Topside - Issue 27

Magazine Overview

Title: TOPSIDE
Issue: NUMBER 27
Date: WINTER, 1968
Publisher: OTTAWA NEW SCIENCES CLUB
Country: Canada
Price: $2.00 for 4 issues

This issue of TOPSIDE magazine, published by the Ottawa New Sciences Club, focuses on the legacy of its founder and original editor, Wilbert B. Smith, and delves into UFO research and related mysteries. The editorial policy continues to disseminate messages purportedly from 'Space Brothers' and maintains Smith's scientific approach of seeking independent confirmation.

Editorial: The Space Brothers Philosophy - And Wilbert B. Smith

The editorial addresses recent criticisms of Wilbert B. Smith's UFO research, particularly from articles in "Flying Saucer Review" (July-August 1966) and "Week-End Magazine" (November 12, 1966). These articles questioned the validity of Smith's claims and his contacts with 'space people,' labeling them as 'Spiritualism' and 'occult.' The magazine defends Smith, highlighting his distinguished career as a senior government official, his scientific work, and his reputation for integrity. It notes that these criticisms emerged after Smith's passing in December 1962, making it difficult for him to defend himself.

The editorial references an article titled "In Defence of Wilbert Smith" by Ronald Caswell in "UFO Contact" (December 1967), which provides further information and supports Smith's work. The magazine agrees with Caswell's assessment, particularly regarding the doubts cast on Smith's role in Project Magnet. It points to a recent Canadian Government pronouncement in July 1967, where the Hon. Paul Hellyer (then Minister of Defence) revealed details of a secret UFO project, including a landing site at the Defence Research Board Experimental Station in Suffield, Alberta, and mentioned a special scientific committee investigating UFOs, of which WBS was a member. This official statement is seen as effectively silencing critics.

The magazine also defends Smith against the charge of 'Spiritualism,' stating that while they maintain an open mind, they are not practicing spiritualists or occultists. They assert that Smith was a scientist who used the Science of Metaphysics and direct telepathic communication with the Space Brothers, employing a scientific method of independent confirmation. These messages were received by a specially-selected intermediary.

The editorial explains that the scientific data received from the Space Brothers, referred to as 'The Boys from Topside,' provided guidelines and avenues for research, rather than direct answers. WBS tested this data through experiments, leading to unique inventions. However, many of these devices, though proven accurate, remained unacceptable to Earth scientists due to their 'unorthodox origin.' It is noted that the contactee channel used for purely scientific data ceased after WBS's passing, which is seen as proof of its genuineness.

Unidentified Hardware Mystery Deepens

This section details the Ottawa New Sciences Club's involvement in investigating a mysterious chunk of hardware found in Ottawa. Following Dr. J. Allen Hynek's call for UFO hardware for laboratory tests, the Club wrote to Dr. Edward Condon, head of the University of Colorado's UFO investigation, in June 1967, enclosing information and photographs of the metal. After a period of silence, a reply was received in September 1967 from Dr. Roy Craig, stating that the metallic material was not of sufficient value to their study.

Intriguingly, Dr. Craig then requested official reports on the Canadian "Project Magnet," indicating a potential lack of cooperation or transparency. The article questions the nature of cooperation between Canada and the U.S. in their respective UFO research programs.

The magazine expresses disappointment that Dr. Condon turned down the offer, potentially missing an opportunity for concrete findings. It notes Condon's public statements on UFO matters have often been negative, leading to fears of a 'whitewash' by the Colorado project. Doubts are further fueled by the AF-Colorado Contract, which seems to anticipate a negative finding.

Despite these setbacks, the article praises NICAP (National Investigations Committee On Aerial Phenomena) for its efforts to promote an impartial scientific investigation. It also acknowledges the work of the Colorado scientists, particularly their compilation of a world-wide bibliography of UFO literature, for which the Library of Congress requested materials from the late Wilbert B. Smith and issues of Topside.

The Mysterious Chunk of Hardware at Ottawa

This section revisits the 'chunk of hardware' found in Ottawa. The article details how Ronald Anstee, Chairman of the Montreal UFO Society, presented lectures on the subject. Samples of the metal were provided for testing by a professional metallurgist friend, with no background details given to the analyst.

The metallurgist's report found slight corrosion, very high specific gravity, and a hardness of Rockwell B 94. The chemical analysis showed Carbon 0.16%, Manganese 11.3%, Sulphur 0.017%, SI 0.12%, and FE Ferrous 88.403%. The report concluded that the chemical analysis did not correspond to any commercial manganese steels and that the alloy work-hardened heavily, indicating it went through heavy impact.

Key points drawn from the report include:
1. The composition differs from standard manganese steels.
2. The material's properties suggest it could be useful for spacecraft resistant to extreme temperatures and friction.
3. The FE Ferrous percentage might be erroneous due to material limitations.

The report's findings, particularly the indication of heavy impact causing slippage, lead to the conclusion that the hardware was likely part of a spacecraft that experienced a catastrophic event. The fact that the Canadian Government agency did not retain the object is questioned, suggesting it might have been unidentifiable and ignored to avoid admitting proof of a UFO. The possibility of it being extraterrestrial metal is strongly suggested.

Further testing was initiated by Ronald Anstee at McGill University, where scientists were reportedly 'very disturbed' by their findings. These scientists then sought collaboration with government scientists and metallurgy experts.

Man and the Universe

This is a separate article by Ronald W.J. Anstee, reflecting on humanity's place in the universe. It argues that humans, in their arrogance, fail to conceive of higher intelligences. The article notes that while many scientists are realizing there is more beyond their limited vision, it is a difficult process. It asserts that humanity is not alone in the universe, a realization brought closer by advancements in space studies and probes.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue are the defense of Wilbert B. Smith's UFO research and philosophy, the investigation into unexplained phenomena like the Ottawa hardware, and the broader implications of UFO sightings for humanity's understanding of the universe. The editorial stance is one of continued pursuit of truth regarding UFOs, maintaining a scientific approach, and advocating for transparency from governments. The magazine positions itself as a continuation of Smith's work, aiming to enlighten readers and challenge the 'Establishment' view on UFOs.

This issue of Topside magazine, identified as issue number 10, delves into a variety of topics, with a significant focus on the life and work of Nikola Tesla and the ongoing mystery of UFOs. The content suggests a publication from the 1960s, given the context of scientific and societal discussions.

The Life of Nikola Tesla

The magazine presents a condensed version of Nikola Tesla's life, based on a tape recording by Arthur H. Matthews. The narrative covers Tesla's near-fatal illness with cholera, which unexpectedly served a dual purpose: it relieved him of a potential career in the clergy and secured his father's permission to study Electrical Engineering. This illness also exempted him from compulsory military service in the Serbian Army, a fate he dreaded.

His father insisted on a year's rest before Tesla attended the Polytechnica in Gratz, Austria. During this convalescence, Tesla immersed himself in reading, particularly in electricity, and developed an exceptional ability to recall complex technical texts and diagrams. Upon entering the Gratz Polytechnica, he displayed immense energy, studying intensely and achieving top marks in nine subjects, earning high praise from the Dean of the Technical Faculty.

For his second year, Tesla wisely focused on his favorite subjects: Mathematics, Mechanics, and Physics. He was particularly influenced by his Physics Professor, Dr. Poeschl, a scientist with broad horizons. An early interaction involved Tesla criticizing a newly installed Gramme Machine, questioning the necessity of a commutator for direct current operation. Professor Poeschl, initially amused, later acknowledged Tesla's insight and encouraged him to pursue his ideas on alternating current.

Despite facing ridicule for his theories on alternating current, Tesla was spurred to greater effort. He also pursued other intellectual interests, including reading Voltaire. The narrative highlights Tesla's physical description as a tall, slim young man with dark hair and intense blue eyes. A pivotal moment occurred when Professor Poeschl confessed his belief in Tesla's alternating current theory and asked him to share his findings immediately upon discovery.

Professor Poeschl proved to be a significant supporter, arranging a summer job for Tesla that provided funds for his tuition at Prague University. At Prague University, Tesla selected Electrical Engineering, Advanced Mathematics, and English Literature. He placed the problem of alternating current into his subconscious mind and found relaxation in chess, becoming a champion and organizing inter-college matches.

A dramatic turn occurred when Tesla's parents came for his graduation. He sensed his mother's distress, which was related to his father's critical illness. Upon returning home, he found his father dying, who expressed pride in Nikola's achievements.

Following his father's death, Tesla needed to find work. Armed with recommendations, he went to Budapest. He became interested in Alexander Graham Bell's telephone and took a position as a draughtsman at the Hungarian Government Central Telegraph Office. His innovative ideas for improving the telephone led to promotions, and in 1881, he was placed in charge of the first telephone exchange in Budapest. He developed a device called a "telephone repeater," a precursor to modern amplifiers, to magnify sound and reduce noise interference, though he did not patent it.

During his work, Tesla befriended his assistant, Szigeti, who introduced him to poetry. This led Tesla to write sonnets himself. One evening, while admiring a sunset in Budapest Park, Tesla experienced a flash of inspiration, exclaiming, "It's the rotating magnetic field that's the answer!" He realized that by adding a second cylinder and staggering the current waves, a rotating magnetic field could be produced, eliminating the need for a commutator. He immediately called Professor Poeschl to share his discovery, attributing the release of the answer to "Poetry."

'Fowl' Play!

This section presents a curious item: the actual title of a British Civil Service Treasury file, which reads: "Ex gratia payment to Mr. [blank] for the loss of chickens which died as a result of mass hysteria caused by an unidentified flying object."

Book Announcements and Reviews

"SCIENCE, THE PUBLIC AND THE UFO" by Arthur Bray

The magazine announces and reviews "SCIENCE, THE PUBLIC AND THE UFO" by Arthur Bray, published by the Ottawa New Sciences Club. The book is described as a serious philosophical work by an author with over 20 years of study in the UFO mystery. Bray argues that science alone is inadequate for explaining UFOs and that philosophy is essential. He presents evidence suggesting that some UFOs are intelligently-controlled space vehicles. Arthur Bray, an ex-pilot with the RCAF and RCN, is presented as someone familiar with hoaxes and misinterpretations of aerial phenomena. The book challenges conventional scientific approaches and highlights the limitations of scientists in addressing the UFO problem.

The review praises Bray's ability to cover a vast subject concisely and capably, explaining the failure of scientists to solve the UFO problem and offering logical hypotheses. The book breaks down "Ufology" into a broad field encompassing many disciplines. Bray's work is credited with elevating Ufology from a "crackpotism" to a legitimate field of study. The book also briefly touches on the history of UFO sightings from 222 B.C. and includes remarks from world VIPs who believe in UFOs. It posits that the only explanation fitting all facts is "Spaceships from Other Worlds."

The book is available for $5.50 hardcover and $2.75 paperback from Bray Book Service in Ottawa, Canada. The last 28 pages of the book contain references, a bibliography, suggested reading, USAF sighting tables, diagrams, and an index, making it a valuable scientific reference.

"Harmonic 33" by Captain Bruce Cathie

Another book highlighted is "HARMONIC 33" by Captain Bruce Cathie, an air pilot and ex-RNZAF member. This book, described as New Zealand's first on UFOs, proposes that UFOs are building an intricate grid system over New Zealand. The author's work, supported by mathematical calculations and confirmed by a University mathematician, suggests that only a trained navigator could have made these deductions. The book links UFO sightings with historical "natural" disasters and unexplained phenomena. It is noted that scientists from at least two great nations are aware of Cathie's discoveries, and his work is being followed by U.S. military scientists. The book is priced at approximately $2.50 and was anticipated for publication in February/March 1968. Copies can be reserved from The Murray Organization Ltd. in Auckland, New Zealand.

Other Content

The issue also includes an advertisement for "Beautifully illustrated pictures of those illusive UFOs" from GALAXY RESEARCH, offering a set of three classic UFO sightings reproductions for $2.00.

There is an urgent appeal for subscriptions or donations to "UFO Contact," a publication from Denmark, which is facing financial difficulties and may cease publication. The journal is described as high-quality and instrumental in bringing the UFO problem to the attention of world leaders.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The magazine consistently promotes an open-minded approach to the UFO phenomenon, encouraging the public to study all facts presented without prejudice. It critiques the limitations and biases of conventional science, particularly its reluctance to engage with UFOs. The editorial stance appears to favor the idea that UFOs are intelligently controlled craft from other worlds, challenging "official UFO explanations" and governmental suppression of information. The publication advocates for a broader, more philosophical understanding of the UFO mystery, suggesting that true knowledge requires wisdom beyond mere scientific data. The emphasis on Nikola Tesla's life suggests an admiration for visionary thinkers who challenged established paradigms, drawing a parallel to the UFO field.