1953 09 00 Sir Gershtein scan

Magazine Overview

Title: SIR!
Issue: September
Date: 1956-09
Price: 25¢
Document Type: Magazine Issue

This issue of SIR! Magazine, a publication for males, features a striking cover illustration of a creature resembling the Abominable Snowman, with a headline announcing its renewed sighting based on reports from a new Mt. Everest expedition. The magazine also includes a significant article exploring the potential appearance and civilization of Martians, drawing on astronomical observations and theories.

The Abominable Snowman Again Sighted!

The cover story highlights a new Mt. Everest expedition that reports new sightings of the Abominable Snowman, promising to reveal amazing facts. The illustration depicts a large, hairy, ape-like creature in a snowy mountain landscape, with two explorers in the foreground.

What the Martians Really Look Like

This multi-page feature delves into the possibility of life on Mars, particularly advanced life forms. It begins by referencing Dr. Gerard de Vaucouleurs, an astronomer who, in the May 1953 issue of Scientific American, agreed that life on Mars is probable. The article discusses the controversy surrounding the highest-developed form of life on Mars, especially in the context of advancements in atomic power and the possibility of interplanetary travel, with "flying saucers" being conjectured as potential interplanetary space-ships.

Astronomical Perspectives on Martian Life

Several astronomers and scientists are cited. Dr. W. E. Duckwall is mentioned for stating that life on Mars was "certain" and that evolution there may have been more rapid, leading to a high level of development. Dr. Percival Lowell, a long-time observer of Mars, was convinced of the existence of a high-level civilization there, citing the "canals" as evidence of sophisticated engineering skills.

Evidence of Martian Civilization

Beyond the canals, the article points to two significant observations: the frequent appearance of enormous geometrical designs on the planet's surface, interpreted as signals, and the Martian atomic explosion of January 16, 1950, observed by astronomer Tsuneo Saeki. These events, it is argued, could only have been produced by a mighty civilization.

The Martian Environment and Adaptations

The article addresses objections based on Mars's environment, such as its smaller size, thinner atmosphere, lower oxygen levels, and less water compared to Earth. It argues that life, like that found in Earth's deep oceans, can adapt to extreme conditions. The reddish color of Mars is attributed to the fixation of atmospheric oxygen in the soil, suggesting that Martian creatures would have evolved ways to utilize it. The text emphasizes that life is adaptable and that the existence of vegetation on Mars provides a food source.

Speculative Martian Physiology

Professor A. L. D. Norbert-Hall, Director of the Mannheim Foundation Observatory, contributes his impressions. He suggests that due to Mars's lower gravity (about 38% of Earth's), Martians could be considerably larger than Earth creatures. He posits that their bone structure would be frailer, as less support would be needed. The maximum size for peak mammalian efficiency on Mars is estimated to be between ten and fifteen feet tall. The ruling species is expected to be vertebrate, not insectoid, though Martian insects might be larger and possess more brain cells than their Earth counterparts. Martians are theorized to be four-limbed, with large chests and braincases, and possibly enormous ears for better hearing in the thin atmosphere. Their skin is expected to be heavily furred for insulation against the cold and poreless to conserve moisture. Their mouths are described as tiny orifices, and they would have lost the need for teeth and lower jaws. Breathing would occur through a protected orifice. Their eyes are depicted as projecting on stalk-like antennae, providing spherical visibility.

Martian Intelligence and Potential Threat

The article concludes that Martians likely possess a highly developed civilization and science, possibly superior to ours, as indicated by the canal system and flying saucer phenomena. It suggests a cautious approach, advocating for contact as a potential friend rather than an enemy, given their advanced capabilities.

Americana

This section presents a collection of humorous and quirky anecdotes from various parts of the United States, including a town councilman's vote on a law concerning public whistling, a definition of a culvert, a Kiwanis Club meeting mishap, a fan's public pledge to pay debts, a wrestling match spectator's over-enthusiasm, a humorous exchange about a government job candidate's poetry, an oysterman's query about social security taxes, a citizen's indecisive postscript, and a unique snowball delivery between two cities.

Our Times

This section features a series of short, amusing, and sometimes bizarre news items from around the country. These include circus lions voluntarily returning to their cages, a peculiar fashion trend involving dog collars, a child's identification of "The Star Spangled Banner," a police requirement for suspected drunk drivers to recite a tongue-twister, a theater's promotion offering free candy, a child's response about cutting down a cherry tree, a radio program banned from a prison, an ostrich requiring a mine detector, a typewriter company adding an "!" key, a civil defense attempt to record a siren, and a family posting a "No Vacancy" sign on their trailer.

Facts About the New Prostate Cancer Cure

This section, continuing from page 15, discusses the origins of a prostate cancer cure. It highlights the work of a Harvard Medical School graduate who focused on cancer stimulated by sex-hormone production. The article touches upon the association between endocrine glands and the development of sex characteristics, as well as various cancers, including breast and prostate cancer. The prostate gland is described as a "mysterious gland."

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The magazine consistently explores themes of the unusual, the speculative, and the sensational, as evidenced by the cover story on the Abominable Snowman and the detailed speculation about Martian life. The "Americana" and "Our Times" sections provide lighthearted, often humorous, content that reflects a broad interest in curious events and human behavior. The inclusion of a medical breakthrough in cancer treatment suggests an attempt to balance sensationalism with informative content. The editorial stance appears to be one that embraces mystery, scientific speculation, and the extraordinary, while also touching upon practical matters and societal curiosities.