British and Irish Skeptic - 1988 - Vol 2 No 2

Magazine Overview

Title: The British & Irish Skeptic
Issue Date: March/April 1988
Volume: II, Number 2
Publisher: The British & Irish Skeptic
Country of Publication: Ireland
Language: English
Format: Bimonthly magazine

This issue of The British & Irish Skeptic, dated March/April 1988, presents a range of articles and reports focused on skepticism, pseudoscience, and critical examination of paranormal claims. The cover prominently features an interview with Paul Kurtz, described as a leading American humanist and chairman of CSICOP. Other key articles include an examination of S.G. Soal as a 'Master of Deception' and a report titled 'Doris Collins and the Sun,' which scrutinizes the newspaper's promotion of psychic phenomena.

Articles

• Doris Collins and the Sun (Page 5): This report by Wendy M. Grossman details a series of 'psychic extravaganzas' run by The Sun newspaper, including a contest for amateur psychics and an attempt by Uri Geller to project psychic powers. The article focuses on Doris Collins, a self-styled psychic promoted by the paper. Businessman Gerald Fleming offered a substantial sum (£250,000) for a demonstration of psychic abilities under controlled scientific conditions, an offer that The Sun apparently ignored. Fleming publicly criticized the newspaper for promoting what he considered fraud, preying on grief-stricken individuals.
• Interview: Paul Kurtz (Page 11): This section features an interview with Paul Kurtz, identified as the chairman of CSICOP and a leading American humanist. The interview is conducted by Wendy M. Grossman.
• State of the Art: the Society for Psychical Research (Page 15): Written by Frank Chambers, this article likely examines the current state and activities of the Society for Psychical Research.
• S.G. Soal: Master of Deception (Page 16): Chris Scott's article investigates S.G. Soal, presenting him as a figure of deception within the context of psychic claims.

Departments

• Hits & Misses (Page 4): This section covers various news items and brief reports. It includes information on the upcoming European CSICOP Conference in Bad Tolz, Germany, and the Magonia magazine's UFO conference in London. A report on Uri Geller's TV appearance with his son is discussed, along with details of a cryonics update from Discover magazine, which notes the scientific challenges of organ preservation and the Society for Cryobiology's stance against cryonics groups. A brief mention is made of a Time magazine article characterizing the New Age movement as an 'anthology of illusions.' The death of Nessie-hunter Tim Dinsdale is also noted.
• European Report (Page 9): This section provides updates from skeptical organizations across Europe. It highlights the first issue of 'Skepter,' the magazine of the Dutch group Skepsis, and its focus on the distinction between science and para-science. The report also covers activities in Spain, mentioning the group 'La Alternativa Racional a las Pseudociencias' and their skeptical stance on Uri Geller and the Shroud of Turin. Updates from India and China are included, detailing CSICOP's tour of China and the work of the Bangalore skeptics' group.
• In Progress (Page 10): This section addresses the operational aspects of the magazine. It includes a 'Renewals' update, noting good subscription numbers for 1988 and thanking donors. A 'Help Wanted' plea is made for a reasonably-priced printer, cartoonists/illustrators, and a replacement Editor, detailing the extensive tasks currently handled by the Editor. A 'Sales' update mentions Toby Howard selling issues through the University of Manchester Bookshop and the e-mail network. 'In Future Issues' previews upcoming content, including the second part of the Paul Kurtz interview and articles on science and pseudoscience.
• Skeptics in the News (Page 18): This department likely contains press clippings related to skeptical activities or news.
• Toby Howard's Psychic Diary (Page 19): This suggests a personal account or column by Toby Howard on psychic phenomena or related experiences.
• Reviews (Page 20): This section features reviews of several books and media, including 'Psychic Forum' (Redge Lewis), 'QED/Glimpses of Death' (Steuart Campbell), 'The Faith-Healers' (Wendy M. Grossman & Peter O'Hara), 'The Other Quote Book' (Stephen Moreton), and 'UFOs 1947-1987' (Steuart Campbell).
• Letters (Page 27): This section includes correspondence from readers.
• The Press Gallery (Page 30): This likely showcases press clippings relevant to skepticism or paranormal claims.

Specific Reports and Columns

• Special Report: Doris Collins and the Sun (Page 5): As detailed above, this report critically examines The Sun's promotion of Doris Collins and the lack of response to a substantial offer for scientific validation of her claims.
• Psychic Mafia (Page 6): A report based on a clipping from the South London Press, exposing 'spiritualist' Mike Sales' claims of finding numerous fake mediums. The article questions the basis for the 'mafia' claim but highlights common fraudulent psychic practices.
• Marie-Simone (Page 6): Rachel Winston writes about her experience with Marie-Simone's horoscope service, detailing the extensive, personalized-seeming leaflet received and questioning its authenticity and the vague nature of the predictions.
• Shroud of Turin (Page 6): A brief report notes controversy surrounding the carbon-testing of the Shroud of Turin, with the Vatican reducing the number of involved labs, potentially impacting test accuracy.
• UFOs (Page 7): This section discusses a flurry of UFO stories in the press, noting that most have non-extraterrestrial explanations. It references UFOlogist Jenny Randles' tally of 160 UFO stories in the British press and criticizes The Star newspaper for sensationalism regarding UFOs and a purported 'stone face' on Mars.
• TV Evangelism (Page 7): This brief report mentions scandals in American TV evangelist circles, specifically Jimmy Swaggart's confession of unidentified sins.
• Atlanteans (Page 7): Steuart Campbell writes about 'The Atlanteans of Runnings Park,' a group living communally and believing in ley lines. The report details their philosophy, which emphasizes a holistic approach to life and healing, and mentions their bi-monthly magazine, 'The Atlantean.'
• Dowsing (Page 8): This section includes a letter published in The Lancet by Denys Parsons, critiquing claims about dowsing abilities made by Dr. Eastwood. Parsons argues that such claims lack scientific rigor and would likely fail under double-blind conditions, citing previous studies that found dowsing results to be no better than chance.
• Legal Cases (Page 8): This section reports on two legal cases: one in Ithaca involving parents refusing orthodox medical treatment for their terminally ill child, and another in the Irish Times concerning a suit against hypnotist Paul Goldin for failing to cure stammering after a six-day course.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The British & Irish Skeptic consistently promotes a critical and evidence-based approach to claims of the paranormal and pseudoscience. The magazine actively debunks sensationalist media reporting, exposes fraudulent practices by psychics and mediums, and scrutinizes organizations promoting unsubstantiated beliefs. There is a strong emphasis on scientific methodology, the importance of controlled testing (especially double-blind conditions), and the need for clear distinctions between science and para-science. The editorial stance is one of rigorous skepticism, encouraging readers to question extraordinary claims and to rely on verifiable evidence. The magazine also serves as a platform for disseminating information from international skeptical organizations like CSICOP, fostering a global network of critical thinkers.

This issue of The British & Irish Skeptic, dated March/April 1988, features an extensive interview with Paul Kurtz, a prominent figure in the skeptical movement. The magazine also includes articles critically examining paranormal claims and organizations.

Interview: Paul Kurtz

Wendy M. Grossman interviews Paul Kurtz, who is the chairman of the Buffalo, NY-based Committee for Scientific Investigation of Claims of the Paranormal (CSICOP), editor of Free Inquiry magazine, President and editor-in-chief of Prometheus Books, and a professor of philosophy at the State University of New York at Buffalo. Kurtz discusses his longstanding interest in Britain and Ireland, stemming from his time as a young GI in the Second World War and his subsequent professional and intellectual connections. He highlights the influence of British philosophers like Locke, Bacon, Berkeley, Hume, and John Stuart Mill on his own thinking, emphasizing the empiricist principle that hypotheses should not be accepted without evidence.

Kurtz expresses the importance of maintaining a skeptical critique in Britain, noting that his own skepticism was largely influenced by David Hume. He acknowledges the historical significance of the Society for Psychical Research (SPR) and its early efforts to test phenomena like thought transmission and survival of the dead, despite their ultimate lack of hard results. He teaches a course on the paranormal and parapsychology, reviewing the history of these fields and the work of figures like F.W.H. Myers, Edmund Gurney, and the Sidgwicks.

Kurtz addresses the connection between skepticism and humanism, stating that skepticism is an honorable intellectual posture that demands evidence and replication. He criticizes ad hominem attacks and charges of Marxism leveled against skeptics, asserting that religious beliefs are irrelevant to scientific inquiry. He also touches on the challenges of dealing with human subjects in research, noting that while parapsychology involves human subjects, it is not unique in this regard.

S.G. SOAL: Master of Deception

This article by Chris Scott critically examines the influential S.G. Soal and Basil Shackleton experiments, which were once hailed as conclusive evidence for extrasensory perception (ESP). The author details how a paper by the head of the Cambridge philosophy department in 1944 brought these findings to prominence. Soal, initially a skeptic, discovered that two subjects, particularly Basil Shackleton, scored significantly above chance when card guesses were scored against cards adjacent to the target.

The article meticulously outlines the evidence that later emerged, suggesting fraud and manipulation. This includes:

• C.E.M. Hansel's hypothesis (1955-1960): Suggesting fraudulent card substitution by the agent.
• Soal's admission (1956): Revealing that original records were lost.
• Mrs G. Albert's report (1960): Stating that Soal improperly altered figures, changing misses into hits.
• R.G. Medhurst's analysis (1971): Finding that Soal's account of target preparation was incorrect.
• C. Scott and P. Haskell's statistical evidence (1973-4): Showing strong evidence of figure alteration.
• B. Markwick's findings (1978): Demonstrating intrusions in digit sequences that implied improper manipulation.

Despite this overwhelming evidence, the article notes that most parapsychologists rejected the fraud interpretation and continued to believe in ESP, often citing different experiments. Scott argues that the Soal débacle demonstrates a readiness among believers to accept defective evidence and an unshakeable faith impervious to counter-evidence.

STATE of the ART by Frank Chambers

Frank Chambers reviews the Society for Psychical Research (SPR), established in 1882. He notes that the SPR has a registered office and library in London and that its membership does not imply acceptance of any particular explanation for psychic phenomena. However, he observes that a belief in the reality of psychic phenomena seems to be assumed among its members, as indicated by the titles of their publications and lecture cassettes, which cover topics like mediumship, psychokinesis, and reincarnation.

Chambers mentions the SPR's publications, including a Proceedings, Journal, and Newsletter. He also lists notable past presidents of the SPR, such as Professor Henry Sidgwick, Sir William Crookes, and J.B. Rhine. He questions the continued focus on phenomena like 'Madam Blavatsky' and 'tables moved by cantilevers of solidified ectoplasm,' suggesting that if spirits wish to communicate, they could do so more effectively, perhaps by using his word processor.

Skeptics in the News

This section highlights two items:

1. Irishman's challenge to medium: Businessman Gerald Fleming offered £250,000 to Doris Collins, a leading British medium, if she could successfully demonstrate her claimed psychic abilities under controlled conditions. Fleming expressed concern about newspapers giving false hopes to the bereaved.
2. Medium is offered £250,000 for 'proof': This appears to be a related report about the same challenge, with Doris Collins declining the offer and suggesting the money be given to charity.

Toby Howard's PSYCHIC DIARY

Toby Howard reflects on the tendency for skeptics to dismiss paranormal claims and the problem of people experiencing genuine distress attributed to paranormal agencies. He recounts an instance where a woman experiencing what she believed to be psychic disturbances was encouraged by a psychic investigator to believe it was an unhappy spirit, rather than seeking medical or psychiatric help. Howard argues that such reinforcement of paranormal explanations can be harmful and provides a strong argument for rationalism.

He also notes the media coverage of Doris Collins, who has stepped into the niche vacated by Doris Stokes, and her involvement in a 'psychic experiment' arranged by The Sun newspaper. The article also briefly mentions the 'Cameron Aurameter,' a radiesthetic detector, and the recognition of Wicca as a religion in Ontario, Canada.

REVIEWS: CONFERENCES - PSYCHIC FESTIVAL

Redge Lewis recounts his experience attending a Psychic Festival in Torquay. He approached the event as a skeptic, prepared to offer a substantial sum of money if a medium could answer 21 questions about him with a high degree of accuracy. The organizer, Mrs. Ede, rejected his monetary proposal as insulting. Lewis attended and spoke with two mediums, Vanessa and Belle. Vanessa attempted twelve questions and got two correct, admitting the results were not serious. Belle, a more experienced medium, was challenged by Vanessa and also struggled, providing information that was largely incorrect, including names and details about a house and a dressmaker.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue revolve around the critical examination of paranormal claims, the importance of scientific methodology and evidence-based reasoning, and the role of skepticism in combating pseudoscience. The magazine consistently promotes a rationalist and humanist perspective, challenging the validity of psychic phenomena and the methods used to investigate them. The editorial stance is clearly in favor of rigorous scientific inquiry and a skeptical approach to extraordinary claims, as exemplified by the critical analysis of the Soal-Shackleton experiments and the interview with Paul Kurtz.

This issue of The British & Irish Skeptic, dated March/April 1988, features a cover story exposing the 'Psychic Mafia' and 'mediums' with a message of greed. The magazine delves into various skeptical investigations and critiques of paranormal claims, including psychic phenomena, UFO sightings, and the creationism versus evolution debate.

Psychic Phenomena and Scams

The issue highlights the exploitation of vulnerable individuals by fraudulent psychics. A 'Psychic Mafia' is exposed, with Spiritualist Mike Sales tracking down swindlers who prey on pensioners, demanding cash and jewelry under threat of curses. PC Martin of the Metropolitan Police notes that psychics work on their marks over several sittings, asking for money and jewelry to be 'blessed' and threatening curses if victims don't comply. The South Wales Echo reports on a gang of fortune-telling frauds, the Williams' family, who were jailed for cheating women across the country. Lewisham Spiritualist Church secretary Alice French contrasts their practices with legitimate psychics, noting that fakes charge high prices for short, fabricated readings.

'The Mystic Muggers' section details how psychics use crude cons and threats. Clairvoyant Collette Simpson advises caution, recommending references and checking with publications like 'Psychic News'. Stella Mann criticizes many psychics for 'talking out of their hats'. Faith healer Martin Coombs condemns these individuals as 'evil people living on other people's misery'.

A reporter's undercover investigation into 'spirit spivs' working from home reveals psychics who fail to spot incorrect personal details, offering vague readings about love, work, and friends. One psychic asked for £15 for a palm reading and more for a 'blessing', despite the reporter being unemployed and broke. Another charged £10 for a Tarot reading and insisted the reporter was married with children, despite denials.

UFOs and Paranormal Events

Under the "MEDIA" section, Steuart Campbell reviews a BBC 1 program on 'Near-Death Experiences' (QED/Glimpses of Death). The program discussed three types of experiences: Out of Body Experiences (OOBE), the Tunnel of Light, and the Heavenly Experience. Dr. Peter Fenwick suggested hallucinations due to lack of oxygen for the latter two, but could not explain OOBEs. Dr. Michael B. Sabom's research comparing patient accounts with medical records found high accuracy, leading him to accept the reality of these experiences.

Another article by Steuart Campbell reviews 'UFOs 1947-1987: The 40-year search for an explanation', compiled by Hilary Evans and John Spencer. Campbell notes that while the book presents evidence of UFO reports, it ultimately suggests UFOs do not exist, but rather that the reports are caused by something other than alien activity. He criticizes the book for its contributors' assumption of UFO reality and for the editors contradicting themselves on whether UFOs exist. The review highlights contributions from Claude Maugé, Chris Rutkowski, and Michel Monnerie, while also critiquing Hilary Evans' perceived antagonism to science and his criticism of organizations like CSICOP and Donald Menzel.

An Australian family's claim of a UFO encounter is discussed, with scientist Professor Peter Schwerdtfergger suggesting it might be an unusual natural phenomenon: a dry thunderstorm. The details provided were consistent with charged dust particles creating a 'pall of lighting'.

David Berman's article on the Knock apparition of 1897 is critically examined. The author argues that Berman's 'new evidence' for the lantern hypothesis is weak, relying on speculation about the priest's motives. The article points out that the lantern hypothesis struggles to explain how the apparition moved with the witnesses, suggesting a reflected light, possibly from Jupiter, is a more plausible explanation. The article also notes that the witnesses' reports were not entirely consistent and that the gable itself was capable of producing such appearances.

Books and Debates

Wendy M. Grossman reviews James Randi's book 'The Faith Healers', praising its extensive evidence against American TV evangelists but criticizing its disorganization and lack of an index. The book explores the link between television and evangelism, the wealth amassed, and the methods used to hook audiences.

Stephen Moreton reviews 'The Other Quote Book' by A.G. Wheeler, which counters creationist distortions of scientific quotations by providing over 200 quotes from scientists and theologians supporting evolution. The review highlights the creationist tactic of using out-of-context quotes and provides an example of how John Whitcomb misrepresented the work of Hubbert and Rubey regarding overthrust faulting.

Mr. Colin Wood's assertion that the fossil record is a testament against evolution is strongly refuted. The author explains that the record's gaps are due to the vast majority of species not being fossilized. The article highlights evidence supporting evolution, including the sequence of vertebrate evolution, the appearance of flowering plants, and discoveries in the late pre-Cambrian. It also mentions the discovery of early Cretaceous fossil feathers and a reptilian bird, as well as transitional whale fossils with vestigial hind legs, challenging creationists to explain these findings.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The magazine consistently adopts a skeptical stance, critically examining paranormal claims and pseudoscientific arguments. It champions scientific reasoning and evidence-based investigation, particularly in areas like UFOs, psychic phenomena, and evolutionary biology. The editorial stance appears to be one of promoting critical thinking and debunking fraudulent or unsubstantiated claims, while also providing a platform for detailed scientific critiques and reviews of relevant literature. There is a clear emphasis on distinguishing between genuine phenomena and scams or misinterpretations.

This issue of the South London Press, dated Friday, February 5th, 1988, prominently features the headline "MUGGERS!" alongside a significant article detailing alleged psychic scams. The magazine also includes content related to the paranormal, skepticism, and a profile of Uri Geller.

Psychic Scams and the 'Psychic Mafia'

The lead story, reported by JOHN FENNESSY, exposes the operations of a "psychic Mafia" that allegedly preys on vulnerable individuals, particularly pensioners and the bereaved. A police constable, using the assumed name PC Mertin, claims these psychics make thousands of pounds by exploiting people's fears and traumas. The article outlines common deceptive practices, such as charging exorbitant fees for astrological charts, fabricating supernatural phenomena, and using elaborate ruses to extract money.

PC Mertin states that he and his colleagues attempt to recover money for clients by confronting the psychics. However, he admits that some victims are too scared or ashamed to pursue legal action, and some psychics have resorted to threats and intimidation.

Tricks of the Trade

The magazine details several "tricks of the trade" employed by psychic fraudsters:

• High Fees for Charts: Charging £20 or more for an astrological chart that can be generated by a computer with basic personal information.
• Ghost Creation: Fabricating ghosts by shining a strong light through a sheet of plate glass.
• Levitation: Making cables appear to levitate by placing a hand underneath or by pressing down on one end.
• Money Blessing Ruse: A client leaves money on an altar to be blessed, only to find blank paper when they retrieve it after a specified period.
• Vague Predictions: Using probabilistic and guesswork-based readings, such as stating a person is "over on the outside and within" or cannot "love."

The Riddle of Doris Stokes's Fortune

Another significant article, written by JAMIE PYATT, focuses on the late medium Doris Stokes, who reportedly earned up to £2,000 a night. Her widower, John Stokes, has been attempting to contact her from beyond the grave to discover the whereabouts of her £200,000 fortune, as nothing was left in her will after expenses.

After consulting eight other mediums, the riddle was reportedly solved through a four-hour seance with psychic Merrylyn Seddon. Doris Stokes allegedly communicated that the money was in the Channel Islands but advised against tracing it, stating she did not put it there. Her son, Terry, who had hired a private investigator, also received a message to "Let it pass."

Her ex-manager, Laurie O'Leary, suggested that Doris gave most of her money to charity and "knew how to spend."

Uri Geller's Claims and Views on Fraud

The issue includes a section profiling Uri Geller, the spoon-bender, who claimed to have used his psychic powers to assist the CIA and the Israeli Secret Service by obtaining information from defectors.

Geller expressed that he was not bothered by claims of being a fraud and admitted to having reservations about some psychics himself. He stated he does not believe in fortune-tellers but thinks major disasters can be foretold, citing a recurring dream about his father's death that accurately predicted its circumstances.

He also discussed his past financial ambitions, including wanting to become a gigolo or a horror-movie star, and mentioned that he has made significant wealth but could earn much more, having received offers from companies worldwide. He emphasized that he now uses his wealth for security and to restore his power.

The British & Irish Skeptic

A separate section introduces "The British & Irish Skeptic" magazine, inviting readers to join in investigating the paranormal, including UFOs, abductions, ghosts, and other phenomena. It provides subscription details and lists the contents of its back issues, covering a range of topics from the Knock phenomenon and psychic claims to scientific skepticism and reviews of paranormal-related books and events.

Other Mentions

• Rat Pack Raid: A brief mention of a raid on a hospital laboratory in Beckenham, Kent, where animal liberation fanatics stole a hundred white rats.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The issue strongly leans towards a skeptical perspective on paranormal claims, particularly those involving psychic fraud. The "MUGGERS!" headline and the detailed exposé of psychic scams suggest an editorial stance critical of those who exploit belief in the supernatural for financial gain. The inclusion of "The British & Irish Skeptic" further reinforces this theme, promoting critical inquiry into paranormal phenomena. While acknowledging figures like Uri Geller, the reporting often frames their claims within a context of skepticism or personal ambition.