Skeptic - 1991 - Vol 5 No 2

Magazine Overview

Title: The Skeptic
Issue: Volume 5, Number 2
Date: March/April 1991
Publisher: The Skeptic (formerly the British & Irish Skeptic)
Country: UK
ISSN: 0959-5228
Price: £1.85

This issue of The Skeptic magazine offers a critical examination of various phenomena and belief systems, adhering to its mission of promoting skepticism and rational inquiry. The cover prominently features headlines such as 'The New Age and the Crisis of Belief' and 'The Marie Celeste Mystery Solved?', indicating the diverse range of topics covered.

Articles and Features

The New Age and the Crisis of Belief

Authored by Tim Axon, this article explores the rise of the 'New Age' movement as a response to a perceived 'crisis of belief' in contemporary Western societies. Axon argues that the decline of traditional religious belief and the failure of secular ideologies to provide a unifying worldview have led to fragmentation and a search for meaning. The New Age movement, characterized by its eclecticism and embrace of paranormal and alternative beliefs, is presented as a quasi-religious response to this void. The author notes that while the movement offers an 'alternative' to scientific materialism, it is not inherently anti-science, often engaging with fringe scientific ideas. Axon suggests that the New Age phenomenon is driven by an innate human predisposition to believe, amplified by cultural changes, and that while skeptics can expose its failings, the movement itself is unlikely to disappear until the underlying cultural forces shift.

The Marie Celeste Mystery Solved?

This article, by H H Trotti, proposes a solution to the enduring mystery of the Marie Celeste, a merchant brig found adrift and deserted in the Atlantic Ocean in 1872. While the specific details of the proposed solution are not elaborated on the cover, its inclusion suggests a critical analysis of historical accounts and evidence.

The Houdini File No. 5

Frank Koval's contribution to 'The Houdini File' series delves into the correspondence between Harry Houdini and Sir Arthur Conan Doyle, focusing on the controversy surrounding spirit photographer William Hope. The article highlights Houdini's skepticism towards spiritualist claims and his investigations into alleged trickery. It also details Houdini's interest in a device called a 'telekinetoscope' used by a medium named Stella C., which Koval analyzes as a potential magician's misdirection.

The Blondlot Bombshell

Bill Penny's article recounts the story of 'N-rays,' a supposed new form of radiation discovered by French physicist René Blondlot in 1903. The article details how the discovery, made in the wake of the X-ray breakthrough, was initially accepted by many French scientists, leading to a flurry of research. However, outside France, physicists struggled to replicate Blondlot's results. The piece highlights the role of physicist Robert W. Wood in investigating Blondlot's claims, ultimately revealing significant flaws in the experimental methodology and suggesting that the 'N-ray' phenomenon was a product of suggestion and flawed observation, classifying it as an example of 'pathological science'.

Other Articles and Sections

• Hits and Misses: This section, written by Steve Donnelly, appears to be a collection of brief, often humorous, skeptical observations. It includes a critique of 'Crystal Antidotes to Power-Socket Radiation' and a commentary on a 'Holistic Therapy Flotation Enclosure' patent, as well as a piece on the psychological effects of smells.
• Wet and Dry Skepticism: by John Lord.
• 1991-The Final Crash of the UFOs: by Christopher Allan.
• Heaven and Earth: by Michael Hutchinson.
• Psychic Diary: by Toby Howard.
• Skeptic at Large: by Wendy Grossman.
• Reviews: A section dedicated to critical assessments of books or other media.
• Letters: Correspondence from readers, offering diverse perspectives and engaging with the magazine's content.

Devilish Technology

This piece discusses the Exclusive Brethren, a religious sect that prohibits its followers from using modern technology like televisions and computers. It recounts their unsuccessful attempt to withdraw children from school lessons that involve such technology, emphasizing the government's stance on the importance of information technology education.

Balls of Fire

This article reports on scientific research that appears to have produced artificial ball lightning in a laboratory setting. Japanese researchers focused microwave energy into an aluminum cavity, creating plasma discharges with properties similar to reported ball lightning phenomena. The article notes that some scientists remain skeptical, suggesting alternative explanations like photochemistry.

Phantom Ship

This piece critiques a series of articles in the Hull Daily Mail that presented ghostly tales as factual. It focuses on a story about the 'Ghost on the Midnight Watch' concerning the ship Roddersley Castle, and how a Skeptic reader investigated and found no record of such a ship, questioning the newspaper's journalistic integrity.

Legal Entity

This short item humorously reports on a court case where a phallic symbol representing the Hindu god Shiva was granted legal status and could sue a Canadian bank for the return of a statue. It highlights the unusual legal precedent set by this case.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue revolve around the critical examination of paranormal claims, pseudoscientific theories, and the broader landscape of belief systems in contemporary society. The magazine consistently adopts a skeptical stance, aiming to debunk unfounded claims, expose flawed methodologies, and promote rational thinking. The editorial stance is clearly in favor of scientific evidence and critical analysis, contrasting with the often uncritical acceptance of extraordinary claims found in the New Age movement and other fringe areas. The magazine also engages with the social and psychological factors that contribute to the prevalence of such beliefs, positioning itself as an informative resource for those interested in understanding and challenging irrationality.

This issue of The Skeptic, dated March/April 1991, features a range of articles critically examining paranormal claims, historical mysteries, and pseudoscientific beliefs. The magazine maintains a skeptical stance, aiming to debunk or provide rational explanations for phenomena that often capture public imagination.

Articles

A Catholic Healer by Steve Donnelly

This article profiles Monsignor Michael J. Buckley, a Catholic priest who claims to channel divine healing. Donnelly contrasts Buckley with American televangelical healers, noting his gentle demeanor and Irish background. Buckley heads the Community for Inner Healing in Scarborough, England, and conducts healing masses across the country. While acknowledging that his services can help people cope with serious illnesses, Donnelly expresses reservations. He argues that a belief in miraculous cures might lead individuals to forgo orthodox medical treatment, citing a tragic case in the US where a child died due to reliance on prayer instead of medical care. He also questions the divine logic of a God who inflicts a terminal illness only to remove it through a healer.

The N-Ray Controversy (Pages 1-2)

This section details the historical controversy surrounding N-rays, discovered by French physicist René Blondlot. The article recounts how British scientist Robert W. Wood visited Blondlot's laboratory and, through a series of experiments, demonstrated that N-rays did not exist. Wood's experiments involved removing the prism used by Blondlot and showing that the claimed effects persisted, and that attempts to detect N-rays were unsuccessful. The article highlights how Blondlot and his supporters later shifted blame to the observer's sensitivity. It concludes that by 1905, support for N-rays in France waned due to failed replication attempts, and Blondlot refused to participate in a definitive experiment in 1906.

The Marie Celeste Mystery: Solved? by H H Trotti

This article presents a new explanation for the enduring mystery of the Mary Celeste, a ship found adrift and deserted in 1872. The author dismisses sensational theories like piracy and mutiny. The proposed solution, attributed to John Harris and Sir William Crocker, centers on the ship's cargo of 'crude alcohol.' Harris suggests that leaking barrels could have created explosive fumes. The theory posits that a small explosion or the smell of fumes might have alerted the captain, leading him to order the hatches opened and the crew to abandon ship in a small boat to await the clearing of the fumes. The article speculates that the crew may have been lost at sea due to a faulty knot or unfavorable weather, explaining why no trace of them was ever found.

Scratching Fanny: The Accusant Ghost of Cock Lane by Richard Whittington-Egan

This piece recounts the 18th-century 'Cock Lane Ghost' affair. It begins with the story of William Kent, an innkeeper who lived with Fanny Lynes, the sister of his deceased wife. Due to consanguinity laws, they lived together as man and wife. After Fanny's death, mysterious scratchings and knockings began in the home of Richard Parsons, where Kent and Fanny had lodged. The alleged spirit, 'Scratching Fanny,' accused William Kent of poisoning her. The case gained notoriety, attracting the attention of figures like Dr. Samuel Johnson, who investigated. The manifestations were eventually exposed as a hoax, with Parsons' daughter Elizabeth caught secreting a sounding board. The perpetrators were charged with conspiracy to murder Kent, and several were imprisoned.

Wet and Dry Skepticism by John Lord

John Lord responds to David Fisher's call for a schism between 'wet' and 'dry' skeptics. Lord agrees that many paranormal claims are baseless but questions the necessity of dividing the movement. He argues that while some claims (like the 'Gef' story of a talking mongoose) are patently absurd and require no serious investigation, others, such as coincidences or unconventional theories about Stonehenge, warrant reasoned consideration. Lord advocates for a nuanced approach, being 'dry' about some matters and 'wet' about others, emphasizing that critical thinking and reasoned analysis are more effective than confrontational tactics. He concludes by urging unity within the skeptical movement.

1991—The Final Crash of the UFOs? by Christopher Allan

This article critically examines the Roswell UFO incident, tracing its history from Frank Scully's sensationalized 1950 book to the more recent investigations by Stanton Friedman, Bill Moore, and others. Allan notes that Scully's book was exposed as a hoax. He discusses Leonard Stringfield's UFO Crash Retrieval series and the subsequent resurgence of interest in Roswell in the 1980s, driven by books like 'The Roswell Incident.' The article highlights the proliferation of 'witnesses' and claims, including the discovery of alien bodies and a massive trench. It points out inconsistencies in the timeline and evidence, such as the shift from 'landing' to 'crash' and the conflicting accounts of the wreckage's weight. Allan also mentions the legal disputes between investigators and the lack of official confirmation from the USAF, whose UFO files do not contain records of Roswell.

Heaven and Earth by Michael Hutchinson

Michael Hutchinson investigates the claim that companies increasingly use astrology for hiring and business decisions. He notes that such practices are usually kept secret. The article cites examples from 'Tit-Bits' magazine, mentioning firms that allegedly checked employees' star signs and advertised for specific signs. It also references a mail-order company that consulted an astrologer for a secretary and a juvenile magazine editor who believed astrology ensured office compatibility. Hutchinson criticizes the use of astrology in employment selection, arguing it discriminates against applicants and limits opportunities. He also touches upon the trend of media outlets introducing astrology columns, suggesting it's driven by circulation wars rather than genuine belief.

Psychic Diary: Toby Howard

This short piece discusses the corporate logo of Proctor & Gamble, addressing rumors that it contains Satanic imagery. The article explains the logo's actual origins: a simple sketch of a cross in a circle for 'Star Candles,' which evolved into a star in a circle, then thirteen stars representing the original US colonies, and finally the addition of the man-in-the-moon figure. The company has actively worked to dispel the Satanism myth, which has persisted for years. The article notes that despite the company's efforts, the rumors continue to resurface, and legal action has been taken against those spreading the misinformation.

Crossword Scepticus

A crossword puzzle with clues related to skeptical matters and paranormal topics.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The overarching theme of this issue is the critical examination of paranormal phenomena, pseudoscientific claims, and historical mysteries. The Skeptic magazine consistently adopts a rationalist and evidence-based approach, seeking to debunk hoaxes, expose fraud, and provide scientific explanations for events that are often sensationalized. The editorial stance is clearly one of promoting critical thinking and discouraging belief in unsubstantiated claims, whether they relate to psychic powers, UFOs, or other fringe topics. The magazine aims to educate its readers by presenting well-researched arguments and historical context, encouraging a healthy skepticism towards extraordinary claims.

Title: The Skeptic
Issue: Volume 5 Number 2
Date: March/April 1991
Publisher: The Skeptic
Country: UK
Cover Headline: The New Age and the Crisis of Belief

This issue of The Skeptic delves into various phenomena often associated with the paranormal and pseudoscientific, offering critical analysis from a skeptical perspective. It features a prominent article on a group claiming immortality, reviews of books on time, critical thinking, UFOs, and cold fusion, alongside letters discussing creationism, televangelism, and hypnosis.

Skeptic at Large: Immortality Cults and 'Eternal Flame'

Wendy M. Grossman reports on a television appearance by Charles Brown (CBJ), BermaDeane, and James Strole, who claim to be immortals and lead a group called 'Eternal Flame'. The group encourages others to become immortal, promising freedom from the deepest human fears: death and loneliness. Grossman notes the gobbledygook often associated with such claims, comparing it to pop psychology. She highlights the followers' dedication and the group's cohesive nature. The article touches upon the group's notion of genetics and 'energy bodies', and mentions Ian Haworth of Cult Awareness, who states that Eternal Flame has broken up families. BernaDeane's quote, 'All you have to lose is your death,' is presented as a powerful, albeit incomplete, selling point, as followers are encouraged to tithe 10% of their income and participate in 'intensives'. The author speculates that the group may become increasingly paranoid and hostile towards the outside world.

Reviews

Time Flies: The Arrow of Time

Jonathan Shapiro reviews Peter Coveney and Roger Highfield's "The Arrow of Time." The book explores the concept of time's unidirectional flow and the paradox of irreversibility in natural laws, which are often time-reversible in fundamental theories. Shapiro finds the book well-written and interesting but too dense, presenting too much material too quickly, making it difficult to grasp the overall argument and solution.

Perish the Thought: Clear Thinking

Trevor Hopkins reviews Hy Ruchlis and Sandra Oddo's "Clear Thinking: A Practical Introduction." He describes it as a gentle introduction to the scientific method and logic, useful for those without a strong scientific background. The book focuses on critical analysis and avoiding logical fallacies, with everyday examples. While revised for 1990, Hopkins notes its simplistic writing style might insult adults, though it is recommended for teenagers and those seeking to improve their critical facilities.

The Flaws of Perception: UFOs A Modern Myth?

John Yates reviews David Clarke and Andy Roberts' "Phantoms of the Sky: UFOs A Modern Myth?" He praises the book as an excellent and impartial study of ufology, viewing it as a subculture rather than a science. The authors trace the 'UFO experience' from 'flying saucer' in 1947 through contactee phases to the more sinister 'abduction' phase of the 1970s. Clarke and Roberts interpret these developments as folklore, not factual accounts of alien behavior, linking them to historical 'phantom airship' flaps and 'foo-fighters'. Yates concludes that the authors make a convincing case for the 'UFO experience' as a modern cultural phenomenon.

Serving Science and Mammon: Cold Fusion

Anthony Garrett reviews Frank Close's "Too Hot to Handle: The Story of the Race for Cold Fusion." He describes it as a definitive factual account of the cold fusion affair, detailing the personalities, science, and societal interactions. While the physics is made accessible, the sheer volume of material may deter non-experts. Garrett notes the book's parallel storytelling and lack of photographs. The review highlights the controversy surrounding Fleischmann and Pons' claims, the scientific community's attempts to replicate them, and the eventual discrediting of their results due to methodological flaws and a lack of transparency.

God on the Box: Pray TV

Anthony Garrett reviews Steve Bruce's "Pray TV." He notes that the book, a study of the televangelism movement, may not appeal to skeptics seeking analyses of miracle cures or fraud. However, he finds it a readable and absorbing study of the movement's history, presentation, political involvement, followers, and behind-the-scenes activities. Bruce's writing is generally non-judgmental but occasionally acerbic.

Televangelism and its Financial State

This section, likely part of the "Pray TV" review or a related piece, discusses the significant financial business of televangelism. It draws parallels to Randi's work and mentions the various methods televangelists use to extract money, including begging letters and claims of financial distress. The use of computers to personalize letters and the offer of gifts in exchange for cash prayers are noted. It also mentions the availability of Mace gas for women afraid to go out at night.

A Wing, Not a Prayer: Paranormal Belief

Mike Rutter reviews John F. Schumaker's "Wings of Illusion: The Origin, Nature and Future of Paranormal Belief." Rutter describes Schumaker's argument as straightforward: paranormal beliefs, which contradict scientific humanism, provide psychological security and a sense of meaning in a hostile universe. Schumaker speculates that the evolution of the cerebral cortex has outstripped emotional coping abilities, leading to 'culturally induced insanity' and 'paranormal' beliefs as a coping mechanism. Rutter finds the explanation difficult to follow at times but acknowledges its psychological plausibility and connection to skeptical literature.

Calling All Skeptics!

This section is a call for readers interested in meeting other skeptics. Carol Sherrard seeks contacts in the Bradford area, and Andrew Phillips seeks contacts in the Peterborough area. Interested individuals are invited to write to them c/o The Skeptic.

Letters

Good, Bad & Paperback

R. Archer from Leicester thanks The Skeptic for its work and notes that Oxford University Press published a paperback edition of "Science: Good, Bad and Bogus" in 1983. He also raises the question of how much tolerance should be shown towards non-paranormal topics like smoking.

Jehovah's Witnesses

John Clarke from Uxbridge responds to Antony Flew's letter regarding Jehovah's Witnesses. He reiterates that reports of threats of hell, not the theology itself, created the evidence of press double standards. He also mentions an assertive Witness who warned him of 'eternal consequences' and suggests that the courage of atheist intellectuals in Hitler's extermination camps, without the consolation of eternal bliss, may have been greater.

Spontaneous Berries: Creationism

Ian Saunders from Surrey writes about Donald Rooum's piece on creationism. Saunders disagrees with Rooum, arguing that if creationism is a matter of faith, it is not real science. He questions the claim that Hayward's creationism does not depend on pseudoscience and argues that it fits facts less closely than Darwinism. He uses the example of the garden strawberry to illustrate how mundane origins are more plausible than creation from 'nothing'. Saunders calls for evidence for creation and the creator before discussing it further.

Hypnosis Again

G.F. Wagstaff from Liverpool responds to H.B. Gibson's letter. He clarifies that in addition to supervising Dr. Hearne's PhD thesis, he also published an article on dreams and hypnosis with Dr. Hearne and Ms. B. Jackson, which is mentioned in his book and bibliography. He apologizes for Gibson's disappointment at not finding a letter from him in the magazine.

Designer Circles

Roger Morgan from London comments on Michael Green's statement that English Heritage's aerial photography library revealed no complex symmetrical circle formations or pictograms prior to 1980. Morgan questions whether a search was actually conducted or if it's an opinion that such things would have attracted attention. He speculates on how designs might evolve without stretching believers' credulity, suggesting that teapots or clear text would be too much, but regular polyhedra and labyrinths are likely.

Book Reviews Summary

Clive Tooth provides a brief summary of the 13 book reviews, categorizing most as 'Crap' or 'Very Good'. He questions why so many 'crap' books are reviewed and criticizes the one-page review of 'Earth Lights Revelations' as being devoted to a 'complete sham'. He asks why miracle-mongers are given the benefit of the doubt.

The Editors' Response to Book Review Criticism

The editors respond to Clive Tooth's criticism of book reviews. They explain that they receive a majority of pro-paranormal books and try to cover the few skeptical ones. They also select books that lend themselves to entertaining and informative reviews, regardless of their stance. The Skeptic aims to present skeptical viewpoints to a broad audience, hoping that critical analysis of non-skeptical books might change some minds.

Accurate Prediction

Phil Newman from London commends Marjorie Mackintosh for her accurate skeptical prediction for March regarding French scientists announcing a homeopathic breakthrough in car fuel. He notes that New Scientist reported on experiments by Jacques Benveniste concerning homeopathic water memory, suggesting the results may have been suppressed for commercial reasons.

Typography

M.N. Kerning from Blackpool points out the inconsistent use of the magazine's title, "The Skeptic" versus "the Skeptic," and asks for consistency.

1991 European Skeptical Congress

An announcement for the 1991 European Skeptical Congress in Amsterdam on October 4-5, 1991, with details on fees and accommodation. Abstracts for papers were required by April 15th.

Back Issues

This section lists available back issues of The Skeptic magazine, organized by volume and issue number, with titles and authors of the articles included in each issue. It covers volumes 1 through 5, with some issues noted as out of print.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The Skeptic consistently adopts a critical and analytical stance towards claims of the paranormal, pseudoscience, and fringe beliefs. Recurring themes include ufology, creationism, psychic phenomena, alternative medicine, and cults. The magazine aims to provide a forum for skeptical inquiry, encouraging readers to question extraordinary claims and to apply scientific reasoning. While it reviews both skeptical and non-skeptical books, its primary objective is to dissect and challenge pseudoscientific arguments, often highlighting logical fallacies and the lack of empirical evidence. The editorial stance is one of promoting rationalism and critical thinking, even when dealing with topics that might be considered controversial or sensational.