British and Irish Skeptic - 1987 - Vol 1 No 3

Magazine Overview

Title: The British & Irish Skeptic
Issue: Volume I, Number 3
Date: May/June 1987
Publisher: The British & Irish Skeptic
Country: Ireland
Focus: Scientific investigation of claims of the paranormal.

In This Issue

The cover of this issue invites readers to suggest a title for the newsletter, with "Occam's Razor" and "The British & Irish Skeptic" being the most popular suggestions so far. The "In This Issue" section lists several articles and features:

• Hits & Misses:
• Peter O'Hara: The BMA Report on Alternative Medicine
• Steuart Campbell: The Monstrous Myth at Loch Ness
• Book Reviews: The Transcendental Temptation, Scarne's New Complete Guide to Gambling
• Letters to the Editor
• Toby Howard's Psychic Summary
• UFO-Line

The "HELP!" section appeals to readers for newspaper clippings, information, news, letters, and even occasional video or audio tapes to make the newsletter more varied and interesting.

UK Skeptics Unite

This section reports on two meetings held in April by the British Committee to discuss the formation of an association. Acting Chairman David Berglas resigned at the first meeting. At the second meeting, Dr. David Marks was confirmed as the new Chairman, and the Committee voted to form an association to be officially named "The UK Skeptics." Changes to the draft association document were discussed, with a further meeting planned.

About David Marks

Dr. David Marks, the new British Committee Chairman, is Head of the Psychology Department at Middlesex Polytechnic. He co-authored "The Psychology of the Psychic" and reviewed SRI remote viewing experiments. He was also a speaker at the 1985 CSICOP London Conference and the founding Chairman of the New Zealand Skeptics.

FCCC Update

Following an article about the Fundacao Cacique Cobra Coral in Brazil, which claimed their medium was asked by Buckingham Palace and the BBC to meditate for UK weather, the publication wrote to Buckingham Palace. Robin Janvrin, Assistant Press Secretary to the Queen, responded, stating they were unaware of any such request.

Plummer in Europe

CSICOP Executive Director Mark Plummer is touring European National Skeptics groups after public meetings in London and Dublin. He is scheduled to visit committees and host meetings in various European cities, aiming to create a European skeptical network. He is accompanied by Wendy Grossman, editor of The British & Irish Skeptic.

Geller in America

Uri Geller's tour in America is reported as not yet successful. His New York appearance reportedly drew a smaller audience than expected. In Boston, magician Henry Gordon appeared on a TV show with Geller, where Geller's powers "seemed to evaporate" after an initial success. Magician Michael Bent also assisted on the show, and controls were applied to rule out trickery, with Geller failing to move compass needles or reproduce drawings. Geller is campaigning for increased US Government funding for psychic research, expressing concern that Soviets might be training teams to erase computer tapes or cause errors.

Free Inquiry

This section discusses "Free Inquiry," a quarterly journal published by the Council for Democratic and Secular Humanism (CODESH) in Buffalo, NY. CODESH's purpose is to "discuss and clarify for public awareness the principles of free inquiry," aiming to foster democracy, secular humanism, and free inquiry. The journal is edited by CSICOP's Chairman, Paul Kurtz.

Prediction Festival

Redge Lewis sent in a program from the Prediction Festival held in London, which featured a wide array of items including "Aztral Games, Holographic Pendants, Fantasy Candles, Merlin's Cave, Colour Vibrations, Kabbalah, Crystal Balls, Pyramids, Earth Magic Wands, Occult Philosophy, Oasis Ionisers, and Ritual Paraphernalia." The article highlights "Living Colour," an educational and therapeutic body-awareness course, and "Candlemagic" workshops.

Review and Summary: Alternative Therapy (BMA Report)

Dr. Peter O'Hara reviews a report by the British Medical Association's Board of Science and Education on alternative therapies. The report aims to identify effective treatments and describe how others might be tested within the context of orthodox medicine and scientific proof. It does not suggest doctors adopt alternative treatments but acknowledges compassion, counselling, and holism are already part of orthodox medicine. The working party, formed in 1983, received over six hundred submissions and conducted interviews. The report covers the history of medicine, alternative therapies (including homeopathy, acupuncture, hypnotherapy, and manipulation), and discusses factors contributing to the rise of interest in alternative therapies, such as criticism of modern medicine and a desire for "time, touch, and compassion."

The report categorizes patients consulting alternative practitioners into three groups: those with vague complaints or minor illnesses, those with diagnosed conditions for which there are no orthodox cures, and those with serious illnesses amenable to orthodox treatment who seek alternatives first, often out of fear. The report criticizes the claims of cults like the Unification Church and Scientology regarding healing.

It notes that while orthodox medicine grew from mainstream folk medicine, prejudice against alternative therapies can exist. The report distinguishes between traditional Chinese acupuncture and a modified form used in Britain, finding thin evidence for the former but some evidence for the latter in chronic pain, though only benefiting fifteen percent. Herbalism is discussed, with the report noting that medicine improved by separating active ingredients, citing examples like morphine and aspirin.

Homeopathy is unfavourably reviewed due to the extreme dilutions of drugs, with the claim that shaking transfers "potency" to the diluting agent being unsupported by current physics and chemistry. Theories of energy imbalance underlying disease in therapies like Bach-flower remedies and Radionics are deemed inconsistent with physics or lacking evidence. The report concludes that there are "only therapies with and without good evidence for their efficacy," and that the mode of action is not necessary for a treatment to be introduced if it is effective.

The measurement section is praised as a clear introduction to statistics. The report recommends trials include random allocation of patients. It notes that while orthodox medicine would endorse spinal manipulation for certain disorders, chiropractic and osteopathy are based on the idea that symptoms stem from "subluxations" of spinal joints, which the report disputes. The report acknowledges potential approval for faith healing if practitioners do not diagnose and advise seeing a doctor, noting a controlled trial for rheumatoid arthritis began at Leeds General Infirmary.

Dutch Conference Planned

A new Dutch group is planning a conference for mid-October, with speakers including Paul Kurtz. Information is available from Professor Paul Wouters.

Liberals Call for Alternative Forms of Medical Care

A Liberal health pamphlet recommends that alternative treatments like osteopathy, homeopathy, and acupuncture should be available on the National Health Service, citing public demand and the NHS's failure to meet all needs. The pamphlet stresses the need for evidence of safety and success, advocating a "controlled partnership" between the NHS and private medicine.

The Observer: Spiritual Healers Set Out to Cure the Sceptics

This article from The Observer details a scientifically controlled trial involving 30 arthritis patients receiving conventional treatment and another 30 receiving weekly healing sessions for six months. Doctors will assess the results using X-ray, laboratory, and clinical tests. The Confederation of Healing Organisations is also organizing trials for children with cancer and patients with cataracts. The healers believe their talents have divine origin and hope spiritual healing will become available on the NHS, either as an alternative or complementary therapy.

Mr. Denis Haviland, chairman of the confederation, is convinced the trials will show healing works. The article notes that while no one is charged for treatment, voluntary contributions are requested. The healers listen sympathetically to patients' symptoms before laying on hands. The atmosphere is described as tranquil, with taped music. Some patients hope healing will make surgery unnecessary. Mr. James Ball, a healer, hopes spiritual healing will be established as valuable, improving quality of life even if not a complete cure.

The Monstrous Myth at Loch Ness

Steuart Campbell critically examines the evidence for the Loch Ness Monster. He states that while belief in water spirits existed, the modern "monster" myth began in 1933. Despite strenuous efforts, no reliable evidence has emerged. Campbell debunks photographs as hoaxes or misidentifications, including the famous "Surgeon's Photograph." He analyzes Tim Dinsdale's 1960 film, showing that an RAF endorsement was based on a miscalculation of time, and the object was likely a powered dinghy. Gwen Smith's 1977 film is also questioned as a potential hoax involving a rigged fishing line. Underwater photography by the Academy of Applied Science (AAS) yielded pictures that appeared to show a creature's limb but are now believed to be debris. Sonar use in the lake is fraught with problems, and many sonar contacts have been explained as boat wakes or anomalous echoes. Campbell concludes that Nessie does not exist and that the myth has been spawned by the lake's phenomena, such as wakes, and the influence of belief.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The magazine consistently adopts a skeptical and evidence-based approach to paranormal claims. It critically examines reports, scrutinizes evidence, and seeks rational explanations for phenomena. The editorial stance favors scientific methodology, peer review, and a cautious approach to extraordinary claims, as demonstrated in the reviews of the BMA report on alternative medicine and the Loch Ness Monster evidence. The publication also encourages reader participation and the submission of information that can aid in their investigations.

This issue of 'The British Skeptic' (Issue 11) focuses on book reviews and paranormal phenomena, with a strong emphasis on skepticism and critical analysis. The issue includes reviews of 'The Transcendental Temptation' by Paul Kurtz and 'SCARNE's New Complete Guide to Gambling' by John Scarne, alongside a 'Psychic Diary' and discussions on UFOs and alleged psychic abilities.

Book Reviews

The Transcendental Temptation by Paul Kurtz

Reviewed by Lewis Jones, this book is summarized as advocating for 'critical intelligence' to examine paranormal claims. Kurtz identifies gullibility, ignorance, cowardice, and fear as the 'two cardinal sins'. He suggests that mystical experiences are often rooted in sensory deprivation and withdrawal, leading to a 'psychotic-like reaction'. The review highlights Kurtz's critique of various religious figures and texts, including Moses, Mohammed, and Jesus, questioning the independent evidence for their existence. Kurtz's counter-proposal to the question of life's meaning is to 'make the most out of this life'. The review notes Kurtz's application of critical analysis to both recent and ancient religious claims, likening them to the methods used to expose con-men.

SCARNE's New Complete Guide to Gambling by John Scarne

Reviewed by Wendy Grossman, this book is presented as a comprehensive guide to gambling and why to avoid it. The review connects gambling and psychic research through the lens of deception and the laws of chance, citing Martin Gardner's assertion that the principles of deception are common to both fields. Susan Blackmore and David Marks & Richard Kamman are mentioned for their work on understanding chance in psychic research. Persi Diaconis's views on pattern recognition are also noted. Scarne emphasizes the lack of understanding of chance among gamblers and criticizes the belief in luck as supernatural. The book is described as offering detailed assessments of odds, methods of cheating, and explanations of why gambling systems fail, serving as an applied probability and statistics course.

Psychic Diary

Edited by Toby Howard, this section compiles various news items and reports related to psychic phenomena and paranormal claims:

• Brooke-Bond Cards Controversy: Tony Ortzen, editor of Psychic News, expresses incredulity at CSICOP's objections to the Brooke-Bond paranormal card series, asserting that strange phenomena do occur.
• Anti-Psychic Statute Repeal: The Home Office is considering repealing section 4 of the 1824 Vagrancy Act, which criminalizes fortune-telling and similar practices. A petition for repeal has garnered 1,000 signatures.
• Dial-a-Medium Service: Billy Roberts' PsychicLine venture faces criticism from local Christians.
• Japanese TV Crew Films Ghostbusters: The Association for the Scientific Study of Anomalous Phenomena (ASSAP) assisted a Japanese TV company with a ghost investigation.
• Blind Woman Regains Sight: A Minnesota woman reportedly regained her sight after spiritual healing from Marilyn Rossner.
• Psychic Seagulls et al.: Naturalist David Bellamy wrote the foreword to Dennis Barden's book 'Psychic Animals', which explores psychic abilities in animals.
• Fredrick Davies' Predictions: Clairvoyant Fredrick Davies made five predictions, including Mrs Thatcher's falling out with President Reagan, the Princess of Wales giving birth to more children, Prince Edward starring in a West End show, a cure for AIDS, and Arsenal winning the Cup Final.
• Scottish Ghosts for Tourists: Scottish Tourist Boards are promoting ghost tourism.
• Houdini Contact Plan: US companies plan a live seance to contact Harry Houdini.
• Healers Respond to AIDS: Over one hundred healers offered services to AIDS patients.
• Government Grant for Healer: John Hoskins will receive a grant to start a healing service.
• Claire Raynor on Mediums: Claire Raynor criticized mediums in her Sunday Mirror column.
• Gloucestershire Poltergeist: The Price family in Minsterworth has experienced numerous paranormal incidents.
• GP's Asked About Spiritual Healing: The Confederation of Healing Organisations distributed a letter to local GPs offering spiritual healer services.
• SAGB Complains: The Spiritualist Association of Great Britain expressed dissatisfaction with their portrayal in a BBC documentary.
• Council House Trouble: Reports of eerie phenomena in council flats in Derby and Airedale.
• Newspapers Refuse Healer Ads: The Times and Today refused advertisements for Sheila Macey's healing clinic.
• Sheffield Psychic Poll: A survey by ASSAP found that 62% of respondents had experienced a supernormal or mystical event.
• Psychic Artist Tours: Peter Hammond will tour the UK and South Africa with his 'Spiriscreen' technology.
• Chislehurst Caves Study Update: ASSAP's study at Chislehurst Caves is ongoing, with a video machine mysteriously rewinding.
• Christian Spiritualist Church Inquiry: The National Secular Society received an inquiry about their former headquarters.

UFOs and Jonathan Swift

Derek C. Sampson, host of 'UFO-Line', claims to speak about flying saucers and extra-terrestrial visitors as fact, based on interviews and personal experience. He describes various types of flying objects, including large mother ships and cigar-shaped craft, and claims to have been contacted by aliens. Sampson suggests that Jonathan Swift, in 'Gulliver's Travels', may have known about flying saucers nearly three hundred years ago. He points to the description of a 'flying island' in the 'Voyage to Laputa' as evidence, noting its resemblance to modern flying saucer descriptions, including its structure, size, and a central power source resembling an 'orgone' motor. Sampson also mentions that the inhabitants of Laputa warned Gulliver of possible destruction for the Earth due to celestial changes.

Wendy Grossman adds to this discussion, noting that Swift's 'flying island' is described as having a central magnetic lodestone for propulsion and that the Laputans were knowledgeable in mathematics but ignorant of other matters. She questions whether flying saucers commonly have castles on board, referencing Sampson's description.

Letters to the Editor

Hilary Evans writes to criticize Lewis Jones's 'arrogant dogmatism' in his review, arguing that Brooke Bond cards do not necessarily indicate belief in the phenomena presented. Evans suggests that skeptics should avoid displaying the same prejudice they criticize in others, citing examples like the Turin Shroud, McMinnville and Trindade UFO photos, and toad-in-the-rock phenomena as areas where explanations are still challenged. Evans also defends the 'Dogon' matter, arguing that even the universe is 'riddled with contradictions' and that this does not negate the pursuit of understanding.

Lewis Jones replies, stating that Brooke Bond Oxo is accountable for claims they sponsor. He asserts that the claimant's job is to provide evidence, not for others to disprove nonsensical claims. He also notes the difficulty of fully analyzing 40 pseudo-scientific claims in a short space and provides follow-up references for the Dogon myth, Cottingley fairies, and the toad-in-the-rock phenomenon.

Area Contacts

The issue provides contact information for 'The British Committee' and 'The Irish Skeptics', listing area representatives for various regions in the UK and Ireland, who are described as 'skeptics who would like to be in touch with other skeptics'.

Next Issue

A brief note indicates that the next issue will feature a question mark, suggesting an unknown topic.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue are skepticism, critical thinking, and the examination of paranormal claims, UFOs, and alleged psychic phenomena. The editorial stance, as represented by 'The British Skeptic' and its contributors like Lewis Jones and Wendy Grossman, is one of rigorous inquiry and a demand for evidence. The magazine actively debunks or questions claims that lack empirical support, while also providing a platform for discussions on topics that challenge conventional understanding, such as the possibility of ancient knowledge of flying saucers. The letters section highlights a debate within the skeptical community itself regarding the tone and approach to challenging paranormal beliefs.