Skeptic - 1994 - Vol 8 No 6

Magazine Overview

This issue of The Skeptic, Volume 8, Number 6, dated 1995, is dedicated to an 'Alternative Medicine Special'. The cover features a prominent blue circle and slash symbol over a pile of pills, signaling a critical stance on the subject. The price is listed as £1.85.

Contents

The issue includes a variety of articles and features. The "Hits and Misses" column by Steve Donnelly discusses a ghost sighting near a motor racetrack and the identification of alleged yeti in China, as well as the phenomenon of Elvis Presley sightings. Marjorie Mackintosh offers "Skeptical Predictions for 1995." Thurstan Brewin critically examines "What's Wrong with Alternative Medicine?" and discusses whether to 'opt out' of complementary therapies. Ian Johnson shares his disappointing experiences with acupuncture in "Acupuncture: Elusive or Illusory?" Other articles include "Qigong: Chinese Pseudoscience" by James E. Alcock, "The Indian Rope Trick" by Brian W. Haines, and "Psychic Diary" by Toby Howard. The issue also features reviews and letters.

Hilary Evans' Paranormal Picture Gallery

This section features an illustration and an account of "Jacques Cazotte's prophecy." In 1788, Cazotte allegedly predicted the fates of several French men and women at a dinner party, including his own death by guillotine. The article notes that the only report comes from La Harpe, who later claimed he invented the story as a practical joke.

Hits and Misses

Steve Donnelly's column covers several brief, skeptical takes on various phenomena:

• Ghost in goggles: Investigating a ghost near the Brooklands racetrack, identified as Percy Lambert, is complicated by the fact that many figures in the area wear similar helmets and goggles, making identification difficult.
• Refugees from Tibet: Six-foot-tall figures with unusual features spotted in China's Shennongjia National Park were identified by the Chinese Academy of Sciences as yeti, leading to the formation of a committee for the search of rare creatures.
• Doctor of Ufology: Jenny Randles' suggestion that UFOlogists invent doctorates to enhance credibility is criticized as a cheap trick. The article quotes James Randi on the perceived arrogance of PhD holders.
• Return to sender: The article questions the popularity of Elvis Presley sightings, mentioning an account of Elvis (deceased) visiting Brenda Brown and correctly describing details of his former home and daughter.

Skeptical Predictions for 1995

Marjorie Mackintosh provides a humorous list of predictions for 1995:

• January: Government plans to privatize Christmas, reducing reindeer numbers and using the North Pole pension fund to buy contract toy workers.
• February: Conservative MPs buying Ouija boards and tarot cards to predict political futures.
• March: American fundamentalists rejecting the Turin Shroud's authenticity, deeming the figure too 'hippy-like' to be Jesus.
• April: A shrine established for a weeping Easter Bunny, with scientists attributing the phenomenon to condensation on chocolate.
• May: A book claiming alien abductions are the only way aliens could learn perfect American English, referencing Star Trek.
• June: Bill Clinton denying rumors of an affair, stating he is visited by his Guardian Angel, a claim echoed by Hilary Clinton.
• July: Confirmation of crystal healing when a large crystal falls on its owner's head, knocking him out.
• August: Government announcing further cuts to student grants, advising students to live on microscopic amounts of food.
• September: Water companies announcing large increases in water rates, attributed to increased pressure in university areas.
• October: British Rail blaming train delays on poltergeist activity, a more believable excuse than 'leaves on the line'.
• November: Appearance of mysterious snow circles exciting cerealogists.
• December: Clairvoyants and crystal-gazers developing a new prediction approach for 1996, focusing on highly probable non-events to ensure accuracy (e.g., Princess Di not studying physics at Oxford).

What's Wrong with Alternative Medicine?

Thurstan Brewin argues that while the terms 'alternative' and 'complementary' medicine are often used interchangeably, 'fringe' is a more useful term to cover anything not mainstream. He contrasts the pragmatic nature of mainstream medicine, which adapts to new discoveries, with fringe medicine's reliance on beliefs and theories. Brewin criticizes the British Medical Association's 1993 report for being too polite and lacking criticism of fringe practices. He highlights the difficulty in proving the efficacy of diagnostic methods in alternative medicine, likening them to palmistry or astrology. He notes that many people are drawn to these beliefs, often seeking comfort or a sense of magic.

Brewin explains that 'grateful patients' can be attributed to several factors beyond the therapy itself: the self-limiting nature of conditions, spontaneous remissions, and the placebo effect. He argues that attributing success solely to a fringe remedy is often a false assumption, especially when patients have also received standard treatment. He uses the example of Evening Primrose Oil, where a Swedish trial found it had no more effect than liquid paraffin.

He recounts two personal experiences:

1. Post-surgery illness: Feeling very ill after surgery with no evident cause, he received no explanation or reassurance, only a spoonful of pink peppermint water, highlighting a failure in modern hospital staff to provide basic comfort.
2. Sciatic nerve pain: After months of severe sciatic pain, a neurosurgeon gave a gloomy prognosis. However, the pain cleared up on its own without any remedy, demonstrating how such spontaneous recovery could be misattributed to alternative therapies if sought.

Brewin criticizes the contradictory theories prevalent in fringe medicine and notes that while some practitioners, like osteopaths and chiropractors, have become more realistic, many still rely on unproven claims. He points out that the BMA report, while urging a register of practitioners, fails to distinguish between the absurd and the undesirable.

Reasons not to encourage the expansion of fringe medicine include:

1. Diagnosis: Potential for serious delays and failure to recognize complications due to lack of training.
2. Treatment: Possible delay or failure to receive the best treatment, or receiving worthless interventions.
3. Psychology and morale: Explanations for unknown conditions can provide temporary comfort but can cause harm upon relapse if patients feel inadequate.
4. Money wasted: Many healers are sincere, but some engage in gross overcharging, exploiting vulnerable people.
5. Attitude to mainstream medicine: Some healers present a false picture of mainstream medicine's aims and ideals.
6. Regression to superstition: The emphasis on 'ancient' or 'natural' remedies represents a step backward, with fringe medicine largely unchanged from its historical roots.
7. Language and behavior: Fringe medicine often uses language and behavior akin to magic, lacking exchange of information, acknowledgment of failure, or open-mindedness.
8. Priorities and Progress: The rise of fringe medicine risks slowing down progress in solving health problems and reducing premature deaths, suggesting a preference for mysticism over rational problem-solving.

Thurstan Brewin is an oncologist and Fellow of the Royal College of Physicians, and Chairman of HealthWatch.

London Student Skeptics Programme

The issue includes a programme for the London Student Skeptics' Winter term meetings in 1995, featuring talks on Creation Science, the Turin Shroud, the liquefying blood of St Januarius, and a skeptical linguist's report.

Acupuncture: Elusive or Illusory?

Ian Johnson, a hospice doctor, recounts his experiences with acupuncture. His initial interest was sparked by Dr. Felix Mann's book and his own disillusionment with the limitations of conventional medicine. He found acupuncture to be a seemingly safer and more effective alternative. However, after attending short courses and attempting to practice it, his success rate never exceeded that of a powerful placebo. He notes that his tutor, however, had a flourishing private practice.

Johnson further describes his two-year part-time course at a leading specialist college. He found that the principles taught lacked scientific evidence and that the college had no research program or library. He questions the validity of Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) concepts, which are based on traditional notions of function rather than structure and bear little resemblance to Western anatomical and pathological discoveries. He highlights that TCM sees each organ as a complex system encompassing its anatomical entity, emotion, tissue, sense organ, mental faculty, color, climate, and more, with anatomy, physiology, and biochemistry being considered irrelevant to clinical practice.

He joined a hospice in 1987 and, facing patients with complex problems, reconsidered acupuncture. However, his year of study revealed a lack of scientific evidence for the principles taught. He decided not to complete the second year of the course.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring theme of this issue is the critical examination of alternative medicine and paranormal claims through a skeptical lens. The magazine consistently prioritizes evidence-based reasoning, scientific methodology, and rational analysis. The editorial stance is clearly in favor of mainstream medicine, highlighting its pragmatic, evidence-driven approach and its commitment to patient well-being. Fringe therapies are presented as often lacking scientific support, potentially harmful due to delays in diagnosis or treatment, and sometimes exploiting patients financially or psychologically. The magazine encourages critical thinking and a healthy skepticism towards claims that lack robust evidence, positioning itself as a voice for reason against pseudoscience and superstition.

Title: The Skeptic
Issue: Volume 8 Number 6
Date: Not explicitly stated, but context suggests mid-1990s.
Character: A skeptical publication dedicated to critically examining claims of the paranormal, pseudoscience, and extraordinary phenomena.

Acupuncture Research Quality

Dr. Ian Johnson, a GP and Specialist in Palliative Medicine, begins by discussing his exploration of the literature on acupuncture, particularly for hospice work. He expresses concern over the generally poor quality of published research, noting a lack of rigor, small sample sizes, lack of randomization, and biased selection of subjects. He highlights a meta-analysis from the Netherlands that concluded the quality of studies was mediocre and the efficacy of acupuncture for chronic pain remained doubtful. Johnson points out a bias towards reporting positive results, leading to a misleading impression of acupuncture's efficacy, as better-designed studies often report negative findings.

He acknowledges that a small number of well-designed studies do show beneficial effects, citing an anaesthetist's claim that acupuncture for nausea is 'proven beyond reasonable doubt,' based on his own published work. Johnson warns that in the context of public support for complementary medicine and the demand for its integration into the National Health Service, there's a danger of resource allocation being influenced by political expediency rather than scientific evidence. He suggests that the success of many complementary techniques may lie in the therapeutic relationship offered by practitioners, which is often missing in modern medicine.

Qigong: Chinese Pseudoscience

James E. Alcock, Professor of Psychology at York University, investigates Qigong, a practice rooted in ancient Chinese Taoist philosophy and the concept of 'Qi' (vital breath). He explains that Qigong, developed by Lao-Tzu, aims to maintain the unimpeded flow of Qi through the body's meridians to promote health and harmony. Initially focused on relaxation and internal focus, some disciples added claims of paranormal abilities, such as 'seeing with the ears' or 'hearing with the eyes.'

Alcock details the rediscovery of Qigong in China in the 1950s and its subsequent denouncement during the Cultural Revolution as anti-Marxist. Following the Cultural Revolution, Qigong resurfaced, with its paranormal aspects rebranded as 'Extraordinary Functions of the Human Body' (EFHB) to align with a more naturalistic explanation. The phenomenon gained significant traction, particularly after a 1981 film, 'Do You Believe?', showcased children with EFHB abilities.

Dr. Qian Xuesen, a prominent figure in Chinese science, publicly advocated for Qigong research in 1980, viewing EFHB as a manifestation of Qi manipulation and 'high technology.' This led to significant investment and research, but also controversy, with figures like Yu Guangyuan condemning Qigong as pseudoscience. Despite official sanctions against EFHB/Qigong research, it continued on a smaller scale, with institutions like the Institute of Space Medical Engineering dedicated to its study.

Alcock recounts a visit by a CSICOP team to China to evaluate Qigong claims. They observed demonstrations of psychic diagnosis and Qigong masters emitting 'Qi' to influence patients. However, impromptu studies conducted by the team, aimed at eliminating cheating and self-deception, yielded no evidence of genuine paranormal abilities. The team noted a general lack of statistical reasoning among Chinese researchers and proponents, leading them to misinterpret chance results as meaningful evidence.

Alcock concludes that the observed phenomena could be explained by cheating, self-deception, or a lack of understanding of research methodologies such as experimenter effects, placebo effects, and base rates. He draws a parallel to Western tele-evangelists and psychics, suggesting that the underlying mechanisms of belief and deception are similar across cultures.

The Indian Rope Trick

Brian W. Haines, a writer and Information and Publicity Officer for the London Student Skeptics Society, investigates the legend of the Indian Rope Trick. He describes the classical effect: a fakir makes a rope rise unsupported, an assistant climbs it and disappears, is dismembered, and then reassembled whole. Haines emphasizes that the trick itself is impossible, yet the myth persists, with rewards offered for its demonstration.

He traces the history of the legend, noting that despite numerous attempts by British visitors to witness a 'real' demonstration, none were successful. Offers of reward, such as one in 1911 by Felix Blei and 'The Great Jansen,' and later by Charles J. Carter, went unclaimed. Haines suggests that the lack of contenders indicates the trick is a myth, while proponents argue that true adepts would not participate in public displays for money or read such publicity.

Interest in the trick resurfaced in the mid-1930s with a challenge from the Magic Circle. Colonel R.H. Elliot offered 500 guineas for a demonstration. A man named 'Karachi' (Arthur Claude Derby) claimed to be able to perform it, stating he learned it from a Gurkha warrior. Karachi's performance in London in 1935, with his son 'Kyder' as assistant, involved a rope rising and Kyder climbing it. However, the dismemberment and disappearance of the assistant were not performed, possibly due to adverse weather conditions. The Magic Circle ultimately refused to award the prize, deeming it a 'mere hoax' and not a supernatural performance.

Haines discusses various explanations for the illusion, including mass hypnotism and trick ropes. He notes that Karachi claimed his method was none of these. The intrigue surrounding the rewards offered for the trick suggests a deep-seated human desire to believe in the extraordinary, even in the face of a lack of evidence.

Psychic Diary: Zines and Self-Publishing

Toby Howard, a lecturer in computer graphics, discusses the proliferation of self-published magazines, or 'zines,' covering a wide range of niche interests, from musical saws to football. He highlights that zines are driven by passion rather than profit and represent a forum for voices of dissatisfaction and dissent, empowering individuals to share their perspectives outside of mainstream media.

Howard notes the increasing ease of producing professional-looking publications due to desktop publishing technology. He contrasts this with the past, where significant financial investment was required for publishing. He mentions 'Factsheet Five' and 'Bypass' as key resources for the zine scene. In the upcoming issue, he promises to explore zines from the 'paranormal' world.

Sprite: Psychic Research

A brief "Sprite" section humorously contrasts the claims of psychic researchers. One panel states, "SOME PSYCHIC RESEARCHERS GET SIGNIFICANT RESULTS, WHILE OTHERS GET CHANCE RESULTS USING PRECISELY THE SAME PROTOCOLS." The response is "WHAT'S THE EXPLANATION, IF IT ISN'T THAT SOME RESEARCHERS ARE UNWITTING PSI SUPPRESSORS ??" The other panel reads, "OTHER RESEARCHERS COOK THE DATA ??" with the response "BUT THAT'S UNTHINKABLE, OF COURSE. ER... OF COURSE."

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The issue consistently adopts a skeptical stance, critically examining claims of acupuncture's efficacy, Qigong's paranormal abilities, and the legend of the Indian Rope Trick. The articles emphasize the importance of rigorous scientific methodology, statistical analysis, and critical thinking to distinguish between genuine phenomena and pseudoscience, self-deception, or fraud. The editorial stance is that extraordinary claims require extraordinary evidence, and that without robust scientific validation, such claims should be met with caution and skepticism. The discussion of zines in the 'Psychic Diary' suggests an openness to diverse voices but within a framework that values critical evaluation.

Title: The Skeptic
Issue: Volume 8 Number 6
Date: 1994
Character: A publication dedicated to skeptical inquiry into paranormal claims, pseudoscience, and related phenomena.

Skeptic at Large: You only live (at least) twice...

Wendy M Grossman recounts her experience as a skeptic on a television program discussing reincarnation. The program featured a child claimed to be the reincarnation of Mary, Queen of Scots, alongside other individuals with reincarnation beliefs, including Jenny Cockell (reincarnated as an 80-year-old Irish man) and Debbie Arnold (a gay Viking). Grossman highlights the extensive research undertaken by reincarnationists but also points out the potential for confirmation bias, where individuals seek out information that supports their existing beliefs. The article details a debate with Rosie Andreas, who also claimed to be Mary, Queen of Scots, and how her claims were challenged by the presence of another claimant. Grossman reflects on her own life changes at age 27, drawing a parallel to Andreas's statement about not wanting to be Mary.

Reviews

The Fodor's for the next world?

Carol Neiman and Emily Goldman's book, *Afterlife: The Complete Guide to Life After Death*, is reviewed by Tony Lawrence. Lawrence describes it as a 'travel guide' to the afterlife, covering various perspectives on death, near-death experiences, and reincarnation. While appreciating the book's illustrations and accessible writing style, he notes its neglect of the skeptical position, which he believes requires a radical reorientation of many people's views.

Foodplay

The Unpleasant Book of Penn and Teller, or How to Play With Your Food, is reviewed by an unnamed author. The book, by magicians Penn Jillette and Teller, is noted for its unconventional and often dubious magic tricks, which they reveal. The review highlights the book's humor and its inclusion of skeptical elements, such as discussions on how magicians and fraudsters achieve deception, and references to skeptics like James Randi and Martin Gardner. While the book contains pranks and tricks related to food, it does not reveal all its secrets.

The sadness of stigmata

John and Anne Spencer's book, *Spirit Within Her: The Story of Heather Woods and the Stigmata*, is reviewed by Dr. Peter May. The book details the life of Heather Woods, who developed stigmata. May notes the book's narrative style, which he finds to be poor and histrionic, and criticizes the authors for accepting Woods's claims at face value without proper critique. The stigmata appeared in 1992 and recurred the following year. The review also touches upon Woods's difficult life, including abuse and mental health issues, and her relationship with a priest who died shortly before her own death by drowning. May contrasts the phenomenon of stigmata with Dermatitis Artefacta and notes that cases often occur in women with traumatic psychiatric histories and low self-esteem.

Pyramids and stars

Robert Bauval and Adrian Gilbert's *The Orion Mystery* is reviewed by A J Smith. The book proposes a master plan governing the design and placement of the pyramids, rooted in an ancient star religion. Smith finds the theory intriguing for those interested in Egyptology and ancient religions but notes that the hard evidence is scant and open to interpretation, leading to expert dissension. He criticizes the authors for drawing conclusions based on insufficient evidence and for adjusting historical dates to fit their theory, creating a circular argument. Despite the lack of plates in the proof copy, Smith praises the publishers for the book's construction and presentation.

Knight time

John Matthews' *King Arthur and the Grail Quest* is reviewed by Nick Neave. Neave, whose knowledge of Arthurian legends was limited to films, found the book to be a scholarly reference. He notes that the book splits into two sections: historical facts concerning Arthur and the Grail, and mythological aspects. The review highlights the historical context of Arthur as a battle leader and the subsequent romanticization of his deeds and companions. Neave emphasizes the book's key point about the dissociation between historical fact and romanticized mythology, drawing a parallel to the evolution of stories about Jesus.

Inside story

William Shaw's *Spying in Guru Land: Inside Britain's Cults* is reviewed by Nick Neave. The book investigates why people join strange organizations by having the author join several cults. Neave notes the book's exploration of various groups, including the Hare Krishna Movement, Jesus Army, and Branch Davidians, and their doctrines. He points out the lack of an index and references to skeptical sources. The review mentions that the author touches on the psychology of cult membership but does not analyze the philosophical beliefs involved. Shaw's experiences have made him sympathetic to cult members, and he argues against the notion of 'cult mind-control,' suggesting that people join freely.

Wasted time

Jenny Randles' *Time Travel: Fact, Fiction & Possibility* is reviewed by Steuart Campbell. Campbell criticizes Randles for uncritically accepting anecdotal evidence and for her 'Procrustean approach' to dreams, where they are adjusted to fit real events. The review highlights Randles' belief that dreams preview the future and that major events 'ripple ahead' in time. Campbell disputes Randles' scientific claims, pointing out errors in her understanding of physics and confusing quantum mechanics with particle physics. The review also mentions Randles' suggestions for 'practical experiments' related to precognition and UFOs.

Letters

Religious affairs

Mike Walsh responds to an article by Jean Dorricott, arguing that religion is a legitimate target for skepticism. Walsh contends that there are more charlatans and rogues in religion than in paranormal fields, and that religion teaches bigotry and intolerance, leading to wars. He criticizes Dorricott's theories on the existence of God for lacking scientific evidence and recommends Richard Dawkins's *The Blind Watchmaker*.

Less is more

Greg Young writes to congratulate the magazine on an excellent 'Psychic Diary' feature, praising its depth and subtlety.

A Mars a day...

In response to a query about the Mars Effect, Greg Young explains that the effect has been applied to other professions with valid results, though the Mars Effect is the best known due to the measurability of athletic ability. He notes the reticence of scientists to acknowledge astrology, attributing it to their cautious and skeptical nature.

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Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

This issue of The Skeptic consistently upholds a critical and skeptical stance towards paranormal claims, reincarnation, pseudoscience, and religious dogma. The reviews and articles challenge unsubstantiated beliefs, emphasizing the importance of evidence-based reasoning and scientific methodology. The magazine actively promotes critical thinking and encourages readers to question extraordinary claims. Recurring themes include the examination of reincarnation, the critique of cults and New Age beliefs, and the analysis of historical and mythological narratives through a skeptical lens. The editorial stance is clearly in favor of rationalism and against the uncritical acceptance of phenomena lacking empirical support.