.

Letters to the Editors

Several letters address topics previously published in Pursuit:

• Robert L. Cook defends his "CIP engine" against criticism, asserting its practicality and high energy efficiency, and citing numerous endorsements and studies, including a Japanese computer simulation. He criticizes the "damaging attitude" of some scientists who reject new ideas.
• Ulrich Magin corrects a misprint in his previous article on Columbus' sea-serpent and adds two new reports of giant turtles.
• Karen Holmes reports an unusual sighting of a black cat-like animal in Maine and seeks information from others.
• Delwin D. Cahoon, Ph.D. critiques an article on "Paleocontact Evidence in Russian Folklore," suggesting that the longevity of folktales is due to satisfying human needs rather than direct impact of extraterrestrial events, possibly involving Jungian archetypes.
• Hans Gerhart Schnebel comments on Olber's paradox and the Big Bang theory, suggesting that inelastic matter could provide a solution and endorsing the world-ether concept.

Historical Records (Fortean Data)

The latter part of the magazine features an extensive, chronologically organized list of "Notes of Charles Fort," deciphered by Carl J. Pabst. This section meticulously documents a vast array of phenomena from the 19th century, including meteors, detonations, unusual weather events (red rain, hail, black rain), poltergeist activity, spontaneous combustion, and other anomalous occurrences, citing various scientific journals and newspapers as sources.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue of Pursuit are the exploration of unexplained phenomena, the critique of mainstream scientific dogma, and the presentation of evidence that challenges conventional understanding. The magazine appears to champion the investigation of UFOs, cryptids, psychic abilities, and historical anomalies, encouraging reader participation and the sharing of "responsible" reports. The editorial stance seems to be one of open-minded inquiry into subjects that are often dismissed by established scientific circles, with a particular emphasis on historical records and eyewitness accounts.

This document is the 1987 index for PURSUIT, the publication of The Society For The Investigation of The Unexplained (SITU). The society, founded in 1965 by Ivan T. Sanderson and other authors, initially focused on the exposition and research of the paranormal. The first newsletter was published in May 1967, and by June 1968, the name PURSUIT was adopted as a subtitle. The full name "Society for the Investigation of The Unexplained" was formally adopted later, with the abbreviation SITU becoming the official designation. The Scientific Advisory Board was introduced in issue number 4.

The 1987 index lists numerous articles and topics covered, reflecting the society's broad interest in unexplained phenomena. These include "Abductions in Perspective," "Bigfoot Update," "Apparent Materialization of Copper Foil," "Mars-Venus Cycle, Vortex Gravity and Fortean Phenomena," and "Military UFO Retrieval at Kecksburg."

Key Articles and Topics

The index provides a detailed listing of articles published in 1987, categorized by subject matter. Notable entries include:

• UFOs and Related Phenomena: "Abductions in Perspective," "Bigfoot Update," "Bizarre Tales, Accusations Fly at UFO Symposium," "Military UFO Retrieval at Kecksburg, Pennsylvania," "UFO Case In Support of Templin's Hypothesis," "Unknown Passageways," and "Various 'Visions'."
• Cryptozoology: "...and More on Big 'Cats'," "Bigfoot Update," and "The Giant Turtle of the Gulf Stream."
• Historical and Archaeological Mysteries: "Chinese Discovery of America," "The Colonel Had a Ghost," "New Facts on Ancient History," "Nicaraguan Idols and Turkish Stone Heads," "Our Atlantean Pyramids," "Paleocontact Evidence in Russian Folktales," and "The Virgin of Los Remedios: The Spanish Answer to the Indian Virgin of Guadalupe."
• Fortean Phenomena: "Mars-Venus Cycle, Vortex Gravity and Fortean Phenomena," "Candy in a Flash," and "On Physical Concomitant Phenomena of Teleportation."
• Unusual Events and Reports: "Apparent Materialization of Copper Foil Case Report: Katie," "Evidence of Macro-Psychokinetic Effects Produced by Thomas of Brazil," "Ghost Hunter Checks out Bernardsville Library," and "Weeping Icon Proves the Power of Artworks."
• Specific Cases and Investigations: "The Guadalupe Madonna," "'Greek' Letters of Tell el' Yahudiva," "In the Wake of Columbus' Sea Serpent," "More Baltic Sunken Cities and Lost Lands," "More Broken Laws," "More on Stone Spheres," and "Sunken Cities and Lost Lands of the Baltic."

Several entries are marked as "a related SITUation" or "related SITUations," indicating specific case files or discussions within the society's archives.

Books Reviewed

The index also includes a section for "Books Reviewed," featuring titles such as:

• "Ashby Guidebook for Study of the Paranormal, The" by Robert H. Ashby
• "Communion" by Whitley Strieber
• "Goblin Universe, The" by F.W. Holiday
• "Melbourne Episode: Case Study of a Missing Pilot"
• "Modern Mysteries of Britain: One Hundred Years of Strange Events" by Janet & Colin Bord
• "Monster Wrecks of Loch Ness and Lake Champlain" by Joseph W. Zarzynski
• "Monuments of Mars, The" by Richard C. Hoagland
• "Mysteries of the Unexplained" (editors of Reader's Digest)
• "Night Siege: The Hudson Valley UFO Sightings" by J. Allen Hynek & Philip Imbrogno
• "Stars, Galaxies, Cosmos: A Catalog of Astronomical Anomalies" by William R. Corliss

Origins of SITU/PURSUIT

The "Origins of SITU/PURSUIT" section details the founding of the society. Zoologist Ivan T. Sanderson, along with other distinguished authors, established a "foundation" in 1965 for the study of the paranormal. The steering group decided to publish a newsletter to engage professionals and enthusiasts. The first issue appeared in May 1967. By March 1968, plans were announced for a larger structure called the "Society for the Investigation of The Unexplained." The name was prophetic, as Sanderson's last book was titled "Investigating the Unexplained." In June 1968, another publication was issued with "newsletter" as a subtitle and PURSUIT displayed for the first time. By September 1968, the abbreviation SITU was formally adopted. Issue number 4 introduced the Scientific Advisory Board and shifted focus from administrative matters to investigative reporting on topics like a large armadillo captured in Argentina, teleportation, the University of Colorado UFO Project, and "ringing rocks."

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes throughout the 1987 index of PURSUIT are the investigation of the unexplained, paranormal phenomena, and mysteries of the natural world. The society's stance appears to be one of open inquiry and research, aiming to gather and disseminate information on subjects that lie outside conventional scientific understanding. The inclusion of a diverse Scientific Advisory Board, comprising experts from various fields like anthropology, psychology, biology, and engineering, suggests an interdisciplinary approach to these investigations. The publication of a detailed index indicates a commitment to cataloging and making accessible the society's research findings over time.