British and Irish Skeptic - 1988 - Vol 2 No 5

Magazine Overview

Title: The British & Irish SKEPTIC
Issue: Volume II, No. 5
Date: September/October 1988
Publisher: The British & Irish Skeptic
Country: Ireland
Language: English
Price: £1.50

This issue of The British & Irish Skeptic focuses on the scientific examination of paranormal claims, with a cover story titled 'Is there antibody there?' exploring controversial experiments. The magazine features a range of articles, reviews, and news items from a skeptical perspective.

Contents and Key Articles

Hits and Misses

Toby Howard and Steve Donnelly are announced as the new editors, taking over from Wendy Grossman. They express gratitude for Grossman's efforts and pledge to maintain the magazine's high standards. The section also notes upcoming events, including James Randi's UK tour with a dinner in London and a public meeting in Manchester. Additionally, a ten-week lecture series on the supernatural at Trinity College, Dublin, is announced.

Randi in the UK

James Randi, a prominent investigator for CSICOP, is scheduled to visit the UK. Events include a dinner in London and an appearance on the 'This Morning' TV programme, followed by a public meeting in Manchester where he will speak.

Irish Lectures

A ten-week lecture series titled 'Should we believe in the supernatural?' will be held at Trinity College, Dublin, starting October 13th. The course is conducted by David Berman, Peter Skrabanek, W. Lyons, and D. Forrest.

Frustrated Ghostbuster

An article from She magazine details the exploits of Tony Cornell, a self-proclaimed 'Ghostbuster' equipped with a sophisticated 'black box' designed to detect paranormal phenomena.

Swaggart Swaggers Back

This brief report notes that disgraced evangelist Jimmy Swaggart found a new audience during a visit to Israel, with his sermons being recorded for his US television show.

Shrouded in Mystery, Still

This piece discusses the Turin Shroud and recounts an incident from 1918 where a prisoner's face outline appeared on a glass window pane in an Australian prison morgue, potentially offering an explanation for the Shroud's markings.

More Crop Circles

This article examines the ongoing phenomenon of crop circles, mentioning electrical engineer Colin Andrews and his 'Circles Phenomenon Research group'. It contrasts their findings with the views of Dr Terence Meaden, an academic meteorologist who suggests wind could be responsible for crop circle formations.

Jesus Christ in Nairobi

A report from Robert Maxwell's Kenya Times describes the alleged appearance of Jesus Christ in Nairobi, accompanied by a photograph and attributed to faith healer Mary Akatsa.

Electronic Mail Explained

This section clarifies the concept of 'skeptics e-mail service', explaining how geographically remote computers are connected via networks like JANET in the UK, enabling the exchange of information and private messages through 'electronic mail'.

Dangerous Radio

Reports on LBC disc jockeys Pete Murray and Mike Allen for their regular occult and psychic segments on radio shows, which have drawn concern from the Church of England and the Independent Broadcasting Authority (IBA).

Complain!

This short piece details the Manchester Skeptics' unsuccessful appeal to the Advertising Standards Authority regarding 'good-luck' charm adverts, which the ASA deemed as matters of 'personal belief' rather than fact.

The Doctor with the X-Ray Eyes

An article from The Guardian highlights Chinese interest in the paranormal, specifically 'qigong' and Ms Zheng Xiangling, a psychic claiming three-dimensional X-ray vision.

Oily Hands

A report from The Independent describes a reported miracle in Paris where oil flowed from the hands of Bassam Assaf during an apparition of the Virgin Mary, with claims of healing properties.

CSICOP 1988 Conference

Details are provided for the 1988 CSICOP conference in Chicago, focusing on 'The New Age-A Scientific Evaluation', with speakers and topics including channelling, crystal healing, and UFO abductions. Information on registration and contact details is included.

Predictions

A call for readers to submit their predictions for 1989.

Next Issue

An announcement for the next issue, soliciting contributions such as clippings, articles, and letters, with a copy deadline of November 1st.

Putting the 'k' in 'Skeptic'

Dave Love discusses the use of 'skeptic' and 'skeptical' with a 'k' spelling, contrasting it with the more common 'sceptic' and 'sceptical'. He cites W.H. Fowler's Modern English Usage and The Concise Oxford Dictionary to support the adoption of the 'k' spelling, particularly in the context of the US-originated skeptical movement.

Is There Antibody There?

Richard Kay delves into the controversy surrounding Dr Jaques Benveniste's experiments published in Nature. The experiments claimed that solutions statistically devoid of antibodies could still exhibit antibody activity, a phenomenon reminiscent of homeopathic dilutions and requiring violent vortexing. While initial results were confirmed by other laboratories, a subsequent investigation by Nature deemed the 'High-dilution' experiments a delusion due to improper blinding and inadequate experimental design.

A Day in the Country

Denys Parsons recounts his experience attending a BBC Oxford feature on dowsing, involving Dr Michael Shallis. The segment demonstrated dowsing rods failing to react to an electric fence when the current was on, and an unsuccessful search for hidden keys. Parsons notes that dowsing is 'entirely a matter of sympathy' according to a member of the British Society of Dowsers, and concludes that the program suggested dowsing does not work, though Parsons himself advocates for proper double-blind tests.

Flying Tonight

This brief note mentions the Third Annual Yogic Flying Competition held at the Maharishi Golden Dome of the Age of Enlightenment in Skelmersdale.

Type Your Job Applications!

This article discusses the use of handwriting analysis (graphology) for staff selection, as featured in the Sunday Mirror. It suggests that while broad conclusions about legibility and neatness can be drawn, detailed personality analysis is questionable. It also touches upon 'ipsative personality inventories' and their alleged lack of value in discriminating between applicants.

Hypnosis' Lot is Not a Happy One

Reports that the Home Office has advised police not to consider hypnosis as an aid to solving crime, stating there is no real proof it can yield information unobtainable by other means.

All the Eights

This short piece highlights the significance of the date 8/8/88, noting construction completions and a record number of marriages celebrated on that day.

Hocus Pocus

A mention of a 'roving correspondent' named Hocus Pocus who sent literature from the 'Earth Spirit' Festival in Bristol, with a report to follow in the next issue.

Randi After Dark

This notes Channel 4's 'After Dark' programme on alternative therapies, featuring Jacques Benveniste and investigators James Randi and Walter Stewart. A video tape of the program is available from the B&IS Video Library.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The magazine consistently promotes a skeptical and scientific approach to claims of the paranormal. It critically examines phenomena such as dowsing, UFOs, psychic abilities, and alternative therapies, often highlighting methodological flaws in research or debunking purported miracles and supernatural events. The editorial stance is clearly in favor of evidence-based reasoning and scientific investigation, as evidenced by its affiliation with CSICOP and its focus on critical analysis of pseudoscientific claims. The magazine also serves as a platform for disseminating information about skeptical organizations and events, fostering a community of like-minded individuals.

Title: The British & Irish Skeptic
Issue: September/October 1988
Volume: II
Publisher: The British & Irish Skeptic
Country: UK
Language: English
ISSN: 0954-0797

UFO Hunt: How one phone call roused all Amsterdam

This article by Marcel Hulspas, translated by Jan Nienhuys, reconstructs the events of March 3, 1988, when a series of unexplained lights were reported over Amsterdam. The incident began with a call to the Schiphol air traffic control tower reporting three oscillating lights. While tower personnel considered the lights too high for confusion with local stationary objects or stars, the RPDL (State Police Department of Aeronautics) was alerted. The request for local police to be on alert, relayed through the INRAP network, led to widespread public interest as many residents monitored police radio. The national press service, ANP, reported the sightings on Teletekst, resulting in dozens of people actively searching for UFOs. The main police station information centre was overwhelmed with reports. While initial explanations considered aircraft or atmospheric refraction, the RPDL commander initially concluded it was a small, local phenomenon. Later, the police identified the NISSAN terminal's large cranes and searchlights in the western harbour as the likely source of many reports. A helicopter investigation confirmed the NISSAN cranes as the only bright object in the harbour. Prof. de Jager of SKEPSIS suggested the coincidence of Venus and Jupiter might have contributed to civilian reports. The article concludes that while Jupiter and Venus might explain some reports, they do not account for the initial sightings by tower personnel. The police ultimately considered the matter closed, though the incident garnered significant media attention.

Is There Antibody There?

This section critically examines the controversy surrounding Jacques Benveniste's research into the effects of highly diluted substances, often associated with homeopathy. The article notes that the journal Nature published Benveniste's paper despite apparent skepticism and that the subsequent retraction was met with an acrimonious reply from Benveniste. The author suggests that the lack of negative figures in the data implies potential 'massaging' of the results. The piece highlights the continuing conflict between homeopathic practitioners and established medicine, with homeopaths likely feeling their core issues remain unaddressed. The author criticizes Nature for publishing a paper it believed to be untrue, viewing it as an attempt to create sensationalism at Benveniste's expense. The work is deemed too speculative to validate homeopathy, and the author concludes that Benveniste's work neither proves nor disproves homeopathy's principles.

The 'Saints and Martyrs' of Parapsychology

In this article, H.B. Gibson, a psychologist, explores the role of fraud in parapsychology. Gibson argues that fraud is central to the field's existence, likening dedicated fakers to Jean-Paul Sartre's concept of 'Saints and Martyrs'—individuals devoted to a system of values that comprehends vileness and falsity. He suggests that while ordinary people might cheat for personal gain, these 'saints' are dedicated to faking itself, often sacrificing personal integrity. Gibson contends that parapsychology would collapse without these individuals. He criticizes scientific critics for applying ordinary standards of debate to what he considers 'miracles' and calls for research into why people become divorced from ordinary concerns to the point of dedicating themselves to fraud. He uses the analogy of Jean Genet's world of thieves to illustrate how this phenomenon cannot be understood solely through the pursuit of material goods.

Astrology and Gauquelin

Anthony Garrett, a physicist, critically analyzes Michel Gauquelin's findings that the planet Mars appears more frequently in the birth charts of top European sportsmen and women. Garrett questions whether this 'Mars effect' is a genuine astrological phenomenon or a statistical artifact, possibly arising from a biased sample selection. He argues that even if the effect is real, it does not validate astrology as a whole, as astrology makes universal claims. Garrett suggests that the selection of Mars and specific birth chart sectors might involve fraud or a 'secret hunt for correlations.' He emphasizes that the core question is not whether Gauquelin's sample was fair, but whether the correlations themselves are real and if there's a plausible mechanism linking Mars to sporting ability. Garrett concludes that astrology has been conclusively disproven by double-blind tests.

Heaven and Earth

Michael Hutchinson introduces a new regular column by an active skeptic. This section features several brief reports:

• Abbe Gail and the LAPD: Hutchinson details an investigation into claims made by 'Abbe Gail' about assisting the Los Angeles Police Department in locating kidnap victims. The Advertising Standards Authority (ASA) found the claim unsupported after the Los Angeles Times article cited by the advertiser did not confirm Gail's involvement in finding the missing girl.
• Ronald Reagan and Aliens: A report from the newspaper 'Sun' claims that Ronald Reagan was negotiating with aliens, not consulting astrologers, to end his presidency by adding planets as states.
• Geoff Kirby's Letters: Geoff Kirby engaged in a lengthy correspondence with a reflexologist and others in the Dorset Evening Echo, using material from 'The Skeptical Inquirer' and Terence Hines' book 'Pseudoscience and the Paranormal.' Hutchinson applauds Kirby's perseverance and encourages other skeptics to take similar individual action.
• Shirley MacLaine vs. Prometheus Books: Shirley MacLaine reportedly threatened Prometheus Books with a lawsuit over a forthcoming book titled 'Channeling Into the New Age,' which features her statements. Paul Kurtz, president of Prometheus Books, stated they would present a rebuttal to MacLaine's claims of past lives.

Skeptic at large...

Wendy M. Grossman discusses the performance aspect of skepticism, noting that being a psychic performer requires more than just knowing tricks; it demands the ability to engage and entertain an audience. She contrasts the professional performance of figures like Uri Geller with the often amateurish approach of skeptics. Grossman offers five suggestions for aspiring skeptical performers: 1. Know your subject cold and focus on your key message. 2. Avoid truly useless debates and stick to what you know. 3. Look presentable to show you care. 4. Give credit where it is due. 5. Enjoy yourself, as this translates to the audience. She notes that this article also appears in 'Skeptical Briefs.'

Reviews: Forbidden Knowledge

Michael Hutchinson reviews Bob Couttie's book 'Forbidden Knowledge.' He finds the book a welcome addition to the skeptical bookshelf but has reservations. Hutchinson praises Couttie's contribution to debunking Uri Geller's claims, including clearing up a disputed court case in Israel. However, he questions Couttie's use of astronomy as an argument against astrology, stating that the inability of science to explain astrology does not validate it. Hutchinson points out an error in Couttie's calculation regarding the probability of encountering someone named Rogers or Rodgers, noting that Couttie failed to consider that people in a telephone directory might live with others of the same surname. He also finds the chapter 'How to Be Psychic' oversimplified, suggesting that few psychics use conjuring tricks. Despite these criticisms, Hutchinson acknowledges Couttie's significant media presence as a skeptic but does not unreservedly recommend the book, advising readers to decide for themselves.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The issue consistently promotes a skeptical viewpoint, critically examining claims of the paranormal, pseudoscience, and unverified phenomena. Articles debunk UFO sightings, question astrological validity, expose potential fraud in parapsychology, and scrutinize controversial scientific studies like the Benveniste homeopathy research. The magazine emphasizes the importance of critical thinking, evidence-based reasoning, and the rigorous application of scientific standards. It also highlights the role of individual skepticism and effective communication in countering irrational beliefs. The editorial stance is clearly against the acceptance of unsubstantiated claims and advocates for a rational, evidence-based approach to understanding the world.

This issue of The British & Irish Skeptic, dated September/October 1988, features a cover headline "Reason to Believe ... or not" and includes reviews of significant books on pseudoscience and paranormal phenomena. The magazine is published by Emjay Reprographics and has an ISSN of 0952-1797.

Book Reviews

Pseudoscience and the Paranormal: A Critical Examination of the Evidence by Terence Hines

Reviewed by David Love, this book is highly recommended for its comprehensive review of pseudoscientific and paranormal beliefs. Hines, a psychologist, examines the cognitive illusions responsible for paranormal experiences and the tricks used by those exploiting susceptible individuals. The book covers a wide range of topics, including UFOs, homeopathy, and psychoanalysis, and is praised for its up-to-date material and extensive references. Love notes that while the book is intended as a psychology textbook, it serves as a valuable reference work.

The New Age: Notes of a Fringe Watcher by Martin Gardner

Reviewed by Wendy M. Grossman, this collection of essays by Martin Gardner covers familiar topics rather than strictly 'New Age' beliefs. The pieces, many of which appeared in The Skeptical Inquirer, offer acerbic and entertaining critiques of subjects like the relationship between Freud and Fliess, Margaret Mead's paranormal beliefs, the Great Stone Face of Mars, maverick scientists, and the claims of big television evangelists. Gardner's sharp critical skills are highlighted, as is his practice of printing reader criticisms with his responses. Grossman found the book enjoyable but wished more of the pieces were new.

As in Adam All Die by S. Ramsay Blackley

Reviewed by Wendy M. Grossman, this book examines the evidence for life after death following the author's cardiac arrest. Blackley concludes that there is nothing after death. The book is divided into sections on spiritualism, psychic phenomena, theology, and reincarnation, followed by a critique of the evidence. Blackley's thesis suggests that views of the afterlife reflect the desires of those who promote them. Grossman notes that while the book may not convince believers, it is a reasoned examination of the material.

Astrology: the evidence by Percy Seymour

Reviewed by Anthony Garrett, this book by a professional astronomer attempts to construct a theory supporting astrology that is consistent with present-day science. Garrett argues that the book is seriously misleading, particularly in its dismissal of double-blind tests that refuted astrological hypotheses. He suggests Seymour has an 'axe to grind' due to his handling of the evidence.

Light Years: An Investigation into the Extraterrestrial Experiences of Eduard Meier by Gary Kinder

Reviewed by Steuart Campbell, this book documents the claims of Eduard Meier, a Swiss man who alleges extraterrestrial encounters. Campbell critiques the book for technical errors and insufficient skepticism, suggesting Meier's claims are not adequately disproven. He points out that the onus is on Meier to prove his claims, not on scientists to disprove them. The review also notes the book's US spelling and Americanisms.

Articles and Correspondence

Holistic Medicine at the BAAS

Steve Donnelly reports on a special session at the British Association for the Advancement of Science meeting concerning holistic medicine. The debate featured Dr. David Peters, who argued that conventional medicine neglects the patient, and Professor Timothy McElwain, who countered that alternative medicine is useless for serious diseases like cancer and that conventional medicine uses the scientific method while alternative approaches abuse it. Dr. Iain Chambers acted as a discussant, noting the imperfections of conventional medicine and the need to study practitioner effects.

Letters to the Editor

• Crop Circles: Dave Langford, a physicist, expresses skepticism about explanations for crop circles, questioning the plausibility of 'stationery whirlwinds' and suggesting the need for more rigorous scientific investigation.
• Unicorns: John Brunner defends the existence of unicorns, describing a creature named Bedivere whose horn-buds were grafted. He references a book, 'The Living Unicorn,' and warns against excessive skepticism.
• Divine Creationism: Phillip Klein responds to a letter from Mr. Wood, refuting claims about the fossil record and Archaeopteryx. Klein argues that the fossil record is consistent with evolution and that Mr. Wood's arguments are selective and arbitrary.
• Archaeopteryx: Stephen Moreton challenges Mr. Wood's assertion that Archaeopteryx was a bird, detailing its reptilian features and questioning the evidence for 'true birds' existing millions of years before it. He also critiques Mr. Wood's analogy of humans as an AIDS virus to nature.
• Archaeopteryx (cont.): Cyril James also comments on the Archaeopteryx debate, agreeing with Dr. Chris McGowan's assessment of its reptilian features and recommending McGowan's book.
• Archaeopteryx (cont.): C.S. Kershaw further elaborates on the reptilian features of Archaeopteryx and criticizes the selective use of evidence by creationists.
• Gods, Spirits, Cosmic Guardians: Hilary Evans takes issue with a reviewer's comments on her book, defending her approach to paranormal claims and arguing against what she perceives as dogmatic assertions by some skeptics. She suggests that a more open-minded approach, particularly in Europe, is warranted.
• Peter O'Hara replies: Peter O'Hara responds to Hilary Evans, asserting that individuals have a duty to reach conclusions, especially when mistaken beliefs are involved. He clarifies that the moon's influence on human behavior is a matter for scientific investigation, not necessarily paranormal.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The issue consistently promotes a skeptical and evidence-based approach to claims of the paranormal and pseudoscientific phenomena. The magazine critically examines various topics, including UFOs, astrology, holistic medicine, and creationism, emphasizing the importance of scientific methodology and rational analysis. The editorial stance is clearly in favor of rigorous examination of evidence and a rejection of unsubstantiated claims, while also advocating for a balanced and non-dogmatic approach to skepticism.