Skeptic - 1992 - Vol 6 No 5

Magazine Overview

Title: The Skeptic
Issue: Volume 6, Number 5
Date: September/October 1992
Price: £1.85

This issue of The Skeptic magazine, published bimonthly in the UK, presents a collection of articles exploring paranormal phenomena from a skeptical perspective. The cover prominently features "Vampires in Cumbria" and "The Man Who Died Twice," alongside other intriguing topics such as "Is Light Slowing Down?", "Physics in the New Age - Part 2", and "Professor Mesmo Returns."

Hilary Evans' Paranormal Picture Gallery

This section, authored by Hilary Evans, co-proprietor of the Mary Evans Picture Library, delves into the history and persistence of spirit photography. It highlights the paradox that the belief in photographing the dead is seen as a tribute to science, as if a machine could record such visitations. The article discusses the "lying camera" phenomenon and presents the classic case of Edouard Buguet. Buguet was a photographer who operated by having himself enter a trance with a medium, then taking photographs that appeared to show deceased relatives or personalities alongside the sitter. In 1875, Buguet was arrested for fraud and pleaded guilty. However, many of his clients refused to accept the verdict, accusing authorities of conspiracy and maintaining their faith in him. The article notes that the verbatim account of his trial is a classic document for studying human gullibility, especially as it was published by spiritists themselves. An example image shows the "end result" of a spirit photograph: the spirit of poet Gérard de Nerval visiting M. Dumont of Paris.

Hits and Misses by Steve Donnelly

Steve Donnelly, a physicist and reader in electronics and electrical engineering at the University of Salford, contributes several short pieces:

Guardian Angels Donnelly recounts his childhood belief in a personal guardian angel and notes a recent article in "Woman" magazine describing 380 cases of angelic visitations reported by Mrs Hope Price. He shares the story of Patricia Price, whose central heating boiler broke down in winter. Unable to afford repairs, she prayed for help, and a man who identified himself as a plumber appeared, fixed the boiler and taps, refused payment, and then vanished into thin air. Donnelly humorously questions whether this was truly an angel or potentially an alien visitor.

A Monstrous Suggestion This piece discusses the ongoing fascination with the Loch Ness Monster and introduces a Norwegian counterpart named Selma, a 30-meter-long creature reported in Seljordsvannet lake. Officials from the town of Seljord are reportedly studying the Loch Ness Monster's tourist industry to develop their own. Selma was first sighted 300 years ago but remains elusive.

Early Return This short article reports on a claim that Halley's comet has abandoned its normal timetable and is returning unexpectedly. This discovery is attributed to Sister Marie Gabriel, a member of the Scientific Forecasts Society, who believes it is a sign to prove her messages from God. The Royal Greenwich Observatory reportedly does not accept this data.

Musings on Life and Death by Charles Ward

Charles Ward, a freelance writer, offers a philosophical reflection on death and the concept of an afterlife.

He begins by questioning the notion that one should not joke about death, suggesting it's a way to release feelings about life's conclusion. Ward, who is 74, expresses a desire not to go out with a whimper. He divides humanity into two groups: those who accept death as the end, and those who believe in some form of continued existence. He argues that the idea of a persistent, singular identity through life is misleading, as our sense of self is a complex interplay of hereditary, environmental, social, and cultural factors, a 'customised product manufactured with built-in obsolescence.' He asserts that 'life' is a power of organization belonging to nature, and fear or sentiment should not lead to self-deception about survival. Ward concludes by sharing a personal anecdote about receiving a letter stating he was dead, which he humorously responded to, expressing joy at his 'resurrection' and stating, "I am in no hurry to depart."

The Cumbrian Vampire by C M Drapkin

C M Drapkin investigates the mystery of the Croglin Grange Vampire, a story predating Bram Stoker's Dracula.

Drapkin begins by acknowledging the popular view that vampires are mere folklore, but then introduces the Vampire Research Centre (VRC) of New York, which claims documentary evidence of 810 vampires worldwide, mostly in California and a smaller number in Britain. These are described as 'nice people' who drink small amounts of blood and avoid sunlight. The article then focuses on the more traditional, blood-lusting vampire narrative through the story of the Croglin Grange Vampire, as told by Captain Edward Rowe Fisher. Fisher's father migrated from Cumberland, and their home, Croglin Grange, was the site of the alleged events. The story recounts how a sister in the house was attacked by a creature with red eyes and pointed teeth that entered her room, bit her throat, and fled. The following year, the creature returned, was shot in the leg by one of the brothers, and later found dead in a vault, its leg bearing a fresh bullet wound. The body was then burned. Drapkin examines objections to the story, such as the lack of a place named Croglin Grange and the potential misidentification of the location. He also discusses the reliability of the witnesses and sources, particularly Augustus Hare, who recorded Fisher's account. Drapkin notes that the story's age (told 23 years before Dracula) is a 'blood-red herring,' as fictional vampires existed earlier, such as in TP Prest's 'Varney the Vampire.' He concludes that while the story is intriguing, the identification of Croglin Grange with Croglin Low Hall is a stretch, and the story's origins might be linked to Hare's humorous or fabricated tales.

Ask Professor Mesmo

Professor John Aloysius Mesmo, described as a "leading metaphysical pure mathematician" and psychic counselor, returns to answer reader's psychic questions.

Dear Professor, Sid and Doris Dope write from Baskerville Buildings, a high-rise block, describing a haunting experience. Their son Nobby saw a poltergeist, and later, Doris's mother (Nobby's Gran) witnessed a bowl of plastic fruit rise and plummet, accompanied by manic sniggering. They hear heavy footsteps despite living on one level. They worry if the housing unit will allow them to move due to the haunting. They also question if their son's teenage hormones might be attracting the spirit. The local press became involved after Gran spoke to a reporter.

Professor Mesmo Replies Professor Mesmo acknowledges that poltergeists can affect inhabitants of modern buildings, not just old manor houses. He suggests the flats might be built on a former monastery or asylum site, or that the problem could stem from a disgruntled building worker or a previous tenant. He agrees that young adolescent girls can attract poltergeists but also states that turbulent youths can draw these energies. He describes poltergeists as "jolly fellows" who enjoy frightening people. Mesmo advises the Dopes to lock up breakables and engage a psychic investigation group to gather evidence for his next article in "What Spirit." He also suggests he knows a psychic counselor who can help their mother.

Physics in the New Age—Part 2 by Tim Axon

This article is the second part of a series exploring the intersection of physics and New Age beliefs. (Content not detailed in the provided scan).

Euro-Cerealogy by Ernest Jackson

This article likely discusses cereal-related phenomena or beliefs within a European context. (Content not detailed in the provided scan).

Psychic Diary by Toby Howard

This section likely contains personal reflections or accounts related to psychic experiences. (Content not detailed in the provided scan).

Skeptic at Large by Wendy Grossman

This column by Wendy Grossman likely offers commentary on skeptical issues or current events. (Content not detailed in the provided scan).

Reviews

This section features reviews of books or other media relevant to skepticism and the paranormal. (Content not detailed in the provided scan).

Letters

This section contains correspondence from readers. (Content not detailed in the provided scan).

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue of The Skeptic revolve around the critical examination of paranormal claims, historical mysteries, and pseudoscientific beliefs. The magazine consistently adopts a skeptical stance, seeking rational explanations for phenomena often attributed to the supernatural. Articles like "The Cumbrian Vampire" and "Hilary Evans' Paranormal Picture Gallery" dissect specific cases, questioning evidence and historical accounts. The "Ask Professor Mesmo" column, while engaging with psychic questions, frames them within a context of investigation and evidence gathering. The overall editorial stance appears to be one of encouraging critical thinking and a scientific approach to understanding unusual claims, while acknowledging the enduring human fascination with the unexplained.

This issue of The Skeptic, dated September/October 1992, features a cover story titled "Is Light Getting Slower?" by Donald Rooum, which critically examines a report by Trevor Norman and Barry Setterfield. The magazine also includes articles on "Euro-Cerealogy" by Ernest Jackson, "Physics in the New Age - Part 2" by Tim Axon, and "The Man who Died Twice" by Frank Koval, detailing the life of Washington Irving Bishop. A "Psychic Diary" column by Toby Howard discusses a visit to a Voodoo museum.

Is Light Getting Slower?

Donald Rooum's lead article scrutinizes "HE ATOMIC CONSTANTS, LIGHT, AND TIME," a Technical Report from Flinders University of South Australia, co-authored by Trevor Norman and Barry Setterfield. The report, which has 24 tables of measurements and 377 references, studies 163 measurements of the velocity of light over 300 years and 475 measurements of 11 other atomic constants. The authors conclude that the velocity of light (c) and other atomic constants are not constant but have decayed. Rooum points out flaws in their methodology, particularly their use of the 'dynamical second' and their assumption that all years are of equal duration. He notes that the report's conclusion that Earth's history took only a few days aligns with creationist views, citing a supplement by Setterfield on Geological Time and Scriptural Chronology. Rooum questions how reputable institutions like Stanford Research Institute and Flinders University lent their authority to such a report, mentioning that Dr. Lambert T. Dolphin of Stanford Research Institute found the paper 'well-written and thorough.' The report was printed in Australia at private expense and is now out of print.

Euro-Cerealogy

Ernest Jackson proposes a new theory for the formation of crop circles, linking it to recent economic conditions in the European Community (EC). He suggests that unemployed artists with backgrounds in practical mathematics are being funded by local authorities to create crop circles as a form of public art, simultaneously addressing grain surpluses and intervention buying budgets. Jackson notes that EC regulations allow farmers to be paid to take land out of cultivation, and that British farms have large field sizes suitable for modern crop illustrations. He concludes that this is a 'useful and imaginative use of public funds' and that there is no explicit regulation for such an activity.

Physics in the New Age-Part 2

Tim Axon continues his exploration of the connection between modern physics and Eastern mysticism. He discusses the advertisement for the 'Natural Law Party' which drew analogies between Maharishi's Vedic Science and 'superstring theories.' Axon critiques Fritjof Capra's book "The Tao of Physics," acknowledging its popularity and Capra's qualifications but arguing that Capra's characterization of both modern physics and Eastern mysticism as unified and dynamic blurs important distinctions. Axon highlights the 'non-locality' or 'quantum non-separability' as a genuine feature of modern physics that suggests a holistic universe. However, he finds Capra's arguments for dynamism less convincing and criticizes Capra for selecting parallels selectively. Axon then examines the ideas of physicist David Bohm, particularly his concept of the 'implicate order.' Bohm's work, influenced by his interest in holism and his friendship with Krishnamurti, has gained traction among 'New Agers.' Axon explains Bohm's analogy between the 'implicate order' and holography, where an object's image is enfolded into a photographic plate. He notes that Bohm's ideas are still provisional and that 'New Agers' often emphasize aspects of modern physics that align with their beliefs, potentially exaggerating the claim that modern physics represents a 'new paradigm.' Axon concludes that while modern physics makes a mechanistic view of the world difficult to argue, the full philosophical implications are unclear, and the claim of a 'New Age Physics' paradigm is premature.

The Man who Died Twice

Frank Koval recounts the extraordinary life of Washington Irving Bishop, a mind-reader and spiritualist exposer. Born in 1856, Bishop inherited hysterio-catalepsy from his mother, leading to deep trances that mimicked death. He developed skills in magic and sleight of hand, working with the stage medium Anna Eva Fay. Bishop later became known for exposing spiritualist tricks, including Anna Eva Fay's 'Cotton Bandage Tie' act. He also engaged in 'contact mind-reading,' a technique based on detecting unconscious muscular movements, pioneered by John Randall Brown. Bishop's career included performances in Britain, where he was endorsed by Sir William Thomson. He famously sued John Nevil Maskelyne for libel, resulting in a large damages award against Bishop. Bishop's final performance was in 1889, where he fell into a deep cataleptic trance and was pronounced dead. An autopsy revealed his brain was normal, but his wife and mother claimed he was not dead, but in a trance. The doctors involved were charged with murder but acquitted. The article notes Bishop's connection to Ehrich Weiss, who would later become the famous magician Houdini.

Psychic Diary

Toby Howard describes a visit to the 'New Orleans Historic Voodoo Museum.' He recounts his skeptical encounter with Kali, the museum's caretaker, who offered services like special Gris-Gris charms and consultations with a 'Voodoo Queen.' Kali was also a member of 'Thee Temple ov Psychick Youth' (TOPY), an occult information network. Howard reflects on the seriousness of Voodoo practitioners, contrasting it with his prior impression of Voodoo as a mere pantomime, and notes reports of Voodoo dolls being sent to social workers in Hackney.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The Skeptic consistently adopts a critical and skeptical stance towards claims of the paranormal, pseudoscientific theories, and New Age beliefs. The magazine prioritizes empirical evidence, scientific rigor, and logical reasoning. Articles like Rooum's critique of the 'light decay' report and Axon's analysis of 'New Age Physics' exemplify this stance by dissecting flawed methodologies and unsubstantiated claims. The magazine also engages with historical accounts, such as Bishop's life, but frames them within a context that questions supernatural explanations, often highlighting trickery or psychological phenomena. The editorial stance is to debunk pseudoscience and promote a rational understanding of the world, while acknowledging genuine scientific inquiry and historical interest.

Title: The Skeptic
Issue: September/October 1992
Volume: 6
Date: September/October 1992

This issue of The Skeptic delves into various aspects of skepticism, pseudoscience, and the paranormal, featuring a mix of personal accounts, book reviews, and letters to the editor.

Skeptic at Large: Getting Skeptical CIX

Wendy M Grossman recounts her experience establishing a skeptics' conference on the CIX electronic conferencing system. She notes that contrary to expectations, many technically adept users are not inherently skeptical and readily accept pseudoscientific claims like astrology. The conference topics have ranged widely, and while initially busy, it has quieted down. Grossman highlights the frustration of dealing with users more interested in talking than evidence, and the difficulty in countering accusations of closed-mindedness. Despite challenges, the intention is to continue the effort, and CIX is accessible via phone at 081 390 1255.

Reviews

The pagan year

Les Francis reviews Marian Green's "A Calendar of Festivals: Traditional Celebrations, Songs, Seasonal Recipes and Things to Make." While praising the book's content on customs, recipes, and folklore, Francis criticizes the inclusion of astrological nonsense, finding it a sad blemish on an otherwise fascinating book.

Newtonian chemistry?

Malcolm Shute reviews Mark Haeffner's "The Dictionary of Alchemy: from Maria Prophetissa to Isaac Newton." Shute notes that the book is more of a 'mini-encyclopedia' than a dictionary and offers a non-linear, tree-structured approach to exploring alchemy's contributions. Despite some initial disappointment in the lack of basic entries, Shute found the book interesting and it changed his impression of alchemy and Isaac Newton.

Gardner and the Snark

Anne Broadhurst and Brian Monahan review Martin Gardner's "The Snark Puzzle Book." They describe it as a book that embodies puzzles within Lewis Carroll's "The Hunting of the Snark" narrative, using Tenniel and Holiday's original illustrations. The puzzles are generally amusing, and the book also includes "Jabberwocky." They recommend it for children aged 12 and up, or bright 10-year-olds, and consider it an excellent introduction to Carroll, essential for fans.

At least they'll be warm...

Arthur Chappell reviews Michele Jamal's "Volcanic Visions." Jamal's book explores her affinity with Hawaii's Mount Pele volcano and her belief in a 'Persephone-Pluto myth.' The review highlights Jamal's embrace of 'never-never beliefs,' her vision of Hawaii as a future 'beacon unto the fifth world,' and her ideas about UFO-shaped temples and long-distance clairvoyance. The review also mentions Jamal's encounters with channeled messages from 'Ashtar' and her father's UFO experiences, linking them to science fiction.

Ancient and modern magic

John Leslie reviews Derek and Julia Parker's "The Power of Magic." Leslie notes the Parkers' clear belief in the paranormal, contrasting it with his own view that there is no such thing, only a mish-mash of belief, hope, confusion, and psychology. He describes the book as having two parts: Ancient Magic and Living Magic, covering historical contexts and modern practices. Leslie finds the book interesting but questions the authors' belief that magic has real power beyond affecting practitioners within social contexts.

Witch power?

Mike Rutter reviews Laurie Cabot and Tom Cowan's "Power of the Witch (A Witch's Guide to her Craft)." Rutter clarifies that the Witches described do not engage in ritual sex or Black Magic but follow an 'Old Religion.' He notes the book covers invocation, ritual circles, divination, and other practices. However, Rutter expresses disappointment at the lack of critical comment on concepts like auras and Kirlian photography, and questions the efficacy of psychic diagnoses and healing, as well as the dangers of alternative medicine. He also points out the absence of references to skeptics or CSICOP, while citing various paranormal authorities.

Hot air in the forest

Terry Robinson reviews Steve Blamires' "The Celtic Magical Tradition." Robinson found the book's legend exploration interesting but did not enjoy it, finding the suggested magical practices overly elaborate for everyday life. He notes that the book offers advice on magical dress and scents but lacks practical advice for dealing with everyday problems.

Aliens in spirit

John Yates reviews Nigel Williams' "They Came from SW19." The novel is described as a gloriously skeptical take on UFOs and spiritualism, featuring a 14-year-old protagonist named Simon Britton. The review highlights the novel's satire of physical mediumship and UFO cover-ups, as well as its affecting story of an adolescent boy navigating a confusing world.

Letters

Lights, bags and circles

Stephen Moreton writes about seeing coloured lights in 1942, suggesting autosuggestion. He also recounts seeing a large plastic object resembling a mattress that was not detected by Heathrow radar. Dr Terence Meaden's insistence on crop circles influencing prehistoric structures is questioned, with a counterpoint suggesting circular huts are simply stronger.

Matters of belief

John Clarke (Uxbridge) responds to an article on miracles, arguing that the amount of evidence needed to establish a proposition depends on past experience and 'prior probability.' He contends that it is more likely a magician is cheating than that they have disproven laws of thermodynamics. Clarke also criticizes the view that physical quantities only gain definite value upon observation, likening it to solipsism.

Miracles, not tricks

Alan Jones (Devon) discusses Paul Daniels' claim to perform 'miracles' like Jesus. Jones contrasts this with the approach of figures like Sai Baba, who invites people to learn to do things for themselves, suggesting that true miracles are not about performance but about personal capability. He notes that skeptics, unlike those who believe in psychic phenomena, concentrate on not bending spoons.

Serious cerealogy

Montague Keen (Sudbury, Suffolk) critiques Robin Allen's article on crop circles, calling it ill-informed and prejudiced. Keen defends the scientific rigor of a crop circle-making competition organized to evaluate the gap between man-made and genuine pictograms, noting that the competition was a social success and provided guidance for future investigations.

Twist and... talk

Yilmaz Magurtzey (Edinburgh) suggests a simple method to convert an ordinary cassette recorder into a substitute for the 'Mirror Talk' machine by reversing the tape.

Specialist knowledge

John Rowe (London) confirms being a customer of Specialist Knowledge Services (SKS), finding it a useful source for paranormal publications. He notes that SKS's proprietor, Dr Hugh Pincott, is charming and willing to engage with skeptics.

New Age physics

Steuart Campbell (Edinburgh) questions a diagram on The Skeptic's cover, identifying it as a Feynman diagram and noting confusion with the arrow directions, suggesting particles and energy cannot emerge from nothing. The editors clarify that the diagram illustrates 'New Age physics' and its potential application to phenomena like poltergeists.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The issue consistently champions a skeptical viewpoint, critically examining claims of the paranormal, pseudoscience, and New Age beliefs. The magazine provides a platform for reasoned debate, scientific inquiry, and the debunking of unsubstantiated claims. There is a clear editorial stance against the uncritical acceptance of phenomena not supported by evidence, as demonstrated in the reviews and letters sections. The magazine encourages critical thinking and the application of scientific methods to understand the world.