Skeptic - 1995 - Vol 9 No 1

Magazine Overview

'The Skeptic', Volume 9, Number 1, published in 1995, is a magazine dedicated to critical examination of paranormal claims and pseudoscientific theories. This issue features a cover story on 'Ritual Satanic abuse: reality or illusion?', alongside articles on the National Lottery, Nikola Tesla, and psychic surgery.

Articles and Features

Cover Story: Ritual Satanic Abuse

The cover prominently features a woodcut illustration and poses the question of whether ritual satanic abuse is a reality or an illusion. The issue aims to critically assess claims surrounding this topic.

Also in this issue:

• How NOT to win the National Lottery! by Chris Willis: This article critiques various books that claim to offer methods for predicting National Lottery numbers. Willis highlights the absurdity of techniques like numerology and dream analysis, emphasizing that lottery numbers are chosen randomly. He points out the gullibility of the public in buying such books and mentions the odds against winning are extremely high (13,983,816 to 1). Books discussed include 'Win the Lottery!' by Ellin Dodge and 'How to Win the Lottery: The Professional Way to Win' by Herb and Dot Hendler, which rely on flawed concepts like the 'law of averages'. Another book, 'Dream Ticket: How to Win the National Lottery', is based on 'La Smorfia', an Italian system for decoding dream meanings into numbers. Willis concludes that predicting winning numbers is a full-time occupation for the foolish, and the only sensible advice found is to not forget where one has put their tickets.

• Nikola Tesla: eccentric scientist or neglected genius? by Jeff Johnson: This feature explores the life and work of Nikola Tesla, focusing on a visit to the 'museum of Extraordinary Science' in Colorado Springs. The article discusses Tesla's advocacy for AC current over DC, his work in Telluride, Colorado, and the International Tesla Society's efforts to promote his legacy. The museum's 'Lab' demonstrates phenomena like the 'Jumping Ring', which the museum explains as a 'monopole' rather than through conventional physics (Lenz's law). The article also touches upon Tesla's ideas about wireless power distribution and a supposed 'mechanical oscillator' capable of destroying skyscrapers, which is presented as an urban myth. The author expresses skepticism about the museum's uncritical worship of Tesla and its promotion of 'extraordinary science' over conventional physics, comparing it to a 'roadside concrete-and-plaster dinosaur park'.

• Psychic surgery in Britain: an alarming report: This article is mentioned on the cover but details are not provided in the scanned pages.

Hilary Evans' Paranormal Picture Gallery:

• Washerwomen of the night: This section features a 1851 wood engraving by Maurice Sand depicting 'washerwomen of the night' who, according to folklore, cleanse naughty children by laundering them on the riverbank. Hilary Evans, co-proprietor of the Mary Evans Picture Library, provides context, noting that fascination with the occult is not new and citing novelist George Sand's work 'Legendes Rustiques'.

Hits and Misses by Steve Donnelly:

• Negative energy: Donnelly discusses a claim of 'negative calories' found in a Sunday Times magazine advertisement, suggesting some foods burn more calories than they provide. He expresses concern about such nonsensical claims contributing to eating disorders and praises Halifax MP Alice Mahon's efforts to regulate the weight-loss industry.

• School for exorcists: The article reports on the establishment of Britain's first school for exorcism and healing by Ellel Ministries in Surrey. The organization, part of the Evangelical Alliance, reportedly deals with 'wrestling with demons' and claims individuals can become possessed through various means, including road accidents or touching a dead body.

Those magnificent men...

• Aerodynamic theory: This piece discusses the aerodynamics of flight, referencing a story about bumblebees and questioning conventional explanations of how airplanes fly. It mentions Jef Raskin's claims and British skeptic Dr David Fisher's work, highlighting that experts offer varied explanations for aircraft lift. The conventional explanation involving Bernoulli's theorem is presented as insufficient to explain certain flight maneuvers.

The Bat Call by Teller:

Teller recounts an experience in Los Angeles where special effects technicians created a 'bat call' device. This instrument, shaped like a French horn with holes, was designed to emit a high squeal that attracts bats. The demonstration involved a puff of talcum powder being released from the device, covering the user.

Tesla's Fabulous Mechanical Oscillator:

This section, likely part of Jeff Johnson's article on Tesla, discusses the persistent story of Tesla's mechanical oscillator, a device supposedly capable of destroying skyscrapers. The article notes the implausibility of such a device being powered by a clockwork or small battery, given the energy required. It also mentions that a similar device at the Tesla Museum is claimed to produce 500 million million vibrations per second (500 THz) but is not available for examination, having been seized by government agents after Tesla's death.

Other mentions:

• Hidden talents: An article from the Big Issue is cited, analyzing Tony Blair's horoscope and suggesting he is obsessive and manipulative.

• Cold spots: An article in Nature by David Jones proposes that ghosts exist in a much colder parallel spirit world, and cold spots occur when there is a break between universes. Professor Trevor Stone of Glasgow University offers an alternative theory, suggesting ghosts are nucleic acids of deceased persons in the form of viral particles.

• Magnetic brake and bladeless pump: The Tesla Museum demonstrated a 'magnetic brake' and a 'bladeless pump', a descendant of Tesla's invention. The magnetic brake's effectiveness is questioned for various speeds and applications.

• Tesla coil demonstrations: The museum also demonstrated Tesla coils making glass bottles glow and lighting a fluorescent lamp wirelessly. The potential use of Tesla coils for testing microchips is mentioned.

• Wireless power distribution: The article revisits Tesla's dream of worldwide wireless power distribution, noting that his experiments in Colorado Springs reportedly lit bulbs at a distance. The failure is attributed by Tesla fans to the impracticability of metering free electricity.

• Electromagnetic fields: The museum host warned about the dangers of low-level electromagnetic fields, linking them to cancer cases, with electric blankets being the worst offender. The host also mentioned Gaston Naessens' work on curing cancer.

• Antique batteries: Edison's antique batteries were shown, with a suggestion they could be used for the first manned expedition to Mars.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

'The Skeptic' consistently adopts a critical and evidence-based approach to claims of the paranormal and pseudoscientific theories. The magazine debunks popular myths, questions unsubstantiated claims, and promotes scientific reasoning. The editorial stance is clearly skeptical, encouraging readers to question extraordinary claims and to rely on verifiable facts and scientific understanding. The magazine covers a wide range of topics, from alleged supernatural phenomena and alternative medicine to questionable scientific theories and historical curiosities, all viewed through a lens of critical inquiry.

Title: The Skeptic
Issue: Volume 9 Number 1
Date: January 1995 (inferred from context)
Publisher: The Skeptic
Country: UK
Language: English

This issue of The Skeptic features a cover story by Roger Sandell titled "Desperately Seeking Satan: Is Satanic abuse fact or fiction?" The magazine focuses on critical examination of fringe beliefs and phenomena.

Desperately Seeking Satan: Is Satanic abuse fact or fiction?

Roger Sandell's article delves into the controversial topic of Satanic abuse, primarily through an examination of Lawrence Wright's book "Remembering Satan." The book details the 1988-89 Olympia, Washington State case of Sheriff Paul Ingram, whose daughters accused him of Satanic abuse. Sandell highlights the bizarre nature of the case, where Ingram confessed after experiencing 'flashback memories,' even when presented with deliberately false suggestions by a psychologist.

Sandell questions the credulity of the investigating officers, noting the use of leading questions and pressure tactics. He points out that Ingram's son recalled a dream of 'little men floating through his bedroom window,' which was interpreted by police as a cover memory for child abuse, rather than a potential UFO abduction experience.

The article explores the broader issues of 'flashback memories,' 'cover memories,' and 'false memories,' noting their recent prominence in British media. It introduces the False Memory Society, a US group claiming to be victims of implanted memories, which has established a British branch. Some of these cases also involve tales of Satanism and human sacrifices.

Sandell contrasts this with the organization 'Accuracy About Abuse,' which champions the validity of memory recovery therapy, though its founder, Marjorie Orr, is also known for her horoscope column, a detail that might be viewed skeptically by Christian promoters of the Satanism scare.

The Memory Controversy

Wright's work shows that evidence can be found to support both sides of the memory controversy. Psychologists Loftus and Ganaway conducted experiments suggesting children can elaborate on imaginary events presented as past occurrences. A survey at an American school after a shooting incident showed that children absent on the day later reported seeing the gunman.

Conversely, a survey of adult victims of sex offenders indicated that up to 38% had no memory of the incident. However, this survey faced criticism for including very young victims and for not distinguishing between systematic long-term abuse and single incidents. The article suggests that 'don't remember' might sometimes mean 'don't want to discuss' and that repressing memories of brief trauma is different from forgetting long-term abuse.

Models of Memory and Brainwashing

Sandell questions the model of human memory used by therapists who uncover Satanism memories, suggesting it might be based on common film plot devices. He also scrutinizes the use of the term 'brainwashing,' which is applied by both sides: Satanists allegedly use it to make victims forget abuse or commit crimes, while therapists allegedly use it to implant sinister memories.

The term 'brainwashing' originated during the Korean War to explain why US prisoners collaborated with their captors. Sandell argues that low US army morale and motivation were more likely factors than sinister mind-control techniques. He notes that the alleged capabilities of brainwashing, as depicted in films like 'The Manchurian Candidate,' have not resurfaced in subsequent conflicts.

Satanic Cult Claims and Skepticism

Sandell finds the idea of 'False Memory Syndrome' as a specific medical condition suspect, suggesting that such tales emerge from a complex interaction of social, psychological, and group dynamics, rather than a single explanation.

He discusses Daniel Ryder's book "Breaking the Circle of Satanic Abuse," criticizing its eccentric nature despite the author being a licensed social worker. Ryder's work, associated with the 'Christian Counselling' movement, emphasizes individual evil and uses 'inner-child' therapy techniques, which Sandell finds questionable.

Critiques of Satanic Abuse Literature

The article reviews two collections of essays: "Out of Darkness" (OOD) from the USA and "Treating Survivors of Satanic Abuse" (TSSA) from Britain. While many contributors are public sector professionals, some essays are deemed absurd.

Catherine Gould's essay on 'Diagnosis and Treatment of Ritually Abused Children' is criticized for its ludicrous checklist of symptoms, including contradictory behaviors. Dr. Joan Coleman's essay, 'Satanic Cult Practices,' uncritically presents extreme claims about Satanists, including human sacrifices and elaborate organizational structures, citing discredited sources like Laurel Stratford's 'Satan's Underground.'

Sandell notes that the historical evidence cited for widespread child sacrifice, such as the Biblical story of Abraham and Isaac and the Greek legend of Medea, is set in ancient times and likely reflects abhorrence rather than popularity of the practice.

The 'Underclass' Context in Britain

In contrast to the more extreme claims, the article highlights a contribution by Kenneth Lanning, an FBI specialist, who presents a skeptical case, not denying Satanic abuse but pointing out evidentiary problems. Lanning notes the discontinuity of Satanism cases with other child sex ring cases.

Sandell draws a parallel with allegations against Roman Catholic priests, which have resulted in guilty pleas and evidence. However, he notes that Satanism cases often lack the involvement of women and allegations of adult victimization seen in the priest cases.

The article suggests that in Britain, Satanism allegations have become associated with the 'underclass' social image, reflecting fears about marginalized communities. This contrasts with the wealthy Satanists and expensive therapists often depicted in US cases.

Book Reviews and Typologies

The article reviews Michael Newton's "Raising Hell: The A-Z of Satanic Crime," finding it flawed by credulousness and an inaccurate historical account. Newton's book links the Satanism panic to the cattle mutilation scare and films like "Rosemary's Baby."

Sandell discusses a typology of Satanists proposed by believers: Public Satanists (e.g., Church of Satan), Teenage Dabblers, Psychopathic Satanists (e.g., Manson gang), and Transgenerational Satanists/Satanic cults. He argues that authenticated cases typically fall into the 'Psychopathic Satanist' category, while many alleged 'Satanic cult' cases lack evidence of large, organized groups or bizarre features like human sacrifice.

Recent British Cases

The article briefly mentions two recent British cases: the Pembrokeshire sex ring case, where ritual allegations were explicitly rejected by the judge, and a case in Sunderland involving allegations of dressing as devils and children being bitten by rats. The latter case, involving professionals, was attacked by a mob led by a clergyman.

The Trouble with Psychics

Richard Wiseman's article "The Trouble with Psychics" examines the dangers of belief in psychic powers. He recounts a personal experience witnessing 'psychic surgery' in a London library, where a surgeon performed procedures without proper hygiene, posing a risk of transmitting diseases. He also mentions cases where mediums made dire predictions leading to suicide, and psychics defrauded clients of money.

Wiseman notes the lack of official bodies to address psychic scams, leaving individuals to deal with the fallout. He highlights the case of the psychic surgeon who operated on about 40 patients before the library cancelled the remaining meetings.

Psychic Diary

Toby Howard's "Psychic Diary" reviews various 'zines' (self-published magazines) related to the paranormal and occult. He rates publications like "Hoax," "Magonia," "Ghostwatch," "Annals of the Enquiring," "The Wild Places," "Factsheet Five," "Bypass," "The New Ufologist," and "Lobster." He praises "Magonia" for its approach and "Factsheet Five" as a comprehensive directory.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The overarching theme of this issue is skepticism towards extraordinary claims, particularly those related to Satanism, recovered memories, and psychic phenomena. The magazine adopts a critical stance, emphasizing the importance of evidence, logical analysis, and distinguishing between genuine abuse and sensationalized or fabricated accounts. It highlights the role of media, psychology, and social factors in shaping public perception of these issues. The editorial stance consistently favors rational inquiry and challenges unsubstantiated beliefs.

Title: Skeptic
Issue: Volume 9 Number 1
Date: 1995
Publisher: The Skeptic
Country: UK

This issue of The Skeptic features a prominent column by Wendy M Grossman titled 'Skeptic at Large', which delves into the complexities of confronting beliefs and the ethical considerations involved. The magazine also includes several book reviews and letters to the editor.

Skeptic at Large

Wendy M Grossman's column, "Skeptic at Large," addresses the delicate balance between skepticism and compassion. She recounts an experience with a man named Colin, who found comfort in a medium after his wife and two sons were murdered. Grossman questions whether it is appropriate to challenge such beliefs, especially when they provide solace, contrasting it with the need to debunk falsehoods. She also touches upon the media's role in perpetuating beliefs, citing the 'Beyond Belief' program with Uri Geller as an example of how certain phenomena are presented without critical examination.

Reviews

UFO Case-book

The review of Peter Hough and Jenny Randles' "The Complete Book of UFOs" is critical. The reviewer notes that the title 'complete' is misleading, as the book is superficial and relies heavily on American UFO lore, neglecting significant cases from other regions. The book is criticized for its lack of objectivity, particularly its inclusion of crop circles while downplaying earthlights and other phenomena. The reviewer suggests that the authors have opted for easy options and that Randles, with her extensive experience, could have produced a more in-depth work.

Turin Shroud: In Whose Image?

Lynn Picknett and Clive Prince's "Turin Shroud: In Whose Image? The Shocking Truth Unveiled" is reviewed. The book's central thesis is that the Shroud of Turin is a portrait of Leonardo da Vinci and the world's first photograph. The review acknowledges the book's fascinating narrative but finds its style often paranoid. It discusses the carbon dating results and the 'thoughtography' theory proposed by believers. The reviewer notes the authors' attempt to recreate a shroud using simple chemicals, commending them for initiating a thorough investigation.

Maypoles, Martyrs and Mayhem & The Perpetual Almanack of Folklore

Two books are reviewed under the heading 'The days of our lives': Quentin Cooper and Paul Sullivan's "Maypoles, Martyrs and Mayhem" and Charles Kightly's "The Perpetual Almanack of Folklore." Both books explore British customs and folklore, offering a day-by-day survey of significant events and traditions. "Maypoles, Martyrs and Mayhem" is described as entertaining and irreverent, while Kightly's book is noted for its more distanced approach and inclusion of beautiful illustrations. The reviewer suggests these books can help readers connect with the past and understand the importance of seasons and days.

Nostradamus Prophecies for 1994

V.J. Hewitt's "Nostradamus Prophecies for 1994" is thoroughly critiqued for its extreme lack of accuracy. The review lists numerous examples of failed prophecies for each month, highlighting the author's apparent disregard for factual correctness. Despite the book's inaccuracies, Hewitt is noted as a "best-selling author," suggesting a financially motivated approach to producing these prophecies.

Watch the Skies: A Chronicle of the Flying Saucer Myth

Curtis Peebles' "Watch the Skies: A Chronicle of the Flying Saucer Myth" is praised as a superb and comprehensive overview of the modern UFO movement. The reviewer highlights the book's detailed accounts of major events and individuals, written in a fluent style. Peebles, a skeptic, argues that many UFO phenomena can be traced to science fiction and that claims of alien craft are not supported by hard evidence. The review covers the history of UFO sightings, government projects, contactee accounts, and the phenomenon of alien abductions, linking them to cultural influences.

Exercises for the Mind

Betty Shine's "Betty Shine's Mind Workbook" is reviewed with significant skepticism. The reviewer finds the book's concepts of 'Energy Counterparts' and 'vortices' confusing and pseudoscientific. While acknowledging that the exercises might offer comfort, the reviewer expresses concern about claims that the methods can cure serious illnesses like cancer and that drugs supplied by doctors are detrimental. The book's lack of scientific basis and self-contradictions are noted, and the reviewer concludes it is a collection of wishful thoughts.

Letters

This section features several letters to the editor:

• Fantastic Archaeology: R.J. Lind responds to an article by Howard Wellman, criticizing his arrogance and 'pseudo-archaeologist' label. Lind argues for the importance of updating knowledge and questions the certainty of academics.
• Human Rights-1: R.J. Lind questions the definition of human rights, asking if they only exist when guaranteed by laws and whether individuals in oppressive regimes have any rights.
• Human Rights-2: M.W. Evans responds to a previous letter on human rights, arguing that while rights are useful in moral philosophy, their enforcement in practice can be dangerous, citing examples of activists and fundamentalists.
• Curse of the Gremlins: John Bosley humorously comments on the magazine's postal address, suggesting a connection between the accuracy of the address and the existence of non-believers.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue of The Skeptic revolve around critical examination of paranormal claims, pseudoscience, and the media's portrayal of such phenomena. The magazine consistently adopts a skeptical stance, encouraging readers to question extraordinary claims and to seek evidence-based explanations. There is a strong emphasis on debunking hoaxes, analyzing the cultural influences behind belief systems, and critiquing the lack of scientific rigor in various fields, from UFOlogy to alternative medicine and prophecy.
The editorial stance is clearly one of promoting rational inquiry and scientific skepticism, while also acknowledging the human need for comfort and meaning, as seen in Grossman's column. The magazine aims to provide well-researched reviews and thoughtful commentary on topics that often fall outside the mainstream scientific consensus.