Skeptic - 1990 - Vol 4 No 3

Magazine Overview

Title: The SKEPTIC
Issue: Volume IV, No. 3
Date: May/June 1990
Publisher: P. O. Box 475, Manchester M60 2TH, UK
Country: UK
Language: English
ISSN: 0959-5228
Price: £1.50 (IR£1.70)

This issue of The Skeptic magazine, subtitled 'A rational look at pseudoscience and the paranormal in the British Isles', presents a collection of articles that critically examine various claims and phenomena. The cover highlights topics such as 'Denizens of Another World', 'Astrology: Sign of the RAM', 'A Matter of Antigravity', 'Famous Fakes and Forgeries', and 'Skeptic Amongst the Psychics'.

Contents and Articles

Hits and Misses

Steve Donnelly's 'Hits and Misses' column covers several disparate topics:

• Egregious Eggplants: Reports of aubergines revealing Arabic script ('Ya-Allah') have drawn thousands of visitors in Leicester. Similar phenomena have been reported with a lamb in Kenya and a mango in India.
• Beast of Banff: A new monster, the 'Beast of Banff', has been sighted in Banffshire, described as large, muscular, with short legs and a pointed head, and a long, unbushy tail, possibly resembling a wolf or puma.
• Another Green Revolution?: This section critiques pseudoscientific theories found in HiFi magazines, such as improving sound quality by using a green felt-tipped pen on compact discs, a claim met with skepticism by an engineer.
• Elvis Revisited: The article revisits the claim that Elvis Presley is alive, referencing an Elvis telephone hotline in the US that collects sighting reports, noting the phenomenon's popularity.
• Man of the Cloth: A new UK phone-in service, 'Adrenaline Research', promoted by Nicholas Dynes Gracey, claims that overclothing causes illness by overheating the body and weakening the immune system, potentially leading to AIDS.

Poll Tax Hex

This piece discusses a ritual performed by the 'Coven of Earth Magic' in Wilmington, which claimed to exorcise the Poll Tax through a spring solstice cleansing ceremony. The coven had previously cast a spell against the Channel Tunnel rail link, which subsequently faced financial trouble.

The Montana Septics

Members of the 'Prophet's Church Universal and Triumphant' in Livingston, Montana, prepared for nuclear war by building communal fallout shelters. Church leader Elizabeth Clare Prophet faced warnings from sanitation officials regarding the inadequate sewage disposal facilities for the planned 2,000 followers.

Village of Fear

Strange events in the Italian village of San Gottardo are detailed, including a fuse box heating up, electrical appliances malfunctioning, and objects catching fire. Villagers also experienced headaches and sickness, with explanations ranging from UFOs to the devil.

How to Get A Head

This section discusses the Alcor corporation in California, which offers 'life-extension' services, including cryopreservation of bodies or heads after death, with the aim of thawing them out when medical technology advances. The service is expensive, requiring significant estates.

Homeopathy Revisited

Steve Donnelly critically examines homeopathy, noting its increasing popularity in the UK, with NHS doctors prescribing it and millions of people using it. He distinguishes it from natural remedies, questioning the scientific basis of homeopathy, which relies on extreme dilutions of substances to the point where no molecules of the original substance remain. He argues that the 'spirit-like essence' theory is unproven and that the effects are likely due to impurities in the water or placebo effect.

Muddying the Waters

Dave Langford recounts the creation and publication of his spoof book, 'An Account of a Meeting with Denizens of Another World, 1871'. He details how the book, intended to satirize ufology, was later misrepresented and incorporated into Whitley Strieber's book 'Majestic' without proper attribution or acknowledgment of its satirical intent. Langford criticizes Strieber for presenting the story as a novel based on truth and for omitting source references.

A Skeptical Look at Astrology

Anthony Garrett provides a two-part article examining astrology. He explains the two main types: personality prediction and event prediction (used in horoscopes). Garrett highlights the vagueness of astrological statements and references Bertram Forer's 1948 demonstration of astrological susceptibility, where a generic personality sketch was perceived as accurate by subjects. He discusses the inconsistency of astrological methods and cites a 'double-blind' test published in *Nature* which strongly refuted the case for natal astrology, finding no connection between planetary positions and personality traits.

A Truly Astronomical Lunch

This piece reports on a lunchtime forum on astrology held at Glasgow University Astronomical Society. Jane Ridder-Patrick, an astrologer, presented, followed by a Q&A session with Dr. Alec McKinnon, an astrophysicist. The article notes the difficulty in defining astrology and contrasts 'hard' sciences with 'softer' ones, emphasizing that testable predictions are key. It mentions the 'Objections to Astrology' statement signed by US scientists in 1975 and warns of the potential dangers of astrology influencing political decisions and court cases.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The overarching theme of this issue is skepticism towards pseudoscience and the paranormal. The magazine consistently applies rational and scientific scrutiny to claims ranging from alleged divine messages in vegetables to the validity of astrology and UFO encounters. The editorial stance is clearly in favor of evidence-based reasoning and critical thinking, actively debunking what it considers to be unfounded beliefs and practices. The publication relies on reader contributions and aims to inform the public about the lack of scientific support for many popular paranormal and pseudoscientific claims, warning of their potential dangers.

Title: The Skeptic
Issue: May/June 1990
Volume: 11
Date: May/June 1990

This issue of The Skeptic features a range of articles examining paranormal claims, scientific skepticism, and the intersection of technology with pseudoscience. The cover story, "The Weight of Evidence" by Dave Love, scrutinizes a report on gyroscopes and UFOs, while other pieces explore the scientific basis of astrology, the nature of fakes and forgeries, and the cultural reasons behind belief in the paranormal.

Astrology and Science

"Reflections on astrology in the computer age" by James Gorman discusses the increasing use of computers in generating horoscopes. Gorman recounts his experience with a computer program that produced a lengthy astrological reading, highlighting the impersonal nature of such services and the significant cost involved. He notes the existence of companies like AGS Software and Matrix Software that cater to professional astrologers, offering services from individual horoscopes to compatibility checks and astrological research. Gorman questions the value of these computer-generated pronouncements, particularly when they are presented as profound insights into personal character. He contrasts the mechanistic approach of computer astrology with the therapeutic aims shared by psychotherapists, suggesting that while psychology requires systematic training, astrology can be practiced with less formal knowledge. The article also touches on the philosophical implications of believing in astrology, noting Ms. Ridder-Patrick's assertion that she 'didn't believe in astrology' herself, yet continued to practice it. Gorman finds this atypical and warns others about such practitioners. He concludes that while astrology may be 'dumb,' its human element, when mediated by computers, suggests that technology may not necessarily dehumanize us but rather be used for frivolous pursuits.

Anthony Garrett, in "The Weight of Evidence," critically examines the work of Ms. Ridder-Patrick, an astrologer who participated in a joint astrologer-scientist test published in Nature. Garrett reports that this test, designed to be double-blind, clearly showed astrology performing at chance levels and failing to sustain its predictions. When questioned, Ms. Ridder-Patrick expressed doubts about the protocol but later offered a 'no comment' response, which Garrett found indicative of a lack of engagement with scientific criticism. He notes that her view of astrology as a psychological focus for clients, rather than a predictive tool, is atypical and potentially misleading. Garrett concludes that while the forum remained good-natured, the evidence presented makes the claims of astrology untenable.

Jean Dorricott's "Why Do People Believe in the Paranormal?" explores the psychological and cultural factors contributing to belief in the paranormal. Dorricott recounts her experiences giving a talk to a group convinced of paranormal events, where skeptical scientists were dismissed as ignorant. She describes experiments on card guessing and number guessing that yielded seemingly successful results, attributing this to psychological factors and the human desire for connection. Dorricott explains the scientific method, emphasizing its self-correcting nature and the fallibility of scientists, using the Fleischmann and Pons cold fusion example. She demonstrates how controlled experiments are set up, highlighting the importance of double-blind procedures. Dorricott also discusses the unreliability of original material held by organizations like the SPR and the difficulty in distinguishing genuine phenomena from psychological effects or outright fakes. Her talk aimed to present the human face of science, explain scientific skepticism, and warn against fakes, encouraging a more rigorous approach to pseudoscientific claims.

Fakes and Forgeries

Mike Howgate's "The Art of Fakery" reviews an exhibition at the British Museum that explores artistic and antiquarian fakery. The exhibition covers a broad spectrum of fakes, from religious relics and 'fairies' photographs to scientific hoaxes. Howgate highlights the section on 'The limits of belief: religion, magic, myth and science,' which includes faked letters, reliquaries, and mythical creature representations. He also discusses 'scientific' frauds, such as carved fossils used to hoax Professor Beringer and the infamous Piltdown Man hoax, where the original skull fragments are displayed. The article notes that Charles Dawson is a prime suspect in the Piltdown Man hoax, and also points to his involvement in communicating the 'Toad in the Hole' phenomenon. The exhibition also features a section on the scientific detection of fakes using techniques like ultraviolet and X-ray radiography, mass spectrometry, and thermoluminescence, with a special mention of the Turin Shroud. The final section, 'The limits of expertise,' examines cases where experts disagree, such as the Vinland map and the 'Aztec' rock-crystal skull.

Gyroscopes and UFOs

Dave Love's "Gyroscopes can't levitate UFOs" critically examines a report by Hayasaka and Takeuchi claiming a reduction in gyroscope weight dependent on their direction of rotation relative to the Earth's spin. Love notes that this fringe science episode concluded swiftly after considerable commotion. He explains the basic principles of gyroscopes and their use in navigation systems. The article questions the credibility of the Hayasaka and Takeuchi findings, particularly the lack of evidence for dependence on latitude and the reversal of the effect when the spin direction was reversed. Love points out that while the effect was small (around 10 mg), it was significant enough to attract UFO enthusiasts who saw it as a potential anti-gravity propulsion device. He mentions that subsequent experiments by other groups, using improved apparatus, have failed to replicate the effect or have attributed observed phenomena to factors like vibrations and temperature variations. The lesson drawn is the need for caution with anomalous results, especially from non-specialists, and the importance of reliable results from experts, which often appear later after unnecessary fuss.

Paranormal Belief and Computers

Wendy M. Grossman, in "Ghosts in Court," discusses the prevalence of paranormal beliefs in America, linking it to a perceived loss of national certainty around 1968. She recounts a case where a lawyer attempted to cancel a house purchase after discovering it was haunted, but the judge ruled against him based on caveat emptor. Grossman theorizes that the decline of quasi-religious patriotism has led people to seek simpler, more rigid belief systems. She also touches on the idea that the universe might be run by 'maniacs,' referencing Douglas Adams' 'Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy.' Grossman also mentions Joan Quigley's claims of responsibility for the Reagans' actions through astrology, raising questions about the influence of such beliefs on public life. She notes the increasing acceptance of paranormal ideas, even reaching the level of folk songs, citing an example of an Appalachian-style song about a psychic's negative aura.

In "Skeptic at Large," Grossman further explores the cultural landscape of paranormal belief in America. She discusses how astrology, for some, offers a way to avoid personal responsibility by attributing events to celestial influences. She also notes opposition to New Age beliefs in some areas, framed as religious objections against 'devil-sent' ideas and blasphemy. Grossman finds amusement in the journey of paranormal ideas from the fringe to the mainstream, culminating in folk music. She concludes by singing a folk song that humorously critiques New Age beliefs.

European Skeptics Conference 1990

This section provides details for the European Skeptics Conference to be held in Bruxelles, Belgium, on August 10-11, 1990. It lists the speakers and topics for both days, including presentations on 'The State of the Paranormal in Europe,' scientific skepticism, and various paranormal phenomena. The advance program features prominent figures in the skeptical movement from various countries.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring theme throughout this issue is the critical examination of pseudoscientific claims and paranormal phenomena through a skeptical lens. The magazine consistently advocates for scientific rigor, evidence-based reasoning, and the detection of fakes and forgeries. The editorial stance is clearly in favor of scientific understanding and against the uncritical acceptance of unsubstantiated beliefs. The articles highlight the importance of critical thinking, the scientific method, and the potential dangers of pseudoscience, particularly when it intersects with technology or public institutions. There is a consistent effort to debunk claims that lack empirical support and to educate readers on how to distinguish between science and pseudoscience.

Title: The Skeptic
Issue: Volume IV, No. 3
Date: May/June 1990
Publisher: The Skeptic
Country: United Kingdom
Theme: Skepticism, paranormal phenomena, pseudoscience, critical thinking.

Main Articles

Psychic Diary: Friends of friends of friends of friends...

This article, written by Toby Howard, explores the concept of 'FOAFlore', a term for urban legends that circulate through word-of-mouth, often with numerous variations. The author uses Jan Harold Brunvand's research as a basis, particularly focusing on the 'Choking Doberman' story. Brunvand, a Professor of English at the University of Utah, suggests that the more variations a tale has, the less likely it is to be based on real events. The 'Choking Doberman' story, which involves a dog found wheezing with human fingers lodged in its throat, is presented with its various motifs: the suffering pet, urgent warning, racial hatred, sexual menace, and the evildoer's come-uppance. Howard illustrates how such legends can metamorphose to reflect local zeitgeists, using a hypothetical 1990 Manchester adaptation. He notes that while unpleasant, FOAFlore is often not offensive in the same way as overtly racist or sexist jokes, and that these stories serve as an escape from the mundane. The article also touches upon other well-known FOAFtales like 'The Vanishing Hitchhiker' and mentions how professions often have their own FOAFtales, particularly in the computer industry.

Reviews

Life, the universe and the paranormal by Stuart Holroyd (reviewed by David Martin):
This book is a collection of short entries on various topics, including Worldview, Science, Spirituality, Psychology, the Paranormal, Medicine and Health, and Society, Environment and Technology. The reviewer notes that the author seems to believe the 'orthodox' is cracking and will be replaced by new perspectives. The book is criticized for its perceived bias against Darwinism, presenting it as having 'fallen apart' rather than offering a balanced account. The reviewer also points out that entries on science often include speculative links to the paranormal, and suggests the book is based on popular science books from a pseudoscience point of view, concluding it's likely not suitable for a skeptic's bookshelf.

Encyclopaedia Paranormica edited by Richard Cavendish (reviewed by David Martin):
This is described as a large-format, well-produced guide to 'the unknown, the esoteric and the unproven'. While not always strictly skeptical, it attempts a kind of balance and avoids tabloid sensationalism. The reviewer finds it well-illustrated and easy to navigate, with an extensive bibliography. A significant emphasis is placed on the work of Professor J.B. Rhine at Duke University, who is listed as the special consultant on parapsychology.

Astrology for Feminists by Sheila Farrant (reviewed by Anne Watkiss):
This book attempts to offer more positive symbols and images of women for astrological purposes, drawing on theories from anthropology, linguistics, and psychology. It is based on the idea that language is productive and shapes our perception, and that astrological symbolism, rooted in masculine world-views, needs re-interpretation. The reviewer finds the re-appropriation of symbols interesting but questions the author's choice of Eleanor of Aquitaine as a positive role model. The book is noted to be of interest to feminists interested in revisionist myth-making, especially if they are also astrologers.

No Accounting for Folk by J.A. Paulos (reviewed by David Fisher):
This book is about 'innumeracy', the lack of mathematical understanding, and how it relates to pseudoscience. The reviewer praises the book's clear exposure of mathematical and logical fallacies, comparing it to Martin Gardner's work. Paulos argues that innumeracy is often seen as something one can be uncaring or even proud of, unlike illiteracy. The book explores the sources of innumeracy and argues that society often ignores mathematical verities at its peril. The reviewer notes that the book could have addressed more common arithmetic errors and questions the physical meaningfulness of calculations related to nuclear weapons. The book is seen as a laudable attempt to expose pseudoscience using a 'Trojan Horse' approach, though the reviewer fears the target audience may already be converted.

The TM Technique by Peter Russell (reviewed by Daniel Levin):
This book is described as a look at Transcendental Meditation (TM). The reviewer finds Russell's grasp of cognitive science questionable and notes that the book contains a lot of pseudoscientific nonsense connected with TM, including claims for levitation and remote viewing, which Russell accepts uncritically. The reviewer also points out that the book's explanation of higher states of consciousness involves the disappearance of mental activity, which is equated with consciousness itself. The reviewer suggests looking at James Randi's 'Flim-Flam' for a more critical perspective.

Dzogchen: The Self-Perfected State by Namkhai Norbu (reviewed by Michael Heap):
This book introduces the teachings of 'Dzogchen', or 'The Great Perfection', a practice within Tibetan Buddhism aimed at achieving 'internal awakening'. The author, born in Tibet and now a professor in Naples, presents the complex ideas in a down-to-earth and friendly style, using everyday illustrations. The practice is described as a way of studying and acting on our internal landscape, with meditation as the main tool. The book suggests that behind the turbulence of the mind lies a region of pure mind or consciousness, which is our true nature, and that Dzogchen is a method to reveal this state.

Body and Soul: Physical Therapies for Everyone by Sara Martin (reviewed by Kevin Orrman-Rossiter):
This book is an uncritical look at alternative physical therapies. It explores how physical problems are linked to emotional reasons and discusses concepts like 'life force'. The reviewer criticizes the book for its uncritical presentation of therapies like Biodynamics and Bioenergetics, which confuse physical energy with subjective feelings. The reviewer finds the idea of Polarity Therapy, which treats the body as a battery, particularly shocking and concludes the book is uninformed and uncritical.

Letters

Matters of spirit by Christopher C. French:
This letter discusses the concept of 'scientific skepticism' in relation to psychic demonstrations. The writer argues that while magicians and scientists can repeat their 'tricks' or experiments under controlled conditions, the application of a 'spiritual gift' is personal and depends on the individual's need, likening it to a physician needing a sick patient.

Crop circles by Alan Power:
This letter argues that there is more evidence for the air vortex theory of crop circle formation than presented by David Fisher. The writer suggests that the hoax explanation requires a clandestine religion or a practical joke, and that the failure of barbed wire fences to deter circles supports the vortex theory. The writer also contends that eye-witness reports should not be dismissed as 'zilch' but investigated, and that Terence Meaden's scientific integrity should not be questioned.

Population Stereotypes by David Fisher:
This letter responds to an article about Michael Hutchison's account of tabloid mass ESP tests. The writer discusses the 'blue-seven phenomenon', where people tend to choose the number 7 and the colour blue more frequently than by chance. The writer expresses surprise at Matthew Manning's choice of green and James Randi's prediction of red, noting that the response rate for green was higher than expected in the Manning experiment, and questions whether Manning might have psychic powers.

Bright stars by Michael Heap:
This letter discusses the potential influence of birth month on character and academic performance. It references research by Dr. Michael Startup and Dr. R.J.H. Russell, which found that while autumn-born students have an advantage in terms of age, graduates born in July and August had the highest proportion of degrees at 2-1 level and above. The authors concluded that while autumn births offer an advantage up to university entry, some intellectual faculties peak and decline, giving younger students a marginal advantage by graduation.

Humanist Publications

This section highlights three publications:

• The Humanist Theme: A bimonthly magazine expressing Humanist ideals, funded by donations, and relying on reader contributions.
• New Humanist: A quarterly journal of the Rationalist Press Association, featuring articles and reviews by leading figures in the Humanist movement, with recent issues covering topical events.
• The Freethinker: A monthly secular humanist publication founded in 1881, campaigning against superstition and for social reforms. It is closely associated with the National Secular Society.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The Skeptic consistently adopts a critical and skeptical stance towards paranormal claims, pseudoscience, and unverified phenomena. The magazine features reviews of books and articles that either debunk or critically examine such topics, alongside contributions that explore the psychological and social factors contributing to belief in the paranormal. There is a strong emphasis on rationalism, scientific evidence, and clear thinking, as exemplified by the reviews of books on urban legends, numerics, and alternative therapies. The magazine also provides a platform for letters from readers who engage in debates on these subjects, often bringing their own perspectives and evidence to bear on the discussions. The editorial stance is clearly in favor of evidence-based reasoning and against the uncritical acceptance of extraordinary claims.