Shadow of a Doubt - 2004 11

Magazine Overview

Title: Shadow Of A Doubt
Issue: NOVEMBER 2004
Publisher: National Capital Area Skeptics
Document Type: Magazine Issue

This issue of "Shadow Of A Doubt" focuses on a public lecture by Professor Walter Rowe concerning the "Mysterious Delusions: Witchcraft in Salem Village." The magazine also provides information on upcoming skeptical events and resources.

Lecture: Mysterious Delusions: Witchcraft in Salem Village

Professor Walter Rowe, a Professor of Forensic Sciences at The George Washington University, is the featured speaker for a National Capital Area Skeptics (NCAS) public lecture. The lecture, titled "Mysterious Delusions: Witchcraft in Salem Village," will take place on Saturday, November 13, from 2-4 pm at the Montgomery County Library, Bethesda Branch, located at 7400 Arlington Road, Bethesda, Maryland.

Rowe, who is a Fellow of the American Academy of Forensic Sciences and a former member of the editorial board of the Journal of Forensic Sciences, has a long-standing interest in the Salem witchcraft outbreak. He plans to critique modern explanations for the 1692-1693 trials, which were the largest episode of witch hunting in the United States and the last in Western Civilization. Over a hundred people were accused, nineteen convicted and executed. Historically, explanations ranged from belief in Satanic conspiracy to the idea that accusers were frauds. More recent theories have focused on food-born toxins (ergot fungus), pathogens (encephalitis), mass hysteria, community quarrels, psychological stresses of adolescence and aging, or stresses from protracted warfare. Rowe will examine these modern explanations in light of the historical record.

Upcoming Events and Features

Randi's "The Amazing Meeting" (TAM)

Randi is organizing the third annual TAM, scheduled for January 13-16, 2005. The event will feature many prominent skeptics, including Penn & Teller, Dr. Michael Shermer, and Jamy Ian Swiss. A significant highlight will be the featured speaker, Dr. Richard Dawkins, author, scientist, philosopher, humanist, lecturer, and educator from Oxford University. Details for attendance can be found on Randi's website: http://www.randi.org/tam3/index.html.

Author and Historian Anthony Pitch to Speak at the Library Nov. 9

Award-winning writer and historian Anthony S. Pitch will present a lecture titled "Research at the Library of Congress: An Historian's Perspective" on Tuesday, November 9, at noon. The event will be held in the sixth floor Dining Room A of the Library's James Madison Building, 101 Independence Ave. S.E., Washington D.C. This lecture is free and open to the public. Pitch, known for his ability to bring local history to life, will share insights on conducting research at the Library of Congress, drawing from his experience exploring its vast collections of manuscripts, periodicals, microfilm, and rare books. He is the author of "The Burning of Washington: The British Invasion of 1814" and is currently working on a book about the assassination of Abraham Lincoln, titled "They Have Killed Papa Dead!" Pitch resides in Potomac, Md.

Fun with HOAXES

The magazine includes a section encouraging readers to test their ability to distinguish hoax photos from real ones. It directs readers to the Museum of Hoaxes website (http://www.museumofhoaxes.com/) for photo tests, specifically mentioning a test in the right-hand column at http://www.museumofhoaxes.com/tests/hoaxphototest.html. The article notes that some hoax pictures are difficult to detect, while others have clear clues. Additional hoax tests on History & Culture and Science and Nature are also available on the website.

Time to Renew!

Members are reminded to check their mailing labels for their renewal date. A $30 fee for a 1-year renewal for an individual or $40 for a two-member household is required. Renewals should be sent to the National Capital Area Skeptics at P.O. Box 8428, Silver Spring, Maryland 20907.

National Capital Area Skeptics Information

Contact information for NCAS is provided: Telephone (301) 587-3827, Email: [email protected], Skeptical Eye submission: [email protected], and Website: http://www.ncas.org/.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue revolve around critical thinking, scientific skepticism, and the examination of historical events and phenomena through a rational lens. The National Capital Area Skeptics promotes scientific understanding and critical analysis, as evidenced by the lecture topics, the inclusion of hoax testing resources, and the emphasis on accurate historical research. The organization positions itself as a promoter of critical thinking and scientific understanding, as indicated by its tagline "NCAS...for good reason."