1993-4-skeptikko

Magazine Overview

Title: SKEPTIKKO
Issue: 19
Volume: 4/93
Date: December 20, 1993
Publisher: Skepsis ry
Country: Finland
Language: Finnish
ISSN: 0786-2571

This issue of Skeptikko magazine, number 19 from 1993, features a prominent cover with a portrait of a man and headlines in Finnish. The main topics highlighted are the "Huuhaa-palkinto" (Nonsense Award) being given to Oulu's Tietomaa science center, a visit by James Randi to Finland, an article on "laser-purified water," and a discussion on the necessity of skeptics.

Huuhaa-palkinto Awarded to Tietomaa

The lead article details Skepsis ry's decision to award the "Huuhaa-palkinto" to the Tietomaa science center in Oulu. The award is given for Tietomaa's UFO-promoting exhibition and its misleading marketing. Skepsis chairman Lauri Gröhn explains that while freedom of speech allows for various opinions, the public also has a right to accurate information. He criticizes Tietomaa for presenting UFOs as alien spacecraft without acknowledging the lack of scientific evidence and for promoting materials from fringe groups like "Ultra" and "Ufo-fakta" at the science center's ticket sales.

Gröhn notes that the exhibition, while aiming to be informative, instead propagated UFO cultism. He points out that the exhibition's promotional material promised to answer questions about humanoids and aliens and present the scientific view on UFOs, but failed to deliver. Instead, it featured books and reports supporting UFO beliefs, including those by individuals like Juhan af Grann and Tapani Kuningas, whom Gröhn identifies as UFO proponents. The exhibition also included a section on Russian UFO research, which James Randi, in an interview, described as being decades behind Western research in its methodology.

Despite initial concerns, Tietomaa's director, Heikki Kähärä, stated that the exhibition was intended to be a three-year project and would be expanded to include other fringe topics like astrology and parapsychology in the future. Skepsis argues that this approach misuses public funds and misleads the public by presenting pseudoscience as fact.

Skepsis has awarded the Huuhaa-palkinto four times previously, with past recipients including the Finnish Scientology Association and a municipal adult education center for teaching astrology and graphology.

Potential Huuhaa-palkinto Candidates

This section explores other potential candidates for the Huuhaa-palkinto, highlighting various pseudoscientific practices:

• Alternative Cancer Treatment: An article discusses a case where a patient with lymph node cancer was allegedly treated with homeopathy after conventional chemotherapy. The case, presented on a TV show, suggested homeopathy's effectiveness, but the article implies the patient's improvement might have been due to conventional treatment or natural remission.
• Anthroposophical Magic: An exhibition on biodynamic farming is criticized for linking it to anthroposophy and astrology. The article questions the scientific basis of biodynamic preparations and their alleged ability to convey "living forces" to plants.
• Radio Call-in Shows: The magazine criticizes radio programs that feature unsubstantiated claims, such as a caller discussing a "georesonance meter" developed in a university thesis. The article argues that such programs spread misinformation without proper journalistic scrutiny.

Eurosceptics in Britain

Veijo Saano reports on the fifth European Skeptics Conference held in Keele, Staffordshire, UK. The conference, part of a larger science festival, brought together skeptics from various European countries. Saano notes the friendly nature of British skeptics and the ease of making contacts.

• The Case of Morris Cerullo: Dr. Peter May presented research on Morris Cerullo, a faith healer claiming to have performed thousands of miracles. May's investigation found no evidence of genuine miraculous healings, with many cases attributed to natural remission, conventional treatments, or misinterpretations of medical conditions like lazy eye.
• Homeopathy and Nature: Professor John Maddox, editor of the journal Nature, discussed his encounter with homeopathy when his wife was treated by a homeopath for diabetes. He also mentioned the controversial Benveniste experiment, which claimed to show "water memory," but which failed to be replicated under controlled conditions.
• Electroacupuncture and Other "Huuhaa" Treatments: Jan Willem Nienhuys presented research on electroacupuncture, a form of alternative medicine popular in Central Europe, often used for diagnosis and treatment. Professor Wim Betz discussed the popularity of alternative therapies for ailments like headaches and stress, noting that while conventional medicine may have limited options for these, alternative treatments often lack scientific backing.

The Nature of "Huuhaa" Therapies

Psychologist Michael Heap discussed the dynamics between therapists and clients, emphasizing the therapist's need for validation and the client's desire for authority. He warned that pseudoscientific methods are often used to bolster a therapist's perceived expertise.

Caroline Richmond presented a study on a homeopathic pollen solution that showed measurable effects on hay fever. However, the study was criticized for its methodology and deviation from standard homeopathic practices.

Thurston Brew, an oncologist, advocated for the term "mainstream medicine" over "orthodox medicine," highlighting the rapid progress of modern medicine in contrast to the static nature of many alternative therapies.

Alternative Medicine in Finland

The article "Alternative Medicine in Finland" explores the rise of alternative medicine in the country. It suggests that the growth is not solely due to increased superstition but is also a result of well-planned business strategies and effective marketing that exploit people's desire for miracles and supernatural cures. The natural products industry is identified as a key pillar of alternative medicine, with significant annual turnover.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

This issue of Skeptikko strongly advocates for scientific skepticism and critical thinking. It consistently challenges pseudoscientific claims, particularly those related to UFOs, alternative medicine, and paranormal phenomena. The magazine emphasizes the importance of evidence-based reasoning and criticizes institutions and media for promoting unsubstantiated beliefs. The editorial stance is clear: to promote scientific literacy and to expose what it considers to be fraudulent or misleading practices masquerading as science or healing.

This issue of "Skeptikko" (4/93) delves into various aspects of pseudoscience, alternative medicine, and the psychology of belief, with a strong emphasis on critical thinking and debunking fraudulent claims. The magazine features a collection of talks and discussions from a skeptical conference, highlighting international perspectives on these topics.

Key Articles and Discussions

Belief in the Supernatural: Philosophy and Psychology

Professor Morris's presentation focused on psychology, hoaxes, and belief, introducing the "Barnum effect" as a key factor in the acceptance of supernatural claims. Magician Massimo Polidoro from Italy shared his experiences exposing hoaxes, including demonstrations of "Uri Geller"-like abilities and debunking claims of possession and psychic powers. Psychologist Susan Blackmore discussed Near-Death Experiences (NDEs) and Out-of-Body Experiences (OBEs), proposing that these phenomena are rooted in normal brain function rather than supernatural events. Doctor John Gillies addressed the rise of Multiple Personality Disorder (MPD), cautioning against its overuse as a "fashionable diagnosis" that can lead to false accusations of abuse. Doctor Chris French presented research on "sheep" (gullible individuals) and their tendency to process information less logically, drawing premature conclusions from ambiguous data.

Concern About Anti-Science

Paul Kurtz spoke about the growing anti-science sentiment, linking it to the popularity of pseudosciences and the perception that science is just one belief system among many. He noted that science is often associated with negative concepts like nuclear threats and genetic engineering, while alternative beliefs like fundamentalism and New Age are presented as counterpoints. Kurtz emphasized the difficulty in combating anti-science, citing low scientific literacy in the US and suggesting that science communication should focus on positive aspects and address fundamental questions about life.

Pseudoscience and Antiscience in Jurassic Park

Mike Howgaten's presentation, "Pseudoscience and Antiscience in Jurassic Park," offered a humorous critique of the film's scientific inaccuracies and its underlying anti-science themes.

Homeopathy Research

David Taylor-Reilly discussed his research on homeopathic D30 pollen dilution for hay fever. He highlighted the challenges in publishing his findings, as many scientific journals rejected the report due to his homeopathic affiliation and potential patient selection bias. The study was eventually published in The Lancet.

Beetles, Social Work, and Healing with Scents

Doctor John Lord humorously examined two paranormal claims attributed to C.G. Jung (Scarab beetles and exploding bookcases), concluding that they could be explained by natural phenomena. Social worker Eileen Gambrill discussed the prevalence of unscientific beliefs among mental health professionals, particularly regarding faith healing, and identified several barriers to critical thinking, including rigid educational systems, misunderstandings of skepticism, and fear of failure.

Aromatherapy Under Scrutiny

David Stretch, a British psychologist and mathematician, investigated aromatherapy and found a scarcity of scientific research supporting its claims. He noted that many aromatherapists dismiss scientific evidence. Stretch critically analyzed a widely cited aromatherapy study, exposing numerous errors and misrepresentations, including falsely labeling it a double-blind experiment.

Crop Circles and Ufology

Doctor Robin Allen discussed the phenomenon of crop circles, explaining that they are human-made and debunking extraterrestrial explanations. He noted that the study of crop circles, termed "cereology," was often pursued by those who believed in the paranormal, and that landowners were beginning to charge admission fees due to the influx of curious visitors.

Future Skeptics' Meetings

The article mentions plans for future Euroskeptic meetings in Brussels, Belgium, and potentially Germany, with a major "world congress" planned for the US in 1996 to celebrate the 20th anniversary of American skeptics.

Skepticism vs. Alternative Medicine: A Conversation with Wim Betz

Veijo Saano interviewed Professor Willem (Wim) Betz, a Belgian skeptical activist, about the challenges of promoting skepticism and countering alternative medicine. Betz suggested that skeptical organizations should assign specific spokespersons for different topics to provide media with expert commentary. He also highlighted the ongoing "money talks" aspect of skepticism, referencing a million-franc reward for proof of ESP in Belgium. Betz noted that while some alternative treatments are presented as harmless, others can be dangerous, citing a case where a girl died from starvation during an attempted exorcism and another where ozone therapy led to fatal blood clots.

Regulating Alternative Medicine Advertising

Betz explained that in Belgium and the US, making unproven health claims in advertising is prohibited. He contrasted this with Finland, where direct marketing of natural products often includes unsubstantiated health claims and patient testimonials. The high expenditure on alternative treatments in Belgium (10 billion francs annually) was highlighted as a significant concern.

Anthroposophy in Belgium

The article discusses the status of anthroposophical and homeopathic preparations in Belgium, noting that while Steiner schools have lost popularity, anthroposophical "medicines" remain a contentious issue. The EU's new drug directives are pushing for these products to meet safety and efficacy standards, which anthroposophists resist, particularly for preparations stronger than D4 (1:10000 dilution). Concerns were raised about the presence of known toxins in these preparations.

The "Skeptic's Challenge"

A prominent feature is the "Skeptic's Challenge," offering 10,000 Finnish marks to anyone who can produce a paranormal phenomenon under controlled conditions.

James Randi on Russian Charlatanism and the Need for Better Science Education

James Randi, a renowned investigator of paranormal phenomena, expressed strong criticism of Russian paranormal researchers, labeling them "pathetic amateurs." He described his experiences in Russia, where he found fraudulent claims and a lack of rigorous testing. Randi argued that the prevalence of unproven and often harmful alternative treatments in Russia is driven by a lack of access to proper medical care. He also advocated for a fundamental reform of science education in the West, emphasizing the importance of teaching logical thinking, critical evaluation, and understanding the scientific method from an early age.

"The Devil's Advocate, a Guide for Skeptics"

This section reviews the book "Paholaisen asianajaja" (The Devil's Advocate), published by Ursa, which critically examines pseudoscientific topics in Finnish. The book is described as the only Finnish work of its kind, analyzing astrology, earth radiation, UFOs, miracle cures, and poltergeists.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue of Skeptikko revolve around the critical examination of pseudoscientific claims, the promotion of scientific literacy, and the debunking of hoaxes and fraudulent practices, particularly in the realm of alternative medicine and paranormal phenomena. The magazine's stance is clearly pro-science and skeptical, advocating for evidence-based reasoning and a cautious approach to extraordinary claims. The editorial also touches upon the importance of media responsibility in reporting on such topics and the need for active engagement by skeptics in public discourse.

This issue of Skeptikko, titled "Laserpuhdasta vettä" (Laser-pure water) and authored by Matti Jokinen, delves into various pseudoscientific claims and the role of skepticism in evaluating them. The cover story focuses on dentist Heikki Tammisalo's controversial methods of purifying water using lasers, a topic that had received significant, and in the magazine's view, uncritical, media attention.

Laser Water Purification: Tammisalo's Claims and Skeptical Analysis

The article begins by detailing the media's coverage of Heikki Tammisalo's laser water purification technique, noting its appearance in newspapers, radio, and television. Tammisalo's theory posits that healthy water possesses a 'memory' due to the organized structure of its molecules, forming 'molecular chains' or 'crystalline structures.' He claims that pollutants disrupt this structure, and his laser method aims to restore it, thereby purifying the water and even imbuing it with beneficial information. This concept of 'water memory' is contrasted with the scientific understanding that liquids lack permanent structures for information storage and that water molecule bonds are transient.

The article mentions that Tammisalo had used lasers in his practice and later began experimenting on his home lake, believing it would have a positive effect on the 'living system' of the lake. He developed a theoretical explanation for his method, suggesting that laser treatment can improve the organization of water molecules, 'restore water's memory,' and replace harmful information with beneficial data, akin to updating a computer program.

Experimental Evidence and Media Coverage

Despite the media's portrayal, the article highlights the lack of rigorous scientific evidence. A pilot project in Lahti, supported by the city, monitored cyanobacteria levels in six lakes, four of which were treated with lasers. While the algae levels were generally low during the experiment, the study's design did not allow for statistically isolating the laser's effect from other factors. The environmental office admitted the experiment did not meet scientific research criteria, though a report characterized the laser technique as promising.

A controlled experiment at the Suomenoja wastewater treatment plant, initiated by the Ministry of the Environment, tested Tammisalo's method on treated wastewater. Measurements of ammonium, nitrate, total nitrogen, and pH showed no purification effect.

The article also touches upon the broader context of alternative medicine, noting the belief in lasers having positive effects on living tissues, such as faster wound healing and pain relief. Tammisalo's approach is framed within this alternative sphere.

Scientific Counterarguments and Alternative Theories

Physicists' views are presented, stating that permanent structures for information storage do not exist in liquids. The article cites Dr. Jaakko Kajamaa, who challenges modern physics and proposes a model based on classical mechanics, suggesting that water molecules form 'waveguides' with standing waves, creating stable structures. Professor Cyril Smith is also mentioned, whose research focuses on the biological effects of electromagnetic radiation. Smith suggests that some individuals are hypersensitive to electromagnetic fields and that water can 'record' these vibrations, influencing sensitive individuals. He proposes that organized areas in water, about 100 micrometers in size, are 'superconductive' and communicate via the Josephson effect, though the article dismisses this by noting that such structures would refract light, making water opaque.

Smith's theories are presented as explanations for phenomena ranging from homeopathy to ghosts, attributing the latter to 'memory traces' in water.

International Examples and Questionable Claims

Tammisalo reportedly mentioned projects in Alma Ata, Kazakhstan, where wastewater is purified with lasers, and where fields are supposedly fertilized with lasers to grow wheat without significant fertilization. He also suggested laser treatment for forests. The article questions how plants would obtain nutrients without fertilization and references researcher Louis Kervran, who claimed plants could transmute elements, and who received an anti-Nobel prize for suggesting that the calcium in eggshells is produced by cold fusion.

The Role and Importance of Skepticism

The magazine then shifts focus to a panel discussion organized by Skepsis, exploring the definition and necessity of skepticism. Lauri Gröhn, chairman of Skepsis, emphasized that skepticism's original goal was the critical investigation of paranormal phenomena, citing the debate between Charles Honorton and Ray Hyman as an example of how skepticism can force a re-evaluation of experimental designs.

Gröhn also defined skepticism as consumer education, warning that not everything presented under the guise of science is actually science. He stressed the importance of informing the public that pseudoscientific claims lack scientific evidence. Professor Nils Mustelin added that skeptics should also examine the psychological factors driving belief in the supernatural, noting the widespread appeal of astrology despite a lack of evidence.

The Impact of Belief and Media Criticism

Hannu Karttunen, editor-in-chief of Skeptikko, discussed the difficulty in distinguishing between harmless and harmful beliefs, suggesting that pseudoscientific beliefs often foster an irrational atmosphere. Veli Toukomies, secretary of Skepsis, expressed concern about quackery in alternative therapies, citing a tragic case of a child's death.

The panel also criticized the media for systematically omitting critical perspectives from their reporting on paranormal phenomena. It was suggested that journalists might lack sufficient understanding of these topics or even believe in them themselves. Gröhn encouraged skeptics to be more proactive in engaging with the media.

Humor and Positive Outlook

Despite facing criticism, often labeled as 'rag dogs of fringe science,' the panelists expressed a positive outlook. Mustelin embraced the label, seeing it as a sign that skeptics are a disruptive force to those who wish to believe blindly. He also humorously recounted being called 'mustelinit' by an Ultra-magazine columnist, a term derived from his name.

Nils Mustelin also shared his invention, 'sporology,' a humorous take on astrology, suggesting that tram schedules could be used for predictions just as effectively as star charts.

Other Topics and Features

The issue also includes a brief report on the "Hengen ja tiedon messut" (Spirit and Knowledge Fair), which featured various pseudoscientific offerings like astrology, dowsing rods, and Scientology, but notably lacked representatives from alternative medicine. A piece on 'firewalking' debunks the mystical claims by explaining it as a simple physics phenomenon related to the low thermal conductivity and heat capacity of embers.

There are also short news items ('LYHYESTI') covering the passage of a controversial drug law in Finland, which classifies homeopathic and anthroposophic products as medicines, and an update on Skepsis's scientific advisory board.

Finally, the magazine includes a comprehensive list of articles published in Skeptikko from its inception up to issue 19, categorized by issue number and topic, along with a 'Skeptikko's Question Pack' that poses critical questions about various pseudoscientific beliefs and practices.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue are the critical examination of pseudoscientific claims, particularly those related to alternative medicine and paranormal phenomena, and the importance of scientific literacy and critical thinking. The editorial stance is clearly skeptical, aiming to debunk unsubstantiated claims, educate the public, and challenge uncritical media reporting. The magazine advocates for evidence-based reasoning and highlights the psychological and social factors that contribute to the persistence of pseudoscientific beliefs.

Skeptikon joulusatu: Vaarallista peliä (A Skeptic's Christmas Tale: A Dangerous Game)

This issue of Skeptikko, dated 4/93, presents a critical examination of paranormal claims, focusing on a detailed account of a hypnotic regression, discussions on the Urantia Book, and the broader landscape of skepticism in Finland.

Hypnotic Regression: The Blackley Case

The central narrative revolves around a case involving Mr. Blackley, who, after a mysterious Friday night disappearance, underwent a hypnotic regression session facilitated by Mr. Skinhop and later Dr. Clamin. The initial session with Mr. Skinhop, who consulted the author, revealed that Blackley had returned home late, unable to account for his time. Blackley's wife contacted Skinhop, requesting a hypnotic session to uncover what happened. During the session, Blackley described driving on a side road, his car stalling, and then encountering a bright, disc-shaped object that descended upon him. He was taken aboard the craft, described as a round room with glowing walls, and encountered three small beings with large, black, slanted eyes. These beings, described as having seven-fingered hands, communicated telepathically and subjected Blackley to painful examinations, taking tissue samples. They claimed to be performing genetic 'breeding' to improve humanity. Blackley's account includes a disturbing detail where the beings seemed confused about the concept of a male being unable to become pregnant, indicating a potential lack of understanding of human biology. The session concluded with Blackley being told that these experiments were just the beginning.

Following this, Dr. Clamin conducted further sessions. In one, Blackley described being levitated and entering the alien craft. The aliens' intention was to study him, and they inflicted pain with needles, taking tissue samples. They were confused by the concept of male pregnancy, and Blackley's attempts to explain were met with incomprehension. The beings' goal was described as 'breeding' to improve humanity. The session ended with Blackley being told that these experiments were just the beginning.

Tragically, after Dr. Clamin's first session, Mr. Blackley jumped from his office window and died. The author of the article, a hypnotist, expresses concern about the dangers of suggestion in hypnosis, where a patient might internalize a suggested experience as reality. He emphasizes the need for post-hypnotic suggestions to erase such experiences and notes the potential for external interference, like Mr. Skinhop's presence, to contaminate the process. The author states that Blackley's behavior did not suggest suicidal intent.

Urantia Book Discussion

The magazine also features a discussion on the Urantia Book, a complex and controversial text. The author questions the magazine's decision to cover it, given its pseudoscientific nature and the lack of widespread familiarity with it among its readership. The article notes that information about the alleged author, Wilfred Kellogg, is scarce, and that understanding the book's origins would require extensive research. It references Mark Kulieke's account, which details his interactions with individuals connected to the book's creation. A Finnish translation of a 1991 article by Mark Kulieke is also mentioned.

Skepticism and Psychic Claims

Several articles address the broader theme of skepticism and the evaluation of paranormal claims.

Uri Geller and Spoon Bending: The article revisits Uri Geller's television appearances in 1974, where he famously bent spoons. It questions the scientific validity of such demonstrations, suggesting that children, in particular, might be easily tricked. The article references mathematician John Taylor's initial enthusiasm for Geller's abilities, later admitting he was fooled. The author sarcastically suggests that if one can bend metal, a career in auto repair might be more practical.

UFOs and the UN: A piece debunks the notion that a UN resolution (33/426) officially sanctioned UFO research. It clarifies that the resolution was a result of pressure from Grenada's Prime Minister, Sir Eric Gairy, and merely suggested that interested member states could investigate and report findings to the UN, without creating any obligation. The article dismisses this as a myth used by UFO enthusiasts to legitimize their claims.

Rauni-Leena Luukanen-Kilde's UFO Book: The review of Luukanen-Kilde's book criticizes its disorganized structure and the author's self-promotion. It questions the value of her claims about attending secret scientific meetings and dismisses the book's sources as often unreliable, citing newspaper articles as evidence. The reviewer notes that the book contains many old, debunked UFO cases and that the author attributes skepticism to attempts to hide the truth.

The Nature of Skepticism: An article by Ari Kyyrönen discusses the role of skepticism and the potential for misinterpretation of the term. It addresses a column by Jukka Kemppinen, who criticized skeptics for being dogmatic. Kyyrönen defends skepticism as a critical examination of extraordinary claims, emphasizing the need for logical reasoning and evidence. He argues that while some claims, like the existence of nature spirits, may be unfalsifiable, they can still be critically examined based on the lack of empirical evidence.

Parapsychology in Finland: The magazine reviews Jouko Aho's book "Parapsykologit" (Parapsychologists), which chronicles the history of parapsychology in Finland from the early 20th century to the 1960s. The book details the efforts to establish parapsychology as an academic discipline and the involvement of scientists and researchers.

Laser-Cleaned Water: A brief mention of dentist Heikki Tammisalo's claim to clean contaminated water with a laser, noting the lack of scientific proof for this assertion.

The Role of Skeptics: A panel discussion on the image of skepticism and its future role is reported. Professor Nils Mustelin is quoted emphasizing the importance of acting moderately and with sensible humor to gain public understanding.

Editorial Stance

The editorial by S. Albert Kivinen reflects on the recurring question of what Skepsis should do, lamenting the lack of progress while 'flimflams' gain more supporters. He proposes focusing efforts on those who are still open-minded, particularly school children.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue are the critical evaluation of paranormal phenomena, the importance of scientific evidence, and the debunking of unsubstantiated claims. Skeptikko consistently advocates for a rational, evidence-based approach, challenging pseudoscientific theories and the methods used to promote them. The magazine aims to educate the public about critical thinking and to counter the spread of misinformation, particularly concerning UFOs and psychic abilities. The editorial stance is clearly one of rigorous skepticism, demanding verifiable proof for extraordinary claims and exposing flawed reasoning and methodologies.

This issue of Skeptikko magazine, dated 4/93, is primarily focused on recruiting new members for the Skepsis organization and promoting subscriptions to the magazine itself. The cover prominently features a membership application form, inviting readers to join.

Membership Application and Organization Details

The first page presents a detailed membership application form for Skepsis ry. It requests personal information such as name, profession, address, phone numbers, and details about the applicant's experience with topics related to Skepsis's field, their membership in other scientific societies, and their special interests. The application also requires the applicant to agree to the organization's purpose and principles.

The second page elaborates on Skepsis, stating it was founded in 1987 as an association of Finnish skeptics. Its operating principles are similar to those of the US-based CSICOP (Committee for the Scientific Investigation of Claims of the Paranormal), though Skepsis operates independently while collaborating with similar organizations. The organization's statutes outline its purpose: to promote objective and unbiased scientific research into paranormal claims without prior judgment, to foster a network of interested individuals, to publish research articles and bibliographies on paranormal claims, and to organize meetings and educational activities. Skepsis is explicitly stated to be politically, ideologically, and religiously unaffiliated.

Governance and Advisory Board

Page three lists the board of Skepsis ry, including Lauri Gröhn as chairman, Hannu Karttunen as vice-chairman and editor-in-chief of Skeptikko, and Veli Toukomies as secretary. It also lists the organization's scientific advisory board, comprising numerous professors and docents from various academic fields, such as S. Albert Kivinen, Nils Edelman, Kari Enqvist, Pertti Hemánus, Kirsti Lagerspetz, Raimo Lehti, Anto Leikola, Matti A. Miettinen, Nils Mustelin, Ilkka Niiniluoto, Heikki Oja, Heikki Räisänen, Veijo Saano, Anssi Saura, Tytti Sutela, Raimo Tuomela, Yrjö Vasari, Johan von Wright, and Risto Vuorinen. Contact information for membership and subscription inquiries is provided, directing individuals to the secretary, Veli Toukomies, with a phone number and postal address.

Magazine Subscriptions and Special Offers

The fourth page is dedicated to subscriptions for the magazine "Yliopisto" (University) and special book offers. It details how to subscribe to Yliopisto-lehti for 1994, with a price of 200 mk for 20 issues. Additionally, it promotes the Unimedia series of books, offering them at special prices to subscribers: "TARTTUVAAN TIETOON" by Harri Erämetsä and Jyrki Kanerva for 95 mk (original price 158 mk), and "TIEDE ON IHMISTEN TEKOA" by Anto Leikola for 75 mk (original price 112 mk). A handling fee of 26 mk applies to book orders. A separate subscription form is provided for Yliopisto-lehti and the book offers.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

This issue strongly emphasizes the organizational aspects of Skepsis, focusing on membership growth and the dissemination of its principles. The editorial stance is clearly that of promoting scientific skepticism and rational inquiry into paranormal claims, as evidenced by the organization's mission statement and the composition of its advisory board, which includes many academics. The inclusion of subscription information for both Skeptikko and Yliopisto magazines, along with book offers, suggests an effort to broaden the reach of skeptical viewpoints and related intellectual content to a wider audience.