Skeptic - 1992 - Vol 6 No 4

Magazine Overview

Title: The Skeptic
Issue: Volume 6, Number 4
Date: July/August 1992
Publisher: The Skeptic
Country: UK
Price: £1.85

This issue of The Skeptic, a bimonthly publication from Manchester, UK, focuses on the critical examination of phenomena often associated with the New Age movement, questioning their scientific basis. The cover headline, "Physics and the New Age Science or Hype?", sets the tone for the issue, which also features articles on crop circle hoaxing, a short course on homeopathy, the science of miracles, and pyramid popularity.

Key Articles and Features

Physics and the New Age: Science or Hype?

This lead article on the cover likely explores the boundaries between established physics and the more speculative or pseudoscientific claims within the New Age movement. It aims to discern genuine scientific inquiry from unsubstantiated hype.

Crop Circle Hoaxing

This article delves into the phenomenon of crop circles, suggesting that they may be the result of deliberate hoaxes rather than unexplained natural or extraterrestrial events. It likely examines evidence and arguments to support this skeptical viewpoint.

A Short Course on Homeopathy

Authored by Jan Willem Nienhuys, this extensive article critically analyzes homeopathy. Nienhuys, a researcher at Eindhoven University of Technology, questions the efficacy and scientific basis of homeopathic practices. He outlines the history of homeopathy, founded by Samuel Hahnemann, and describes its principles, including the use of highly diluted substances and the matching of drug 'images' to patient symptoms. Nienhuys points out that many homeopathic dilutions are so extreme that they contain no molecules of the original substance. He discusses the reliance on anecdotal evidence and 'provings' rather than rigorous scientific trials, such as double-blind, randomized controlled trials. The article also touches upon the financial aspects of homeopathy and its appeal to those disillusioned with conventional medicine, while warning of potential risks like delaying effective treatment.

The Science of Miracles

This feature likely investigates claims of miracles from a scientific perspective, seeking rational explanations or debunking supernatural interpretations. It may explore psychological, physiological, or other mundane factors that could account for reported miraculous events.

Pyramid Popularity

This article examines the widespread fascination with pyramids, particularly in the context of New Age beliefs and pseudoscientific claims about their properties or origins. It likely scrutinizes the reasons behind their enduring popularity and the validity of associated theories.

Hilary Evans' Paranormal Picture Gallery

This regular feature, curated by Hilary Evans of the Mary Evans Picture Library, presents an image related to paranormal phenomena along with an accompanying explanation. The July/August 1992 issue features an illustration from 'La Tribuna Illustrata' dated April 22, 1934, depicting "La donna luminosa" (The luminous woman). The accompanying text describes the case of Anna Monaro, a patient at a hospital in Pirano, Italy, who reportedly manifested anomalous displays of light from her chest area during Holy Week in 1934. The phenomenon, described as blue/green fan-shaped or a pink globe, was investigated by physician Dr. Giocondo Protti. The article notes that the lights left no trace and that the patient's heart and respiration rates increased during the manifestations.

Hits and Misses

This section, written by Steve Donnelly, covers a variety of short, often quirky, skeptical news items. In this issue, it includes:

• Paranormal Pictures: An introduction to the 'Hilary Evans' Paranormal Picture Gallery' feature, highlighting its value for collectors.
• Not all there: A report on women expressing a desire to have the ice man's baby via artificial insemination, and the subsequent revelation that the ice man's penis may have shrunk or been removed.
• Pregnant pause: The story of Edwin Bayron, a male nurse in the Philippines who claimed to be pregnant but was later revealed to be a hoax, possibly to support a court application to change his name and sex to marry his male lover.
• Tremors?: An update on a survey of Loch Ness, not for the monster, but for nematode worms, conducted by various scientific institutions.
• Do you believe in miracles: A discussion of magician Paul Daniels' claims that Jesus was merely a magician and that he himself can perform similar feats, alongside his views on religion and morality.
• Hard to bear: A brief mention of telepathic, garbage-eating bears in Alaska and a woman's claim to communicate with animals via telepathy.
• Sham(poo) doctor: The case of a fraudulent GP, Muhammed Saeed, who practiced medicine for 30 years without qualifications, prescribing dangerous and useless advice, including shampoo for coughs, and was eventually jailed.
• Unification university: The affiliation of the University of Bridgeport in Connecticut with Reverend Sun Myung Moon's Unification Church due to financial difficulties, raising questions about cult-funded educational institutions.

Ask Olga

This advice column features Olga Destinée, an "astral agony aunt," responding to reader queries. In this issue, "Sharon Overflow" writes about an agonizing flushing problem that conventional medicine couldn't cure. She details consultations with an acupuncturist, iridologist, and aromatherapist, and a regression expert who identified past-life influences, including being the Queen of the Nile and a 17th-century witchfinder. Olga Destinée's reply is dismissive and harsh, suggesting the problem is deserved due to past-life misdeeds and that the querent is an "unpleasant person(s)" who "thoroughly deserve this problem."

Ball Lightning and One Other

Frank Chambers discusses the phenomenon of ball lightning, referencing a US Air Force document from 1964 that collected eyewitness accounts. He also touches upon the topic of levitation, referencing a 1928 book by Oliver Leroy titled 'Levitation,' which compiles Christian and other historical accounts of people being raised from the ground. Chambers presents eight conclusions from Leroy's work regarding the human body's ability to defy gravity.

Prometheus Books Prize Crossword

A crossword puzzle is included, with the sender of the first correct entry winning a book from Prometheus Books, a publisher specializing in skeptical literature.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue revolve around skepticism towards paranormal claims, New Age beliefs, and alternative medicine. The editorial stance is clearly critical and analytical, aiming to debunk pseudoscience and promote rational inquiry. Articles like "A Short Course on Homeopathy" and "Physics and the New Age: Science or Hype?" directly challenge unsubstantiated beliefs, while the "Hits and Misses" section consistently highlights fraudulent or misguided claims. The magazine encourages critical thinking and a scientific approach to understanding the world, often contrasting it with the perceived irrationality of paranormal and New Age phenomena.

Title: The Skeptic
Issue: July/August 1992
Volume: 4
Publisher: The Skeptic
Country: United Kingdom
Language: English
ISSN: 0957-049X
Price: £4

This issue of The Skeptic delves into the intersection of New Age beliefs with scientific concepts, critically examining claims and presenting skeptical viewpoints. The cover features a striking illustration and the headline 'The Non-Psychic Psychic Supershow!', advertising a performance by Richard Mather that aims to expose 'psychic' deception.

Articles

Physics in the New Age—Part 1 by Tim Axon

Tim Axon explores how the 'New Age Movement' appropriates concepts from modern physics, particularly chaos theory and quantum mechanics, to validate its holistic worldview. He notes that while New Age interpretations often distort scientific ideas, they are rooted in real discoveries. Axon discusses chaos theory, its connection to fractals, and how its unpredictability is used to support New Age ideas of interconnectedness. He also examines the role of the 'observer' in quantum mechanics and the controversial idea that consciousness might cause the collapse of the wave-function, a concept favored by parapsychologists but viewed skeptically by most physicists. Axon concludes that attempts to co-opt modern physics to explain paranormal phenomena are premature, especially given the ongoing debate about the existence of such phenomena.

The Science of Miracles by Eric Stockton

Eric Stockton challenges the conventional definition of a miracle as an event contrary to the laws of nature. He argues that our understanding of these laws is limited and constantly evolving. Stockton uses the analogy of a man from the past encountering modern technology to illustrate how perceived impossibilities can become reality. He contends that authenticated surprising events do not necessarily contravene natural laws but rather reveal the limits of our current knowledge. Stockton criticizes the idea of a God who creates laws only to break them, preferring to attribute surprise to human ignorance. He also addresses the humanist perspective that real possibilities are part of nature and that extending experience, rather than resorting to the supernatural, is the remedy for ignorance. He argues that belief in miracles is not necessary for moral standards or faith, and that historical proof of biblical events would simply demonstrate nature's complexity.

Pyramid Power by Jerome L Cosyn

Jerome L Cosyn recounts a conversation with his acquaintance Roland, who was infatuated with 'pyramid power'. Roland believed that pyramids, and other specific shapes, could enhance psychic abilities, cure diseases, ease stress, and perform numerous other functions. Roland's obsession extended to sleeping under pyramids and growing plants under them. He later expanded his belief to include various body parts needing different shapes for optimal 'harmonious vibrations', such as a double helix for genitals to enhance fertility. Cosyn notes that despite Roland's elaborate theories, his sex life had not improved, possibly due to his partners' quirky reactions to his extensive adornments.

Hoaxers on trial by Robin Allen

Robin Allen reports on a crop circle hoaxing competition organized by The Cerealogist, The Guardian, and the Koestler Foundation. The event aimed to test the abilities of hoaxers to replicate complex formations, with the organizers seemingly hoping to discredit the hoaxing hypothesis. Allen expresses suspicion about the motives behind the competition, viewing it as a public relations exercise. He notes that the hoaxers performed exceptionally well, creating exquisite patterns that impressed observers and dismayed some cerealogists. The press coverage was described as skeptical and unsympathetic, with rationalizing cerealogical comment conspicuously absent. Allen concludes that the event backfired on the organizers, highlighting the skill of the hoaxers and the subjective nature of 'real' circle recognition.

Psychic Diary: A postmodern saviour? by Toby Howard

Toby Howard examines the phenomenon of Maitreya, the 'World Teacher' promised by New Age proponents, and his primary spokesman, Benjamin Creme. Howard explains that Maitreya is presented as a universal saviour who will appear to different religions in their own guise. The article details Creme's lifelong dedication to spreading Maitreya's message since receiving telepathic instructions in 1952. It recounts Maitreya's alleged emergence, including a reported appearance in Nairobi in 1988 where he was seen by thousands and described as a miracle. Howard acknowledges the fascination of the Maitreya saga as a self-consistent belief system, offering scope for analysis from mystical, sociological, and psychological perspectives, while also noting that many prefer to solve their own problems rather than await deliverance by higher beings.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The Skeptic magazine consistently adopts a critical and analytical stance towards claims of the paranormal, pseudoscience, and New Age beliefs. The issue emphasizes the importance of rigorous evidence, skepticism, and a rational approach to understanding phenomena. It highlights the potential for misinterpretation and distortion of scientific concepts by non-scientific movements. The editorial stance champions critical thinking, empirical evidence, and a rejection of supernatural explanations in favor of naturalistic and scientific inquiry. The magazine encourages readers to question extraordinary claims and to rely on established scientific understanding, while acknowledging the limitations of current scientific knowledge.

This issue of The Skeptic, dated July/August 1992, features a cover story by Wendy M Grossman titled 'Skeptic at Large' and includes a variety of reviews and letters.

Skeptic at Large by Wendy M Grossman

Wendy M Grossman reflects on her previous article for The Guardian concerning astrology and women's magazines. She notes that while some magazines have introduced science columns, many still feature astrology and promote alternative therapies. Grossman questions why magazines aimed at young girls often include personality descriptions based on colors, citing an example from her own experience where a 12-year-old read her a description based on her favorite color. She points out that some of these color associations, like those for green and brown, are derived from sources like John Molloy's 'Dress for Success', while others are more general (black for mysterious, blue for sincere, orange for attention-getting, pink for romantic, purple for spiritual, white for individualist, red for dynamic).

Grossman expresses concern about the emphasis on being thin, attractive to boys, and traditionally feminine in teen magazines, noting some improvement since the 1950s but still finding the content depressing. She criticizes grown-up women's magazines for their empowerment rhetoric, citing an example from 'Women's Day' where a woman's precognition about her daughter's murder was attributed to coincidences rather than the police's unsolvable case. Grossman concludes that women's magazines often let women down, and that if women want to be taken seriously, they should stop reading such material.

Reviews

Numbers Up

This section reviews two books: 'Beyond Numeracy: An Uncommon Dictionary of Mathematics' by John Allen Paulos and 'What Number Are You?' by Lilla Bek and Robert Holden. Les Francis praises Paulos's book as a clear, witty, and comprehensive exploration of mathematical topics, suitable for anyone curious about numbers and bridging the gap between science and the humanities. Francis expresses skepticism about numerology, the subject of 'What Number Are You?', finding it unconvincing despite its historical references.

Life, the Universe and...

Malcolm Shute reviews John D. Barrow's 'Theories of Everything: the Quest for Ultimate Explanation'. Shute finds the book engaging and well-written, explaining complex scientific concepts at an accessible level for readers with some background knowledge. He appreciates Barrow's attempt to bridge the gap between science and philosophy.

Beliefs for the ground

Mary McGee Wood reviews 'Secrets of the Soil' by Peter Tompkins and Christopher Bird. While acknowledging the book's valuable insights into organic gardening, Wood expresses disappointment with its entanglement with homeopathic and 'biodynamic' gardening claims, which she finds strain credulity. She describes the book as a miscellany of improbable anecdotes, including claims about cosmic forces, astral travelling, and remote healing, and notes its high cover price.

Odd bods

John Yates reviews William R Corliss's 'Biological Anomalies: Humans-1'. Yates describes Corliss's 'Sourcebook Project' as an ambitious effort to classify unexplained phenomena. He highlights the book's extensive collection of strange reports on human anomalies, ranging from hair growth to unusual body shapes, and recommends it to those interested in the evolutionary reasons for altruism or innate abilities.

Hi! My name's Nah-9!

Edward Smith reviews 'Life Beyond Planet Earth? Man's Contact with Space People' by Janet and Colin Bord. Smith acknowledges the Bords' fair-minded approach in presenting ufology reports but finds their conclusions unconvincing. He expresses skepticism about the claims of alien contact, particularly citing the photograph of 'Valiant Thor' as evidence against a Venusian origin. Despite his reservations, Smith enjoyed the book and recommends it to those interested in ufology.

Letters

On the wrong track

R Mortimer writes to correct an article on 'Mirror Talk', stating that the backwards message from Pink Floyd's 'The Wall' can be heard in 'Empty Spaces', not 'Goodbye Blue Sky'.

Grounds for complaint

Tom Banner questions The Skeptic's focus on UFOs, astrology, and Loch Ness monsters, arguing that these topics do not interest self-respecting skeptics. He suggests expanding the readership by investigating scientific claims to the paranormal and defends Uri Geller against what he perceives as unfair criticism from skeptics.

Similar statements

This letter, by an unnamed author, discusses a review of Robert Hicks' 'In Pursuit of Satan: The Police and the Occult'. The writer defends Hicks' criticism of the book's handling of ritualistic abuse cases and argues that the reviewer's own arguments about similar statements ('sexual abuse doesn't exist') can be played both ways, drawing parallels to arguments used by believers in pseudo-science and the paranormal, such as those concerning TM levitation, meteors, and UFOs.

Rubbish?

Ray Ward expresses surprise and disapproval at The Skeptic's inclusion of advertising for 'Specialist Knowledge Services', which he deems to be 'dreadful rubbish'. He questions the magazine's commitment to rationalism if it publicizes such material.

UFO balloons

Dave Mitchell's article 'Do-it-yourself UFOs' prompts a letter from Jan Nienhuys, who shares his own experiences with expanding condoms to create buoyant balloons. He suggests using the condom's string as a fuse, which could create a moving point of light that might be mistaken for a UFO.

NLP at large

Stephen Moreton anticipates angry replies from Natural Law Party supporters regarding election results, humorously suggesting that voters might have used TM and levitation to reach polling stations.

Keeping standards

Chris Allan writes to commend The Skeptic for maintaining high standards in its discussion of paranormal notions and claims, but expresses disappointment with the treatment of other contentious ideas, such as those from psychology and social sciences.

Philosophy of science

Michael Heap responds to a letter about the philosophy of science, arguing that if science teaches that there are no facts and nothing is known, then it is 'so much the worse for the current philosophy of science'. He criticizes a Cartesian view of knowledge and references works by Karl Popper, Thomas Kuhn, Imre Lakatos, Paul Feyerabend, David Stove, and Antony Flew.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The issue consistently promotes a skeptical and rationalist viewpoint, critically examining claims related to the paranormal, pseudoscience, and alternative therapies. The magazine encourages rigorous standards of evidence and argumentation, as seen in the letters discussing the philosophy of science and the handling of paranormal claims. There is a clear editorial stance against unsubstantiated beliefs and a commitment to dissecting phenomena with a critical eye, while also acknowledging the value of scientific inquiry and the humanities.