11-skeptikko

Magazine Overview

Title: SKEPTIKKO
Issue: 11
Date: Spring 1991
Publisher: Skepsis
Country: Finland
Language: Finnish
ISSN: 0786-2571

This issue of Skeptikko, number 11, published in the spring of 1991, focuses on critical examinations of alternative medicine, particularly homeopathy, and its place within a scientific framework. The cover prominently asks, "Does homeopathy work?"

Editorial Board and Advisory Council

The magazine details the leadership and advisory bodies of Skepsis. The board includes Nils Mustelin (Chairman), Pekka Roponen (Editor-in-chief, Vice-chairman), Lauri Gröhn (Secretary), Markku Javanainen (Treasurer), and Ilkka Tuomi. The Scientific Advisory Board comprises numerous professors and docents, including S. Albert Kivinen (Chairman), Nils Edelman, Kari Enqvist, Harry Halén, Pertti Hemánus, Raimo Keskinen, Kirsti Lagerspetz, Raimo Lehti, Anto Leikola, Matti A. Miettinen, Ilkka Niiniluoto, Heikki Oja, Heikki Räisänen, Anssi Saura, Tytti Sutela, Raimo Tuomela, Yrjö Vasari, Johan von Wright, and Risto Vuorinen.

Information regarding membership, subscriptions, and general inquiries is directed to the secretary, Lauri Gröhn, with contact details provided. The editorial team for Skeptikko magazine consists of Editor-in-chief Pekka Roponen and other members Matti Virtanen and Nils Mustelin. Pekka Roponen's contact information is also listed.

Table of Contents

The issue's contents are as follows:

• Page 4: "Alternative Medicine" - Alternatives to What? by Pekka Roponen
• Page 7: Homeopathy Under the Scrutiny of Science: A Meta-analysis of 107 Controlled Trials by Veijo Saano
• Page 14: Theosophists and Atoms by Gustaf Mattsson
• Page 20: Press Review from Spring 1991 by Tommi Savolainen and Matti Virtanen
• Page 28: Discussion
• Page 32: Upcoming Events: Randi Again in Finland, European Skeptics Meeting, Predictions, Swedish Drops, Member Survey

The cover art is credited to Jussi Parikka. A note indicates that a short English abstract is provided at the end of each article. A disclaimer states that all published writings represent the authors' personal opinions and not the official stance of the editorial team, Skepsis, or CSICOP.

"Alternative Medicine" - Alternatives to What? by Pekka Roponen

Pekka Roponen's article critically examines the concept of "alternative medicine." He begins by recounting a tragic news report about a child's death due to parents seeking alternative treatments instead of conventional insulin for diabetes, highlighting the potential life-threatening consequences. Roponen suggests that the term "alternative medicine" is a marketing term with a positive connotation, implying it's a superior option, yet it claims to operate in the name of science. He proposes that "alternative healing art" or simply "alternative healing" might be more fitting terms.

Roponen argues that while conventional medicine is not without flaws, many issues stem from greed and laziness among practitioners. He criticizes the healthcare system, where doctors act as bureaucrats dispensing prescriptions, estimating that a third of prescribed medications are necessary, a third are unnecessary, and a third are harmful. He notes that patients often don't take their medications, which is fortunate.

The article touches upon the pursuit of power and money by medical professionals and the neglect of psychosomatic medicine, mentioning hypnotherapy as a potential treatment for physical ailments. He criticizes how psychoanalysts, in the past, may have hindered psychiatric development and how pharmaceutical interests have influenced medical research, citing the example of a campaign promoting benzodiazepines for panic disorder.

Roponen also discusses alternative cancer treatments, referencing a Der Spiegel article about expensive "biological" therapies offered by private clinics that provide support and warmth lacking in conventional hospitals. He mentions mistletoe extract showing potential effects on the immune system, though its application is not yet well understood.

He points out that scientific thinking is relatively new in the history of healing and that many conventional treatments may be fraudulent. Examples include the large sums spent on mechanical physical therapy and the promotion of psychoanalytic individual psychotherapy, which he claims has no proven benefits and may even be harmful, despite significant public funding.

Chiropractic and naprapathy are mentioned as seemingly attractive alternatives to physical therapy, but Roponen notes the lack of controlled studies to confirm their effectiveness. He references a study by Eysenck and Grossarth-Maticek suggesting cognitive psychotherapy has a positive effect on cancer prognosis, while psychoanalysis was associated with increased mortality.

Roponen concludes this section by emphasizing the importance of the mind's influence on bodily functions and how this is exploited commercially by alternative medicine practitioners, who often use the guise of "official" medicine while distributing vitamins, herbs, and homeopathic remedies.

Homeopathy Under the Scrutiny of Science: A Meta-analysis of 107 Controlled Trials by Veijo Saano

Veijo Saano's article delves into the scientific validity of homeopathy. According to homeopathic theory, a substance that causes symptoms in a healthy person can cure similar symptoms in a sick person. The treatment is considered more effective the more diluted the substance is. Diagnosis is made through questioning, and treatment is selected based on symptoms, patient preferences, temperament, and dreams. Homeopaths claim to be able to cure all diseases.

Saano finds the theoretical mechanisms of homeopathy difficult to believe. For instance, he questions why mercury, which causes tremors in mercury poisoning, would be a good remedy for Parkinson's disease, which also involves tremors, regardless of whether Parkinson's is caused by a mercury deficiency.

He also questions the concept of extreme dilution, or potentiation, used in homeopathy. He uses the analogy of Koskenkorva vodka being more potent than mild wine to illustrate the perceived absurdity of extreme dilution. While homeopathy is sometimes compared to vaccinations and allergy desensitization therapies, which use small doses of harmful substances to stimulate the immune system, Saano points out a key difference: homeopathy typically does not use the actual disease-causing agent as a remedy, although a form called isopatia exists but is rarely used.

Saano notes that despite skepticism from medical scientists, proponents of homeopathy claim it activates the body's healing powers. They even suggest that if a patient doesn't recover, the fault lies with the patient's healing capacity, not the homeopathic treatment.

The article then presents a meta-analysis of 107 controlled studies on homeopathy, published in the British Medical Journal (Kleijnen J. et al., 1991). The analysis aimed to assess the effectiveness of homeopathic treatments. Of the 107 studies, 81 indicated that homeopathic treatment was effective, while 24 showed no difference from placebo. However, the study's authors expressed concerns about the quality of the research. They found that most trials were of "very low quality" and that the overall methodological quality was disappointing.

Key issues raised by the meta-analysis include the difficulty in blinding studies, meaning that neither the patient nor the researcher could distinguish between the homeopathic product and a placebo. In only 31 of the studies was the placebo described as indistinguishable from the homeopathic product, and in none was the blinding's effectiveness confirmed. The quality of the homeopathic products themselves is also questioned, as it's difficult to verify the origin and preparation of the diluted substances. The article also discusses "publication bias," where positive results are more likely to be published than negative ones, potentially skewing the overall perception of homeopathy's effectiveness.

Saano concludes that while the meta-analysis reported a majority of positive findings, the methodological weaknesses and biases cast significant doubt on the reliability of these results. The article implies that the effectiveness of homeopathy, when rigorously tested, is not convincingly demonstrated beyond the placebo effect.

Theosophists and Atoms by Gustaf Mattsson

This section, by Gustaf Mattsson, appears to explore the intersection of theosophical beliefs with scientific concepts, specifically atoms. The content is not fully detailed in the provided OCR, but the title suggests a critical or analytical examination of how theosophy interprets or misinterprets atomic theory.

Press Review from Spring 1991 by Tommi Savolainen and Matti Virtanen

This section provides a summary of relevant news and articles from the spring of 1991. The specific topics covered are not detailed in the OCR, but it likely includes a review of media coverage related to skepticism, pseudoscience, and scientific issues.

Discussion and Upcoming Events

The issue includes a "Discussion" section and a list of "Upcoming Events." These events include "Randi Again in Finland," suggesting a return visit or event featuring the magician and skeptic James Randi. There is also mention of a "European Skeptics Meeting," indicating collaboration and discussion among European skeptical organizations. Other listed events are "Predictions," "Swedish Drops," and a "Member Survey."

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue of Skeptikko revolve around the critical evaluation of pseudoscientific claims, particularly in the realm of alternative medicine and homeopathy. The magazine adopts a strong skeptical stance, emphasizing the importance of scientific methodology, empirical evidence, and rigorous testing. The editorial stance is clearly in favor of evidence-based practices and critical thinking, challenging claims that lack scientific support. The articles highlight the potential dangers of unproven therapies and the need for consumers to be discerning. The issue also touches upon the broader societal implications of pseudoscience and the role of skeptical organizations in promoting scientific literacy.

This issue of Skeptikko, number 11 from Spring 1991, critically examines various topics, including homeopathy, theosophical 'occult chemistry,' and the use of psychological tests in employment.

Homeopathy: A Critical Look

The article "Homeopatia tulee, usko pois!" (Homeopathy is coming, believe it!) takes a skeptical stance on homeopathy. It notes that while homeopathy is not yet widely known in Finland, its promotion is underway, with over 400 homeopathic preparations registered as medicinal products. The author points out that products classified as medicinal are not required to prove efficacy, only a degree of harmlessness, which is easily achieved due to extreme dilutions (less than one part in a million).

The article cites a French government-commissioned study on the use of homeopathy for post-operative intestinal paralysis. Previous smaller studies had suggested it sped up intestinal recovery, but a more rigorous trial with four groups (two receiving homeopathic treatment, one placebo, one no treatment) found no difference in recovery times. It also mentions the Philadelphia homeopathic college founded in 1848, which reportedly stopped researching homeopathy after a hundred years due to a lack of evidence for its effectiveness.

In Finland, training for homeopaths is beginning through private institutions. The article suggests that homeopathic products are marketed effectively, appealing to consumers who already use 'natural remedies' for minor ailments. The author expresses concern that the Dutch meta-analysis results, which found no evidence of homeopathy's effectiveness, might be selectively used in marketing, with the caveats and conclusions of the study potentially overlooked.

The article concludes that while homeopathic preparations are generally harmless due to their extreme dilution, they cannot provide rapid relief for serious conditions. The author emphasizes that the principle of evidence-based medicine should apply: treatments should be considered ineffective until proven otherwise. The article also touches upon the diagnostic methods in homeopathy, where patients are interviewed extensively, and their beliefs are accepted, which can provide comfort but may obscure the actual causes of illness, a phenomenon termed 'medicalization.'

Occult Chemistry: The Theosophical Atomic Model

The article "Teosofeja ja atomeja" (Theosophists and Atoms) by Gustaf Mattsson, originally published in 1910, critically examines the concept of 'occult chemistry' as developed by Theosophists, particularly Annie Besant and C.W. Leadbeater. The authors claimed to have clairvoyantly observed the inner structure of atoms and elements.

In 1895, during a walk in Hampstead, London, Besant and Leadbeater reportedly described atomic structures in terms of glowing, intertwined snakes, chains, spheres, and balloon-like objects, which they identified as atoms of nitrogen, oxygen, and hydrogen. These observations were published in the Theosophical journal Lucifer.

Twelve years later, in 1907, Besant and Leadbeater continued their investigations, this time near Dresden, Germany. They described various atomic structures in detail, with Leadbeater focusing on smaller components ('sub-atoms') and Besant on the main parts. Their descriptions included analogies to Easter eggs, glass bowls with cigars, Maltese crosses, and cakes with okariinas.

Mattsson notes that the Theosophists attempted to lend scientific credibility to their claims by performing calculations based on their observed atomic structures, which they claimed corresponded to scientific atomic weights. However, Mattsson, a chemist, dismisses these claims as 'utter humbug,' pointing out inconsistencies, such as their failure to mention the radioactivity of potassium, which was discovered in 1907, a year after their supposed observations of radium atoms.

The article highlights the Theosophical belief in the 'sacred number seven' and its application to the states of matter, suggesting a mystical rather than scientific approach. Mattsson criticizes the Theosophists for presenting their unsubstantiated claims to the public without providing any verifiable evidence, while simultaneously retreating from scientific scrutiny when challenged.

Mattsson concludes that while the ethical and historical aspects of Theosophy might be respectable, its 'occult natural science,' particularly chemistry, appears less impressive, giving an impression of unreliability and arrogant ignorance. He challenges Besant and Leadbeater to perform a single qualitative chemical analysis based on their clairvoyant abilities.

Psychological Testing and Employment

The "Lehdistökatsaus keväältä 1991" (Press Review Spring 1991) section touches upon the use of psychological tests in job recruitment. It discusses the controversy surrounding the U-Man Finland company's personality tests, which were criticized by job applicants and the Finnish Psychological Association.

A disappointed job applicant who was rejected based on a U-Man test was told that providing detailed explanations would compromise the test's reliability. Psychologists from the Finnish Psychological Association argued that the dianeetics-based test did not measure job performance and called for a psychology law to prevent unqualified individuals from offering personality tests. Students also urged psychologists to reflect on the necessity of such tests in hiring.

The article mentions that Iltalehti reported U-Man's stance that job applicants try to deceive employers during recruitment.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

This issue of Skeptikko consistently adopts a critical and evidence-based approach to the topics it covers. The editorial stance is clearly skeptical of claims that lack scientific validation, particularly in the realms of alternative medicine (homeopathy) and pseudoscientific theories (occult chemistry). The magazine emphasizes the importance of rigorous scientific methodology, empirical evidence, and transparency in research and professional practice, as seen in its critique of psychological testing. The overall tone is one of promoting critical thinking and debunking unsubstantiated claims.

This issue of Skeptikko, number 11 from Spring 1991, is a Finnish-language publication focused on critical examination of paranormal phenomena, pseudoscience, and New Age beliefs. The magazine features a "Press Review" section in English, summarizing the collection of articles and letters from the Finnish press during the first four months of 1991, with key topics including Scientology's personality tests, anthroposophy, Steiner-schools, fringe medicine, and miracle healers.

Scientology and Personality Tests

The magazine critically analyzes the use of personality tests, particularly those associated with Scientology and the company U-Man Finland. Riitta Railo, a representative of U-Man Finland, is quoted as claiming their test provides "certain information behind the conscious or unconscious personality mask." However, consulting firms that conduct personality tests reportedly deny these claims. Tapio Ahokas, managing director of U-Man Finland, is quoted as saying that psychologists are worried about their future profits and are using any means to eliminate strong and expanding competition. The student newspaper (Ylioppilaslehti) described Scientology as a religion founded by L. Ron Hubbard in the 1950s based on Dianetics, with its roots in the 1870s New Thought movement in the USA. Theologian Harri Peltola explains that the New Thought movement believed that since a perfect God created humans, humans must also be perfect, and imperfections are illusions that the mind must correct to return to a divine state. Peltola also shared his experience in a Scientology study group, noting that disagreeing with a point meant one didn't understand it. The magazine "Hymy" also reported on U-Man, stating that its personality test is identical to those used in Dianetics centers and does not provide essential information about a person's ability to perform their job. Despite this, the city of Kouvola has used the U-Man test for selecting supervisors, with the personnel manager even praising it for significantly reducing interview time.

Ilta-Sanomat reported that the city of Espoo tested applicants for the position of head of urban planning using U-Man. City Manager Pekka Löyttyniemi stated that the questions were "not speculative." The article questions if Espoo is aiming for a "charlatan award" now that Vantaa has also received one.

The Influence of New Age

The New Age phenomenon received considerable media attention in early March, following a seminar in Helsinki on youth and new religions. Timo Vaskio, a missionary theologian at the Church's Missionary Center, stated that the church has not yet adequately responded to the New Age challenge. The Missionary Center is considering establishing a helpline to provide information on new religions and the church's stance on them. Paula Saukko's review in Pohjolan Työ, Kouvolan Sanomat, and Viikko-Eteenpäin examined New Age, with Harri Heino suggesting that people are disappointed with the ability of science, technology, and traditional politics to solve problems. Juhani Heikkinen, a trainer in Transcendental Meditation (TM), has introduced TM to over 4,000 Finns, claiming that two 15-20 minute meditation sessions daily reduce the need for sleep, eliminate stress, cure heart conditions, tumors, and psychological illnesses, and improve learning ability and creativity. The article notes that even the Pope has recommended meditation. The magazine "Kauneus ja Terveys" reported on an "aivokone" (brain machine) tested at the Osho meditation club in Helsinki, which uses pulsating sounds and flashing lights to induce relaxation. The manufacturers claim that one hour of this treatment is equivalent to a Hawaiian vacation. The "brain machine" is popular in the US, where socialites use it for "mind workouts." The article also mentions Patrick Le Louarn's report from France, stating that ten million people regularly use fortune-tellers, with astrologers being the most popular, followed by general knowledge advisors, palm readers, and numerologists.

Miracle Healing and Skepticism

The issue discusses instances of "miraculous healings." Matti A. Miettinen's dissertation, published as "Sinä paranet - nyt!" (You will be healed - now!), is mentioned. Miettinen observes that no one has been verifiably healed of an organic illness at Niilo Ylivainio's meetings. Journalist Kaj Aalto, author of "Nouse ja käy" (Rise and walk), finds it suspicious that no miracle healings are found, suggesting that perhaps supernatural healing can be explained naturally. Terveys 2000 magazine featured an article titled "A natural explanation for miracle healings," where Miettinen attributes the popularity of healers to probability, stating that most cases fit the norm, but exceptions occur, and for believers, even a lottery win can be an answer to prayer.

Oskar Reponen, a veteran of para-entertainment, wrote about Marja-Leena Ahonen, a Helsinki-based hand healer, whom he sought out as a healer whom medical science would believe. He claims doctors are amazed by her abilities. In October 1989, Ahonen opened a clinic. She states she transfers her "life energy" to patients through her hands, and if the patient has sufficient receptivity, they can recover from any illness, including diabetes, epilepsy, cancer, and gallstones. Ahonen hopes her abilities will be scientifically studied.

Aamulehti reported on Urpo Pollarinen, a folk healer from Viitasaari, who primarily treats back pain and other aches by pressing and using "bloodless cupping." His fingers are said to emit "electric shocks." The magazine also mentions Lin Juajun from Sichuan, China, who allegedly can withstand 650-volt electric shocks without pain, light lamps using his body as a conductor, and even fry eggs and fish with his bare hands. The article notes that such "electric people" have been known before and are associated with "high-voltage syndrome," possibly related to psychokinetic abilities. It draws a parallel to a Finnish folk tale about a mighty farmer named Tarvainen.

Se-lehti featured Seppo Juntunen, a well-known Finnish miracle healer. Journalist Harry Sarpamo tried to get healed individuals to share their experiences but found no one willing to reveal their names or be photographed, fearing possession if they spoke to the wrong person.

Terttu Oksanen, a spiritual healer and painting medium from Lapland, is featured for her remote healing abilities. Matthew Manning is mentioned for demonstrating his abilities in Turku, where an audience reportedly felt intense heat when he treated a woman with back pain. The article questions if this is related to "high-voltage syndrome."

Physiotherapist Nebil al-Marayati, originally from Iraq and living in Nokia, has combined Chinese "medicine" and physiotherapy into his "acuphysi" method, which posits 12 energy channels in the body and claims that imbalances lead to illness.

Astrology Debate

A significant portion of the magazine is dedicated to a debate about astrology, specifically a response by Kyösti Tarvainen, docent and chairman of the Finnish Astrological Society, to an article by Nils Mustelin. Tarvainen accuses Mustelin of misinterpreting and taking quotes out of context regarding researchers Geoffrey Dean, Michel Gauquelin, and Hans J. Eysenck. Tarvainen argues that Mustelin incorrectly stated that these researchers had shown astrological claims to be unfounded. He claims that Dean's research, while showing statistically significant results, did not find them practically useful for interpreting astrological charts. Tarvainen also defends Gauquelin's Mars effect research, stating that many researchers, including skeptics, have confirmed the phenomenon. He notes that Gauquelin's work also identified connections between Jupiter and politicians, and Saturn and scientists. Tarvainen further corrects Mustelin's interpretation of Eysenck and Nias's book "Astrology: Science or Superstition," stating that their conclusion was not a complete dismissal of astrology but rather a nuanced "yes and no, but mostly no" regarding astrological claims. Tarvainen emphasizes that human nature cannot be fully understood through quantitative statistical methods alone and that studying astrological charts is necessary for a deeper understanding. He also provides contact information for the Finnish Astrological Society for those seeking more information.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue of Skeptikko are skepticism towards pseudoscientific claims, critical analysis of New Age phenomena, and the examination of purported paranormal abilities such as miracle healing and astrology. The magazine consistently adopts a critical and evidence-based stance, questioning the validity of unsubstantiated claims and promoting scientific inquiry. The editorial stance is clearly in favor of rationalism and against the uncritical acceptance of beliefs that lack empirical support. The "Press Review" section, in particular, highlights the broad range of pseudoscientific topics covered by the Finnish press, underscoring the magazine's role in providing a counterpoint to such coverage.

Title: SKEPTIKKO
Issue: 11
Date: Spring 1991
Publisher: Skepsis ry
Country: Finland
Language: Finnish

This issue of Skeptikko, the magazine of the Finnish skeptical association Skepsis ry, features a critical response to astrological claims, news about upcoming events, and discussions on various pseudoscientific topics.

Mustelin Responds to Tarvainen

The lead article, "Mustelin Responds to Tarvainen," critiques Tarvainen's defense of astrology. Nils Mustelin, chairman of Skepsis, argues that Tarvainen gives too much weight to Gauquelin's controversial Mars effect while dismissing criticisms of traditional astrological doctrines as merely "part of the traditional astrological heritage that has so far received confirmation in research." Mustelin points out that Tarvainen ignores the cognitive processes that seemingly make astrology 'work,' as highlighted by researchers Dean and Eysenck. He suggests that Tarvainen's approach relies on the student being unaware of the selective nature of their own information gathering. The article also notes that professional astrologer Sven Stenberg has emphasized the occult nature of astrology, and Tarvainen himself admits that modern astrology has been influenced by theosophy, a movement from the past century known for its occultism.

Upcoming Events

Randi in Finland Again: The American magician, author, and speaker James Randi will visit Finland this month. He will participate in an international health education conference in Helsinki and give two lectures at Skepsis's events. The lecture topic is "The Search for Miracles." The lectures are scheduled for Monday, June 17, or Tuesday, June 18, 1991, from 6-8 PM in the Porthania lecture hall (P II) at the University of Helsinki. Skepsis members can attend for free with their membership card from the current or previous year; others will pay a 20 mark entrance fee to cover costs.

European Skeptics Meeting: As previously announced, European skeptics will gather for a joint meeting in Amsterdam, Netherlands, on October 4-5, 1991. The meeting will cover topics such as dowsing and earth radiation research, the status of alternative medicine in various countries' legislation, and other practical themes. While the deadline for speakers has passed, interested individuals are encouraged to attend as listeners. Inquiries should be directed to the organizer, the Dutch Skeptics Foundation, with contact person Dr. J.W. Nienhuys.

The meeting will be held at the Park Hotel in the Rembrandt room, near Amsterdam's city center and the Rijksmuseum. The conference fee is 75 guilders (approximately 150 marks). Accommodation at the Park Hotel costs 187 guilders per night for a single room and 248 guilders for a double room. Cheaper accommodation options may be available in Amsterdam but require personal investigation.

Predictions

Esko Jalkanen, a well-known dowser, wrote to Skepsis chairman Nils Mustelin in early April, correcting Mustelin's statements about the impossibility of knowing future events. Jalkanen made a short-term geopolitical prediction: he stated that a nuclear war was expected to break out in Iraq around mid-April, with Saddam Hussein launching missiles at Israel and US bases, causing devastating consequences, and Israel retaliating with a dozen atomic bombs. Jalkanen wisely prepared for the possibility of his prediction not coming true, stating that if nothing happens, his view would be "just one 'hocus-pocus' prediction," and in such a case, a skeptic would be genuinely happy that the prediction did not materialize.

Some modern astrologers claim their field has evolved beyond ancient divination and is now part of psychology. However, not all have abandoned prediction. Sven Stenberg, a prominent Finnish professional astrologer, gave an interview to Tele-lehti, stating that he can see the future. Stenberg now provides weekly horoscopes via a 9700 service number, which he describes as "professional work."

Stenberg also made a prediction for Tele-lehti readers: he stated that Finland would devalue its currency in July. Readers are advised to monitor the mark's value.

Swedenbitter

The magazine presents a recipe for "Swedenbitter" (Schwedenbitter, Schwedentropfen, Schwedenkräuter), a herbal remedy. The recipe is accompanied by a seven-page testimonial claiming it is a miracle cure for various ailments, including cancer and heart disease, and can even sober up drunks with two tablespoons. The usage guide states that Swedenbitter can cure virtually any illness and is the basis for all treatment. The ingredients include aloe (or wormwood), myrrh, saffron, senna leaves, natural camphor, rhubarb root, veratrum root, manna, Theriac Venetian, and meadowsweet. The preparation involves steeping the herbs in alcohol (38-40% grain or fruit spirit) for 14 days in the sun or a warm place, shaking daily, and then filtering. The liquid is said to remain effective for many years and become even more potent over time.

Membership Survey

Skepsis ry is celebrating its fifth anniversary next spring and is conducting a survey among its members, Skeptikko subscribers, and other readers to improve the magazine and the association's activities. The results will be summarized and published in the next issue of Skeptikko. The survey asks for personal information (optional), details about membership and readership, and opinions on various aspects of Skepsis, including its activities, desired future events, preferred speakers, and suggestions for improving the Skeptikko magazine. It also inquires about willingness to volunteer and the association's public stance on pseudoscientific phenomena. Finally, it asks for nominations for the "hocus-pocus award" of 1991. Responses should be sent to the association's secretary, Lauri Gröhn.

Membership Application

For those wishing to join Skepsis, a membership application form is provided. It requests personal details, professional information, and a description of relevant experience or interests. Applicants must agree to the association's principles and objectives.

Skepsis Association Information

Skepsis was founded in 1987 as a Finnish association of skeptics. Its operating principles are similar to those of the American CSICOP (Committee for the Scientific Investigation of Claims of the Paranormal), but it operates independently, though in cooperation with CSICOP and other similar organizations. The association's statutes outline its purpose: to promote objective and unbiased scientific research into paranormal claims without taking a priori stances on their validity. It aims to maintain a network of interested individuals, publish articles and books on paranormal claims, create bibliographies, and organize meetings and conferences. The association is politically, ideologically, and religiously unaffiliated. The board can accept individuals and legal entities as members who accept the association's principles.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue of Skeptikko revolve around skepticism towards pseudoscientific claims, particularly astrology and alternative medicine. The magazine actively promotes critical thinking and scientific investigation. The editorial stance is clearly in favor of evidence-based reasoning and challenges claims that lack empirical support. The critique of astrology, the skepticism towards the claims of 'Swedenbitter,' and the promotion of James Randi's work all underscore the magazine's commitment to debunking pseudoscience and advocating for a rational worldview.