British and Irish Skeptic - 1989 - Vol 3 No 2

Magazine Overview

Title: The British & Irish Skeptic
Issue: Volume III, No. 2
Date: March/April 1989
Publisher: The British & Irish Skeptic
Country: UK
Price: £1.50

This issue of The British & Irish Skeptic, a publication dedicated to the scientific examination of claims of the paranormal, features a range of articles scrutinizing pseudoscientific, New Age, and paranormal topics. The cover highlights articles on 'Perpetual motion?', 'A Psychic Odyssey', 'Cosmic Crystal Crankery', 'More 'New Age' Nonsense', 'Physics and Psychics', and 'Heaven and Earth'.

Articles and Content

Hits and Misses

• Steve Donnelly's 'Hits and Misses' section covers several disparate items:
• Petrified Superstition: Donnelly recounts a visit to the Petrified Forest National Park in Arizona, noting the irony of finding superstitious beliefs among visitors who stole fossilized wood, believing it brought bad fortune. He contrasts this with the scientific explanation of petrification over millions of years, questioning how creationists reconcile such geological evidence with a 6000-year-old Earth.
• Tall Tale: This piece discusses a 'small electronic height raising device' sold in China, which reportedly caused some users to shrink instead of grow. The device was exposed as a scam by consumer protection organizations, prompting a call for similar investigations in the UK.
• The Shroud Resurrected?: This article critically examines a theory proposed by Dr Thomas Phillips in the journal *Nature* suggesting that a flash of radiation at the moment of resurrection could have altered the carbon-14 levels in the Turin Shroud, thus affecting its dating. The article quotes Dr Robert Hedges, who led the Oxford dating team, dismissing this hypothesis as highly improbable. It also mentions alternative explanations from *The Christian Parapsychologist*, which are similarly critiqued for their lack of scientific basis.
• Haunted Truck: A brief report about a truck driver, Karl Cann, who claimed a ghost took control of his lorry, leading him on unintended journeys. The article questions whether the driver or the readers of the newspaper were being deceived.

Perpetuum mobile

Anthony Garrett's detailed article, 'Perpetuum mobile: A perpetual search for perpetual motion', explores the enduring fascination with machines that run forever. Garrett explains the two types of perpetual motion machines: the first kind creates energy, violating the first law of thermodynamics (conservation of energy), and the second kind neither creates nor destroys energy but eliminates all losses, violating the second law (entropy increases). He traces the history of such proposals, from ancient Sanskrit manuscripts to Renaissance designs by figures like Leonardo da Vinci and the Marquis of Worcester. Garrett clarifies that while perpetual motion of the second kind is observed at atomic and celestial scales (e.g., electrons orbiting nuclei, planets orbiting stars), it is practically impossible to achieve on Earth due to inevitable energy losses like friction and air resistance. He also touches upon the concept of energy conservation in relativity and the potential of antimatter.

Oh, Raelly?

This piece discusses Claude Vorilhon, who changed his name to Rael and founded the 'Raelian' movement after claiming a close encounter with aliens. Rael believes humans were created by aliens through genetic engineering and that he is a prophet guiding humanity. The article notes Rael's emphasis on sexual fulfillment and his requirement for followers to donate 1% of their income. It highlights the financial potential of the movement, estimating Rael could earn £2 million annually from 20,000 members.

You've Got To Hand It To Them

• Palmistry: Six palmists examined a photograph of Colonel Gaddafi's hand, with some providing surprisingly accurate descriptions, while one suggested he lacked the courage to act on his words.
• Doris Stokes and the Taxman: The article reports on the late psychic Doris Stokes, whose widower was pursued by tax inspectors. Despite earning significant sums, her estate was small, and attempts to contact her spirit for financial information were unsuccessful.

News From Germany

This section reports on research into 'earth rays' in Germany, funded by the Ministry for Research and Technology. The Society for the Scientific Investigation of Parasciences (GWUP) questioned the substantial funding for this study, suggesting it could be settled for much less. GWUP offered to supervise a double-blind experiment but was informed that investigator James Randi's participation was not acceptable. The article also notes a curious connection between the 'earth rays' project leader and the Benveniste homeopathy affair.

Vote Druid

English Heritage decided to close Stonehenge to pilgrims on the summer solstice for the year, inviting British druids to a rally in London instead. The article notes the druids' large membership and their connection to environmentalism.

Ghost Writer

A brief mention of Thomas Harden, a fellow from 1530, allegedly communicating via a BBC-B computer through Ken Webster, a Cheshire teacher. The communications ceased in 1986, and the story is detailed in a book called 'The Vertical Plane'.

Moon Madness

This article examines the popular belief that the moon influences human behavior, linking the word 'lunatic' to the moon. It debunks the idea that lunar phases affect human mood, birth rates, or violence, citing research by Terence Hines which found no correlation. The article explains that while the moon's gravitational pull causes tides, its effect on the human body (composed of 70% water) is negligible compared to other forces.

Thou Shalt Not Gazump

This piece recounts how psychic healer Dr Kenneth McCall, while house-hunting in the 1970s, claimed to receive divine guidance to 'Go to an estate agent'. He eventually bought a house formerly owned by Sir Arthur Conan Doyle, who reportedly haunted it in spirit. McCall, who claims to heal by divine intervention, has written a book titled 'Healing the Haunted'.

Bush's Stars

Nancy Reagan's astrologer, Joan Quigley, warned President George Bush to avoid Chinese restaurants due to astrological concerns. The article notes that Bush is the second U.S. president with his sun in Gemini.

Complementary Consternation

The consumer magazine *Which? Way to Health* published a report stating that alternative therapies for cancer are acceptable only if used alongside conventional treatments and not as a sole reliance. The *Journal of Alternative and Complementary Medicine* criticized these conclusions. The article also mentions Mme Rika Zarai in France being charged with illegally marketing pharmaceutical products and having to remove claims from her book about honey curing cancer and box-tree leaves and clay treating AIDS.

CSICOP Shocker

A mock headline announces 'I AM ELVIS' LOVE CHILD!' with a picture of Paul Kurtz showing his birth certificate. Other tabloid-style headlines include 'The truth about my lifelong affair with Shirley!' by Henry Gordon, 'Scientists confirm startling news - Aliens removed eggs from Mark Plummer's ovaries', and 'TOP PSYCHICS PREDICT: Predictions for 1989 will be as accurate as predictions for 1988!'. The section concludes by noting that tabloid journalism is not exclusive to British newspapers, citing an example from an Ontario Skeptics' magazine.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue are skepticism towards paranormal claims, New Age beliefs, and pseudoscientific theories. The editorial stance is clearly one of critical examination and scientific debunking. The magazine actively seeks to expose fraudulent claims, flawed reasoning, and the lack of empirical evidence supporting phenomena like perpetual motion, psychic abilities, and astrological predictions. It champions scientific principles, such as the laws of thermodynamics, and encourages a rational approach to extraordinary claims. The inclusion of 'Hits and Misses' and 'News From Germany' sections demonstrates a broad interest in monitoring and commenting on various unusual or questionable reports from different sources.

This issue of The British & Irish Skeptic, dated March/April 1989, features a cover story titled 'My Psychic Odyssey' by Mike Rutter, which explores the author's transition from belief to skepticism regarding paranormal and New Age phenomena. The magazine delves into various topics, including the history of perpetual motion, scientific fallacies, and the critique of 'New Age' beliefs and practices.

Perpetual Motion: A History of Fraud and Fascination

The issue traces the long history of perpetual motion claims, starting with early visionaries like Robert Fludd and Georg Bockler in the 17th century. It notes that even figures like John Wilkins, Cromwell's brother-in-law, were fascinated by the concept. The 18th century saw proposals for devices powered by atmospheric pressure, and the 19th century brought a surge of proposals linked to electromagnetism. However, many of these were driven by exploitation and fraud. Examples include E.P. Willis of Connecticut, who charged admission to see a machine powered by compressed air, and Charles Redheffer, whose 'unceasing' machine in Philadelphia was revealed to be a fraud involving concealed clockwork and a winder. Robert Fulton exposed a similar machine by Redheffer in New York. The article highlights John Keely of Philadelphia as a master of showmanship, who raised over a million dollars for his Keely Motor Company with a device he claimed harnessed 'disintegration of water'. His pseudoscientific jargon, such as 'hydro-pneumatic pulsating vacu engine', is noted.

The article also touches upon modern claims, such as Joseph Newman's motor, which supposedly taps into 'hitherto unknown gyroscopic fields'. The US Patent Office's evolving requirements for perpetual motion patents, from demanding a working model to requiring it from the outset, are mentioned.

The Skeptical Journey of Mike Rutter

Mike Rutter recounts his personal journey from being interested in science fiction, fantasy, and 'weird' phenomena to becoming a firm believer in the 'occult' and 'New Age' ideas. Initially treating such stories as escapism, his interest deepened during his university years. He became friendly with students interested in Atlantis, UFOs, reincarnation, and psychic powers. After reading authors like Colin Wilson, he came to believe that the establishment was deliberately concealing paranormal truths. He saw the problem as finding a new paradigm to investigate these discoveries scientifically.

His perspective began to shift when he encountered the skeptical works of C.E.M. Hansel, James Randi, and others. He recognized the logical attacks on New Age strongholds and the often incoherent viewpoints of their proponents. Rutter realized that many New Agers were unwilling to subject their beliefs to rational scrutiny, dismissing skeptics without examining evidence. He contrasts this with his own approach, which he defines as being prepared to weigh evidence carefully and open-mindedly. While acknowledging that science doesn't hold all answers, he found that many New Age groups, like those practicing Yoga or Buddhism, could be dogmatic in their assumptions.

Rutter describes his experiences frequenting New Age scenes, Tarot readers, and Psychic Fayres, hoping to find evidence for the 'occult'. He found practitioners to be generally sincere but noted the presence of outright sharks and cranks. He observed that some practitioners admitted they were in 'a branch of the entertainment industry'. He also noted internal quarrels and misunderstandings within these groups. He recounts an incident where Tarot readers asked for introductory books on the Tarot, and mentions the bizarre attendees at a séance.

He criticizes the financial aspect, noting how people spend money on potentially worthless advice, and the high cost of readings and associated items. Rutter concludes that while he remains interested in fantastic literature, he wonders if New Age enthusiasts can draw a line between reality and escapist fantasy.

Cosmic Crystal Crankery: An Examination of 'New Age' Crystalline Nonsense

Stephen Moreton, a mineral collector and PhD in inorganic chemistry, critically examines the 'New Age' beliefs surrounding crystals. He distinguishes his scientific interest in minerals from the New Age view, which sees crystals as stimulating healing, promoting harmony, and transforming energies. Moreton notes the historical use of crystals and the recent surge in their popularity, making them a big business.

He expresses skepticism about crystal healers, suggesting many lack scientific understanding. He uses Ra Bonewitz's book 'Cosmic Crystals' as an example, noting its accurate scientific description of crystals in the first half, followed by what he terms 'mystical drivel'. Bonewitz's explanation of exchanging money energy for crystal energy is highlighted as an example of this drivel.

Moreton outlines Bonewitz's instructions for obtaining and programming crystals, including cleansing them with water and directing thoughts into them for specific purposes like healing or protection from psychic attack. He also mentions purported horticultural applications. Moreton expresses concern that gullible people with serious illnesses might turn to crystal healing instead of real medical help, citing the potential danger for children.

The article also touches upon the New Age belief in Atlantis and its inhabitants' extensive use of crystals, and how their misuse led to the civilization's destruction. Moreton dismisses these claims as lacking evidence and being improbable.

He suggests that crystal healing claims could be tested through double-blind clinical trials, using cut glass as placebos. He finds the idea that crystals from different locations have different energies, detectable by healers, to be a testable claim. Moreton believes that believers are unlikely to be swayed by negative findings, as their beliefs are tied to religion, immortality, and magical powers, transcending facts and reason. He interprets the varied experiences people report when given a crystal as imagination rather than genuine phenomena.

Some Rational and Irrational Feedback

This section addresses reader feedback and clarifies points from previous articles. Steuart Campbell's letter focuses on a physics problem involving a cylinder with a constant head of water and three holes, calculating the optimum height for the hole to maximize the water's range. Campbell points out errors in David Fisher's previous commentary on this problem, specifically regarding initial velocity and acceleration.

David Fisher responds to Campbell's points, explaining that his statement about initial velocity was taken out of context due to a word-processor error. He clarifies that he was attacking a teacher's incorrect explanation of fluid dynamics and that the exit velocity is proportional to the square root of the depth, not linearly dependent. He acknowledges Campbell's correction regarding horizontal acceleration and the time to fall.

The section also addresses other reader queries and potential inaccuracies in Fisher's previous work. These include discussions on the survival of polar bears, the disappearance of horse leg-bones, sequences of composite numbers, crustacean transmutation, bird immortality, the location of Haiti, and the optical fiber properties of polar bear hairs. Fisher labels some as true, false, undecided, or ambiguous.

He defends his use of terms like 'centrifugal force' and 'quantum leap', suggesting they have entered the public consciousness and are used as a lingua franca, even by experts, though not in theoretical calculations. He likens 'centrifugal force' to the seductive fallacy of the gyroscope, which has misled even prominent inventors like Professor Eric Laithwaite.

Fisher also discusses the high percentage of strange theories in 'Electronics and Wireless World', attributing it to engineers encountering exceptional cases that don't fit established laws. He uses the example of Fourier's equation and heat conduction.

Further points addressed include the limitations of Bernoulli's Law in explaining lift, the concept of entropy, and the misinterpretation of laws like 'nothing can travel faster than the speed of light'. He also touches upon the critique of the scientific method by some philosophers and sociologists, and the concept of 'Simpson's paradox' in epidemiological data.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue are skepticism towards pseudoscientific claims, the history and exposure of hoaxes (particularly in perpetual motion), and the critical examination of 'New Age' beliefs and practices. The magazine consistently advocates for rational inquiry, empirical evidence, and scientific literacy as the best defense against irrationality and deception. The editorial stance is clearly one of promoting critical thinking and debunking unsubstantiated claims, while acknowledging the human tendency towards self-delusion and the exploitation of ignorance.

This issue of The British & Irish Skeptic, dated March/April 1989, features a cover story titled 'Skeptic at large...' by Wendy M. Grossman, who is also the editor. The magazine focuses on critical analysis of paranormal claims, New Age beliefs, and skeptical viewpoints.

Skeptic at large... by Wendy M. Grossman

Grossman reviews 'The New Age Catalogue,' compiled by the editors of Body, Mind and Spirit and published by Doubleday. She describes the catalogue as containing a wide array of New Age practices, from Egyptian magic and graphology to astrology, palmistry, tarot, yoga, spiritualism, and 'wholistic' health. She notes the trend of combining various practices, such as astrology with past life therapy, and highlights the profit motive behind many of these offerings. Grossman expresses skepticism towards the earnestness of the editor, Paul Zuromski, and the claims made by advertisers, including an excerpt about 'inner smile' and guitar strings. She suggests the catalogue might become valuable research material for understanding American culture in the 1980s.

A 'Guardian update' mentions that the newspaper has started publishing New Age articles in its weekly supplement, a move criticized by a subscriber. The article also notes the Sunday Times' publication of an article on iridology.

Heaven and Earth by Michael Hutchinson

Hutchinson discusses the state of skeptical organizations in the United States and the UK. He observes that US organizations seem to have greater success, citing the disbandment and subsequent reorganization of one in Florida and the planned disbandment of 'Skeptical Inquirers of New England' (SINE) due to declining active membership. He echoes SINE's chairman, David Smith, in noting that participation is key to a membership-service organization's success. Hutchinson contrasts this with the UK's situation, where he has opposed the formation of 'clubs' to avoid similar problems, attributing apathy partly to British character and a lack of paranormal extremism compared to the US. He questions whether New England is isolated from paranormal activity or if there's another explanation.

He also touches upon the role of publications like 'The Skeptical Inquirer' and 'The British & Irish Skeptic' in providing an educational service and ammunition for critical thinking. He encourages 'armchair skeptics' to renew their subscriptions.

Hutchinson recounts Prometheus Books' experience with Russell Grant, an astrologer and psychic, who inquired about trade terms for a New Age publication club. He finds it surprising that Grant's organization asked about returns policy, suggesting they might not expect critical books to be popular with their members.

He criticizes the Independent Broadcasting Authority's (IBA) inconsistent policy on astrology, noting that while Russell Grant is allowed to promote astrology on TV, advertisements for his horoscopes were barred.

Reviews

Hollywood Channelling by Henry Gordon

This review, by Frank Chambers, discusses Henry Gordon's book, subtitled 'The 'Teachings' of Shirley Maclaine and other such gurus.' Chambers notes Gordon's background as a magician and author. The book analyzes MacLaine's 'teachings' by quoting her and providing critical commentary. A foreword by Isaac Asimov is described as 'vitriolic.' The review highlights Gordon's examination of the 'New Age' phenomenon, its profit motives, and the people involved. It also covers Gordon's critique of 'alternative' medical practices and his analysis of channellers. The review notes that the book dedicates significant space to Shirley MacLaine, detailing her career and her books, including 'Out on a Limb.' Chambers finds Gordon's commentary amusing and recommends the book for entertainment and to instill skepticism.

Paranormal or Normal by Alan Radnor

Steuart Campbell reviews Alan Radnor's book, which argues that the paranormal is 'normal.' Campbell expresses suspicion due to Radnor's background as a history graduate and former European editor of Penthouse, and his involvement with the Society for Psychical Research. He criticizes Radnor's definition of 'paranormal' and his claims that new science supports psychic phenomena. Campbell finds Radnor's understanding of science inadequate and points out numerous scientific errors in the book, including misunderstandings of physics, cosmology, and scientific methodology. He concludes that Radnor's ideas are not to be taken seriously and advises skeptics not to bother reading the book.

A Physicist's Guide to Skepticism by Milton A. Rothman

Anthony Garrett reviews Milton A. Rothman's book, which presents physical science as the foundation for skepticism. Garrett notes that the book aims to educate readers in science to broaden acceptance of its skeptical position. The book explains physical principles and applies them to topics like ESP and UFOs. Garrett highlights Rothman's distinction between laws of permission and denial and his effective debunking of paranormal claims. He praises the final chapters for providing a course in inductive logic and tactical advice for debating paranormal proponents. Garrett describes the book as a strident humanism and notes that it is unique in its approach.

Secrets of the Supernatural: Investigating the World's Occult Mysteries by Joe Nickell with John F. Fischer

Wendy M. Grossman reviews this book, which investigates paranormal cases. She notes Nickell's background as a magician and investigator, and Fischer's expertise as a forensic analyst. The review highlights Nickell's use of investigative techniques, including laboratory analysis and document research. It mentions specific cases like the 'Ghost in Toronto's Mackenzie House' and the 'Will Wests' case. Grossman points out that Nickell does not reject the possibility of the supernatural but emphasizes that 'extraordinary claims require extraordinary proof.'

The Ghosts of the Trianon: the Complete Adventure by C.A.E. Moberly and E.J. Jourdain

Grossman also reviews this book, edited by Michael H. Coleman. The book details a case involving two Victorian ladies who claimed to have encountered ghosts at the Trianon. Grossman notes that Coleman's edition presents the ladies' original and later recollections, along with critical reviews. She suggests the case could have been condensed into a chapter in Nickell's book and that Coleman might have chosen a less 'weak' case for his research.

Ghost Train (BBC2 Program Review)

John Lord reviews the BBC program 'Ghost Train,' criticizing it as a 'vox pop' essay with anecdotal evidence and a lack of rigor. He notes that sources, names, and dates were not provided, and witnesses were not cross-examined. Lord recounts several anecdotes presented in the program, including stories from Chingle Hall, a haunted railway carriage, and a clairsentient interviewed at Radio Derby. He concludes that the program failed to meet skeptical standards and was a 'remarkably silly programme.'

Letters

Crop Circles

David Fisher writes to suggest that crop circles might be explained by atmospheric vortices, referencing a theoretical analysis of turbulent flow. He requests data on the size and detailed structure of crop circles for comparison with the theory.

Steuart Campbell provides a list of articles from the 'Journal of Meteorology' that he believes definitively explain crop circles as due to atmospheric vortices, citing Dr. T.G. Meaden.

Freedom

Donald Rooum replies to a previous letter, questioning the meaning of 'absolute freedom' and suggesting that society would collapse without laws. He argues that framing laws is the role of rulers, not the electorate. Rooum also defends comic strips as a valid art form and criticizes the idea that people who enjoy them are uneducated.

In a separate letter, Rooum replies to a critique of his views on freedom, reiterating his stance that society would collapse without laws and that 'absolute freedom' implies an absence of laws. He defends comic strips as a legitimate art form and criticizes the notion that readers of comic strips are uneducated.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The magazine consistently promotes a skeptical and rationalist viewpoint, critically examining paranormal claims, New Age beliefs, and pseudoscientific theories. The editorial stance is one of rigorous inquiry, demanding evidence for extraordinary claims and exposing logical fallacies and potential profit motives behind unsubstantiated beliefs. The publication serves as a platform for disseminating scientific understanding and encouraging critical thinking among its readership.

This issue of The British & Irish Skeptic, dated March/April 1989, serves as a promotional piece for the upcoming 1989 CSICOP European Conference and also provides a detailed index of past articles from its first three volumes. The magazine itself is dedicated to the scientific examination of paranormal claims, covering a wide array of subjects from UFOs and alien abductions to ghosts, faith-healing, astrology, and psychic phenomena.

1989 CSICOP European Conference Announcement

The primary announcement on the cover and within the issue is for the "1989 CSICOP EUROPEAN CONFERENCE." This event is jointly organized by The Committee for the Scientific Investigation of Claims of the Paranormal (CSICOP) and The West German Society for the Scientific Investigation of Para-science (GWUP). The conference is scheduled to be held from Friday, May 5th to Sunday, May 7th, 1989, at The Resort of Bad Tölz, located near Munich in West Germany. The cover prominently features the CSICOP logo and the conference details.

Contents of Past Issues

The magazine provides a comprehensive listing of articles published in its previous volumes, offering a glimpse into the breadth of topics covered by The British & Irish Skeptic:

Volume I (1987)

Nos. 1-4 are out of print. The listed contents for No. 5 include articles on 'Abductions in perspective' by Hilary Evans, 'Magicians, Mediums and Psychics-1' by David Alexander, 'Science vs. Pseudoscience-1' by Peter O'Hara, and reviews of the BUFORA Congress '87. No. 6 features 'Creationism in Australia' by Martin Bridgstock, 'Nessie Hunt' by Steuart Campbell, and 'Magicians, Mediums and Psychics-2' by David Alexander.

Volume II (1988)

No. 1 includes 'Geller's Sailboat' by Frank Koval, 'Magicians, Mediums and Psychics-3' by David Alexander, and 'Knock: Some new evidence' by David Berman. It also lists 'Predictions 1988' and reviews on topics like witchcraft and UFOs. No. 2 features 'Doris Collins and the Sun' by Wendy Grossman, an interview with Paul Kurtz, and articles on alternative medicine and anti-creationism.

Volume III (1989)

No. 1, published in March/April 1989, includes 'Firewalking in Indonesia' by Chris Wright, an interview with Paul Kurtz, and articles on alternative medicine and psychic phenomena. It also lists 'Psychic Diary' and 'Skeptic at Large' sections.

Publication and Subscription Information

The British & Irish Skeptic is published six times a year. Subscriptions are available from the Manchester Skeptics. The annual subscription rates are £10 for the UK, £12 for Europe, and £14 (surface mail) or £18 (airmail) for all other countries. Back and sample issues are available at £1.50 per issue (surface mail).

The magazine is printed by Emjay Reprographics, located at 17 Langbank Avenue, Rise Park, Nottingham, NG5 5BU.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes throughout the listed articles and the magazine's stated purpose revolve around the critical and scientific investigation of paranormal claims. The editorial stance is clearly skeptical, aiming to debunk pseudoscience and provide rational explanations for phenomena often attributed to the supernatural or unexplained. The magazine actively encourages readers to engage with and investigate these claims from a scientific perspective, as evidenced by the call to join in investigating various paranormal topics.