Ufologie Contact - Series Nouvelle - No 03 - avril 1980

Magazine Overview

This issue of UFOLOGIE CONTACT is dated April 1980 and is designated as N° 3 of the Nouvelle Série. It is a quarterly publication priced at 5 Francs, published by SPEPSE.

Articles and Content

La Disparition d'Oliver Lerch (par Kevin Randle, enquêteur APRO)

This article investigates the disappearance of Oliver Lerch, a case that has been interpreted by some UFO authors as evidence of non-amicable extraterrestrial intentions. The author, Kevin Randle, consults four sources and finds three different versions of the event. The most common narrative, originating from John A. Keel in SAGA Magazine, states that Oliver Lerch, 11 years old, disappeared on Christmas Eve 1889 in South Bend, Indiana, while fetching water. His father heard him cry, 'They captured me,' and his footprints ended in the fresh snow near the well. The cries were believed to have come from the sky.

Otto Binder, citing Frank Edwards, places the disappearance on Christmas Day itself, while Morris K. Jessup, in 'The Case for the UFO,' claims Oliver Lerch, aged 20 and son of Tom Lerch, disappeared on Christmas Eve 1890. Jessup's source was an article in 'Fate' magazine from September 1950.

Brad Steiger, in 'Strangers from the Skies,' recounts the story of Oliver Thomas, 11 years old, disappearing on Christmas Eve 1909 near Rhayader, Wales. Like the other accounts, Oliver cried, 'They captured me.' Steiger emphasizes the significance of such cries in investigations.

Randle notes that information from UFO books suggests Oliver Lerch/Larch Thomas, aged 11 or 20, disappeared on various Christmas Eves between 1889 and 1909, covering distances of 50 to 225 feet before being 'captured.'

Further investigation by Randle reveals that the South Bend Police Department had no record of the incident but received annual inquiries. The South Bend Tribune librarian found a clipping dated shortly after 1950, suggesting journalists attempted to trace the story. The article implies the narrative likely originated in 1946, possibly from a radio broadcast, rather than being an older event.

In 1956, a man named Sherman Lerch, living in South Bend, was interviewed. He stated his family moved to South Bend in 1922 and had no family tradition of an Oliver disappearance, though a falling out occurred after 1890. Sherman was born in 1889 and had no recollection of the event. Some investigators suggested 'They' had met Sherman and silenced him.

Randle concludes that the disappearance likely never happened, with the story originating in 1946. He points out the lack of confirmation from South Bend by various authors and the variations in their accounts, questioning the ratio of fact to fiction in UFO phenomena.

An excerpt from 'THE APRO BULLETIN, volume 25, N° 3, September 1976' is cited, with APRO's address provided.

Précisions de M. Loren E. Gross

Loren E. Gross provides further details from his archives, referencing an account titled 'The Vanishing Boy of South Bend' from a 1948 booklet by Harold T. Wilkins, 'Mysterious Disappearances of Men and Women in the USA, Britain and Europe.' Wilkins' version places Lerch's disappearance on Christmas Eve 1900. Wilkins contacted the South Bend Tribune in 1932, and the editor, Rudolf H. Herst, responded that the incident appeared purely imaginary, though the newspaper occasionally received related inquiries.

Wilkins' version of Oliver Lerch's cry was: 'Help! Come to my aid! It got me!'

An excerpt from 'THE APRO BULLETIN, volume 25, N° 5, November 1976' is cited, listing other works by Loren E. Gross.

Addenda par M. Jean Bastide

Jean Bastide suggests that if the US investigation yielded no results, the inquiry should be taken up in Rhayader, Wales. He notes that such stories have circulated for a long time, citing an alleged disappearance near Miami, Florida, in 1952 involving Mabel Twinn, Tom Brooke, his wife, and their son. He also mentions a story reported by Dr. W. J. Tarver about a Victorian-era man in London who cried, 'Put me down, you devils, put me down!' before disappearing. Tarver could not recall the exact source.

M. Robert Rickard, editor of the English magazine 'The News,' was contacted. In a letter dated November 27, 1977, Rickard stated he had not yet received the APRO Bulletin to read the article on Oliver Larch. He confirmed he had begun studying the disappearance of Oliver Thomas in Rhayader, as mentioned in Brad Steiger's books. Steiger's account places the disappearance on December 24, 1909, but Rickard found no mention in the local newspaper, 'The Brecon County Times.' He intended to consult January 1910 newspapers for further information.

Bastide also references an article by Fernand Lagarde in 'LDLN N° 130' (December 1973) which critiques an author's compilation of disappearances, suggesting an 'external will' as an explanation and noting regrettable approximations and non-sensical statements, harming the study of the phenomenon.

Des Anges sur une Aiguille (par Alexandre Calandra)

This article, an excerpt from Alexandre Calandra's book 'The Teaching of Elementary Science and Mathematics,' presents a humorous anecdote about a physics exam question: 'Show how it is possible to determine the height of a tall building using a barometer.'

A student initially proposed attaching the barometer to a long rope, lowering it to the ground, and measuring the rope's length. The professor, while acknowledging the plausibility, felt it gave the student an unfair advantage. The student was given another chance and, after some thought, proposed several alternative methods:

1. Dropping the barometer from the roof and calculating the height using the formula S = 1/2 at² (where 'a' is acceleration due to gravity and 't' is the time of fall).
2. Measuring the barometer's height, its shadow, and the building's shadow on a sunny day, then using proportion.
3. Climbing the stairs with the barometer, marking its length along the wall, counting the marks to determine the building's height in 'barometer units.'
4. Attaching the barometer to a rope, swinging it as a pendulum, and calculating the height based on the difference in the value of 'g' at street level and rooftop level.

Finally, the student suggested a 'fundamental' method: asking the building's concierge for the height in exchange for the barometer.

The professor, impressed by the student's ingenuity and multiple valid approaches, awarded him nearly full credit.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The magazine appears to focus on historical UFO cases, disappearances, and investigations into unexplained phenomena. The editorial stance, as suggested by the critical analysis of the Oliver Lerch case, seems to lean towards skepticism regarding sensationalized accounts and emphasizes the need for rigorous verification and source checking. The inclusion of the 'barometer problem' article suggests an interest in creative problem-solving and the nature of knowledge, even outside the primary UFO theme.

The publication offers two subscription formulas: 'UFOLOGIE CONTACT' (4 issues/year) and 'UFOLOGIE CONTACT SPECIAL' (3 issues/year), both costing 15.00 F. The editorial team includes R. BONNAVENTURE as Director of Publication, and M. MONNERIE, J. SCORNAUX, and Th. PINVIDIC on the editorial committee. The publication is printed and edited by SPEPSE.

This issue, titled "Le soleil et la terre de Ptolémée à Galilée," delves into the historical transition of astronomical understanding from the ancient geocentric model to the heliocentric revolution, spanning the 16th and 17th centuries. It examines the scientific contributions of key figures like Copernicus, Kepler, and Galileo, while also exploring the cultural context, including the pervasive influence of astrology.

The Ptolemaic Worldview

The issue begins by describing the Ptolemaic conception of the universe, which divided it into an elementary region comprising Earth, Water, Air, and Fire, and an ethereal region of eleven heavens revolving around the Earth. This model dominated astronomical thought for centuries.

The Interlude of Astrology

Between Ptolemy and Copernicus, astronomy saw little progress, largely overshadowed by astrology. The article notes that astrology was deeply ingrained in human nature and became particularly significant during the Middle Ages. It was so influential that under Queen Catherine de' Medici, no major undertaking was initiated without consulting the stars. Even kings like Henry III and Henry IV relied on astrologers as interpreters of celestial will. The article cites La Fontaine's fable about an astrologer falling into a well as a critique of the practice.

The Dawn of Modern Astronomy: Copernicus

Nicolas Copernicus, born in Poland in 1472, is presented as a pivotal figure who initiated a new era in science through his own merit. His heliocentric system proposed that the Earth has three movements: daily rotation on its axis, an annual orbit around the Sun, and a movement that keeps its axis constantly oriented towards the same point in the sky. These movements explained the progression of days, nights, and seasons. Copernicus published his groundbreaking work, "De Revolutionibus Orbium Coelestium," hesitantly, fearing criticism from the indolent and narrow-minded, and perhaps from the Catholic Church. The book was published just before his death in 1543.

Kepler and the Laws of Planetary Motion

Johannes Kepler (1571-1631), a disciple of Tycho-Brahé, is highlighted as a brilliant scientist who surpassed his master. While Tycho-Brahé attempted to reconcile Ptolemaic and Copernican systems, Kepler discovered the immutable laws of planetary motion, earning him the title "Legislator of the Stars." Interestingly, Kepler himself was drawn to astrology, viewing it as a necessary companion to astronomy, providing sustenance when the latter's empirical findings were meager.

Galileo and the Telescope

The invention of the telescope marked a significant advancement in astronomy. While Jobst Byrg assisted Kepler in building optical instruments, it was Galileo Galilei (1564-1642) who first used telescopes to advance celestial science. His observations confirmed Copernicus's theories and refuted Tycho-Brahé's. In 1610, observing Venus from Florence, Galileo noted its phases, similar to the Moon, a discovery that profoundly validated Copernican ideas.

Galileo's Persecution

Galileo's support for the Copernican system led to a series of persecutions that continued until his death. Pope Urban VIII, described as a successor to Saint Peter, harbored an intense animosity towards Galileo. Galileo was summoned before a tribunal presided over by the Pope, which issued a decree stating that the Earth is not at the center of the Universe, is not immobile, and has a daily rotation, deeming this proposition false, absurd, and erroneous in faith. Despite composing his "Dialogue on the Two Chief World Systems," which led to his trial by the Inquisition, Galileo was forced to abjure his beliefs. The text includes a powerful excerpt of his abjuration, where he renounces his heliocentric views under oath.

The Famous Quote and its Aftermath

Despite his forced recantation, the legend persists that Galileo, upon rising from his knees, defiantly muttered, "Eppur si muove" ("And yet it moves"). The article suggests this will be the cry of all scientists who confront the ignorance and dogmatism of their times. The issue concludes with a reflection on the importance of remembering this historical episode.

Ufological Investigation: A Comparison with Judicial Inquiry

In a separate section, the author, identifying as a recent entrant to ufology, questions the foundations of the field. The article draws a parallel between ufological investigation and judicial inquiry, highlighting the differences and similarities in their processes and the roles of their protagonists. It points out that while judicial cases involve a victim, a culprit, an investigator, and a judge, ufological cases often lack concrete evidence, confessions, or clear culprits, making the investigator's role more complex and potentially arbitrary. The author questions whether ufological findings can truly be considered judgments and suggests the need for standardized protocols and expert collaboration in collecting information.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The issue strongly emphasizes the historical progression of scientific thought, particularly in astronomy, from ancient beliefs to modern discoveries. It critiques blind adherence to dogma and highlights the courage required to challenge established ideas, as exemplified by Galileo. The article also implicitly advocates for a rational, evidence-based approach to understanding the universe, while acknowledging the complexities and potential pitfalls of new fields of inquiry like ufology. The editorial stance appears to favor scientific reason and critical thinking, urging readers to learn from historical struggles against ignorance and prejudice.

This issue of SPEPSE, dated February 25, 1980, focuses on critical analysis within ufology and details the services of the SPEPSE library. The publication is from France and is written in French.

The Role and Definition of a Witness in Ufology

The lead article, authored by Joël Le Bras, critically examines the concept of a 'witness' in ufological investigations. Le Bras argues that the current understanding and application of the term are flawed, leading to a significant obstacle in advancing the field. He questions the validity of relying on a single investigator's report, especially when the investigator might be influenced by the experience.

Le Bras proposes that a well-organized ufological association should have a 'tribunal' or working group composed of experts such as astronomers, meteorologists, physicists, electronic engineers, and psychologists to provide objective analysis. He emphasizes that a true witness, in a legal or objective sense, is a third party who has knowledge of events without being an actor and whose testimony is not influenced by the parties involved.

He defines a ufological witness narrowly: someone present near the scene, out of sight of the primary observer, who looked at the exact same moment and identified an indisputable phenomenon. However, he concludes that such a witness, if they did not see the UFO themselves, can only be a witness for the defense, making the 'dice loaded' against objective proof. He states that he has never found evidence of such a witness in any case, deeming their existence improbable.

Le Bras further suggests that the primary observer of a UFO is not a witness but a 'victim.' He posits that only recording devices like cameras or tape recorders could potentially serve as impartial observers, but such data is rare and often of poor quality. The article concludes that the principal obstacle to progress in ufology is the near-total absence of witnesses, advocating for a more precise definition of the term.

Replacing 'Witness' with 'Subject'

In a subsequent section, Le Bras continues his critique, suggesting a replacement for the term 'witness.' He argues that the phenomenon itself is often subjective, and the observer is a 'subject' of these phenomena, much like someone experiencing seasickness is a subject of that condition. He proposes that 'OVNI' (UFO) could be understood as 'Objet Visuel Non Identifié' (Unidentified Visual Object), focusing on the visual aspect and the subjective experience.

He asserts that this is not merely a semantic issue but impacts the understanding of research and the interpretation of data. He reiterates that the rapporteur of an observation is a victim, not a witness, and that studies focusing solely on reports as pure testimony, ignoring the subjective aspect, will yield incomplete answers.

SPEPSE Library Services

The issue also provides details about the SPEPSE library, which began operations on February 1, 1979. The library is located at J.P. Frambourg's address in L'Hay-les-Roses, France. Membership is open to SPEPSE members and non-members who join the association.

Conditions for accessing the library include a refundable caution deposit of 50 French Francs, valid for one year. Borrowers pay a 2 Franc fee per loan, which contributes to the library's operating costs and the acquisition of new books. Failure to return a book results in the loss of the caution deposit. Damaged books will be repaired or replaced using the deposit. Loans of rare or expensive books are exceptional and subject to special conditions.

Regularly registered members receive a list of newly acquired books and a questionnaire to provide input for future purchases.

Library Catalog

A comprehensive catalog of the SPEPSE library's holdings as of February 25, 1980, is included. The catalog is organized by subject:

• Astronomy: Includes titles like "L'astronomie populaire" and "Les gouffres du Cosmos."
• Cosmology: Features "Nos ancêtres venus du Cosmos" and "Cent milliards de mondes habités ?"
• Sciences-Divers: Lists works such as "L'esprit cet inconnu," "Le nombre d'or," and "La magnétohydrodynamique."
• Sciences-Connexes: Contains titles like "Les pouvoirs secrets de l'homme," "L'occultisme," and "L'hypnose aux frontières du paranormal."
• Ufology: A significant section with numerous titles including "Le procès des soucoupes volantes," "Le nouveau défi des OVNIS," "Les soucoupes volantes ont atterri," "J'ai été le cobaye des E.T.," "Le naufrage des E.T.," and "The reports on Unidentified flying objects (Anglais)."
• Divers: Includes "Fantastique île de Pâques" and "Le livre des maîtres du Monde."

Some books are marked with an 'x' indicating special lending conditions.

SPEPSE Organization and Activities

The final pages detail the SPEPSE organization, established on July 1, 1901, as a non-profit, apolitical, and non-confessional amateur research body. Its aspirations include developing intellectual faculties through the study of experimental sciences, particularly space, and investigating spatial and strange phenomena.

The organization's headquarters are in Marly-le-Roi, France. The bureau includes G. Richard (President), R. Bonnaventure (Secretary), L. Demeilliers (Treasurer), J.P. Frambourg (Vice-President), R. Kielwasser (Adjoint), and F. Nassib (Adjoint).

SPEPSE's activities involve analyzing current scientific knowledge, developing research projects, holding reflection meetings, presentations, debates, sky observation vigils, and maintaining a documentary and library fund. The research is conducted by a team, with two working groups or study sections: Section UFO (contact R. Bonnaventure) and Section ASTRO (contact J. Le Braz).

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue are the critical examination of research methodologies in ufology, the importance of objective analysis versus subjective experience, and the practical aspects of running a specialized research organization and its associated library. The editorial stance, particularly from Joël Le Bras, is one of rigorous skepticism and a call for greater precision in terminology and methodology to advance the field of ufology beyond anecdotal accounts.