07-skeptikko

Magazine Overview

Skeptikko, Issue 7, Spring 1990, is a Finnish magazine focused on skepticism and critical examination of various phenomena. The issue features a cover graphic resembling the number '7' and includes articles on alternative medicine, psychology, and paranormal claims.

Articles and Content

Terveyden kaupparatsut (The Charlatans of Health Commerce)

This article by Nils Mustelin expresses strong concern about the growing popularity of alternative medicine, labeling it a "worrying phenomenon." Mustelin criticizes the industry for cynically exploiting public ignorance about complex health and illness mechanisms. He highlights the use of vague, positive buzzwords like "soft," "holistic," and "natural" by proponents of alternative therapies. The author argues that these methods often involve administering unknown substances in "natural" remedies, contrasting this with scientific approaches that require rigorous testing and acknowledge uncertainty. Mustelin points out that the alternative medicine market in Finland alone is worth approximately 400 million marks, questioning the immense sums spent on various unproven therapies and the potential suffering of those who delay conventional treatment.

Skeptikko meedion matkassa: Theodore Flournoy ja Hélène Smith (Skepticism on a Medium's Journey: Theodore Flournoy and Hélène Smith)

This extensive article by Timo Kaitaro details the work of Theodore Flournoy, a psychology professor at the University of Geneva, and his study of the medium Hélène Smith (born Catherine-Élise Müller). Flournoy's seminal work, "Des Indes à la Planète Mars," is described as a lengthy and significant case study. Flournoy approached Smith's trance phenomena, including somnambulism and glossolalia (speaking in unknown languages), with a skeptical yet objective psychological lens, avoiding spiritualist interpretations.

Flournoy, trained in medicine and philosophy, was interested in "subliminal psychology" and "metapsychics." Hélène Smith exhibited remarkable mediumistic abilities, producing visions and automatic writings. Her phenomena included visual and auditory hallucinations, and "messages" received in trance states, often accompanied by amnesia. A notable aspect was her invented language, "Martian," which possessed a consistent grammar and vocabulary, leading Flournoy to question its extraterrestrial origin and suggest it was a sophisticated neologism.

Historiallisia romaaneja ja scifiä (Historical Novels and Sci-Fi)

The article continues to explore Hélène Smith's "subliminal growth" which manifested as three coherent "novels" or cycles: one set in 1400s India involving a princess and a rajah (Simandini and Sivrouka Nayaka), another related to Marie Antoinette in 18th-century France, and a third on Mars. Flournoy attempted to verify the historical details of the Indian cycle, finding a mention of Tchandraguiri and Sivrouka-Nayaca in a lesser-known historical text. While the source's reliability was questionable, Flournoy concluded that this information likely entered Smith's subconscious memory. He also consulted linguist Ferdinand de Saussure regarding the Martian language, which showed elements of Sanskrit but was largely a constructed language, demonstrating the subconscious's capacity for complex linguistic creation.

Marsin kieli ja neologismin kukoistus (The Martian Language and the Flourishing of Neologisms)

This section elaborates on the Martian language, distinguishing it from typical glossolalia by its consistent structure and grammar. Flournoy noted its similarity to French grammar, further suggesting a terrestrial, rather than extraterrestrial, origin. He proposed it was a highly developed neologism, showcasing the subconscious mind's ability to store and generate new linguistic material.

Subliminaalinen muisti ja kryptomnesia (Subliminal Memory and Cryptomnesia)

Flournoy's work highlighted that conscious memory is only a fraction of total memory. The article discusses examples of subliminal memory and cryptomnesia, where forgotten memories resurface without conscious recognition, often being mistaken for external communications. An example is given of Hélène Smith writing an Arabic proverb, later identified by Dr. Rapin as being from his own grammar book, suggesting the proverb was unconsciously absorbed from his writings.

Leopold ja muut "sivupersoonat" (Leopold and Other "Alter Egos")

The article introduces "alter egos" or "secondary personalities" that appeared in Hélène Smith's mediumistic sessions, the most significant being Leopold, who acted as her guide. Flournoy observed that these personalities had access to different sets of memories, even though they shared the same brain. Leopold could recall information unknown to Smith's normal consciousness, and vice versa. Flournoy termed these "teleological automatisms," referring to subconscious messages that provided useful solutions or guidance.

Sittenkin paranormaalia ? (Paranormal After All?)

After attempting to find natural psychological explanations, Flournoy dedicates a chapter to "apparently" paranormal phenomena. He outlines two principles for evaluating such claims: "everything is possible" (Hamlet) and "the weight of evidence must be proportional to the strangeness of the facts" (Laplace). Flournoy acknowledges the subjectivity in defining "strangeness." He suggests that investigators should disclose their own biases and adopt "moderate probabilism" – a balanced approach avoiding dogmatism.

Flournoy discusses telekinesis, stating he believes in it because he witnessed Eusapio Palladino move objects under controlled conditions, though he admits the evidence wasn't conclusive. Regarding telepathy, he finds it plausible due to its alignment with ideas of direct connection between organisms, but notes that definitive proof from Hélène Smith's case was lacking. He concludes that cases related to Hélène Smith can be explained by either subliminal memory or telepathy.

Flournoy ja psykoanalyysi (Flournoy and Psychoanalysis)

This section examines the connection between Flournoy's work and the emerging field of psychoanalysis. Flournoy's research on the subconscious, particularly the creative and teleological aspects of the subconscious, predated or coincided with Freud's work. Flournoy's book influenced surrealist writers like André Breton. Unlike Freud, who often focused on neuroses, Flournoy emphasized the positive and creative potential of the subconscious. The article suggests that Flournoy's approach could be seen as an early precursor to "anti-psychiatry" by not pathologizing unusual mental phenomena.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The magazine Skeptikko, as evidenced by this issue, maintains a strong skeptical stance. It critically analyzes claims of alternative medicine, psychological phenomena, and paranormal events, prioritizing scientific evidence and rational explanations. The editorial stance is to encourage critical thinking and to question unsubstantiated claims, while acknowledging the complexity of the human mind and the potential for subconscious processes to manifest in unusual ways. The magazine aims to provide a platform for reasoned debate and the debunking of pseudoscience.

This issue of Skeptikko, number 7 from Spring 1990, focuses on a critical examination of alternative medicine and paranormal claims, featuring a panel of doctors and articles that delve into various controversial topics. The publication maintains a skeptical stance, prioritizing scientific evidence and rational inquiry.

Reincarnation and Past Lives

The issue begins with a brief mention of a case involving reincarnation, referencing Leopold's account of Hélène being the reincarnation of Princess Simandin, wife of Sivrouka Nayaka. This serves as a brief introduction to the broader themes of unusual beliefs discussed within the magazine.

Literature References

• A list of literature is provided, including:
• Breton, André: *Entretiens*. Collection Idées, Gallimard, Paris 1969.
• Flournoy, Theodor: *Des Indes à la planète Mars*. Introduction and commentaries by Marina Yaguello and Mireille Cifali, Éditions du Seuil, Paris 1983.
• Louis, René: *L'ère des mediums*. Enquète sur une croyance: le paranormal, Autrement: série mutations n:o 103, January 1989.

Skepsis Medical Panel: The Ultimate Questions

A significant portion of the magazine is dedicated to a panel discussion held on May 24th, featuring Skepsis's physician members. The panel aimed to evaluate alternative medicine based on their professional experiences. The participants included:

• Pekka Roponen: Hypnotherapist.
• Tuire Lehtosalo: General practitioner and acupuncturist.
• Veijo Saano: Docent in pharmacology.
• Harri Hemilä: Biochemist specializing in nutrition.

Veijo Saano on Alternative Cancer Treatments

Veijo Saano expressed interest in 'humbug' (huuhaa) through the lens of psychoanalytic interpretation, particularly concerning the work of Martti Innanen. He emphasized the principle of clinical pharmacology: "Every new treatment method is ineffective and dangerous until proven otherwise." Saano highlighted the human fascination with finding a single cause for complex diseases like cancer, leading to numerous proposed treatments. He is compiling a computer registry of alternative cancer therapies to help doctors access information, noting that while it won't promise miraculous cures, it can provide knowledge. He mentioned that such databases are advanced in Switzerland and Central Europe, with an upcoming conference in Hamburg on cancer research that will also feature alternative treatments. Saano observed a common trait among alternative therapies: they claim to treat the root cause of illness, contrasting with conventional medicine, which is accused of focusing only on symptoms. He cited Dr. Matti Tolonen's advertisements for trace elements as an example, to which Saano and colleagues responded by suggesting that money might also play a role in Tolonen's claims. Saano found it surprising that while people are skeptical of car advertisements, they readily accept exaggerated claims about medicines.

Saano stated that ignorance about the effects of medicines is immense. He predicted that alternative medicine's commercial aspects would continue to be a major topic of public discussion. He is currently working on a book critically examining the side effects of medicine, and Skeptikko awaits a review copy.

Pekka Roponen: Medicine or Science?

Pekka Roponen questioned the very concept of medicine, suggesting that doctors merely apply knowledge gained from other natural sciences rather than pursuing pure scientific inquiry; their primary interest is healing. He described medicine as a "collection of methods for treating diseases." Roponen proposed renaming the field 'healing art' to alleviate pressure on doctors, shifting the focus from scientific validation to the act of healing. He suggested this would also allow for the recognition of general practitioners who work diligently to help patients change their lifestyles.

Roponen identified a major challenge for doctors: patients who cannot be helped but for whom something must still be done, creating an opening for various alternative therapies. He did not categorically dismiss them, acknowledging that conventional medicine itself can be ineffective and uncertain.

He argued that medicine is increasingly dominated by the pharmaceutical industry, with research and development shifting from surgery to drug companies. He noted that pill production is profitable and simplifies doctors' work, making prescription writing easy, especially with illegible handwriting.

Roponen posited that science only entered medicine in the 19th century. Before that, healing relied on traditional methods, such as bloodletting for pneumonia. Medicine began to incorporate scientific approaches after observing that untreated patients sometimes fared better than treated ones.

While current treatments generally offer some benefit, Roponen attributed a significant part of this to the placebo effect. He noted that the Finnish term for placebo, 'lumolääke' (magic drug), is not ideal, as placebo means "I please."

He mentioned that placebo has even been tested in psychotherapy, where one group received 'real' therapy and another group engaged in casual conversation with the therapist about sports and weather. The recovery results were comparable in both groups. Doctors generally agree that the placebo effect contributes 40-60% to recovery.

Roponen believed that hypnosis, his area of expertise, cannot be tested with double-blind methods. However, he argued this does not make it unscientific, as classified by the British Medical Journal. He also noted that hypnosis is difficult to explain. The most astonishing documented case of hypnotic healing involved a person with a hereditary ichthyosis (fish scale disease), a severe skin condition that typically does not heal. Hypnosis has gained a mystical and somewhat questionable reputation due to such 'miraculous healings.' Roponen recalled a case in Finland where colon cancer reportedly disappeared after hypnotic treatment.

Roponen cautioned against drawing overly broad conclusions: if an illness improves during or after a treatment, it doesn't necessarily mean the treatment was the cause. This is particularly relevant in psychiatry, where various methods, including unconventional ones, have been used to treat schizophrenia, with some patients recovering while others do not, leaving the causes of the illness unexplained.

In psychiatry, 'heroic' methods like psychoanalysis, developed by Sigmund Freud, have gained prominence. Roponen admitted to deeply disliking Freud's methods and research, referencing a Swedish newspaper article calling Freud "The Great Forger."

Roponen softened his stance on amateur hypnotists, whom he had previously dismissed as incompetent. He now considers his attitude ambivalent, stating, "Not everything can be condemned." He believes the main point is that hypnosis should be used to support and assist conventional medicine, potentially replacing unnecessary medication.

"If there is anything good about medicine, it is the awakening self-criticism that alternative healers lack," Roponen concluded, ending his presentation with Hippocrates' motto: "The most important thing is that the treatment does no harm."

Following Roponen's presentation, a lengthy discussion ensued about the significance of the placebo effect. Skepsis secretary Timo Kaitaro amused the audience by recounting a study where some participants were informed they were in the placebo group. Despite this knowledge, they still experienced the placebo effect, which should theoretically be unconscious.

The Great Vitamin Debate

Biochemist Harri Hemilä began his presentation by discussing the semantics of conventional medicine versus alternative medicine, and hard facts versus humbug. He found the terminology confusing but agreed that conventional medicine holds more "power." The further one moves towards alternative approaches, the less power remains. Conventional medicine is also characterized by more "truths" (hard facts), while the alternative side leans more towards humbug. However, he noted that the transition between these extremes is not always clear, with a gradual shift from conventional medicine and hard facts towards alternative medicine and humbug.

Hemilä stated that conventional medicine currently possesses both power and hard facts, whereas alternative medicine is often powerless humbug. He warned against assuming a correlation between these factors; power does not necessarily lead to more hard facts, nor does powerlessness to more humbug.

To illustrate the difficulty in measuring the 'hardness' of facts, Hemilä cited the common belief that consuming Vitamin C (ascorbic acid) prevents and treats colds. Despite this widespread belief, scientists are divided on the issue. The theory was first proposed by Jungeblut in 1939 and popularized by Nobel laureate Linus Pauling's 1970 book, *Vitamin C and the Common Cold*. Despite Pauling's theory, many medical professionals, including leading doctors in Finland like Jorma Järvisalo, Antti Aro, and Kirsti Parkkinen, do not accept Vitamin C's purported curative effects. Pauling hypothesized that a daily dose of one gram of ascorbic acid would alleviate cold symptoms. Hemilä reported that at least 18 clinical trials have confirmed that this dose shortens the duration of colds, and no study has shown it to prolong them. These findings, Hemilä argued, are statistically significant.

Hemilä presented a biochemical explanation for Vitamin C's effect on colds: its concentration decreases during illness, and supplemental doses accelerate the restoration of cellular metabolism to normal levels.

Based on clinical trials and biochemical models, Hemilä concluded that "Pauling was right after all," meaning Vitamin C alleviates cold symptoms. He considered this a "hard fact." However, as a skeptic, he did not recommend Vitamin C supplementation for everyone, stating, "Absoluteness is always bad."

Hemilä then provided another example of humbug: the "vitamin" B-17, also known as Laetrile, introduced in the 1920s. Its popularity peaked in the 1950s, but it still has proponents. He identified Ilkka Piiroinen, Matti Tolonen, and Toivo Rautavaara as its domestic gurus. Hemilä's assessment of Laetrile was grim: it is not a vitamin but a poison containing cyanide in significant doses, making B-17 life-threatening. It has been proven to have killed people.

Following Hemilä's presentation, medical professionals raised some doubts about Vitamin C's effectiveness. Veijo Saano requested more information on how Vitamin C shortens colds and the effects of different dosages, such as 6 grams versus half a gram. Hemilä defended Pauling's work, and the discussion remained unresolved for the layperson.

Effective Humbug

Tuire Lehtosalo recounted reading an advertisement in *Lääkärilehti* in 1976 seeking students for Dr. Pöntinen's acupuncture courses. Intrigued, she took the course for amusement and tried acupuncture on friends and relatives without believing it would have any real effect. To her surprise, it did. Her acquaintances praised it so highly that she attended further courses, and subsequently, Lehtosalo began offering acupuncture to her patients, with results described as "too good."

Lehtosalo admitted that she still does not believe in the Eastern theories behind acupuncture concerning the body's meridians and energies. She noted that needles do not necessarily need to be inserted at the precise points recommended by the theory; random needling yields similar results. Furthermore, the patient's belief in acupuncture's power does not seem to correlate with treatment success. Acupuncture's effectiveness has been found to be comparable to physiotherapy, helping about 70% of patients.

Lehtosalo considers it fortunate that acupuncture in Finland remained exclusive to doctors and did not spread to lay practitioners as it did in Sweden. In Sweden, amateur practitioners have reportedly caused hepatitis with their needles. Lehtosalo assessed that "acupuncture became humbug in Sweden."

The power of acupuncture is not considered limitless even in its country of origin, China. Lehtosalo stated that acupuncture is most effective for pain relief, but Chinese doctors never puncture the peritoneum without local anesthesia.

During Lehtosalo's presentation, the discussion fragmented into smaller groups due to refreshments. However, she managed to clarify one point: a survey indicated that ten percent of Finnish doctors terminate the doctor-patient relationship immediately if they learn the patient has visited an alternative therapist. Lehtosalo found this attitude shocking and irresponsible, contrary to medical ethics. She argued that demanding "scientific" and professional purity leads patients to hide their use of alternative therapies from their doctors. This secrecy can be fatal, especially in cancer treatment with chemotherapy, as some alternative cancer drugs act as antidotes to cytostatics.

In agreement with Lehtosalo's moral warning, the Skepsis board thanked the presenters and attendees of the medical panel. Skeptikko intends to keep its pages open for discussions on healing and medicine.

Press Review

A Quote on Humbug

The section begins with a quote from Aimo Kairamo in *Demari* (May 8, 1990): "It is not really the fault of politicians, nor even journalists, that people are fed so much humbug. It is ultimately the fault of the people. People are fed so much humbug because they agree to eat so much humbug. They will stop feeding humbug to people as soon as they stop eating humbug, not before."

The author suggests Kairamo's words could serve as a motto for Skeptikko magazine. Kairamo's article targeted the racism of the Smp party, the Center Party's wavering stance on nuclear power, and the Left Alliance's vague aspirations for societal change.

In politics, it is common to label opponents' ideas and intentions as humbug. Skeptikko, however, refrains from such practices, even when the subject matter warrants it. Instead, the magazine demonstrates considerable restraint when reporting on significant news from the press.

Flexible Secrecy

*Kauppalehti*'s weekly supplement *Optio* featured an article on March 29, 1990, about Verho-Yhtiöt, a company manufacturing arched steel cladding. The article's focus was not on the company's products but on a clever marketing stunt: Verho-Yhtiöt was using the famously psychic Uri Geller to promote its "SoftLine" plates and license sales. *Optio* reported that Geller is "known worldwide for his abilities," which include bending spoons and, allegedly, finding minerals and oil. The article wryly notes that spoon-bending remains Geller's primary activity, with mineral and oil finding being secondary.

Heikki Hovikoski, CEO of Verho-Yhtiöt, told the magazine that hiring Uri Geller initially seemed far-fetched due to his potential cost, as the company had less than a million marks available. Fortunately, a deal was reached, though the exact amount was not disclosed.

Hovikoski explained to *Optio*'s readers that Geller and Verho-Yhtiöt share a secret: "The thought construction is a secret, Uri Geller's metal-bending technique is not understood by anyone. Verho-Yhtiöt's patented steel plate bending method is also so secret that not even the company's own employees, except for the users of the SoftLine machine, have access to the manufacturing method."

The article suggests it's possible that a cynical or humorously inclined management is deceiving both Geller and the public. Heikki Hovikoski might have heard that Geller is a professional magician. The author reminds him and others that Geller's tricks have been explained in detail, for example, in James Randi's book *The Truth About Uri Geller* (1982) and in Marks and Kammann's work *The Psychology of the Psychic* (1980).

Perestroika's Dimensions

The magazine recounts a TASS news agency competition about a UFO landing in Voronezh. Unfortunately, the spacecraft and its robot occupants, which reportedly landed in the southern Russian city on the Don River, turned out to be the invention of a few children after closer examination. As usual, the news agency that transmitted the UFO story had great difficulty retracting it and admitting its error. An excellent summary of this event is featured in the current spring issue of *Skeptical Inquirer* (Paul Kurtz: Paranormal Pandemonium in the Soviet Union).

Just as the Voronezh UFO incident faded, more extraterrestrial encounters were reported in the Soviet Union. TASS reported in early April that a worker at the Semipalatinsk rural construction combine, S. D-ville, was struck by strange forces in the winter. A "square, luminous object" suddenly appeared, hovering motionless above the ground. The young man felt a strong, air-wave-like impact on his shoulder from behind, causing him to fall. Despite the cold, he felt hot.

Herra D-ville survived this unpleasant experience, which involved a broken collarbone, with only minor injuries. The incident was reported in *Kansan Uutiset* on April 6, 1990. This time, TASS avoided directly stating that the object was an unknown spacecraft. However, the *Kansan Uutiset* journalist understood the implication and headlined the story: "UFO attacked a person?" The author questions the use of the question mark, suggesting the term would be appropriate since the object that knocked D-ville down remained unidentified. The author speculates if *Kansan Uutiset* considered the possibility that the unidentified object was not airborne but ground-based, like a drunk driver, referring to it as an "Unidentified Drunken Object."

On May Day, TASS reported that UFOs and their occupants were being exhibited in a foreign bookshop on the outskirts of Moscow. The display included "stories and photographs of UFOs and their occupants observed around the world."

Paul Kurtz reported that CSICOP received numerous calls from American media outlets during the Voronezh UFO incident. Journalists asked, "If TASS reports this, isn't there some background to it?" Kurtz responded, "We haven't had a chance to investigate this story." When asked, "Do you believe TASS's other news stories?" the journalists replied, "Certainly not." They then asked, "Why believe this one before getting more confirmation?" The journalists explained, "Because these reports quote scientists, and they sound authentic."

A Small Relief for Soviet Scientists

At least in the United States, their reputation has not entirely vanished. The Soviet Communist Party's newspaper *Pravda* (Truth) reported on its front page in May that a "Russian sorcerers' association" believes the Soviet Union will soon receive help with its problems from beings orbiting the Earth in flying saucers. This was reported by *Helsingin Sanomat* in its "World People" section on May 22, 1990.

According to *Pravda*, the sorcerers' association spokesperson, Juri Tarasov, urged Soviet citizens to be patient and trust the government's plans for economic recovery. The sorcerers' association strongly distanced itself from faith healers and magicians, who have proliferated in Soviet media during Gorbachev's era.

During Easter (April 14, 1990), *Helsingin Sanomat* featured perhaps the most famous of these faith healers, Dzhuna Davitashvili. Journalist Anu Seppälä spent almost an entire night listening to this "witch's" stories in Moscow. She subtly described an exceptionally self-centered person who, according to her biography, descended from the sphinx-guarded tomb of Assyrian Queen Semiramis during a moment of clairvoyance and identified her own image and destiny in the relief carved on its surface.

Davitashvili's downfall apparently came from her association with Leonid Brezhnev as his faith healer, which led to her being labeled a sorceress of the stagnation era. In contrast, the TV mediums of the Glasnost era, Alan Tshumak and Anatoli Kashpirovski, are in a different league. Even a Moscow taxi driver laughs at Dzhuna.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

This issue of Skeptikko strongly emphasizes skepticism towards claims of alternative medicine and paranormal phenomena. The editorial stance is that of critical inquiry, demanding evidence and scientific validation for any assertions. The magazine highlights the commercialization of alternative therapies and the psychological reasons behind people's susceptibility to unsubstantiated claims. It advocates for evidence-based medicine and warns against the dangers of pseudoscience. The coverage of UFO reports and psychic abilities consistently seeks rational explanations, often exposing hoaxes or marketing ploys. The magazine aims to foster a more informed and critical public discourse on health, science, and the paranormal.

SKEPTIKKO 7, Spring 1990, is an issue of a Finnish skeptical magazine focused on critically examining pseudoscientific claims, New Age phenomena, and promoting scientific literacy. The magazine features articles that question the validity of astrological predictions, analyze the growing influence of New Age literature, and report on the activities of the Finnish skeptical organization, Skepsis ry.

Astrobiologiaa (Astrobiology)

This section critiques Iltalehti's weekly 'Viikon virekäyrät' (Weekly Vigor Charts), which provide astrological predictions for horoscopes. The article points out the low reliability of these predictions, citing an instance where all 12 horoscope charts indicated average vigor on a specific date. It questions the scientific basis of astrology, suggesting it is more akin to 'rajatiede' (fringe science) than rigorous calculation. The author also speculates on the cost of such content for the newspaper and contrasts it with the perceived ease of creating such predictions.

The article introduces Nils Mustelin's alternative prediction system called 'sporalogy,' which is based on the location of Helsinki trams at the time of birth. It humorously suggests that if Mustelin offered his services to Iltalehti, the newspaper might prefer the 'entertainment value' of astrology over tram-based predictions. The author also notes that the income from such services could help Skepsis ry acquire necessary equipment.

Kirjastoista kajahtaa (Echoes from Libraries)

This section criticizes the Finnish library system for its embrace of New Age phenomena, particularly highlighting an issue of the magazine 'Kirjasto' dedicated to this topic. The editor-in-chief of 'Kirjasto,' Helena Lönnroth, is quoted as criticizing established institutions like the state church and political parties. The article argues that 'Kirjasto' magazine promotes a view where science is seen as negative and dangerous, and that people are seeking hope and belief in 'New Age' ideas.

Several articles from 'Kirjasto' are discussed, including one by Philip Gaut and Bitte Nylund titled 'Miten niin, new age?' (What do you mean, New Age?), which suggests that science is losing its 'priestly' status. Another section features an interview with J.O. Mallander, described as a veteran of the Nature Protection League, who discusses his past involvement with various esoteric groups and his current views on reincarnation and Tibetan culture. The article also mentions the owners of the Era Nova bookstore in Helsinki, who stock a wide range of New Age and esoteric literature.

Riitta Myllylä's article in 'Kirjasto' is noted for its mild surprise at the prices of New Age products but encourages libraries to explore this material. The section concludes by mentioning an interview with Martti Tuomola, an alternative health representative, who advocates for a holistic view of medicine based on Rudolf Steiner's philosophy.

Seuraava lehti (Next Issue)

This section discusses the content of the next issue of Skeptikko, which will cover the lunar eclipse and a dowsing rod test. It also mentions that the magazine is seeking contributions from readers, including observations, clippings, and opinions.

Korjaus (Correction)

This brief section corrects a previous statement about the date of a lunar eclipse and a dowsing rod test, clarifying that the event occurred on February 9.2, not February 16.

Skepsis ry:n toimintakertomus vuodelta 1989 (Skepsis ry's Activity Report for 1989)

This extensive report details the activities of Skepsis ry during 1989. Key events included an international seminar on paranormal phenomena in October, which featured lectures on parapsychology, astrology, and hoaxes. The seminar also saw the launch of a 10,000 mark challenge for anyone who could demonstrate a paranormal phenomenon under controlled conditions, and the awarding of the first 'huuhaa' prize to WSOY for its pseudoscientific publications. The report notes that Skepsis ry's membership grew significantly, reaching 79 members by the end of the year.

The organization also organized a series of public lectures throughout the year, covering topics such as hypnosis, forest management, the location of the soul, Eastern philosophies, conspiracy theories, and the interpretation of ancient texts. The magazine 'Skeptikko' published four issues in 1988-1989, with a print run of 300 copies. Skepsis ry also published its first book, 'Paholaisen asianajaja' (The Devil's Advocate), which received positive reviews and was recognized as one of the year's best science books.

The report mentions the organization's participation in a meeting with James Randi, a well-known skeptic and magician, and their visit to a 'Hengen ja tiedon messut' (Spirit and Knowledge Fair) organized by various fringe science associations.

Haaste (Challenge)

Skepsis ry's 10,000 mark challenge for paranormal phenomena attracted several applicants. The report details the testing of one candidate's dowsing ability, which ultimately proved unsuccessful.

Huuhaa-palkinto (Hooey Award)

The first 'huuhaa' award was given to WSOY for publishing pseudoscientific literature that misled the public. Specific books cited include 'Terveen elämän salaisuudet' (Secrets of a Healthy Life), 'Astrologian käsikirja' (Astrology Handbook), and 'Numerologian alkeet' (Basics of Numerology).

Toimintasuunnitelma vuodelle 1990 (Activity Plan for 1990)

For 1990, Skepsis ry planned to continue publishing 'Skeptikko' magazine four times a year. They intended to seek funding for the magazine and aimed for continued membership growth. Plans were also made for a more structured lecture series, 'Studia Generalia' or 'Studia Sceptica,' at the University of Helsinki in spring 1991. A public event in autumn 1990 would introduce the newly formed scientific advisory board and present the year's 'huuhaa' award.

Tulevia tapahtumia (Upcoming Events)

This section lists upcoming events, including the CSICOP European conference in Brussels, a 'rajatieto' (fringe knowledge) summer trip organized by Ultra-lehti and Finncoming, and a total solar eclipse on July 22. It also mentions Skepsis's own trip to Brussels in August to report on the CSICOP conference and an upcoming visit by James Randi to Stockholm and possibly Finland.

Seuraava lehti (Next Issue)

The next issue of Skeptikko is scheduled for August-September. The editor is working on compiling material, including reader contributions like observations, clippings, and opinions. The section also includes a correction regarding the date of a previous event.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue of Skeptikko are the critical examination of pseudoscientific claims, the promotion of scientific skepticism, and the debunking of paranormal phenomena and New Age beliefs. The magazine's editorial stance is clearly in favor of scientific reasoning and evidence-based conclusions, actively challenging what it perceives as unfounded or misleading information circulating in society, particularly in popular media and libraries. There is a strong emphasis on educating the public about the importance of critical thinking and distinguishing between science and pseudoscience.

This document is page 31 of Skeptikko issue number 7, published in the spring of 1990. It contains information about the Finnish skepticism organization Skepsis, including a membership application form and details about the organization's purpose and principles.

Membership Application

The page provides a detailed application form for individuals wishing to join Skepsis. It requests information such as:

• Profession and academic degree
• Home address (Street address, Postal town)
• Phone number
• Workplace (Street address, Postal town)
• Phone number
• Experience related to Skepsis's field, possible publications on the subject, membership in other scientific societies, and specific areas of interest (with an option to use separate paper for more details).

Applicants must also confirm their acceptance of the Skepsis organization's rules and operating principles, as defined in the organization's statutes (referenced as being on the back cover of the magazine). The form concludes with fields for the Date and Signature.

About Skepsis Organization

The second page provides background on Skepsis, stating it was founded in 1987 as an association of Finnish skeptics. Its operating principles are similar to those of the American CSICOP (Committee for the Scientific Investigation of Claims of the Paranormal), although Skepsis operates entirely independently, albeit in cooperation with CSICOP and other similar organizations.

Skepsis's Objectives and Principles

The organization's statutes outline its purpose as:

• Promoting objective and unbiased scientific research into paranormal phenomena, without making prior assumptions about the validity of these claims.
• Maintaining a network of individuals interested in such research and fostering connections with similar communities domestically and internationally.
• Publishing articles and books that investigate paranormal claims, and compiling bibliographies of publications containing such claims.
• Organizing meetings and conferences related to the field, and engaging in educational and informational activities.

The organization explicitly states that it is politically, ideologically, and religiously unaffiliated.

Membership Criteria

The board of Skepsis has the authority to accept private individuals and legally capable organizations as members upon application, provided they accept the aforementioned principles of the organization.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

This issue strongly promotes the Skepsis organization and its mission. The editorial stance is clearly in favor of scientific skepticism and objective investigation of paranormal claims. The content serves as both an informational piece about the organization and a recruitment tool, encouraging readers to become members and participate in its activities. The emphasis on scientific methodology and unbiased research is a recurring theme.