Skeptic - 1993 - Vol 7 No 4

Magazine Overview

Title: The Skeptic
Issue: Volume 7 Number 4
Date: July/August 1993
Publisher: The Skeptic
Country: UK
Price: £1.85

This issue of The Skeptic, a publication focused on critical examination of paranormal claims, features a prominent cover story on "The Face on Earth" (referring to the 'Face on Mars'). It also includes articles on Neural Networks and Near-Death Experiences (NDEs), a profile of Francis Galton, and a defense of meditation.

The Face on Earth

This extensive article by Robert E McGrath examines the 'Face on Mars,' a formation in the Cydonia Mensae region discovered in Viking mission images. The 'face' is described as a gigantic, three-dimensional human-like structure measuring 2.5 x 2.0 kilometers and about 400 meters high. McGrath notes that computer enhancement has confirmed its existence and that a 'minor literature' has arisen, with some investigators believing it to be part of an ancient alien 'city' with geometry corresponding to Earth monuments and crop circles. The article introduces a striking parallel with a 1947 model for a landscape project by sculptor Isamu Noguchi, titled 'Sculpture to be Seen from Mars,' which also features a giant human face and a pyramidal nose. McGrath presents a table of correspondences between the Noguchi model and the Mars formation, suggesting that either Noguchi perceived future discoveries or that extraterrestrial visitors were inspired by his work. He also mentions skeptical viewpoints, including NASA's interpretation of the formation as a natural rock feature shaped by light and shadow, and the tendency of humans to see faces in random patterns (pareidolia), citing examples like Mickey Mouse and Kermit the Frog found in other Viking images. The article concludes by noting that while the existence of the formation is established, its nature and origin remain uncertain. It also mentions the upcoming Mars Observer mission, intended to provide higher resolution images, though the spacecraft was later lost. The article is accompanied by references to various publications and research groups.

Hilary Evans' Paranormal Picture Gallery: The Snowman Cometh

This section, curated by Hilary Evans, presents a historical account of a reported yeti sighting. In 1954, a Japanese explorer in Nepal allegedly reported that his sherpas were awakened by cries and witnessed strange creatures examining their tent. The report, sourced from 'Radar,' is noted for its lack of specific names and dates, leading to speculation about its veracity. Evans humorously contrasts this account with his daughter's recent trekking trip to Nepal, where he requested a yeti photo, highlighting the dramatic nature of the reported encounter.

Hits and Misses

This section, written by Steve Donnelly, covers a variety of short, often quirky, news items:

• Higher states in Ontario: Discusses the planned 1996 opening of the 'Mahirishi Veda Land Theme Park' at Niagara Falls, Canada, which aims to combine enlightenment, knowledge, and education with attractions like a magic chariot ride and 'Veda Vision.' It also mentions a 'levitating building' that will float fifteen feet above water.
• Drugs with body: A peculiar incident in Boynton Beach, Florida, where thieves stole a cardboard box containing the cremated ashes of Gertrude from a pensioner's home, implying the ashes might have been used as a drug substitute.
• Born-again atheist: Reports on the dismissal of Reverend Anthony Freeman from a training post in West Sussex because he admitted not believing in God, yet was allowed to remain as priest-in-charge, questioning the necessity of belief in God for clergy.
• Bride of Dracula: Recounts the story of Sarah Ellen Roberts, who died in 1913 and was believed to be the third wife of Dracula. Residents of Pisco, Peru, awaited her resurrection 80 years after her death, as she had vowed, but she remained in her coffin, disappointing journalists and leading to a town-wide sale of anti-vampire kits.
• Raining rubbers: Describes an incident in Cambridge where hundreds of brightly colored condoms rained down on a group of students celebrating exams with an open-air prayer meeting, possibly a prank by a drinking society.
• Celestial circles: Discusses the decline in crop circle formations, with only 45 found in the current year compared to over 400 in previous years. The article humorously suggests that the 'canvas' for intergalactic artists has moved to Mars, where formations have changed to giant faces, and mentions mysterious planetary circle formations on Jupiter.
• Charging the batteries: Reports on David Icke's claim that he and followers 'charged' Stonehenge with energy, leading to residents experiencing problems with electrical devices and a mysterious burst of light. Icke is quoted on the benefits of allowing higher levels of the mind through.
• Deep trance: Details the case of Indian guru Balak Brahmachari, whose followers kept his body in an ice-packed box for a month believing he was meditating, until police intervened and cremated him.
• Good for a laugh: Introduces 'laughing meditation,' a practice invented by Bhagwan Shree Rajneesh, which involves laughing loudly for fifteen minutes to promote well-being and relaxation.

Neural Networks and NDEs

David Bradbury's article explores the burgeoning field of neural networks and their potential connection to Near-Death Experiences (NDEs). He notes the superficial similarity between artificial neural networks and the human brain, which has led to their use in modeling psychological and physiological phenomena. Bradbury references Philip Yam's article, acknowledging the limitations of current models in replicating the complexity of real neural networks. He discusses the debate on whether all features of real networks are necessary for simulation and highlights the plasticity of neural networks, which allows for learning and adaptation. The article questions whether consciousness is solely a product of materialist processes and whether simplified artificial models can adequately account for NDEs. Bradbury suggests that if NDEs were merely the result of severed neuronal connections, people would be unable to relate their experiences. He references Stephen Thaler's idea that statistical mechanics might underlie NDEs, where the loss of some links might not be felt if others compensate. The article also touches upon the broader implications for debates on consciousness and human nature, and the charge of reductionism against naturalistic explanations.

Special Consultant Cyril Howard: In Defence of Meditation

This article, by Cyril Howard, defends meditation against potential skepticism. It begins by referencing Susan Blackmore's finding that only 5% of NDErs' lives flash before them, suggesting that environmental effects on brain wiring might also play a role. Howard posits that the universal human concern with life after death, regardless of religious or superstitious beliefs, leads to discussions about it. He argues that the similarities observed in NDEs are unsurprising given this common human interest. The article includes a reference to a 'WARNING THESE PREMISES ARE PROTECTED BY E.S.P. EXECUTIVE SECURITY PATROLS' with a phone number, presented as photographic evidence of paranormal activity on a building site.

Francis Galton—Victorian Polymath

This section appears to be a profile of Francis Galton, a Victorian polymath. While the specific content is not fully detailed in the provided text, its inclusion suggests an exploration of his contributions to various fields, likely from a historical and scientific perspective.

Prometheus Books Prize Crossword

This issue includes a crossword puzzle sponsored by Prometheus Books, a publisher specializing in skeptical books about the paranormal. The sender of the first correct solution will win a copy of 'Missing Pieces' by Joe Nickell.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue of The Skeptic revolve around the critical examination of paranormal phenomena, pseudoscience, and extraordinary claims. The magazine consistently adopts a skeptical stance, seeking rational explanations and scientific evidence. Articles like 'The Face on Earth' and 'Neural Networks and NDEs' analyze controversial topics by presenting both the claims and counterarguments, often highlighting the limitations of current evidence or the potential for misinterpretation. The 'Hits and Misses' section serves to debunk or humorously present a range of unusual stories. The editorial stance is clearly one of promoting critical thinking and scientific literacy, encouraging readers to distinguish between fact and fancy, and to approach extraordinary claims with a healthy dose of skepticism. The inclusion of references and the author's affiliations (e.g., Steve Donnelly as a physicist) further underscore the magazine's commitment to evidence-based analysis.

This issue of The Skeptic, dated July/August 1993, features a cover headline "A Skeptical Traveller" and an article profiling Sir Francis Galton. The magazine delves into various topics, including historical figures, scientific skepticism, alleged conspiracies, and the practice of meditation.

A Skeptical Traveller: A portrait of a Victorian polymath

This article by Russell Dear focuses on Sir Francis Galton, a prominent Victorian scientist known for his work in statistics, anthropology, and meteorology, as well as his controversial contributions to eugenics. Dear presents Galton as a personal hero and highlights his book, "The Art of Travel," which was written after his exploration of West Africa and earned him the Royal Society's Founder Medal in 1854. The book is described as a "cornucopia of general science" that would be relevant even today as a supplementary school text, serving as a handbook for 19th-century explorers.

Galton's "The Art of Travel" is lauded for its practical advice, with the author suggesting that scholars of the book would make "MacGuyver look like the greenest of tenderfoots." The book covers a vast range of topics, from breaking in an ox and lighting a fire in a thunderstorm without matches to medical emergencies, including scorpion stings and the effects of rarefied air. It also anticipates modern techniques in artificial respiration. The article notes Galton's extensive information on navigation, including "20 things to do if you get lost," and his descriptions of how to use, repair, and construct scientific instruments, such as silvering sextant glass and telling time by sundial or pendulum.

Galton also compiled tables for standard trigonometry and others based on human pace lengths, camels, and horses for determining travel rates. His knowledge of animal husbandry is highlighted, detailing the correct management of elephants, dogs, goats, sheep, cattle, camels, and horses, including their health and well-being. The book also covers equipment necessary for using these animals as beasts of burden or food, and how to make it from local materials. Unusual activities described include swimming across rivers with horses and using otters and cormorants to catch fish, with a caution about training cormorants due to their habit of striking at eyes when angry.

Galton was also a builder, describing how to construct boats from various materials like reeds, wood, hides, canvas, rubber, bark, and sheet tin. He provided a table of specific floating powers for different woods. Additionally, he described how to make horse accoutrements, bivouacs, carriages, bridges, and other useful items. The article mentions Galton's acknowledgment of "the indefatigable Rumford's" scientific ingenuity in obtaining information on the relative thermal insulation powers of materials like twisted silk, beaver's fur, eiderdown, and taffeta, using a mercury thermometer experiment.

Galton also anticipated the need for travelers to make soap and included tables on the relative amounts of alkali in the ash of materials like pine wood and bean stalks. Nutrition tables provided "real nutriment" as a percentage of gross weight for foodstuffs, though the definition of real nutriment was unclear. The article notes an ambiguous remark about 17 ounces being required for a sedentary life and 30 for "severe labour."

The article then shifts to Galton's skepticism, discussing his description of the Davenport brothers, who in the 19th century claimed supernatural assistance for their escapology. The brothers would perform in London séances, where audience members would tie them in a cupboard, and they would then escape. However, two "nautical gentlemen" exposed their scam by tying them with pre-stretched string, which the brothers could not escape. This led to the Davenports leaving the country.

Galton's analysis of the Davenport brothers' act is presented as an example of his skepticism. He noted that the brothers' success relied on the fact that having two people tie the ropes increased their chances of escape. He calculated that if the odds against one person having sufficient skill were 20 to 1, then the odds against both persons having it would be 400 to 1.

Russell Dear lives in Invercargill, New Zealand, and teaches mathematics.

Cyril Burt Reconsidered: Another look at the charges of fraud levelled against Burt

This article by John C McLachlan examines the "Cyril Burt Affair," which is significant for studies of paranormal belief. McLachlan notes that Burt, a psychologist, published extensively on extra-sensory perception and generally took a benign view of paranormal phenomena, even suggesting that "the experimental evidence now provides a fairly strong presumption in favour of so-called telepathy" and that "spirit messages from beyond the grave" might not be mere chance coincidences.

The article distinguishes between science, which deals with what happens, and history and law, which deal with what happened, noting that the standards of proof differ. It is difficult to prove Burt's behavior was deliberately fraudulent rather than profoundly flawed through incompetence, as this involves motivation. However, McLachlan states that it is not necessary to decide this, as it can be demonstrated that it must be one or the other.

Two books are mentioned that attempt to rehabilitate Burt: "Science, Ideology and the Media: the Cyril Burt Scandal" by Ronald Fletcher and "The Burt Affair" by Robert B Joynson. Joynson's book is described as more measured. Fletcher aims to defend Burt and his views, while Joynson has no such additional aim. McLachlan states that he has no position to defend on the interrelationship of intelligence, inheritance, and the environment, focusing only on the methodology of analyzing scientific evidence.

The article follows Fletcher and Joynson's accounts of Burt's wrongdoing, leaving the reader to decide if it was deliberate or accidental. Regarding "The Missing Ladies," Ray Ward claims there is "no doubt that the 'missing ladies' existed," but McLachlan disputes this, noting that hearsay descriptions are inconsistent and Joynson finds "no certain documentary evidence for the existence of either." While Fletcher identifies a "Miss HMJ Conway" and takes Miss Howard to be the M A Howard mentioned by Burt, he cannot confirm the identity. McLachlan argues this does not admit of "no doubt as to their existence."

However, both Joynson and Fletcher concede that Burt wrote papers and letters under false names, and "Miss J Conway" was used as a pseudonym in a significant work. McLachlan considers this "not a minor peccadillo" and "outright fraud," or at least "extraordinarily unwise," because the essence of scientific testing is independent repeatability. Writing under a false name gave Burt the opportunity to cite his own work as independent confirmation.

The article discusses "Invariant Correlations," where the numbers of separated twins changed, but the correlations between their intelligence remained the same. Burt is defended by stating he was repeating tables from previous work, but the article argues that it is incumbent on the author to state this and to explicitly indicate the number of cases (n) underlying each category. Burt did not do so, which is described as "unwise, and likely to mislead."

Regarding the key invariant correlation between intelligence of separated twins and non-separated twins (0.771 and 0.925), it is argued that it is not impossible and that Burt was too clever to fake it. However, McLachlan counters that "no sensible person would do such a thing" is not sufficient proof, and that Burt's failure to draw attention to it is irrelevant as it requires no attention for a mathematically literate analyst. The argument that it was "unlikely but possible" is acknowledged, and it is noted that this bolstered a lifetime philosophical position without adequate documentation when Burt was over 80 and of "admittedly waning powers."

Under "Inadequate Description," the article criticizes Burt for not providing clear details of when, how, or by whom twins were identified and assessed in his crucial twin studies. It states that it is not enough to say methods were clear in general; methodology must be explicitly stated or referenced. This is described as "extraordinary sloppiness" but not necessarily implying fraud. Defenders suggest Burt's standards were no worse than other psychologists at the time.

In "Inadequate Measurement," Burt's first paper investigating the relationship between parent and child intelligence is criticized. Tests were administered to small numbers of children, and results were validated by subjective impressions. Parents' intelligence was inferred from social position. Burt interpreted the results as showing inherited intelligence, which is called a "parody of the scientific method."

Under "School Attainment Levels," Burt's opposition to comprehensive education and modern teaching methods is mentioned. He contributed to the "Black Paper" on education, promoting a traditionalist view and claiming lower attainment standards. A table published in the Irish Journal of Education, attributed to a "Miss M G O'Connor" (who has not been traced), is cited as flimsy evidence for a fall in standards. The table lacks information on where or by whom the data was collected, and the numbers involved are not given.

In conclusion, McLachlan states that Burt may have been guilty of deliberate fraud or of failing to conform to basic scientific standards. The article suggests that it is possible for a fair-minded person to read Fletcher and Joynson's books and still believe Burt's reputation was overestimated. For skeptics, there is "no compelling reason to accept Burt's valuation of the worth of parapsychological events."

Dr John C McLachlan works at the School of Biological and Medical Sciences at the University of St Andrews.

The Computer Conspiracy: Microsoft and the Bavarian Illuminati

This article by Andrew Bulhak explores a speculative connection between Microsoft Corporation and the Bavarian Illuminati. The author begins by quoting Thomas Henry Huxley, Arthur Machen, Abd al-Hazred (from the Necronomicon), and de Selby, setting a tone of mystery and hidden knowledge.

The article points to the term "controlling unknown" in the Object Linking and Embedding 2.0 Programmer's Reference as a potential hint, noting its similarity to the term "unknown superiors" used by occult secret societies, including the Illuminati. These "unknown superiors" are described as non-corporeal or superhuman agencies commanding secret societies.

Another hint suggested is the limit of five window device contexts in Microsoft Windows. The number five is described as "odd" and linked to Adam Weishaupt's "discovery of the Law of Fives in the Necronomicon." The article speculates on the origins of the Necronomicon text.

The author notes that maps of the Microsoft campus in Redmond, WA, are not readily available, and estimates of the number of buildings vary. An Australian newspaper article claimed 22 buildings, but the author suggests there is a hidden, twenty-third building, Building 7, which is pentagonal in shape. Its exact location is known to only five people, and it is believed to be accessible via a secret passage. The contents of this building are unknown but are believed to be of a "supernatural nature."

The article then delves into the history of the Illuminati, tracing their origins to 1776. It describes their meeting on Walpurgis night to invoke supernatural beings and make contact with "Unknown Superiors," leading to the foundation of the Ancient Illuminated Seers of Bavaria by Adam Weishaupt. Despite being officially disbanded in 1785, the Illuminati are said to have continued observing and intervening in world events, citing examples like Sarajevo in 1914, St. Petersburg in 1917, Manhattan in 1929, and Dallas in 1963.

Contacts with "Unknown Superiors" continued in specially constructed buildings. A potential problem arose when a writer named Howard Phillips Lovecraft published stories containing allegories to Illuminati history. It is believed that Lovecraft's father was a Grand Orient Freemason, and the Illuminati persuaded Lovecraft to join their cause and faked his death in 1937.

A book, described as a fantasy novel, is mentioned for hinting at the secrets of the Illuminati, even using Lovecraft's term "Yog-Sothoth" for the Unknown Superior. The article suggests that the book's authors were either renegade Illuminati or acquired information from informers. The Illuminati convened an emergency meeting and decided to set up a computer company as a front, leading to the founding of Microsoft Corporation.

The article questions why a software company was chosen, suggesting it might be due to the Illuminati's involvement in mystical arts and an affinity for symbolism. A legend about a device in the form of a human head that could answer yes/no questions is mentioned, linking it to the Knights Templar and Baphomet, or to Pope Sylvester. This device is described as suggestive of a computer.

The author speculates that Bill Gates's name might be a code, similar to "Adam Weishaupt," and that "Gates" refers to the Unknown Superior and the gateway between ordinary reality and the Invisible World. The term "IBM" is suggested to stand for "Iacobus Burgundus Molensis," or Jacques de Molay, the last overt Grand Master of the Knights Templar, whose name was borrowed by the Illuminati for a cipher. The article also notes that a Microsoft network administration tool is named Hermes, after the god of alchemy, and quotes Umberto Eco's "Foucault's Pendulum" as mentioning "Microsoft-Hermes."

Andrew Bulhak is a writer living in Australia.

Psychic Diary: Two North Yorkshire oddities

This entry by Toby Howard recounts his visit to two peculiar sites in North Yorkshire. He describes being bored and deciding to go for a drive, seeking out "what to see in Britain" books.

The first location visited was the graveyard of St John's church in Sharow, which features a scale model of the Great Pyramid of Cheops at Giza, Egypt. Stranger still, beneath this model lie the remains of Charles Piazzi Smyth (1819-1900), a past Astronomer-Royal of Scotland. Smyth is known to Skeptic readers for his "extraordinary efforts in seeking esoteric meanings in the dimensions of the Great Pyramid," detailed in his books "Our Inheritance in the Great Pyramid," "Life and Work at the Great Pyramid," and "On the Antiquity of Intellectual Man." Martin Gardner's "Fads and Fallacies in the Name of Science" is cited as summarizing Smyth's numerology and his attempts to find connections between the pyramid's dimensions and astronomical or physical data. The article notes that Smyth is also mentioned in Umberto Eco's "Foucault's Pendulum," where Eco uses a similar analogy to Gardner to show how numerical correspondences can be found in mundane objects. Barry Williams' article "Pyramyths and Pyramidiots" in The Skeptic (3.3) classed Smyth as a "pyramidiot," but the article asserts that he was a "highly respected and intelligent man." Smyth's "passionate belief in his theories was supported by his extraction of a web of seemingly self-consistent numerical correlations from a huge mass of data." His pyramidical tomb is described as a "thought-provoking monument to pseudoscience."

The second location visited was "Ilton Temple" in the village of Masham. This is described as an "extraordinary collection of standing stones, mounds and lintel-bearing uprights," also known as the "Druid Circle." However, it is revealed to be a "complete fake," a folly built in the 1820s by Squire William Danby of Swinton Hall. The temple is described as a miniature, with a stone-clad recess set into the hillside, fronted by an altar-stone, and surrounded by cairns and stacks of stones. The article mentions that some writers say Ilton Temple has an "aura of darkness" and stirs "sinister vibrations." Howard found it a "rather silly place."

After visiting these sites, Howard drove home feeling "rather uninteresting" and doubted he would ever leave his mark on the landscape by building a folly or being buried under a monolith celebrating The Skeptic. He humorously concludes by mentioning the possibility of knocking down that shed in the garden.

Toby Howard is a lecturer in computer graphics at the University of Manchester.

It's All In The Mind: A further defence of meditation

This article by Arthur Chappell responds to previous discussions on meditation in The Skeptic. Chappell addresses a letter from John Clarke, who stated that meditation works for him and compared it to Librium for "reducing obsessive connectivity" in the brain. Chappell wishes Clarke well but questions the notion of "obsessive connectivity" and the idea of isolating and changing one's thinking to reduce obsessional thoughts.

Chappell also responds to Dr. Dace, who argued that the "usual state of the mind" is "malfunctioning." Chappell questions this premise, asking "Says who?" and expressing skepticism about why pro-meditation supporters view the mind as fundamentally flawed. He criticizes the "mistrust of our apparatus for the recording and analyzing of sensory data (the mind)" that he perceives in meditation proponents.

The article presents several quotations from religious texts that describe the mind as restless, prone to evil thoughts, and needing control. These include quotes attributed to Buddhist teachings and Cardinal Newman. The author notes that Buddhist koans are designed to confound the questioner and make them reflect on the futility of the question itself.

Chappell argues that many meditation teachers present a "cookbook-like recipe" for meditation without historical or philosophical context. He defines meditation, drawing from Rosemary Ellen Guilley's "The Encyclopedia of Mystical and Paranormal Experience," as "attempts to transform consciousness by mental control, to go beyond thought to absence of thought." Buddhist meditational practices are described as involving purification, asceticism, and mindfulness, leading to "seeing things as they are." The adept may experience "tremendous physical pain" as they seek "a cessation of all mental processes."

Eastern belief systems are described as viewing the mind as a barrier between us and the absolute, with senses and mind being "appetitive, as desiring, grasping and relishing their objects." Enlightenment requires control over this "rapaciousness."

Chappell critiques Dr. Dace's argument that the mind should be desensitized to stimuli. He suggests that this may affect the human ability to react properly with emotions like fear, love, and other emotions required in social situations. Chappell shares his experience of practicing four visualization meditations between 1981-93, as detailed in his article "Brainwashing a Skeptic" (The Skeptic, 6.2).

He addresses Mike Rutter's letter, agreeing that traffic accident statistics do not lead to a ban on cars, but emphasizes that he is not calling for a meditation ban. Instead, he asks potential meditation recruits to recognize the possible hazards as well as the benefits. Chappell uses the analogy of a car to argue that while drivers are responsible for accidents, mechanical failures can also lead to them, and drivers are not always responsible for brakes or passengers. He also notes that meditation is often a group promotion.

Chappell discusses the difficulty of maintaining the discipline required for deep meditation, especially for those with demanding lives. He suggests that many guru-less meditators find it unfulfilling and may join yoga groups or commit to gurus to maintain their practice. He argues that meditation is not as easy as it is often made out to be.

Adrian West is mentioned for citing the Dalai Lama as an example. Chappell expresses respect for the Dalai Lama's stance on Tibetan political rights but is careful not to invoke his name alongside that of Maharaj Ji and the (TM) Maharishi. He acknowledges that mainstream Buddhist and Hindu beliefs involve ideas like reincarnation, which have been subject to skeptical inquiry.

West aims to present the "positive aspects of meditation," but Chappell's article serves as a counterbalance to the pro-meditation literature. Interestingly, West agrees that many of the possible abuses and dangers highlighted by Chappell may apply in certain circumstances.

Chappell addresses West's argument that focusing the mind is not necessarily stifling thought. He interprets the Lama's statement as referring to reasoning and cogitation rather than meditation, arguing that reason is needed to counter "anger, hatred and attachment." He suggests that meditation should not eradicate anger but should lead to questioning its justification and finding harmless courses of action.

Attachments, or desire for worldly goods and loved ones, are presented as a favorite target in Hindu/Buddhist meditation, seen as counter-productive to inner states of tranquility. Chappell questions why one should attach oneself to "fleeting, insubstantial, illusion-like objects that your death takes away from you anyway?" He interprets meditation philosophy as detachment from thought about externals and refocusing on an inner reality.

Chappell criticizes the idea that crime would go down if everyone meditated, as suggested by West's farmers/porridge analogy. Chappell's point is that TM claims a percentage of people meditating affects the behavior of the non-meditating community at large, not just those meditating. Chappell reiterates that meditation helps only the meditator and no one else, though he concedes that if the meditator behaves better, their actions will influence the world.

Chappell concludes by stating that while the Lama speaks of reasoning and cogitation, the focus of meditation is often on achieving a state of detachment from thought and external stimuli, which can lead to a detachment from the world itself. He references a list of nine references, including works on Buddhism, the Dalai Lama, John Henry Newman, the Bhagavad Gita, and encyclopedias of mystical and paranormal experience.

Arthur Chappell is a writer living in Manchester.

Contributions wanted

This section encourages readers to contribute articles, ideas, letters, and newspaper clippings to The Skeptic. It states that clippings should be marked with the publication name and date. Articles may be reprinted only by permission of the author, but permission is automatically granted for in-house material to publications of skeptics groups. UK subscription rates are £12 per year, with overseas rates available on the back page. Additional donations to The Skeptic are welcomed.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue of The Skeptic include the examination of historical figures and their beliefs through a skeptical lens (Francis Galton, Cyril Burt, Charles Piazzi Smyth), the investigation of alleged conspiracies and hidden knowledge (Microsoft and the Illuminati), and a critical analysis of popular practices like meditation. The editorial stance is clearly skeptical, aiming to provide a counterbalance to unsubstantiated claims and to encourage critical thinking about paranormal phenomena, pseudoscientific theories, and self-help practices. The magazine actively solicits reader contributions, indicating a community-driven approach to skepticism.

This issue of The Skeptic, dated July/August 1993, features a cover story titled "Skeptic at Large" by Wendy M Grossman, detailing her experience at a Morris Cerullo revival meeting. The magazine includes several reviews of books related to skepticism, the paranormal, and pseudoscience, as well as letters to the editor.

Skeptic at Large: An evening with the Miracle Man

Wendy M Grossman recounts her experience at a Morris Cerullo revival meeting at Earl's Court, London, which was attended by an estimated 16,000 people. She describes the overwhelming atmosphere, the performance of a large choir and band, and the preacher's sermon. Cerullo's main themes included family healing and a condemnation of divorce. Grossman notes that while she was told this was the night Cerullo would cure AIDS, his message was primarily about 'God's divine order' and 'rebellion,' with a bitter remark about condoms and a plea for young people to remain virgins. She also mentions a friend who sought healing from Cerullo but remained unchanged. Grossman concludes that while it's a great show, the miracles are questionable.

Reviews

The world beyond the circles

This review discusses Jim Schnabel's book, "Round In Circles: Physicists, Poltergeists, Pranksters and the Secret History of the Cropwatchers." The reviewer notes that the book chronicles the author's personal journey through the world of crop circle research and provides a history of the phenomenon. Schnabel's work is described as exposing the 'frail, fallible individuals' behind cerealogy, often driven by ego and a desire to be right. The book is criticized for some superficial research and potential inaccuracies, but the reviewer acknowledges that Schnabel's portrayal of crop circle hoaxing as a mystical experience might lead to accusations of glamorizing trespass and criminal damage. The reviewer concludes that the book is devastating to the credibility of cerealogy and recommends it for its engaging narrative.

Monkey business

This review covers Peter Washington's book, "Madame Blavatsky's Baboon: Theosophy and the Emergence of the Western Guru." The book traces the origins of the New Age movement and the concept of the 'Western Guru' back to the mid-19th century, exploring how scientific advancements and the decline of traditional religion led people to seek wisdom from various esoteric traditions. Washington examines the influence of Swedenborg, Mesmer, Spiritualism, and occult schools, and how they blended with Eastern philosophies to create Theosophy. The review highlights the book's exploration of Theosophical Society factions, the ideas of CW Leadbetter, and figures like Jiddu Krishnamurti and Swami Prabhavananda. The reviewer notes that the book presents facts without judgment and is a valuable read for skeptics interested in the human need to explain the cosmos.

New words for old thoughts

This review discusses Paul Kurtz's book, "The New Skepticism: Inquiry and Reliable Knowledge." The reviewer finds the book to be a lengthy exploration of philosophical concepts, covering topics like pragmatism, inquiry, and the 'transcendental temptation' that leads people to believe in mysterious realms. The reviewer notes that Kurtz's arguments are repetitive and that the book offers little new for those familiar with philosophy. Kurtz's definitions of terms like 'Eupraxophy,' 'Coduction,' and 'Igtheism' are mentioned, as is his ambivalence towards dismissing occult claims. The reviewer concludes that the book is too dense for new inquirers and too familiar for seasoned skeptics.

A poor perspective

This review critiques John Spencer's book, "The Paranormal: A Modern Perspective." The reviewer states that the book is poorly researched and relies heavily on anecdotal evidence, appealing only to the credulous. Several examples are given to illustrate the book's inaccuracies, particularly concerning experiments on 'split-brain' patients and probability theory related to birthdays. The reviewer concludes that the book is not recommended for skeptics.

A supernatural tour

This review discusses Jean Ritchie's book, "Inside the Supernatural: An Investigation into the Paranormal." The reviewer praises the book for being an exception to the usual formula of paranormal books, noting Ritchie's personal curiosity and respectful approach. The book focuses on the paranormal in the UK and includes interviews with various figures, including Steve Donnelly, co-editor of The Skeptic. While the reviewer did not share Ritchie's 'conversion' from skepticism, they found the book instructive in how evidence can be interpreted differently.

More odd bods

This review covers William R. Corliss's "Biological Anomalies: Humans-2," a catalogue of unexplained phenomena related to human physiology. The reviewer highlights the vast amount of material covered, including electric people, magnetic people, anomalous human combustion, and phantom limbs, and recommends the book for those interested in the bizarre aspects of human existence.

Kidnapped by aliens

This review discusses the film "Fire in the Sky," based on the book by Travis Walton about his alleged alien abduction. The reviewer notes that the film works well as a study of the psychology of a small community under intense media scrutiny. The film depicts Travis's alleged ordeal as a human guinea pig for alien creatures. The reviewer suggests that the phenomenon might be explained by natural occurrences like St. Elmo's Fire or ball lightning, rather than alien abduction, and notes that the film offers no definitive answers.

Letters

No value in meditation

Gerald Huber writes that he finds the recent discussion on meditation in The Skeptic unhelpful. He questions the scientific value of meditation as a psychotherapeutic tool and argues that its benefits are comparable to those of drinking at a pub or homoeopathy. He believes meditation has no place in psychotherapy as it is useless and potentially iatrogenic.

Typography and Burt

Ray Ward writes to correct an erratum in a previous issue, clarifying that a reference to Burt's work on typography should be to the fourth paragraph from the end, not the fourth paragraph. Ward defends Burt's work on typography, suggesting it's unlikely Burt would have falsified findings in this area, which was peripheral to his main work.

OBEs and endorphins

Michael Ross comments on an interview with Susan Blackmore regarding Near Death/Out of Body Experiences. Ross agrees with Blackmore's physiological explanation but questions whether endorphin release alone can account for the sensation of movement experienced by individuals.

Subscribe to The Skeptic

This section provides subscription rates for The Skeptic magazine, including options for the UK, Europe (airmail), and the rest of the world (surface and airmail). It also lists available back issues from Volume 1 (1987) to Volume 7 (1993), with brief descriptions of their content.

Contacts

This section lists the contact details for U.K. Skeptics, London Student Skeptics, and Wessex Skeptics, including committee members and addresses. It also provides an email address for subscription and magazine inquiries, and information on the UK distributor for Prometheus Books and Skeptical Inquirer.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue of The Skeptic are the critical examination of paranormal claims, the debunking of pseudoscience, and the promotion of skeptical inquiry. The magazine consistently adopts a critical stance towards claims of miracles, alien abductions, crop circles, and New Age beliefs, emphasizing scientific explanations and the importance of rigorous research. The editorial stance is clearly pro-skepticism, encouraging readers to question extraordinary claims and to rely on evidence and rational analysis.