Topside - Issue 13 - 1963 Summer and Fall

Magazine Overview

Title: TOPSIDE
Issue: Number 13
Date: Summer and Fall 1963
Publisher: THE OTTAWA NEW SCIENCES CLUB
Location: Ottawa, Ontario, Canada

This issue of "Topside" is published by The Ottawa New Sciences Club, formerly known as The Ottawa Flying Saucer Club. The publication states that the opinions expressed are those of the individual authors and not necessarily those of the club. The magazine is published four times annually, with a subscription price of $1.00 per year.

Name Change and Expanded Scope

An editorial note explains that the club has taken on the new name, The Ottawa New Sciences Club, to reflect an extended area of interest to include other scientific and metaphysical subjects beyond flying saucers. This change is also noted as an indirect tribute to the club's founder, the late Wilbert B. Smith, who was reportedly working on a technical treatise called "The New Science," which explored concepts including twelve dimensions on Earth. Information for "The New Science" was allegedly obtained from "the boys from topside," referred to as extra-terrestrial helpers, and the work is expected to be published in book form.

Biorhythm Analysis

An article titled "BIORHYTHM ANALYSIS" by Mr. Ray Marchand introduces the concept of biorhythm, suggesting that human behavior is cyclic. It outlines three distinct cycles: a 23-day Physical Cycle, a 28-day Emotion Cycle, and a 33-day Intelligence Cycle, each influencing different aspects of human capability. The article explains how these cycles can be graphically represented by sine-wave curves and how crossing the center line indicates periods of flux or critical points. It suggests that understanding these cycles can help in planning daily activities and avoiding demanding situations on critical "x-days." The author provides a method for calculating individual biorhythm charts, emphasizing the importance of the remainder after dividing the total number of days since birth by the cycle lengths. The article notes that several members of the Ottawa New Sciences Club have produced charts and observed co-relations with behavior, encouraging readers to conduct their own experiments.

Strange Object in Sky Sighting

This section reports on a strange object sighted in the sky near Gatineau on a Sunday morning, as described by Henri Perrault. The object was "very small, oblong, fiery" and emitted a short fiery trail at irregular intervals, appearing to be about 800 feet up and below the clouds. It emitted no noise and travelled west-southwest on a horizontal course. Dr. Ian Halliday of the observatory's Stellar Physics Division initially suggested it might be a fireball or meteorite, but noted the difficulty in estimating height without knowing the object's size and distance. The RCAF Station Uplands Control tower reported no aircraft in the air at the time. An "EDITOR'S NOTE" critically examines the scientists' view that the observer's height estimate must be in error. Further details provided by Mr. Perrault establish the object's altitude at less than 250 feet, its speed comparable to motor boats (25 to 40 mph), its horizontal travel (unusual for meteors), and its lack of sound. The object glowed like an ember and appeared about half the length of a 15-foot dock, suggesting a length of less than 7 feet. The report concludes that the object's designation as a U.F.O. is still justified.

Russia Hopeful of Space Talk Via Telepathy

This article, reported by Norma Lee Browning, details the Soviet Union's significant investment and scientific efforts in the field of mental telepathy, referred to as "biological radio communication." The Soviets are reportedly pouring money and manpower into harnessing telepathy for practical uses, including guiding spacecraft and communicating with submarines, viewing it as a crucial ability for the coming era of space flights. The article highlights that while such phenomena were previously denounced as mysticism in Russia, a Communist decree has prioritized biological sciences in relation to space research, giving telepathy "full-scale treatment." The Soviets do not consider telepathy a sixth sense or extrasensory perception but are investigating it through physiological and cybernetic methods. The report mentions at least eight research centers specializing in telepathic experiments, including one at Leningrad University. An exchange program with India to study Yogis' capacities is also noted. The article cites K.E. Clolkovski, a rocket flight pioneer, who stated that telepathy can no longer be questioned and is necessary for mankind's development. The work of B. Kazhinsky and Prof. Leonid L. Vasiliev is highlighted, with Vasiliev establishing a laboratory for telepathic phenomena at Leningrad University. Vasiliev claims successful long-distance telepathy experiments and plans further tests with Cambridge University. The article emphasizes that the Soviets approach telepathy from an "ideological, anti-religious significance" and a sound physiological basis, free from "superstitious concepts about the soul."

Interview with Dr. P. Bechtereva

The magazine includes an interview with Dr. P. Bechtereva, a top neurophysiologist and granddaughter of V.M. Bechterev. She confirmed earlier telepathic experiments with dogs conducted by Durov and Kashinsky in the 1930s. However, despite Prof. Vasiliev's theories relying on earlier experiments, his current work with the Bechterev Brain Institute has apparently failed to convince Dr. Bechtereva of telepathy. She stated, "We have had no proof of it yet," and emphasized that brain riddles will be solved by physics, mathematics, engineering, and cybernetics, with a physiological, not psychological, approach. The "Editor's Note" suggests that while some Soviets are exploring telepathy, the West might need to take it more seriously to avoid falling behind in a "brain race."

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue are the exploration of fringe scientific concepts like biorhythms and UFOs, alongside a serious examination of Soviet advancements in telepathy research. The editorial stance appears to be one of open-minded inquiry into unexplained phenomena, as evidenced by the club's name change and the detailed reporting on both local sightings and international scientific endeavors. There is a clear interest in the potential of telepathy, particularly as pursued by the Soviet Union, and a subtle encouragement for Western scientific communities to engage more seriously with such research.