Astounding Science Fiction, British Edition — page 57: what you’re looking at

Machine-transcribed from the original scan — historical spelling and the odd misread are preserved.

THE HAPPINESS EFFECT “It’s illegal! It’s destroying my reputation. You’re the law. Close this exhibition at once and seize those pictures. I want them burned!” Doc was practically dancing around in his fury. For the first time in my life I did the sleeve-plucking. In fact, I took him firmly by the arm and led him to the door. “Here now,” I said, “I’m not going to have you disturbing the peace at a public function.” “But Ill be ruined!” he cried. “Why, every house in Benton will have one of those lying pictures.” “The Social Adjustment Act of 2150 does not prohibit the painting of, exhibiting, or sale of pictures,” I said. “As for your being ruined, I guess that’s fair enough. You ruined Arnold as an artist. He ruined you as a Brain- writer, at least as far as Benton goes. Looks to me like you'll have to get a transfer to another town, Doc.” “Big Fellom and Tom Harth and Tony are in those pictures, too. They ll—” “They won’t do anything,” I said coldly. ““They’re on my list already, 55 and they know if they get funny I’ve got enough local ordinances to close their businesses up completely— maybe drive *°em out of town, I’m the law—and this time public opinion is on my side.” Then for the first time I can re- member, Doc was pleading. “Henry, please. ’m too old to start over in another town. I’ve got to stay in Benton. Please, Henry, get rid of those pictures—” “Why, Doc,” I said, “it sounds to me like you’re maladjusted to your environment. You oughta be brain- written—with the happiness effect.” And I winked at Arnold and the people standing around us chuckled. Then Doc was walking up the street alone—up the street and out of our lives. “Thanks,” said Arnold, “for saving a piece of my talent with Doc’s scalpel.” “Thanks,” I said, “for giving us back a little human dignity.” We shook hands, creaming it up a bit in the happiness effect. ae ee of tomorrow... WAITS FOR YOU IN THE COMING ISSUES OF ASTOUNDING SCIENCE FICTION | — Subscribe Now — | SIMPLY TAKE THE ATTACHED COUPON TO | YOUR NEWSAGENT OR MAIL IT DIRECT TO THE PUBLISHERS AND YOU WILL RECEIVE YOUR COPY THROUGH THE POST EACH MONTH 2 NYS CES SR eA Ree SA SANTO NCNM ats Rina IRR, OPS (your newsagent), or ATLAS PUBLISHING & DISTRIBUTING CO, LTD. 18 Bride Lane, London, E.C.4 Enclosed is my subscription for 6 issues (10/=) Enclosed is my subscription for 12 issues (20/—) (Strike out whichever is inapplicable) | «© ASTOUNDING SCIENCE FICTION | See eee so | seeene0 eerste atoete . we" (Address) | COMMENCING WIEN. ThE: <.;,.i--.02-<ssnceoave<aasssusvensoanecsee issue | BLOCK CAPITALS PLEASE comicbookssco r ‘ ; =} . + ie * a ‘ CNG be ieee bei pte 2 Sad al Nats ‘. S|