British and Irish Skeptic - 1989 - Vol 3 No 5

Magazine Overview

Title: The British & Irish SKEPTIC
Issue: Volume III, No. 5
Date: September/October 1989
Publisher: The British & Irish Skeptic
Country: UK
ISSN: 0955-6575
Price: £1.50 (IR£1.70)

This issue of The British & Irish Skeptic, a publication dedicated to the scientific examination of claims of the paranormal, features a range of articles and regular columns. The cover highlights several key topics, including the resolution of the Nullarbor UFO mystery, a discussion on science versus religion, an examination of 'The Cultist's Defence', the nature of skepticism, and an exploration of 'The World of the Tarot'.

Contents and Articles

Hits and Misses by Steve Donnelly (Page 4)
This column addresses recent reports linking UFOs and crop circles. Donnelly discusses the publication of books by Pat Delgado and Colin Andrews, and Terence Meaden, as potential inspirations for increased media coverage. He explores possible explanations for sightings of lights in the sky, including searchlights used at a celebration for London Weekend Television, and lights at a ball in north London. The article also touches upon the mystery of new crop circles appearing that summer and mentions that the Queen had been reading books on the subject. A peculiar observation of square crop circles in the South of Ireland is also noted.

Switch Off (Page 4)
This short piece introduces SLIDE (Street Lamp Interference Data Exchange), a new organization founded by Hilary Evans. SLIDE aims to gather reports of individual experiences where street lights are allegedly tampered with by paranormal means, with the goal of stimulating formal research.

Another Shroud Hypothesis (Page 4)
This section presents a letter suggesting a new theory for the Turin Shroud's authenticity. The hypothesis proposes that the original shroud, in an advanced state of decay, was placed on top of a newly woven linen strip, and the image transferred by contact. This is contrasted with Joe Nickell's theory of a medieval forgery using a brass rubbing technique.

Dan Quayle in Space (Page 5)
An item from New Scientist is discussed, humorously suggesting that Vice President Dan Quayle's role in directing the US space program might lead to a serious consideration of the mysterious face on Mars. Quayle's interview response about Mars having canals, water, and air, implying breathability, is presented as evidence of his sense of humor.

Funny Farms (Page 5)
This article explores the growing 'New Age' business in the United States, focusing on biodynamic farming, which combines organic farming with spiritual or cosmic aspects. Examples include sowing seeds based on lunar phases and using planetary alignments to predict weather. The article notes that while biodynamics originated in Europe, it is gaining popularity in the US. It also mentions some unusual pest control methods and compost preparation techniques used by biodynamic farmers.

Fingers and Bumps (Page 5)
This section discusses the increasing use of psychometric testing for personality analysis, including graphology and, as highlighted by a Family Circle article, fingerprinting. It explains how specific fingerprint features, like a 'tented arch', can indicate personality traits such as enthusiasm and a need for challenge.

Elementary, my dear mystic by Medawc Williams (Page 7)
This article examines various historical systems of 'elements' from different cultures, including the Greek (Earth, Fire, Air, Water), Chinese (Wood, Stone, Metal, Water, Fire), and Buddhist (Ground, Fire, Wind, Water, Void) systems. Williams notes that while these systems reflect recurring human observations, their diversity suggests they do not represent any deep, universal truth. He also mentions the Bardaisan system (Fire, Wind, Water, Light, Darkness).

Open Lecture (Page 7)
An announcement for an open lecture by Dr John Lord at the University of Surrey on December 7, 1989, titled 'Parapsychology: science, protoscience, or pseudoscience?'.

Erratum (Page 7)
An editorial correction regarding a previous issue's article on iridology and palmistry, where text was inadvertently mixed.

Science vs Religion by Barend Vlaardingbroek (Page 8)
Vlaardingbroek argues that the perceived conflict between science and religion is largely mythical. He contends that while fundamentalist pockets within Judaism, Christianity, and Islam often oppose evolution, mainstream religions, particularly Hinduism and Buddhism, have historically accommodated scientific concepts. The 'debate' is kept alive by creationists seeking a niche. He suggests that anti-evolution sentiments are part of a broader anti-modern worldism characteristic of fundamentalist personality types.

The Cultist's Defence by Anthony Garrett (Page 9)
Garrett describes an encounter with a Scientology street preacher and analyzes the 'Cultist's Defence' tactic, where arguments are bypassed with practical exhortations like 'It works!'. He proposes a counter-strategy: pointing out that other cults also claim their methods work, thereby opening dialogue and challenging the cultist's exclusive claims. The article emphasizes preventing the spread of cults rather than convincing cultists of their error.

Scepticism: universal or occasional? by Antony Flew (Page 10)
Flew critically examines Dr Nick Beard's argument about skepticism and solipsism. He clarifies the definition of solipsism and argues that Beard's concern is with total nescience. Flew discusses Descartes' method of doubt and his subsequent reliance on proofs for God's existence to escape this doubt. Flew questions the validity of these proofs if Descartes' initial reasoning principles were rejected. He asserts that doubt requires grounds and that one cannot be skeptical about something one is totally ignorant of. He concludes that while skepticism is valuable for caution, it should not lead to an indiscriminate rejection of all reasoning.

Reviews (Page 24-25)

• The Burt Affair (John Lord)
• 'Margery' revisited (Tom Ruffles)

Letters (Page 26)

Goodbye, Spanish Fly (Page 6)
This piece discusses a planned ban by the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) on purported aphrodisiacs like Spanish fly, ginseng root, and mandrake root, effective January 1990. The FDA concluded these products do not enhance sexual performance and are not 'safe and effective'.

Newman's Perpetual Marriage (Page 6)
This section reports on inventor Joseph Newman, who claimed to be ordered by God to marry his secretary and her daughter. The article notes that Newman complied with this 'divine order' despite being married to a third woman. Authorities intervened, removing the eight-year-old daughter. Newman expressed anger at the authorities' actions.

Whoops!! (Page 6)
An apology from the editors to Russell Grant, Psychic News, and the inhabitants of the West Midlands for a mistaken report in a previous issue about Mr Grant working as a medium.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue revolve around critical thinking, the scientific examination of claims, and the debunking of paranormal phenomena and pseudoscience. The editorial stance is clearly skeptical, advocating for evidence-based reasoning and caution against unsubstantiated beliefs, whether they stem from UFO sightings, religious fundamentalism, cult ideologies, or alternative medicine. The magazine actively promotes a rationalist worldview and encourages readers to question extraordinary claims.

This issue of The British & Irish Skeptic, dated September/October 1989, features a range of articles exploring skepticism, the paranormal, and related cultural phenomena. The cover story, "The Nullarbor UFO Mystery-Solved" by A.T. Brunt, investigates a series of UFO sightings in Australia. Other articles include "The cards can't lie?" by Mike Rutter, examining the history and interpretation of Tarot cards; "Psychic Diary" by Toby Howard, discussing folklore and ritual; and "Skeptic at large..." by Wendy M. Grossman, critiquing IQ testing and the Mensa organization.

The Nullarbor UFO Mystery-Solved

A.T. Brunt reports on UFO sightings over Australia's Nullarbor region in January and October 1988. The editor of Britain's Star newspaper deemed the story significant enough for front-page treatment. Retired meteorologist A.T. Brunt conducted an investigation into these sightings.

The Nullarbor region, characterized by its dry, desert conditions, lack of city lights, and flat horizons, is described as an ideal location for UFO spotting. The report details two specific incidents:

On January 20, 1988, around 4:20 a.m. CDST, the Knowles family reported seeing a bright, egg-shaped light, about one meter wide with a yellow center, that appeared and disappeared, seemingly jumping about. They claimed their car was lifted, a tyre burst, and black ash covered the vehicle. Another witness, a truck driver named Graham Henley, reported a similar light, described as too high to be another vehicle, which also disappeared and reappeared. A tuna boat crew also reported a strange, elongated light.

On October 17, 1988, around 1 a.m. CST, a bus driver and passengers reported a bright white light hovering about 20 meters above ground, which followed the bus for about 10 miles. The driver described it as moving and giving the impression of hovering.

Brunt's investigation concluded that these sightings were not paranormal phenomena but rather refracted images of distant light sources, likely caused by temperature inversions. The report details the meteorological conditions, specifically temperature inversions, present during both incidents. These inversions, where warmer air lies above colder air, cause light to bend, creating mirages. The 'towering' effect observed on January 20th is consistent with a temperature inversion. The light seen on October 17th was identified as possibly the planet Jupiter, whose appearance can be distorted by refraction. The article dismisses the claims of black ash and tyre damage as unsubstantiated and likely due to normal vehicle operation or imagination.

The cards can't lie?

Mike Rutter explores the world of Tarot cards, tracing their history and symbolism. Playing cards first appeared in Europe in the late 14th century, and by the early 15th century, Tarot packs emerged. These packs consist of two parts: the Minor Arcana (56 cards in four suits, similar to conventional playing cards) and the Major Arcana (22 cards with allegorical pictures). Rutter suggests that conventional playing card suits (Clubs, Hearts, Spades, Diamonds) likely derive from French suits (Trefles, Coeurs, Piques, Carreaux), which in turn may have been influenced by Italian and Spanish suits (Batons, Cups, Swords, Money).

The article discusses the origins of the suits, noting that Hearts may have replaced Cups due to their shape or spiritual associations with Chalices. The Major Arcana, or Tarot Trumps, typically consist of 21 numbered cards (from 1, the Juggler/Magus, to 21, the World) plus the Fool (often numbered 0). Rutter lists the traditional names of these trumps, such as Papess, Empress, Emperor, Pope, Lovers, Chariot, Justice, Hermit, Wheel of Fortune, Strength, Hanged Man, Death (number 13), Temperance, Devil, Tower, Star, Moon, Sun, and Judgement. He notes that some 'Magical' Tarot packs interchange Justice and Strength.

Rutter recounts the 18th-century theory that Tarot cards contained secret wisdom from ancient Egypt, later attributed to India, Tibet, or Atlantis. He also mentions 19th-century connections to Jewish Qabalah and Bohemian (Gypsy) knowledge. Modern interpretations link Tarot imagery to Eastern and Hellenistic Mystics, Gnostics, Manicheans, Cathars, and Jungian theories of the Psyche. The article acknowledges the subjective nature of Tarot interpretation, with different packs and methods leading to varied readings.

Rutter presents the Jungian approach, viewing Tarot cards as a Rorschach test for projecting unconscious material, potentially related to ESP. He also touches upon conventional methods like cold reading and the 'prestige effect.' The author expresses skepticism about the evidence for ESP and the rigorous testing of Tarot cards, noting that believers often accept contradictory results. He shares an anecdote about a psychic reading that was so generic it could have been deduced from observation alone, highlighting the appeal of Tarot to the artistic and imaginative side of the human mind.

Psychic Diary

Toby Howard reflects on the nature of skepticism and belief, particularly concerning folklore and rituals. He questions why people participate in customs like the Helston Furry Dance or the South Queensferry Burryman parade, even if they don't believe in their supernatural claims of good luck or prosperity. Howard suggests that rituals hold importance and meaning for individuals and society, affecting them on multiple levels of intelligence.

He then discusses the film 'The Wicker Man,' where a devoutly religious police sergeant is lured to a remote Scottish island for a pagan sacrifice. The film explores the ambiguity of belief, questioning whether the islanders' 'religion' is genuine folk-memory or cynical manipulation. Howard intends to examine British and Irish folk ideas and the reasons people engage in seemingly irrational practices.

Skeptic at large...

Wendy M. Grossman critiques IQ testing and its role in society, prompted by Mensa's search for Britain's brightest children. She highlights criticisms that Mensa's tests are culturally biased towards white, middle-class children and that intelligence is not solely based on reading, writing, spelling, and arithmetic, citing Einstein and Leonardo da Vinci as examples of individuals with dyslexia who possessed high intelligence.

Grossman shares her own experience of being tested by Mensa at age 14, noting the process involved home-supervised tests followed by central testing. She questions the assumption that home testing encourages cheating, given the subsequent supervised tests. She also discusses the societal pressure associated with being labeled 'clever' or an 'underachiever,' and the reluctance of schools to reveal IQ scores.

The article references Stephen Jay Gould's 'The Mismeasure of Man' and David Owen's 'None of the Above: Behind the Myth of Scholastic Aptitude.' Gould's work traces the history of attempts to measure intelligence, from skull measurements to test scores, often showing bias towards white, middle-class males. The article emphasizes that Alfred Binet, the creator of IQ testing, intended his tests to identify children needing help, not to measure intelligence linearly, and warned against labeling individuals. Binet's successors, particularly in America, are accused of abusing these tests for mass intelligence testing, which was even used as evidence in immigration debates in 1924.

Owen's book focuses on the SAT (Scholastic Aptitude Tests), arguing that they primarily test the ability to think like the test designers, rather than genuine aptitude. The article suggests that SAT questions can often be answered by identifying patterns and test-taking strategies rather than by understanding the content.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue revolve around critical examination of claims related to the paranormal, the supernatural, and psychological assessments. The magazine consistently adopts a skeptical stance, favoring scientific explanations and empirical evidence over anecdotal accounts or unsubstantiated beliefs. The articles on UFOs, Tarot, and folklore emphasize rational explanations, such as atmospheric phenomena and cultural traditions, while the critique of IQ testing highlights concerns about bias and the limitations of standardized measures. The overall editorial stance promotes critical thinking and a rational approach to understanding phenomena that are often shrouded in mystery or popular belief.

This issue of *The British & Irish Skeptic* from September/October 1989 features a range of articles critically examining claims of the paranormal, pseudoscience, and scientific integrity. The magazine, published by Manchester Skeptics, aims to provide a scientific examination of such claims.

Articles

SAT Sex Bias and New Age Diagnostics

The issue opens with a piece by Wendy Grossman discussing the Educational Testing Service (ETS) and a court ruling that New York State's use of SAT scores for scholarships discriminated against girls. Grossman reflects on the implications of such tests and the feeling of being smarter than the average population.

Mike Howgate critiques 'holistic' New Age diagnostic procedures, arguing that they often rely on superficial methods like reading the soles of feet or palms, which he contrasts with the potential of physiognomy (face reading) as a more insightful, albeit less specialized, diagnostic tool. He references historical works on physiognomy and suggests its potential application in areas like job interviews and insurance.

The Burt Affair: A Defense?

Robert B. Joynson's book, 'The Burt Affair', is reviewed by John A. Lord. The review discusses the allegations of scientific fraud against Professor Sir Cyril Burt, a prominent British psychologist. While acknowledging the severity of the charges, including the invention of research assistants, Joynson's book reportedly presents a case for Burt's defense, suggesting that many charges are susceptible to alternative readings or are the result of carelessness. The review notes that the mystery of Burt's alleged research assistants remains unsolved, and while Joynson may acquit Burt of some charges, he may overlook some of his less pleasant qualities. Lord concludes that while Burt may have been a 'scoundrel', he was likely not a bare-faced liar.

The Psychic Powers of Uri Geller

Michael Hutchinson contributes an article examining the case of psychic Uri Geller, focusing on 'tests' conducted by Artur Zorka and others. Hutchinson is highly critical of the experimental controls, suggesting that Geller was allowed to run the experiments and that the results were exaggerated. He points to contradictory statements and potential methods of deception, such as Geller asking for the object to be drawn on a TV screen to pick up subtle clues. Hutchinson argues that magicians, while skilled in deception, are not sufficient to control for fraud in such tests and that their involvement can lend false credibility to psychics.

'Margery' Revisited

Tom Ruffles reviews a radio play, 'The Witch of Beacon Hill', which dramatized the investigation of medium Mina Crandon ('Margery') by *Scientific American* in 1924, focusing on the conflict between Crandon and Harry Houdini. Ruffles notes that the play conveyed a misleading impression of Crandon's universal acceptance and that the debate over her phenomena continued. He criticizes the play for its focus on Houdini, neglecting the role of other investigators and the later 'thumbprint scandal' which significantly damaged scientific interest in Margery. The episode is seen as having hardened divisions within psychical research and prompted a move towards more laboratory-based investigation.

Letters and Miscellany

Letters to the editor include Michael Camfield's praise for the magazine's contributors and a concern that the magazine might encourage unqualified personal investigations into the paranormal. Richard P. Ward defends the magazine's approach to programs like 'The Psychic Tea Room', arguing for scientific skepticism over censorship and encouraging readers to see the good in such programs.

In the 'Miscellany' section, Colin Andrews is corrected for being described as level-headed regarding crop circles, as he was reportedly using dowsing rods and linking them to Stonehenge. A point is made about not being able to believe everything, even from sources like *New Scientist*.

Pyramids and Science

David Fisher comments on Barry Williams' article on pyramids, suggesting that the pyramid shape evolved naturally from early burial practices of covering pits with sand heaps. He also touches on the naming of Charles Piazzi Smyth as Astronomer Royal for Scotland.

Steuart Campbell discusses the concept of 'Science and Skepticism', referencing a lecture by Paul Kurtz. The discussion touches on why skepticism fails to convince, the nature of magical thinking, and the need for dramatizing criticism. It also explores the human need for cosmic rooting and the idea that bliss, like pain, is part of human experience, and that claiming bliss proves the transcendent is a denigration of human experience. Science is defined as a method and body of knowledge, not a worldview.

Other Contributions

There are also brief notes on 'Sprite', the magazine's cartoonist, and a discussion on the visual cortex and moving stripes, referencing a book on non-linear dynamics.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue revolve around the critical examination of paranormal claims, the demarcation between science and pseudoscience, and the importance of rigorous methodology and skepticism. The magazine consistently advocates for evidence-based reasoning and challenges unsubstantiated beliefs, whether they stem from New Age practices, alleged psychic phenomena, or historical cases of scientific fraud. The editorial stance is clearly one of promoting scientific literacy and critical thinking, encouraging readers to question extraordinary claims and to rely on empirical evidence rather than anecdotal accounts or appeals to authority.