Topside - Issue 30

Magazine Overview

Title: TOPSIDE
Issue: Number 30
Date: Fall/Winter 1968
Publisher: OTTAWA NEW SCIENCES CLUB
Country: Canada
Price: $2.00 for 4 issues (approximately quarterly).

This issue of Topside magazine, published by the Ottawa New Sciences Club, addresses the delay in publication due to the editor's illness and combines the Fall and Winter 1968 issues. The cover features the title 'TOPSIDE' with an illustration of the Earth and unidentified objects, along with handwritten notes.

A Day at Canada's National Research Council

Arthur Bray reports on his visit to the Upper Atmosphere Research Section of the National Research Council (NRC) in Ottawa, where UFO files are kept under the classification 'Non-meteoric Sighting Files'. The NRC has assumed governmental responsibility for investigating Canadian UFO sightings from the Department of National Defence (DND). Dr. Peter M. Millman heads the section, and while described as open-minded, the investigation is a part-time function due to a lack of dedicated government funding. Bray notes that the NRC files are incomplete, with some RCMP reports missing. Statistics from DND for 1967 show that out of 167 cases, only 8 received formal investigation. The NRC's policy is to make information available to serious researchers, and Bray found the access cordial and without obstacle. He concludes that while Dr. Millman is doing his best, the limited resources prevent a broad study of UFO phenomena, urging private researchers to push for governmental action and international cooperation.

A Visit to Arthur Matthews

Carol Halford-Watkins recounts a visit to Arthur Matthews, a 70-something retired electrical engineer, consultant, artist, musician, writer, and philosopher, at his home near Quebec City. Matthews is the founder of 'The Servants of Christ', a movement with over 1,500 members. The article details his home, his collection of oil paintings inspired by Biblical scenes and Tesla's secrets, and his extensive knowledge of Canadiana. Matthews shared his experiences with electrical engineering and his invention of a modified electrical shock treatment for the blind, which was dismissed by medical authorities as 'too revolutionary'.

The Tesla Scope

Matthews discusses Nikola Tesla's invention, the Tesla Scope, conceived in 1896 because Tesla believed normal radio waves were too slow for interplanetary communication. Tesla theorized that cosmic rays travel at a much greater speed and could be utilized. The Tesla Scope uses a quartz lens, silver filter, and a gold tube to increase ray tension. It incorporates three crystals mentioned in the Bible, acting as an 'Audio Control Filter'. The device transforms incoming waves into audible 'Audio Waves', generating a 'mechanical thought wave'. Matthews mentions that the scope has been targeted for theft and is insured for $20,000. He emphasizes Tesla's belief in God and the Bible as the source of his inspiration for inventions, including the Tesla Scope, which he sees as a precursor to 'New Age' technology.

A Tribute to N.A.S.A.

Topside congratulates NASA on the successful Apollo 8 mission to the Moon, highlighting the courage of the astronauts and the efforts of the 300,000 dedicated personnel involved. The article acknowledges criticisms regarding the cost of the space program versus domestic issues and the Vietnam War, but argues for the importance of the U.S.A.'s strength. It details the 'fall-out' benefits of the space program, including micro-miniature circuitry, modular design for computers, and fuel cells. Medical advancements like artificial pacemakers and infra-red sensors for diagnosing tumors are also mentioned. The article reflects on the Moon's landscape and the possibility of hidden life or UFO bases, referencing reports of strange lights and structures on the Moon by astronomers like Professor Hugh P. Wilkins.

The Condon Report

Topside expresses disappointment with the Condon Report on the Colorado UFO Study, calling it predictable and an insult to intelligence. The report's conclusion that no intelligent life elsewhere has any possibility of visiting Earth in the next 10,000 years is heavily criticized as unscientific. The magazine sides with scientists like Professor H. Oberth, who believe in the possibility of extraterrestrial life, and commends Donald Keyhoe of NICAP and Drs. J.E. McDonald & D.R. Saunders for publicly challenging the report.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The magazine consistently champions the investigation of UFO phenomena, advocating for more government funding and international cooperation. It expresses skepticism towards official reports that dismiss UFOs and highlights the potential of unconventional scientific ideas, particularly those of Nikola Tesla. The publication also shows a strong interest in spiritual and philosophical matters, as evidenced by the feature on Arthur Matthews and his movement. The editorial stance is critical of mainstream scientific and governmental approaches to UFOs, while promoting a more open and investigative perspective.

This document is part 6 of a condensed version of 'The Life of Nikola Tesla,' based on a tape recording by Arthur H. Matthews. It is presented as page 10 of the magazine 'Topside.'

The Life of Nikola Tesla

Financial Setbacks and Edison's Trickery

The narrative details Nikola Tesla's second encounter with an "Edison confidence trick," which left him penniless. Believing in Edison's integrity and confident in his ability to earn a promised $50,000 bonus, Tesla had spent or mortgaged his salary to acquire materials for his alternating current (A.C.) system. Upon leaving Edison, he found himself virtually broke.

The text explains that in 1885, American big business operated in an environment of cut-throat competition, where ethics were often disregarded. Edison's success with the incandescent light bulb was built on perfecting the technology and then establishing local powerhouses to sell the concept of electricity. This venture brought him profits and powerful financier friends, but also enemies among less successful financiers and scientists whose original inventions Edison had utilized. The situation intensified when J.P. Morgan decided to sponsor Edison.

New Promoters and the Arc Lamp Invention

After leaving Edison, Tesla was approached by financial competitors of Edison and Morgan, who were impressed by his work. He hoped this would lead to financial backing for his A.C. system. However, these new promoters were hesitant to invest the substantial amount required for such a revolutionary project, deeming it a risky gamble. Tesla explained the potential savings and benefits of his A.C. system compared to the direct current (D.C.) system, but his backers remained unconvinced.

As a last resort, a group of financiers proposed that if Tesla could devise another profitable invention, they would finance a corporation, pay him a good salary, and give him 50% of the profits. If successful, they would then consider investing in his A.C. system. Tesla agreed and immediately outlined plans for a new arc lamp for street lighting. His promoters were enthusiastic, seeing it as a competitor to Edison's incandescent bulb. A new company was formed, and Tesla received 50 shares of stock.

Exploitation and Blacklisting

Despite the success of the arc lamp, which provided a wider beam of light than Edison's bulb, Tesla discovered that his 50% interest in profits did not grant him equal voting rights. He was voted out of the company, and his stock certificate proved worthless as the company claimed all profits were reinvested in materials. When Tesla inquired about the development of his A.C. system, the directors dismissed it as "Laughable!"

When Tesla considered legal action, the company officers retaliated by spreading rumors that he had been dismissed for incompetence. This led to him being blacklisted, and other financial groups refused to grant him interviews. Penniless and jobless, Tesla found himself wandering aimlessly, eventually joining a line of men seeking work as ditch diggers for two dollars a day.

Operation Questionnaire

This section addresses reader responses to a suggestion to apply to the Editor for questionnaire forms to support a proposed world-wide UFO investigation by a group of international scientists under the United Nations Organization (UNO). The failure of the University of Colorado UFO Study Group to produce an objective report makes this appeal more urgent.

Confidentiality and Regional Coordinators

Forms are treated as confidential, with data used for statistical analysis to support a petition to the UNO. The magazine seeks more Regional Co-ordinators to help gather completed forms. Antoni Szachowski in London, England, heads this project.

Report from Headquarters

Antoni Szachowski reports growing interest in his UNO Petition, with significant British press coverage in 1968. He has given lectures, emphasizing the global importance of the UFO problem and the dangers of ignoring it. He quotes French General L.M. Chassin, who warned that mistaking UFOs for enemy missiles could lead to disaster. Szachowski also notes that the Soviet Union Air Defences system was alerted multiple times due to UFO activity near the Urals.

UN Readiness and Role for UFO Groups

Mr. Szachowski believes the United Nations, particularly UNESCO, is the logical organization for a global UFO investigation, referencing the International Centre of Theoretical Physics. He suggests that UFO research societies worldwide could form an organizational network to gather information and implement instructions from a UN scientific panel.

The Tesla Literature

Interest in Nikola Tesla

The publication of "Life of Nikola Tesla" has sparked global interest in the inventor, largely due to material supplied by his associate, Arthur H. Matthews. Matthews had been trying to generate public interest in Tesla since the early 1920s.

Obtaining Tesla's Works

Requests for information on Tesla's literature are common. The book "The Complete Lectures, Patents and Articles of Nikola Tesla" is recommended and is obtainable through research at bookstores or in Science Libraries. A letter from David Graham Ledger at the University of Nottingham praises Tesla's genius after reading this book. Another reader from Vancouver, B.C., describes the book as containing "fantastic revelations of a practical nature."

A partial list of Tesla's published writings is provided, including "A New System of Alternate-Current Motors and Transformers" and "Experiments with Alternate Currents of Very High Frequency."

For a condensed version, John O'Neill's book "The Prodigal Genius" is recommended. The "Life of Nikola Tesla" series published in Topside is noted to contain unique, unpublished material from Arthur H. Matthews.

Advertisements

Several advertisements are included:

• Arthur Bray's Book: "Science, The Public and The UFO" is in its second printing, with positive reviews and purchases by universities and UFO notables. It is available through Bray Book Service.
• E.P.I.C. (Extraordinary Phenomena Investigating Committee): A committee investigating UFO activity, with members in 25 states and 16 foreign countries. They publish a monthly magazine, "UFO Skywatch."
• GALAXY RESEARCH: Offers illustrated pictures of UFO sightings.
• SKYLOOK: A UFO journal described as separating "Fact from Fantasy," with a subscription rate of $2.00 for 12 issues.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The magazine consistently promotes the importance of investigating UFO phenomena and advocates for a structured, scientific approach, particularly through international bodies like the United Nations. The editorial stance appears to be one of open-mindedness towards the UFO subject, while also highlighting the need for rigorous research and data collection. The publication also champions the legacy of Nikola Tesla, presenting him as a brilliant but exploited genius, and aims to bring his contributions to wider public attention.