You will notice that we include in this issue an article by Forrest J. Ackerman in which, he in some measure answers the, various criticisms that were levelled against him in a recent issue of NOVAE TERRAE.

The questions of whether Esperanto has any place in the science fiction field and whether there is any justification for the modification of the English language for the convenience of the imaginative fiction reader, seem both to be issues on which there can he little in the way of a compromise.

There will be numerous fans who hold differing views on each of the questions, but it is dubious so to whether any of the rival factions will completely persuade thair opponents as to the correctness of the views they may hold. Both sides of each of the two questions have already been adequately dealt with in the pages or this and recent issues of NOVAE TERRAE, so that in order to avoid needless repetition and redundancy some decision should be made as to the relevancy of any material relating to those two questions that may be considered for future publication.

Unless some point hitherto unmentioned or not fully dealt with crops up and is of vital interest to either of the questions, space for it in NOVAE TERRAE can be spared, but it would be futile to repeat time and again material that we have all already made acquaintance with.

In view of the nature of the questions under consideration we feel that perhaps this editorial is particularly pertinent and trust that it will prove of some value.

Again has appeared an 'Anti-Ackerman' issue of a science fiction fan magazine. I refer of course to the Oct. no. NT. Which amusedly recalls to me early altercation in American Fantasy mag - also with a Smith. Many an impassioned paragraf was printed there, condemning my contention originally, but soon switching to, chiefly, charing estimates of my attributes. Error of an 'm' in 'charing' would make point quite paradoxical so be exceeding careful in reading same! Assuredly, accounts were acidic. I was slammed fiercely for an egotist, ridiculous one, daft, imbecile, radical, and notoriety- seeking clown. Even today, when I make weird fan's acquaintance, same seems apt inevitably to mention 'my pal' Lovecraft and wink knowingly - as tho' I should like to put poison in HP's potatoes.

To Mr. Smith, DR, I can comment only that it's a matter of opinion on portmanteaux. But that comment's important, I think. Combinations that are "clumsy, ugly, unnecessary, and hideous to pronounce" to him, are, it must be realised, exactly opposite to others. To myriads of modern Americans for instance. To progressive people anywhere! - Tho' I forsee you to latter that the telescoping tendency is retrogression, not progress! Evolution to Ackerman is devolution to DR. Impression: Theotocopulos of THINGS TO COME; as our White Hope Stanley G. Weinbaum put it - "The Point of View". DR Smith condemns; whilst important Englisher (Publicity Manager of London Films!) automatically added himself to my side recently when, of his own accord, responding to my request concerning stills from Wells' cinematic history of the next 100 years, he wrote: "I must compliment you on invention of intriguing new word, i.e., 'magascene'." "Intriguing", Mr. Smith, as contrasted with "repulsive"....

November appears to have been a black month in certain science fiction circles, according to my mail. The first knock came when I heard that Dan McPhail of Oklahoma had lost his job in the local prirting concern, and consequently, his mag, the SCIENCE FICTION NEWS was in dire danger of being seriously curtailed. The NEWS (which has been running for a long while as a carbon copied magazine) recently saw print, and was in its second issue last month. Out of the many printed fan mags now in circulation I favoured the NEWS and Olon Wiggins' SCIENCE FICTION FAN. (Denver, Colorado) as the two most promising to make a name for themselves. Too bad about Dan and his mag although it may still be possible for him to publish it, as he had a workng arrangement with his firm to produce it.

I haven't, as yet seen a copy of Willis Conover's SCIENCE FANTASY CORRESPONDENT, (Cambridge, Maryland), another of the new printed mags so cannot include it yet as a possible candidate for high honours, but, the line-up of famous authors and fans who are writing for it should make it a winner.

Another naw fan mag that has just arrived is the FANTAST FICTION TELEGRAM (Philadelphia) a neatly produced hektographed affair, which, I haven't as yet had time to peruse.

Then arrived the news of another New York break among fans, this time between the Independent League for Science Fiction and the International Scientific Association. Details are hard to sift owing to various New Yorkers belonging to both groups. It transpires that ISA members of the ILSF have now withdrawn exclusively to their own organization, leaving the ILSF somewhat depleted in moral and financial support.

It is almost a truism among the more select circles of British science fiction enthusiasts tht science fiction as a movement is growing in this country. At the moment this appears to be the case due however, almost solely it would seem, to the vagaries of an economic system that has set Britain temporarily and ecomically in a minor boom. That the fortunes of science fiction are a true reflection of the economic prosperity of a country can readily be established from a study of the movement in the U.S.A. Prior to 1930 science fiction progressed rapidly, but during 1931-1932 was held up and baulked at many a turn until the very lowest depths of the depression were passed. Now that America is truly on the way to a more prosperous condition, and only now, is there talk of the monthly publication of the three diehards. One could elaborate further on this postulate but perhaps the point has been sufficiently emphasised.

Everyone has read and most people have sickened of the argument that science fiction is shortly to prove the greatest influence ever conceived in literature in paticular and the world in general. Even if at one time there appeared to be a grain of truth in this absorbing though complacent notion, the years have exposed the idea as being completely fallacious. Nevertheless, one might do well to dwell on the potentialities of science fiction, and it would be unusual if the enthusiast, with his notorious propensity for exploring the future, did not consider in some detail yet another possible wor1ld in practice perhaps even more fantastic than the usual copper clad world, world gone mad, or world at bay, namely the science fiction conscious world. Fantasy, and indeed science fiction, has proved a most

On Wednesday November 25th, seven members of the Nuneaton Chapter of the Science Fiction League -- Chapter 22 - met at the Assistant Director`s house. The meeting commenced at eight p.m. when the Director, Maurice K. Hanson, opened with a review of the Chapter's achievements since its inception in July 1935. Denny Jacques then followed with an account of the Library's position, the number of books just falling short of the hundred mark. A scheme to buy all the current magazines was passed unanimously. The members were organized into a bloc, to check up on all science fictional matters appearing in any British newspapers or journals. It is hoped by such a procedure to have a complete Chapter file of science fiction events in this country. Maurice T. Crowley was placed on the science fiction review board for NOVAE TERRAE. The proposal that NOVAE TERRAE should be printed was outvoted since it appeared to be thought for the most part both inside and outside the Chapter that the magazine was progressing well under the present duplicating idea, The matter of finance was then dealt with, and the Director gave an account of the Chapter's financial standing and revealed that the Chapter was in a very sound position. It was decided that a penny a week dues would be instituted. The meeting concluded with miscellaneous general business in which plans for a continuation of the expansion of the Chapter were discussed. The next meeting will be held on Wednesday December 30th, 1936.

AMAZING STORIES
December 1936

Cover Welcome brightness, unoriginal depiction

Illustrations Morey's sketch for "Uncertainty" is the best, and the rest for the most part are `poorly drawn and even more poorly reproduced.

Editorial-- Astrology Disjointed, though necessary condemnation of Astrology, numerology, etc., but the attack on water-divining is uncalled for.

Uncertainty by John W. Campbell Jr. GOOD
Old, old basic idea that is far outshadowed by refreshing typical Campbell scientific ideas which are rampant over human interest and all else.

The Time Control by Philip Jacques Bartol. READABLE
One of the more undistinguished time stories, taking place for a change, however,in Russia.

The Space Marines and The Slavers by Bob Olsen FAIRLY GOOD
The human interest and humour is forced, though nevertheless is fairly pleasing.

Devolution by Edmond Hamilton FAIRLY GOOD
Snappy title embodying an interesting idea, though replete with glib explanations.

Death Creeps the Moon by Wede GOOD.
Definitely the surprise of the issue; in the first few lines of it one begins to take notice. For once a story intelligently and amusingly written.

We are pleased to include the first of a new series by D.R.Smith in this issue, the series representing the most detailed study of rays of every description ever made, to our knowledge. All types of the most common rays used in science fiction are dealt with, together with very nearly all of the unusual ones that have been suggested, the series as a whole probably being the most notable contribution made to this absorbing sideline of science fiction.

RAYS
by D.R.Smith

Rays are the most important stock-in-trade of the science fiction author. Let the editors rave about new ideas, thought variants, psychological plots, and cry havoc on the hackneyed theme, the fact remains that nothing grips the reader's imagination more than a good old-fashioned space war with fascinating rays of rainbow-hued destruction.

The rays usually belong to the type that was once described as ether radiation as distinct from rays of materlal particles such as cathode rays. Of course, now that ether radiation goes along in chunks and streams of electrons behave as waves on occasion, such a description savours of antiquity, but most authors do not venture into modern physical theories more than is necessary. Mr. Campbell manipulates modern theories with such skill as to indicate that they are actually better suited to fictional purposes than the old ones, but others prefer ascribing wonderful. properties to unexplored octaves of the ether-wave spectrum.

Nevertheless these unexplored octaves have been used so much that it becomes a greater strain every time a new one is described to believe that it is theoretically possible. It is preferable to use a standarduized weapon than to make wild statements in the cause of novelty. The heat ray, for

was the arranging of a fully planned Second Convention to be held in New York on February 21st 1937.

The January issue of the INTERNATIONAL OBSERVER (publiction of the ISA) bids fair to be another milestone in the history of science fiction, according to advance reports of its make- up. It will have a gold-covered cover.

London science fiction fans are still rallying to the cause of the BIS, since it arrived in London. Walter H. Gillings, England's premier authority on anything appertaining to scientifictional advancement, was recently elected on the newly-formed committee, while Arthur Clarke, another 'old-timer' in the country, has been made Secretary. Les Johnson, of BIS and science fiction fame in Liverpool, visited London for the day on November 15th and was entertained by members of the BIS.

I note that another "Ackermanuscript" is due in this issue in answer to several hard remarks passed about his previous article. I hope to have room to deal with it next month.

Whispering...... when you say "Happy New Year" to your fellow science fiction fans it will have a double meaning, for early in 1937 we know the result of over a year's work on the proposed professional magazine.

(See the Editorial on page 3 for reference to the current "Ackermanuscript")

THIS SIDE OF THE ATLANTIC

puts in much time looking out for British fantasy. It might be fortuitous for him to spend a few minutes here.

Some journals might justifiably heed this paragraph with a very imposing FLASH followed by ( at least ) three exclamation points since the matter is unique but unimportant. "Science fiction" under the aegis of the British Broadcasting Corporation from the Western Children's Hour to the National programme, (in more bitter moments one might feel that this is suitable copy for Ripley.) However it should be said that it is "science fiction" rather than science fiction, and only by a most charitable point of view can it be regarded as "science fiction", though in view of the lack of precedent in the matter perhaps a point may be stretched. On November 19th, Claude Hulbert and Bobbie Comber in their "Bigger Business" series gave twenty minutes of entertaining experiences encountered on a stratosphere rocket flight to Mars complete with mad scientist......................... The national press is to be complimented on containing one review of Benson Herbert's "Crisis 1992", (Richards 7/6). From the "News-Chronicle": "Science in Fancy's dress. Men in a projectile visit a 'planet mysterious as the moon. Done often before in fiction, but done here with satiric wit." ........... "Even a Worm" by J.S. Bradford (Arthur Barker 7/6) seems to contain a new idea. In it the whole animal world conspires against man -- thus grouse refuse to rise before beaters, racehorses refuse to race, and rats and snakes maliciously spread the bubonic plague............................................. Though perhaps it should not be menticoned here, weird readers (!) may be interested to know that the last ghost story ever written by the late Dr. Montague Rhode James appears in the November issue of the "London

Macklin's Little Friend by H. W. Guernsey FAIRLY GOOD
A hectic few minutes monster-hunting in the library. Quite pleasantly gripping.

The Thought Web of Minipar by Chan Dorbett FAIR
The idea has been used much before. Spiders, unfortunately, generally add a touch of cheapness to a story.

Red Death by John W. Campbell, Jr. GOOD
Remarkable maintenance of interest even though all is science. What do the "no science in science fiction" legions" say to this series?)

Brass Tacks Assuredly needs reforming! (Note "We're . . . looking for Smith in 1937".)

There is little further news for publication at present. However, full details of the Conference together with a complete summary of speeches and discussion, will be contained in a booklet, published about January 15th. These booklets must be ordered AT ONCE, with the money (1/-)

May we also remind all British fans that they are welcome to attend the conference, but that those wishing to do so must apply for tickets as soon as possible. Admission is free, but by ticket only. For further details, or for tickets, send a stamped addressed envelope to D W F Mayer, c/o Leeds Science Fiction League, 9, Brunswick Terrace, Leeds, 2.

WANTED --	Science fantasy stills from "Once in a New Moon", "The Living Dead", "Blind Man's Buff", "The Man Who Changed His Mind", "The Tunnel", "High Treason". EXCHANGE for fantascience fotos from American imaginative movies, of pictures of your favourite film players, or will. pay. Forrest J. Ackerman, 236 1/2 N.New Hampshire, Holywood, California, U.S.A.
The SCIENCE	FICTION CRITIC, "America's worthwhile fan magazine", begins a new, series as a larger magazine, its old power increased. If you like the articles of D. R. Smith "you'll like our stuff". To English fans, three issues for one shilling. Box 27, Lakeport, California, U.S.A.
For SCIENCE	FICTION SERVICE write V. H. Johnson. 46 Mill Lane, Liverpool, 13. Current and back issues of ASTOUNDING, AMAZING, WONDER.