Science-Fiction Plus, March 1953

Catalog Note *Science-Fiction Plus*, Vol. 1, No. 1 (March 1953), presents a mixed collection of science fiction and scientific articles. The issue opens with Hugo Gernsback's editorial arguing that science fiction, properly defined as scientifically prophetic rather than fantastical, has significantly influenced technological development—citing submarines, loudspeakers, and radar as realized predictions. The fiction includes Gernsback's novelette "Exploration of Mars," depicting humanity's first landing on the red planet via atom-powered spaceship in 1949, featuring physicist-explorer Grego Banshuck and technical descriptions of an "atom-negative gravitator" for space propulsion. Philip Jose Farmer contributes "The Biological Revolt" and Dr. Donald H. Menzel offers "The Other Side of Zero." Short stories include Eando Binder's "The Time Cylinder" and John Scott Campbell's "Vidoir." A cover story by Greno Gashbuck accompanies the artwork. Articles cover rapid plant evolution and spacecraft design evolution. The issue also features science news columns, book reviews, and reader questions.