A Correction of the Falsehoods in Lawrence Wright's Book on Scientology
>> Statement:
[Pages 13-14]
Wright’s footnote falsely describes the E-Meter.
“According to David S. Touretzky, a research professor in computer science at Carnegie Mellon University (and a prominent Scientology critic), what are called ‘thoughts’ are actually ‘fleeting patterns of chemical and electrical activity in our brains’ that have no actual mass. ‘The meter is really more of a prop or talisman than a measuring instrument. Interpreting needle movements is like reading tea leaves. A good fortune teller picks up on lots of subliminal cues that let them ‘read’ their subject, while the tea leaves gives the subject something to fixate on. And the subject is heavily interested in believing that the auditor and meter are effective, so it's a mutually reinforcing system.’ The E-Meter measures skin resistance, like a lie detector. ‘Strong emotional reactions do cause changes in muscle tension or micro-tremors of the fingers will also cause changes in the current flowing to the meter, so it's not purely measuring the physiological changes associated with skin resistance like a real lie detector would. (And real lie detectors also look at other variables, such as pulse and respiration rates.)’ (David Touretzky, personal correspondence)”>> True Information: David Touretzky knows nothing about how an E-Meter works and his bias against Scientology blocks him from understanding it. For more than a decade, David Touretzky has used Carnegie Mellon University’s computer facilities to orchestrate hate campaigns against Scientology Churches and the secular social betterment organizations that use the discoveries of L. Ron Hubbard. He has posted anti-Scientology Internet messages through the university’s computers and has promoted himself via the media. He has no expertise on Scientology or religion. Touretzky’s actions extend far beyond merely free speech. David Touretzky has coupled his anti-Scientology rhetoric with links from his university website to detailed instructions on how to make homemade bombs. While he claims to make these instructions available as an exercise in “free speech,” the proximity of his exhortations to hate members of a religion, and step-by-step instructions to express that hatred through making bombs, sends a dangerous and disturbing message.
E-Meter is a shortened term for electropsychometer. It is a religious artifact used as a spiritual guide in auditing. It is for use only by a Scientology minister or a Scientology minister-in-training to help the preclear locate and confront areas of spiritual upset.
In itself, the E-Meter does nothing. It is an electronic instrument that measures mental state and change of state in individuals and assists the precision and speed of auditing. The E-Meter is not intended or effective for the diagnosis, treatment or prevention of any disease.
For more information, go to www.scientology.org/faq/scientology-and-dianetics-auditing/what-is-the-emeter-and-how-does-it-work. html
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