For 
Scientology-watchers (and Scientologists) the iconic issue of the pulp magazine “Astounding Science Fiction” was released in May 1950.
It contained a long article that gave the first full account of L Ron Hubbard’s new ‘science of the mind’, aka ‘Dianetics’.
In previous months John W Campbell, the editor of “Astounding”, had deployed every resource in a campaign to build up interest in this article. Campbell believed that the creation of Dianetics was at least worthy of a Nobel Peace Prize.
Dianetics was presented as:
- A revolutionary new science which would not only replace psychiatry, but also cure many physical illnesses
- Easy to apply by the layman – all that a reasonably intelligent person needed was a copy of Hubbard’s book (published simultaneously) and a cooperative partner
- Always 100% effective
These were extraordinary claims which would soon come into question. At this time, however, Hubbard was at the height of his influence over Campbell, who was a ‘true believer’. The publicity that Campbell provided in “Astounding”would enable Hubbard to abandon the world of pulp science fiction and move on to a new career as a modern guru.
After the break, I will examine Campbell’s Editorial in this issue, Dr Joseph Winter’s introduction to Hubbard’s article, and the other references to Dianetics in the issue.
Hubbard’s article will feature in the next part of this series
