Skeptic - 1991 - Vol 5 No 3

Magazine Overview

Title: The Skeptic
Volume: 5
Issue: Number 3
Date: May/June 1991
Publisher: The Skeptic
Country: UK
ISSN: 0959-5228
Price: £1.85

This issue of The Skeptic, a bimonthly publication from Manchester, UK, focuses on critical examination of paranormal claims and the methods used to investigate them. The cover art satirizes the concept of testing psychics with a 'GCSE Mediumship Examination' and features the headline 'Speaking in tongues', with a sub-headline posing the question 'Why not to test a psychic'.

Key Articles and Features

Hits and Misses by Steve Donnelly

This section covers several brief items. One discusses a service in northern Italy that sells amulets and magnetic briefs for virility problems, citing a Guardian report. Another item details the media coverage surrounding David Icke's announcement that he was the 'Son of God', his claims of residing on a higher plane, and his predictions of natural disasters. It also mentions his book 'The Truth Vibrations' and his alleged past lives. A letter from Private Eye is quoted, humorously protesting the 'stealing of the famous "Icke Marbles" from Britain'.

Medium Rare

This piece discusses David Icke's television appearance on Wogan and contrasts it with a less successful performance by a Welsh medium, Stephen O'Brien, on the same show. It highlights O'Brien's difficulty in providing accurate information and mentions a challenge issued by London businessman Gerald Fleming, offering £250,000 to O'Brien or a charity of his choice for a successful demonstration of psychic or mediumistic skills under controlled conditions. A copy of Fleming's letter is included.

Food of Queens

This short article questions the health benefits of royal jelly, citing a report in 'Which? Way to Health'. It concludes that royal jelly contains fewer nutrients than cornflakes and that there is no clinical evidence of medical benefit, suggesting any perceived good comes from the placebo effect.

Does Hypnotism Exist?

This article revisits the debate on the existence of a distinct hypnotic state. It mentions the views of H B Gibson, who believes in it, and Nicholas Spanos, who does not. The piece also references 'The Amazing Kreskin's' offer of $100,000 to anyone who can prove hypnotism exists, with Kreskin stating that subjects respond to him when wide awake. Steve Donnelly, a physicist and member of Manchester Skeptics, is introduced as a contributor.

The Houdini File No. 6 by Frank Koval

This installment of 'The Houdini File' examines Houdini's sessions with psychic photographer Alexander Martin in Denver, Colorado, in 1923. It discusses photographs taken by Martin that allegedly contained 'psychic extras'. The article includes a letter from Houdini to Harry Price, dated June 16, 1923, in which Houdini describes the spirit photograph taken by Martin and mentions another photographer, Van der Weyde, and alleged collusion in testing Hyslop photographs. Houdini also expresses frustration with newspaper misrepresentations of his views, particularly concerning Sir Arthur Conan Doyle.

Why Not to Test a Psychic—Part 1 by Lewis Jones

This article argues that skeptics should prioritize questioning the absurdity of paranormal claims before considering their falsifiability. It criticizes the notion that all ideas deserve equal consideration, citing examples of absurd proposals that have been investigated. The author quotes Richard Gregory and Paul Kurtz, and discusses the 'open-mind' ploy used by believers. The article introduces two criteria for evaluating claims: whether they are meaningless and whether they are bounded by the dictionary. It also touches upon the concept of 'parapsychology' and the linguistic nature of paranormal claims.

Passing the Torch by Ian Woods

Ian Woods responds to David Fisher's call for 'super-skepticism', arguing for a more nuanced approach. Woods suggests that while some media outlets promote nonsense, others contribute positively by giving skeptical viewpoints a platform. He criticizes the idea of avoiding the media and advocates for 'smart exploitation' of media opportunities, citing examples like James Randi's appearances and Ian Howarth's work with the Cult Information Centre. Woods also disputes the idea that followers of the paranormal are as culpable as unscrupulous leaders, suggesting that credulousness can be a form of illness and that skeptics should offer a 'helping hand' rather than resorting to ridicule.

Randi in Trouble

This section reprints an open letter from James Randi dated May 13, 1991. Randi announces that Uri Geller intends to sue him in multiple jurisdictions and that Geller currently has four lawsuits against him, two of which Randi has won at considerable legal expense. Randi states he has resigned from CSICOP to spare the organization further involvement in these suits. He expresses concern about his ability to continue funding his defense and suggests setting up a legal fund, asking for contributions to be sent to Mike Hutchinson.

New Writers

This is a call for new contributors to The Skeptic, seeking informative articles on paranormal issues. It states that while the magazine generally presents a skeptical attitude, it also publishes articles by proponents of the paranormal to present both sides of controversial issues. The aim is to entertain as well as inform, and manuscripts will be carefully considered.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue are the critical examination of paranormal claims, the methodology of skepticism, and the role of the media in disseminating such claims. The editorial stance is clearly skeptical, advocating for reasoned argument, evidence-based evaluation, and a critical approach to claims that lack scientific support. The magazine seems to champion a form of 'rationalism' that is distinct from aggressive 'super-skepticism', emphasizing the importance of offering help and insight rather than mere ridicule. There is a strong emphasis on distinguishing between genuine inquiry and pseudoscientific assertions, and on the need for clarity in language when discussing complex topics.

This issue of The Skeptic, dated May/June 1991, features a critical examination of Scientology, alongside articles on pyramid power, speaking in tongues, and urban legends. The magazine maintains a skeptical stance, questioning pseudoscientific claims and religious phenomena.

Another Look at Scientology

Allen Hunt's article critically assesses L. Ron Hubbard and Scientology. Hunt draws parallels between Hubbard's Dianetics and Freudian psychoanalysis, noting that Dianetics aimed to provide a simpler, more accessible method for achieving results, even for those without medical training. He highlights Hubbard's use of the 'E Meter' as a primitive lie detector to locate the source of neurosis, termed 'engram' or 'aberration'. Hunt suggests that Dianetic therapy, or 'auditing', creates a mental state analogous to a hypnotized trance, giving the auditor significant power over suggestible individuals, and notes the lack of a strong professional code governing this practice. He also mentions Hubbard's claim that past lives could be recalled during auditing and his experiments with wiring tomatoes to E Meters, concluding that plants could feel pain.

Hunt argues that Scientology, which emerged in 1952, was directed towards the 'soul' and aimed to 'make the able more able', anticipating the Human Potential Movement (HPM) and New Age trends. He introduces Scientology's 'Tone Scale' concept, designed to raise a person's consciousness. Hunt strongly advises against individuals with weak identities or those who are highly suggestible from engaging with Scientology, citing an article from 'The Listener' based on a BBC Panorama programme that alleged Scientology could be used to swindle people out of money.

The article also touches upon the historical context of Hubbard's ideas, referencing Martin Gardner's description of Velikovsky as a pseudoscientist and Dr. Wilder Penfield's observations on recalled experiences during surgery. Hunt questions Hubbard's originality, suggesting his strength lay in anticipating future fads and trends, citing his claims about the significance of Dianetics and his book 'History of Man'.

Sharp Blades or Sharp Practice?

Harry Edwards investigates the phenomenon of 'pyramid power', focusing on Czech engineer Karel Drbal and his patented device for re-sharpening razor blades. Edwards traces the origin of this idea to observations by Bovis regarding mummified animal corpses in the Cheops pyramid, suggesting Drbal incorrectly attributed this to a mysterious force rather than natural dehydration. Despite Drbal's patent, Edwards finds the inventor's reasoning inconsistent and contradictory, concluding that the concept lacks scientific evidence and is likely a 'ploy' or a 'sinister communist plot'. He notes that the patent became valid on April 1st. The article includes a facsimile of the patent and a translation, detailing Drbal's claims about using the Earth's magnetic field and dielectric materials within a pyramid shape. Edwards dismisses the idea of a unique pyramid shape being essential, as Drbal himself suggests other geometric shapes could be used.

Speaking in Tongues

David Christie-Murray provides an explanation for the phenomenon of 'speaking with tongues', known technically as glossolalia (patterned gibberish) and xenolalia (speaking foreign languages). He explains that the practice is integral to Pentecostalist worship, where it is seen as a sign of Holy Spirit baptism. Christie-Murray references biblical passages from Acts and Corinthians as the basis for this practice. He suggests that the xenolalia at Pentecost may have been a result of the disciples being exposed to various languages spoken by pilgrims in Jerusalem, leading to a collective subjective hallucination or a form of learned repetition rather than a miraculous gift.

He differentiates between glossolalia, which is more common and can be observed in charismatic services, and xenolalia. Christie-Murray notes that while hundreds of cases of xenolalia are reported in medical and psychological literature, they are often explainable by prior exposure to the language. He acknowledges the possibility of true xenoglossy but states he knows of no incontrovertible evidence. Glossolalia, on the other hand, is widespread and can be recorded and analyzed, with its features including repetitious phonemes, micro-segments, and a tendency towards regularity of cadence. He suggests that for individuals with limited language skills, ecstatic experiences can lead to incoherent sounds that become fluent and rhythmic, serving as an expression of intense emotion.

Psychic Diary

Toby Howard discusses the persistence of rumours surrounding the deaths of celebrities, such as Elvis Presley and Jim Morrison, and the idea that they faked their deaths. He then turns to Walt Disney, addressing the persistent rumour that he had himself frozen at the end of his life, hoping for future revival. Howard notes the lack of public information about Disney's funeral and grave location, which fuels speculation. He also mentions Disney's alleged interest in the macabre and a mysteriously disappeared cartoon. Despite these points, Howard states that Disney's death certificate confirms cremation and William Poundstone's research located his final resting place in Glendale, California.

The article also touches upon urban legends associated with Disneyland, such as male employees being forbidden beards and the existence of a secret club serving alcohol. It also recounts tales of children disappearing and reappearing with altered appearances, and a woman allegedly molested by characters.

Skeptic at Large

Wendy M Grossman reviews the computer program SimEarth, which allows users to manage the evolution of a planet. She links the program's capabilities to the ideas of David Icke, who makes precise, checkable predictions. Grossman notes that SimEarth can be used to simulate various planetary processes, including climate, evolution, and civilization, and suggests it could be used to 'manage the planet from the comfort of your living room'. She highlights that the program's underlying principle is James Lovelock's Gaia theory, which posits that the Earth is a self-regulating system. The article includes a screenshot of the SimEarth interface.

Reviews

Ye of too much faith

Mike Howgate reviews Steve Allen's book, 'Steve Allen on the Bible, Religion and Morality'. Howgate notes that the book targets the American market and addresses biblical criticism, a subject he considers somewhat 'ante-diluvian' for British skeptics, though still relevant in the US due to the rise of scientific creationism. Allen's approach is described as an easy-to-read alphabetical listing of headings, primarily focusing on biblical inconsistencies and absurdities. Howgate observes that Allen's critique aligns with liberal Protestant and Catholic viewpoints, reducing the Bible to myths and historical adventures rather than engaging in deep philosophical discussions about God's existence. Allen's deism is noted, with his respect for Jesus stemming from his perceived virtue rather than historical evidence.

Howgate questions where skeptics should draw the line with faith, noting a convention to focus criticism on testable paranormal claims rather than 'untestable' assumptions of worldviews. He suggests that while this approach may foster a broad alliance against pseudoscience, it leaves the 'faith' of orthodox believers unchallenged. He concludes that the book might not appeal to fundamentalists and that skeptics may need more skeptical material.

The supernatural world

This review discusses Derek and Julia Parker's 'Atlas of the Supernatural'. The reviewer finds the book infuriating due to its inconsistent treatment of paranormal topics, wavering between credulous acceptance and critical rejection. However, the reviewer acknowledges that the book's level of skepticism is remarkable for its nature. The book is divided into two parts: a survey of supernatural phenomena throughout history and a gazetteer of supernatural occurrences worldwide. The reviewer praises the picture research but notes that some illustrations are inadvertently hilarious. The book is recommended as a sourcebook for those interested in the paranormal.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue of The Skeptic revolve around the critical examination of belief systems, particularly those that lack empirical evidence or scientific grounding. The magazine consistently adopts a skeptical stance, challenging claims related to Scientology, pyramid power, and religious phenomena like glossolalia. The editorial stance is one of rational inquiry, emphasizing the need for evidence and questioning the validity of pseudoscientific and supernatural claims. The publication aims to debunk myths and expose what it perceives as dangerous or unfounded beliefs, while also acknowledging the complexities of faith and the human tendency to believe.

Title: The Skeptic
Issue: Volume 5 Number 3
Date: May/June 1991

This issue of The Skeptic magazine, published bimonthly, offers a critical examination of various phenomena, beliefs, and pseudoscientific claims. The cover features the headline "Speaking in tongues" and a piece questioning the validity of psychics. The magazine includes reviews of several books, reports on events, and letters from readers, all maintaining a skeptical perspective.

Book Reviews

A brief history of science

Ivan Tolstoy's "The Knowledge and the Power-Reflections on the History of Science" is reviewed by John Yates. Yates notes that the book presents a personal view of science, highlighting how rarely knowledge and power have been in the same hands. The review points out that while the book covers scientific advancements, it also touches upon historical superstitions and folklore surrounding scientific discoveries. The authors' approach is described as uncritical, with a tendency to dismiss events as impossible to explain. Yates suggests consulting skeptical journals for a more balanced perspective.

Anecdotal phenomena

"Miracles: A Scientific Exploration of Wondrous Phenomena" by D. Scott Rogo is reviewed by Steve Brooks. Brooks finds Rogo's treatment of miracles to be too credulous, despite the book's subtitle. Rogo, a parapsychologist, links miracles to psychic abilities, which Brooks finds unconvincing. The review highlights Rogo's references to mediums and his strained credibility. The book is criticized for lacking scientific evidence and for its anecdotal nature, failing to provide a strong counter to Hume's objection to miracles.

Cosmic visitors

Donald K. Yeomans' "Comets: A Chronological History of Observation, Science, Myth and Folklore" is reviewed by Martin Hempstead. Hempstead praises the book as a "monumental achievement" that covers everything one would want to know about comets. The review details the book's exploration of cometary history, from ancient beliefs to scientific understanding, and its anecdotes about personalities involved in comet studies. It also touches upon the historical significance of comets as portents.

Your destiny in the stars

This section reviews two books on astrology: Roger B. Culver and Philip A. Ianna's "Astrology: True or False" and John Anthony West's "The Case for Astrology." Les Francis reviews "Astrology: True or False," describing it as a must-have for skeptics, as it demonstrates how modern scientific knowledge has had little influence on astrological theory. The book presents arguments against astrology and evidence showing it does not work. In contrast, John Anthony West's "The Case for Astrology" is presented as a book that claims skeptics will never dismiss astrology again. Despite this, the reviewer recommends it for a skeptic's collection, noting that while it doesn't take a skeptical look, it does present arguments that can be examined.

A Ghostbuster's manual

Emily Peach's "Things that go Bump in the Night: How to Investigate and Challenge Ghostly Experiences" is reviewed by Ernest Jackson. Jackson suggests reading the book in two parts, focusing on the investigation techniques. He notes that Peach covers a range of natural phenomena that can be confused with paranormal manifestations and psychological states that prompt hallucinations. The book provides a list of simple questions for interviewing witnesses and explores how to infer character from their answers. However, Jackson criticizes Peach's insistence that ghosts are real, which he feels handicaps her objectivity. He also questions the use of mediums and the idea of ignoring fraud discovered during investigations.

First Contact: The Search for Extraterrestrial Intelligence

Edited by Ben Bova and Byron Preiss, this book is reviewed by Peter Piper. Piper describes it as an optimistic collection of essays and short stories by prominent figures in the field, including Arthur C. Clarke and Isaac Asimov. The book explores the nature of terrestrial intelligence, the evolution of life in different environments, and the historical fascination with alien life. It also discusses Frank Drake's equation for estimating the number of technological civilizations and offers imaginative explanations for why contact has not yet been made. The review highlights the contributors' shared dream of being the first to establish contact with extraterrestrials.

Events

Randi report

This section reports on a lecture by Randi, described as an "Adventures of a Psychic Investigator." The reviewer notes Randi's ability to predict attendance and his engaging presentation, which blended explanation of phenomena like the ideo-motor reaction with entertainment. Randi's talk covered his twenty years of combating fraud and fakery, including demonstrations of graphology, psychometry, and ESP. He also presented case histories from his work, including the exposure of a fraudulent psychic surgeon and an American evangelist. Randi's talk concluded with a call to embrace intellectual exploration over superstition.

Letters to the Editor

Talking mongooses

This letter discusses the case of "Gef the Manx Mongoose," questioning the motivations behind the story and the apparent ESP demonstrated. The writer argues that such cases, even if dismissed as imposture, deserve investigation for the light they shed on human belief processes.

Belief systems

Lucy Fisher comments on Tim Axon's article about the decline of religious belief. Fisher disputes Axon's assertion that everyone needs a belief system, differentiating between social institutions like the church and belief systems. She also criticizes the idea that people need to believe things that are not true as cynical and patronizing.

Homeopathic mystery

Vivien Gibson writes about her negative experience with homeopathic remedies, which she believes worsened her condition, suggesting it was not a placebo effect. She finds the effectiveness of homeopathy a mystery, similar to the mysteries of the universe.

Information on SHC

Peter A. Hough requests information on cases of Spontaneous Human Combustion (SHC) for a book he is co-authoring. The book aims to be an objective work exploring the subject from various perspectives.

Rooum replies

Donald Rooum clarifies his position, stating he has no doubts about evolution and considers the paranormal to be "codswallop." He explains that his previous article was intended to highlight that some creationists are intellectually respectable, not to endorse creationism.

Soft woods, hard facts

Ian Saunders corrects a common misconception that rainforest trees are used for paper making, stating that paper is made from softwoods, primarily conifers, grown in temperate regions.

Strangeness in Zambia

David Simpson refutes claims made in Macklin's "Stranger than Fiction" series, which appeared in the Zambia Daily Mail. Simpson debunks stories about the "unlucky mummy" at the British Museum and the sinking of the Princess Alice, attributing them to misunderstandings and sensationalism rather than supernatural causes.

Mysterious 'Marie'

John L. Broom points out that The Skeptic perpetuates a mistake by using the name "Marie Celeste" for the famous ship, when the British record of the event states the name was "Mary Celeste." He warns that any explanation will be met with skepticism.

Back Issues

This section lists the contents of previous issues of The Skeptic, detailing articles on a wide range of topics including abductions, psychics, creationism, UFOs, astrology, ghosts, and scientific controversies.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The Skeptic consistently promotes a rational, evidence-based approach to understanding phenomena. The magazine critically examines claims of the paranormal, pseudoscience, and unexplained events, encouraging readers to apply critical thinking and scientific reasoning. Recurring themes include the debunking of myths, the investigation of alleged miracles and psychic abilities, and the exploration of scientific theories versus pseudoscientific beliefs. The editorial stance is clearly one of skepticism towards unsubstantiated claims, advocating for a rigorous and objective approach to knowledge.