British and Irish Skeptic - 1989 - Vol 3 No 4

Magazine Overview

This issue of The British & Irish Skeptic, Volume III, No. 4, dated July/August 1989, is dedicated to the scientific examination of claims of the paranormal. It features a cover headline "Remembering Richard Feynman: Two unpublished stories" and includes articles on "The world of weird HiFi", "The lessons of 'cold fusion'", "A new test of religion?", and "Eye-to-eye with iridology". The cover price is £1.50.

Contents

The issue contains a variety of articles and features:

• Hits and Misses by Steve Donnelly:
• Fairy Mushrooms: Discusses the theory that leprechauns and fairies may originate from the use of magic mushrooms (psilocybe semilanceata) in ancient Irish sweathouses.
• Magic Moment: Critiques a 'psychic moment' reported in The Sun newspaper on July 6th, highlighting the uncritical reporting of such claims.
• Pupils Fail the Test: Reviews research published in the British Medical Journal on the validity of iridology, conducted by Professor Paul Knipschild, which found that iridologists could not reliably detect gall bladder disease from iris slides.
• Golden Wave: Discusses new technology for personalized junk mail and provides an example of a letter received by a reader.
• A Thoroughly Modern Myth by David Fisher:
• Examines common myths, such as the 'baby boom' following the 1987 hurricane in southern England, and contrasts it with data that shows the increase was in Cumbria.
• On the Right Lines: Reports on a test comparing palm-reading (specifically life-lines) with the ages of deceased individuals, noting conflicting reports in the Daily Mail and Sunday Times.
• Cold fusion and pseudoscience by Dave Love:
• Analyzes the 'cold fusion' controversy, drawing parallels with pseudoscientific and paranormal claims. It criticizes the manner in which the claim was announced (press conference, not peer-reviewed journal) and the lack of proper scientific controls and transparency.
• Explains nuclear fusion and the concept of 'cold fusion' as proposed by Fleischmann and Pons (F&P).
• Discusses the scientific community's response, the unreliability of F&P's data, and the importance of peer review.
• Compares the situation to other pseudoscientific claims and the behavior of parapsychologists.
• Mentions the role of Richard Feynman in emphasizing honesty in science.
• Includes a postscript noting that Congress showed skepticism towards funding 'cold fusion' research and mentions a study by Ziegler et al. that squashed the original idea.
• Healing the family tree? by Anthony Garrett:
• Examines the work of Dr. Kenneth McAll, a psychiatrist who proposes that mental illness can be influenced by ancestors and can be cured by holding a Eucharist service for them.
• Suggests this could be a test of religion, as it proposes a testable correlation between healing and the service.
• Discusses the concept of 'remote' healing and the need for rigorous external validation.
• Homeopathy for your Hi-Fi? by David Fisher:
• Argues that technical journals, like those for Hi-Fi, can be purveyors of fantastic claims and lack scientific controls, making the public susceptible to pseudoscience.
• Discusses the state of Hi-Fi magazines, noting the reliance on subjective evaluations and emotional appeals rather than proper testing.
• Provides baseline scientific data on human hearing capabilities (dB, frequency, distortion) to contrast with the claims made in Hi-Fi equipment marketing.

Editorial and Publisher Information

The editors are Dr Steve Donnelly and Toby Howard. The magazine is published bimonthly from Radcliffe, Manchester. It relies on reader contributions and grants permission for its material to be reprinted by national or regional groups recognized by CSICOP. UK subscription rates are £10 per year. The ISSN is 0955-6575.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The magazine consistently promotes a skeptical approach to extraordinary claims, emphasizing the importance of scientific methodology, evidence, peer review, and critical thinking. It aims to unmask, debunk, and challenge pseudoscientific and paranormal beliefs by examining them through a rational and scientific lens. The editorial stance is that science and rationality are under siege and need to be defended against the widespread acceptance of unverified claims, whether in popular media, technical journals, or alternative medicine.

This issue of The British & Irish Skeptic, dated July/August 1989, is dedicated to debunking pseudoscientific claims and promoting critical thinking, particularly within the high-fidelity (HiFi) audio industry and other areas of paranormal belief.

The HiFi Industry and Pseudoscience

The lead article critiques the expensive and often nonsensical equipment and practices found in the HiFi world, drawing parallels between 'subjectivist' HiFi enthusiasts and paranormalists. It highlights how the pursuit of 'highly subtle subjective effects' has led to the destruction of rational practice, likening it to Lysenkoism's destruction of genetics. The article discusses the 'Hieronymous machine' and the Scientologists' 'E-meter' as examples of pseudoscientific devices. A significant portion is dedicated to the 'Cello Etude' passive pre-amplifier, which cost £795 but was largely empty, containing only a variable resistor and simple wiring. The reviewer's comparison with a cheaper 'Hot Pot' passive pre-amplifier, using only subjective listening tests, is criticized for its lack of scientific rigor. The author argues that such devices cannot imbue music with special quality and that blind tests would likely reveal no difference.

'Beltism' and Unscientific HiFi Practices

The issue delves into 'Beltism,' a set of unscientific practices promoted by Peter W. Belt, whose ideas are disseminated by Jimmy Hughes and featured in HiFi Answers. Belt's suggestions include tying reef knots in mains and speaker cables, using odd numbers of screws for equipment, placing paper under device legs, snipping corners off books, and using silver foil to counteract 'logos and instructions.' These practices are presented with increasing incredulity, culminating in the suggestion that wearing a copper ring improves sound quality. The article criticizes the lack of scientific basis for these claims and the subjective nature of the purported improvements, noting that even the 'voice of Belt,' Jimmy Hughes, relies on anecdotal evidence about people feeling 'uncomfortable.' The editor of HiFi Answers, Keith Howard, is also criticized for defending Beltism and dismissing critics.

Iridology and Other 'Quasi-Sciences'

Another section, 'In the eye of the beholder,' examines iridology, questioning its validity as a medical diagnostic tool. While acknowledging that eye examination can reveal certain diseases (like diabetes), it dismisses the iridologists' claims that specific iris patterns correspond to specific organs. The article also touches upon reflexology and other 'way-out quasi-medical sciences' that lack proven basis. It calls for evidence-based investigation rather than prejudgment.

Richard Feynman and Skepticism

A tribute to the late physicist Richard Feynman, reprinted from LASER, highlights his intellectual curiosity and resistance to summary. The author, Al Seckel, recounts Feynman's contributions to physics and his ability to make science engaging. Seckel also shares personal anecdotes of Feynman's encouragement of the Southern California Skeptics (SCS) and his playful engagement with James Randi's mental tricks. The article notes Feynman's untimely death and his enduring skeptical spirit.

Encounters with Pseudoscience: Papf and Geller

Two detailed accounts illustrate encounters with purported scientific fraud and paranormal claims.

Mr Papf's Perpetual Motion Machine

This story recounts an investigation into a 'marvellous new engine' by Joseph Papf, which claimed to run for six months without refueling. The author, Richard Feynman, suspected it was a fraud, noting the presence of instruments connected to a power outlet. During a demonstration, the engine exploded, injuring three people and killing one. Feynman believed Papf was trying to attract investors by faking a powerful, dangerous engine. A lawsuit ensued, which was settled out of court.

A Visit With Uri Geller

This section details an encounter with the psychic Uri Geller. The author, along with Al Hibbs and his son Carl, met Geller in Hollywood. Carl had prepared a set of simple tests, including bending lead pieces and a wire inside a tube. Geller initially declined to perform the tests, claiming his power was not present. He then attempted a drawing test, which failed because the participants maintained poker faces. Geller's subsequent attempt to bend a key under water also failed. The author concludes that Geller was not a 'superstar magician' and that the encounter was disappointing.

The Broader Impact of Pseudoscience

The magazine argues that the proliferation of pseudoscientific claims, particularly in fields like HiFi where subjective judgment is prevalent, can drag down public perception of the scientific process. It suggests that the terminology of science is being hijacked by paranormalists, leading to a general increase in irrationality. The article concludes that combating this trend requires public technical knowledge, which is currently lacking, and expresses pessimism about the quick demise of such beliefs.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue are skepticism, critical thinking, and the rigorous application of the scientific method. The editorial stance is clearly against pseudoscience, paranormal claims, and subjective reasoning, especially when they are used to promote fraudulent products or beliefs. The magazine advocates for evidence-based investigation and highlights the importance of distinguishing between genuine scientific inquiry and charlatanism. The issue emphasizes that even seemingly complex phenomena can often be explained by ordinary tricks or mundane causes, and that a healthy dose of skepticism is essential to avoid being fooled.

This issue of The British & Irish Skeptic, dated July/August 1989, features a cover story titled 'Having faith in skepticism' by Nick Beard, exploring the philosophical underpinnings of science, belief, and meaning. The magazine covers a range of topics related to skepticism and the paranormal, including articles on logic, language, crop circles, water divining, and alternate states of consciousness, alongside reader letters and reviews.

Science, belief and meaning by Nick Beard

Nick Beard discusses a talk given by Paul Kurtz in London, noting the audience's 'self-righteous smugness' and their dismissal of a man explaining his sense of bliss. Beard contrasts this with the pursuit of science, questioning if it differs from logical positivism, which he argues is self-defeating if its own metaphysical premise is untestable. He introduces the concept of the 'metaposition' – a higher viewpoint from which all can be seen – and suggests it is unattainable, likening language to a spider's web rather than a ladder.

Beard also touches on the subjective nature of perception, stating that sensing is a constructive process involving data sorting and processing through preconceived categories. He critiques 'scientism' – the belief that science is the only legitimate source of knowledge – and argues that language categorizes experience, with significant variations across cultures, particularly in areas like color perception. He illustrates this with experiments involving rapidly shown playing cards and mismatched audio-visual stimuli, where subjects initially fail to detect errors.

The pit of solipsism

Beard explores the potential for skepticism to lead to solipsism, the belief that only one's own mind is sure to exist. He references Descartes' 'I think, therefore I am' and questions its validity without the belief in God. He suggests that while science can explain many phenomena, it may not account for all aspects of human experience, such as aesthetics or shopping, and that a rigorous application of skepticism carries its own risks.

Limits of logic

Beard discusses Bertrand Russell's attempt to place mathematics and science on a rigorous logical footing with 'Principia Mathematica'. He notes that Kurt Gödel proved this central problem unsolvable, highlighting a fallacy in Russell's approach – the metaposition. He argues that language acts as a filter, categorizing experience, and that while some basic sense data are universally labeled, many elements of social existence lack inter-cultural coherence.

Deep down doubts

This section questions the certainty of knowledge, positing that perception is a constructive process. Beard suggests that while subjective experience is important, scientism – the belief that science is the sole source of knowledge – is an inadequate alternative. He uses examples of experiments where subjects failed to notice errors in stimuli, illustrating how perception can be influenced by preconceived categories.

Skeptic at large... by Wendy M. Grossman

Wendy Grossman critiques media sensationalism, particularly The Sun newspaper's coverage of psychic phenomena and crop circles. She discusses a 'psychic second' on July 6th, 1989, and a numerical line-up promoted by the paper, as well as reports of miraculous cures. Grossman points out The Sun's lack of scientific rigor in its experiments.

Crop circles

Grossman summarizes various theories for crop circles, including animal behavior, UFOs, whirlwinds, and even giant mushrooms. She mentions two new books on the subject: 'Circular Evidence' by Andrews and Delgado, focusing on unknown intelligence, and 'The Circle Effect and Its Mysteries' by Dr. Meaden, which proposes wind vortices. She notes that Andrews and Delgado are consultants to 'Flying Saucer Review' and are accused of encouraging hoaxes, though they claim to identify genuine circles. A 'jelly blob' found in a crop circle is also mentioned, with reports of people suffering chest colds after contact.

Heaven and Earth by Michael Hutchinson

Michael Hutchinson reviews the BBC program 'The Psychic Tea Room', disagreeing with a previous reviewer's assessment. Hutchinson found the program disturbing, particularly the scenes with the channeller Mafu, whom he describes as 'nasty, cold-hearted and destructive'. He criticizes the channeller for playing with the emotions of the audience.

Donovan Wilkins and water divining

Hutchinson details his experience with Donovan Wilkins, a water diviner who uses a forked twig. He recounts Wilkins' predictions of water flow rates on a farm and his demonstration of divining a ley line. Hutchinson expresses skepticism about these abilities and proposes specific, testable methods to verify them, including drilling boreholes at divined locations and designing a test for ley-line detection.

He notes that his letter to Radio Times, suggesting these tests, was not printed. He also mentions an article about Wilkins finding water at a spot where he already knew it existed, suggesting a lack of genuine psychic ability.

Reviews

Exploring alternate states by Hilary Evans

Mike Rutter reviews Hilary Evans' book 'Alternate States of Consciousness: Unself, Otherself and Superself'. Rutter finds the book thought-provoking and engaging but also infuriating for a skeptic due to its assumptions, which are not always critically scrutinized. Evans attempts to provide psychological explanations for phenomena like mediumship and UFO contacts, but Rutter questions his qualifications and the reliance on outdated or unverified accounts. Rutter notes that Evans seems to accept concepts like psychic healing and ESP phenomena without addressing existing skeptical critiques.

Despite these criticisms, Rutter acknowledges the book's merits, particularly Evans' attempt to explain alternate states of consciousness (ASCs) as meaningful psychological processes. Rutter illustrates this with a personal example of a friend losing her voice due to anxiety before an examination, suggesting an unconscious desire to avoid the situation.

Evans' concept of an 'unconscious Producer' is discussed, which he posits as the source of dreams and creative insights. Rutter finds Evans' approach to ASCs, including those related to religious visions and UFO encounters, to be a pioneering effort, even if many of his ideas need modification. He recommends the book for its attempt to investigate these phenomena from a perspective distinct from both credulous literalism and sterile scientific skepticism.

Formation of the Wessex Skeptics

Robin Allen announces the formation of a new skeptics group in the Southampton area, tentatively named the Wessex Skeptics. The group aims to be active and develop a prominent public profile, aligning with the goals of CSICOP and other skeptic organizations.

Letters

Convinced by psychometry by Vivien Gibson

Vivien Gibson writes to share her own unusual experiences, stating she is a humanist and generally skeptical but finds it intellectually dishonest not to report her findings. She recounts consulting mediums who provided specific, unusual, and highly personal information that seemed to be acquired through paranormal means. She describes three instances of psychometry where mediums held her possessions and provided accurate, relevant details.

The editors of The British & Irish Skeptic respond, acknowledging Gibson's experiences but noting that mediums' activities can often be explained without resorting to paranormal claims. They encourage readers to conduct their own investigations and report their findings.

A sobering thought by John Lord

John Lord makes a brief, humorous comment on homoeopathy, relating it to drinking low-alcohol beer and questioning if it has any effect.

The curse of the President by Frank Wales

Frank Wales discusses the supposed curse on US presidents elected in years divisible by 20, noting that it has affected several presidents who died in office. He questions whether the curse is lifted because Ronald Reagan, elected in 1980, was shot but did not die in office. He speculates humorously about the curse's expiration.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The magazine consistently promotes a skeptical viewpoint, encouraging critical examination of paranormal claims and pseudoscientific theories. It provides a platform for reasoned debate, scientific testing, and the sharing of personal experiences that challenge conventional understanding, while also cautioning against gullibility and sensationalism. The editorial stance favors empirical evidence and logical analysis, as demonstrated by the critiques of media coverage and the proposals for scientific investigation of phenomena like water divining and psychometry. The magazine also highlights the importance of understanding the psychological and linguistic aspects of belief and perception.