TOPSIDE

Magazine Overview

Title: TOPSIDE
Subtitle: Journal of the Ottawa Flying Saucer CLUB
Issue: Number 11
Date: Fall 1962
Publisher: Ottawa Flying Saucer Club
Location: Published at 26 Desjardins Street, Hull, Quebec.

This issue of TOPSIDE begins with a statement of opinions, clarifying that the views expressed are those of the individual authors and not necessarily those of the Ottawa Flying Saucer Club. Permission to copy is granted with due acknowledgment.

In Memoriam: H.D. "Wib" Smith

The journal opens with a heartfelt tribute to H.D. "Wib" Smith, the founder of the Ottawa Flying Saucer Club, who passed away on December 27, 1962, in Hull, Quebec, after a battle with abdominal cancer. Smith was internationally recognized for his work in Radio Communications with the Canadian Government Department of Transport. However, he was perhaps best known to UFO investigators as the head of "Project Magnet," an initiative he organized and directed for approximately four years, utilizing the Department of Transport's facilities. Despite Project Magnet being officially closed due to press pressure, Smith continued his personal investigations and studies, contributing significantly to the scientific respectability of the UFO subject through his articles and talks.

He is survived by his wife, Iurl, two sons, Jim and Dick, and a daughter, Norma Ann, all in Ottawa. His mother, Mrs. Claude Smith, and brother, Dr. L. S. Smith, are in Vancouver, D.C. In lieu of flowers, contributions were requested for the Bellaughton Foundation for cancer research.

Exploration of Magnetic Power: Problem No. k, of Astrophysics

This section features a translated article from "Die andere Welt" (November 1962) by Mrs. A.K. Hardy, discussing the theories of Russian physicist Geolkow regarding magnetic power for space propulsion. The article posits that current science has not yet unlocked the secrets of magnetic propulsion. Geolkow suggests that while jet rockets and combustible fuels represent preliminary stages, the true conquest of space will be achieved with magnetic power and bundled ray fuselage.

From Earth, understanding the laws of repelling and attracting magnetization is difficult. However, from weightless space, a better perspective is possible. The Earth, as a bipolar magnet body in the universe's flow, allows for external deciphering and application of these laws. Geolkow envisions future spacecraft sailing on the universe's polar flows, using magnetic power to reach destinations with unfathomable velocity, potentially even exceeding the speed of light.

The Scientific Academy in Moscow is examining these theories, proposing magnetic propulsion as a primary research problem. Professor Likow, a Soviet Rocket expert, urges colleagues not to rely solely on fluid propulsion or atomic power, stating that while atomic power aids space exploration, magnetic and cosmic ray research will unlock far greater possibilities.

The article further explores the potential of magnetic propulsion for Earth-bound vehicles, suggesting that overcoming air friction at high velocities could enable vehicles to travel between continents in minutes. Outside Earth's atmosphere, magnetic power could facilitate a flight to the moon in about an hour. Geolkow believes magnetic power would render current propulsion materials obsolete and that solar power analysis would be the next logical step.

An editor's note by H. Geisler comments on Geolkow's theories, drawing parallels to observed UFO behavior. Geisler notes that Soviet scientists appear less prejudiced than their Western counterparts, who often dismiss UFOs as hallucinations. He encourages Western scientists to remain open-minded and avoid tradition-bound thinking.

The "Golden Age" of Humanity

Authored by Ernest L. Crosley, this section begins by posing questions about sunken continents like Atlantis and Lemuria, and ancient mysteries. It suggests that a lack of exact knowledge about the origin of life contributes to the modern understanding's limited grasp of these lost civilizations.

Despite attempts to dismiss reports of sunken continents as fable, the article asserts that an increasing number of proofs are emerging. The legendary Atlantis is described as a large island in the Atlantic, extending from near Lisbon to Bahia Blanca, Argentina, with magnificent cities and a significant port named "Parfa." Its first ruler was Poseidon, hence the reference to "Poseidonis."

Lemuria, also known as "Mu" or "Kui," is depicted as a vast land and island complex in the Pacific, comparable in size to North America. It stretched from Saipan and Guam eastward, with southern branches reaching archipeligoes like the Marquesas and Samoa. The continent featured broad stone roads and seven large cities that served as scientific and cultural centers. Ruins of ancient temples and terrace-pyramids found on islands like Easter Island and Tonga are presented as evidence of Lemuria's architecture during its peak period.

The article touches upon the political organization of Lemuria, mentioning a "Ra-llu" as the highest hereditary state power. It posits that Lemuria was the first land settled by human beings. While continental landmasses have changed, Atlantis and Lemuria are considered additional continental territories.

Plato's account of Atlantis, brought from Egypt by Solon, is mentioned as a significant source, detailing the land's nature, political organization, capital city, bridges, canals, and temples adorned with bronze and an unknown metal called "Orikalsum." The temple of Poseidon is described as dominating the city's panorama.

The Roman historian Pliny also speaks of Atlantis, and even in the Middle Ages, Arabians included it on their maps.

The sinking of Lemuria is described as a catastrophic event. A Mexican Tro-ano manuscript in the British Museum is cited for a detailed account of a catastrophe that occurred 3060 years prior to the script's writing. This event involved intense earthquakes, volcanic activity, and the sudden disappearance of the landmass known as "Lu," resulting in the loss of 64 million inhabitants.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

This issue of TOPSIDE strongly focuses on the intersection of unexplained phenomena, advanced scientific theories, and ancient mysteries. The editorial stance appears to be one of open inquiry, particularly regarding UFOs, and a willingness to explore unconventional ideas, as evidenced by the inclusion of Geolkow's magnetic propulsion theories and the detailed discussion of Atlantis and Lemuria. There is a clear encouragement for a less prejudiced approach to these subjects, contrasting the perceived openness of Soviet scientists with the skepticism often found in Western scientific circles. The journal also honors its founder, emphasizing his contributions to legitimizing the study of flying saucers.