Seklet - 1957 No 3

Magazine Overview

This issue of "Seklet" from 1957, identified as N:r 3 and priced at 50 öre, features a cover headline about a professor replacing the 'motbok' (ration book, likely referring to alcohol rationing) and a historical tragedy concerning 'Anastasia'. The magazine is published by Vivos Voco and appears to be from Sweden.

Professor ersätter motboken (Professor Replaces the Ration Book)

This article critiques the historical approach to alcohol policy in Sweden. It notes the recent appointment of Dr. Leonard Goldberg to a new professorship in theoretical alcohol research, questioning the long delay in establishing such a position. The author argues that both the era of rationing ('motboken') and its abolition have been based on unscientific grounds. Past temperance movements, from Wieselgren to the Blue Ribbon movement, are described as lacking scientific basis. The article also touches upon the 1922 vote for alcohol prohibition, where the National Board of Health reportedly warned of potential loss of life due to alcohol's medicinal properties, questioning if this was science or quackery. The author suggests the 'motbok' failed due to the self-interest of representatives who wanted sufficient 'allotments', leading to its removal and a subsequent 'flood of spirits'. The current situation is framed by economic factors, which the author ironically labels as national economy and science. The article concludes by hoping Professor Goldberg will succeed where previous efforts failed, quoting Wilh. v. Braun on the nature of alcohol.

Anastasia: En historisk tragedi (Anastasia: A Historical Tragedy)

This section delves into the historical mystery surrounding Anastasia, a presumed survivor of the Russian imperial family's execution. It recounts how she might have survived the initial attack, possibly being wounded and then struck with a rifle butt, leading to her being presumed dead. The narrative follows her alleged journey from Siberia through Romania to Germany, mentioning her marriage to a soldier who later died and her struggles with memory and fear due to her experiences. The article questions if the depicted Anastasia is the same person as a 'Polish farm laborer' who was institutionalized. It highlights her supposed clairvoyance and detailed memories of life at the imperial court, referencing the book "Anastasia" by Harriet von Rathleff-Keilmann. The text presents anecdotes from her alleged past, including descriptions of nature in Poland and Crimea, and mentions interactions with figures like Briand and Poincaré. The article also touches upon the use of ear shape analysis and radioactive radiation via pendulum readings as methods of identification, raising questions about their scientific validity.

Nordisk etik möter pornografi-skandalen (Nordic Ethics Meets the Pornography Scandal)

The article discusses the spread of pornography in Sweden, linking it to a perceived leniency in new press freedom laws. It contrasts this with neighboring Nordic countries that have successfully curbed pornography through legislation. The author expresses a desire for a healthy society free from the 'sick and rotten' elements of pornography, which are visible in shops. The piece suggests that dictatorial states can more easily ban pornography, but in democracies, the issue is complex. It notes that while Swedish parliamentarians are revisiting anti-pornography laws, the lack of strong opposition within Sweden is attributed to 'compact resistance'. The article praises the Pentecostal movement's newspaper for its clear stance against pornography, while other 'idealistic' magazines remain silent, fearing to give free publicity. It suggests that these magazines might be tempted by the economic benefits of publishing pornographic content, citing an example of a literary magazine whose circulation surged after publishing such material. The author hopes that new, effective laws will emerge to curb the pornography trade and identify those responsible.

Grafologisk orientering (Graphological Orientation)

This section introduces graphology, the study of handwriting, as a means of understanding character. It outlines two methods: intuitive, where one empathizes with the handwriting, and systematic, which relies on learned principles. The author favors the systematic approach as scientific but acknowledges the potential of the intuitive method, citing Rafael Scherman. The article then analyzes different ways of crossing the letter 't', associating specific styles with personality traits such as a desire to dominate, insecurity, self-confidence, spiritual leadership, stubbornness, or a passive nature. It emphasizes that graphology, like phrenology, requires a holistic analysis of various signs to avoid hasty conclusions, as opposing traits can neutralize each other.

"Grottväggarnas under" och - frenologien ("The Wonder of Cave Walls" and Phrenology)

This article discusses prehistoric cave paintings in Southern France, described by Professor Nils von Hofsten as remarkably preserved and artistically advanced. Von Hofsten suggests that the development of artistic skills predates intellectual development, linking this to primitive brain centers and the nature of children and 'primitives'. The author interprets this as an implicit acknowledgment of phrenology's core principle: that different mental faculties are associated with specific brain centers. The article posits that the brain is structured from lower to higher life forms, with artistic and memory-related functions being more primitive and located in the lower parts of the brain, while higher intellectual functions are in the upper parts. This is used to explain why children and certain indigenous groups excel in art and memory but struggle with abstract thought. The author also touches upon the idea of inherited traits from previous life forms, connecting the similarities between children and animals to their shared brain structures.

Är det de kemiska gödselmedlen, som skola rädda mänskligheten (Are the Chemical Fertilizers What Will Save Humanity?)

This piece questions the claim that chemical fertilizers are essential for saving humanity from starvation. While acknowledging their role in increasing crop yields, the author argues that this comes at the cost of quality. The article also points out that the mechanization of agriculture has freed up land previously used for livestock, contributing to food production. However, the primary concern raised is the destructive effect of chemical fertilizers on the soil's quality ('myllan'), suggesting that this could lead to a future crisis where humanity must work to restore depleted lands.

Nostradamus

This section provides an overview of Nostradamus's prophecies, noting their widespread observation and discussion. It mentions his three main works and the numerous commentaries, many of which are criticized for not being based on original texts. The author asserts that Nostradamus believed his prophecies were divinely inspired, primarily through astrology, and that he intentionally wrote in a cryptic manner to be understood only by future generations. The prophecies are characterized as focusing on war, upheaval, natural disasters, and the decline of Christianity. Specific dates like 1585 and 1606 are highlighted as significant, and the article interprets them in relation to a special timeline starting from Adam. The author discusses Nostradamus's predictions about the French Revolution, including the naming of individuals involved, and the Great Fire of London in 1666. The article also mentions a prophecy about a 'terrible king from the East' attacking in July 1999 and the ongoing 'great battle' between the West and 'orientals' or 'hordes', preceded by sounds interpreted as rocket planes.

Books as Aids

This short section reviews several books available from Litteraturförlaget. "Frisk-Slank-Stark" (Healthy-Slim-Strong) is described as a guide to fasting and modern methods for achieving beauty and slimness. "Bushido" is presented as a system for concentration, self-mastery, and winning over others, described as Japanese yoga adapted for a Western audience. "Örtagubben" (The Herb Man) offers knowledge about medicinal herbs, their collection, preparation, and use. Finally, "Gelée Royale" is discussed as a health-preserving substance derived from the food of queen bees, with claims of its benefits for humans and its preservation for extended periods.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The magazine "Seklet" appears to have a broad interest in topics ranging from social policy and history to esoteric subjects like prophecy and graphology, alongside health and societal issues. The editorial stance seems critical of unscientific approaches, whether in alcohol policy or historical interpretations. There is a clear concern for societal health, as evidenced by the strong stance against pornography. The magazine also engages with historical mysteries and prophetic traditions, presenting them for reader consideration. The publication seems to encourage critical thinking while also exploring alternative or less mainstream subjects.