like my authors to make an original contribution to whatever
theory of science they develop fictionally. This Ray
Cummings doesn't do in his very interesting story, "Phantoms
of Reality." His beginning is palpably borrowed from Francis
Flagg's story, "The Blue Dimension," which appeared in a
Science Fiction magazine in 1927. Flagg developed the theory
of vibrations, reverberation, etc., and contributed
something new to speculative science. Cummings merely seizes
this point and dives into a series of improbable adventures.

Now I am not quarrelling with their improbability: I like my
stories improbable, but I am asking for something more
original than the old rehash of kings and queens, intrigues,
and returning princes, etc. Again, Cummings seems to lack
enough scientific acumen to make his other world different
than this. Even a superficial thinker will readily see that
the terrain of the other world would not faithfully follow
our own in its salient features. However, forgive me for
knocking--the story wasn't so bad, and Cummings doubtless
can do better than this--or has.

"The Beetle Horde"--so far--is a gem, and holds the
interest. Furthermore, its science is splendid. I am looking
forward to its conclusion. "The Cave of Horror" is a damn
good yarn, well written, interest sustained: but I didn't
care for "The Stolen Mind." The truth is that that
particular story didn't hang together very well. It left one
up in the air, as it were, and far from satisfied me. Too,
the science involved, to say the least of it, was not very
sound or plausibly put. In reading the story I felt that the
author was one who should be encouraged to write
more--nothing wrong with his imagination or ability to fling
words--but that he should be gently coerced into writing
with better continuity and intelligence. "Compensation"
didn't click--too loose--not compact enough. Splendid idea
ruined by hasty writing. Another author needing a gentle
hint. But "Tanks" was another sure-fire hit with me. Held me
to last word. The story sounded real.

So for the stories in your first issue. You see, on the
whole, I liked all of them. Still, I also like variety.
Can't you give us some of the Francis Flagg type of fiction?
H. Hyatt Verril is another of my favori