Astounding British Edition, Vol. 14, No. 7

# Astounding Science Fiction, July 1958 (British Edition)

This issue features two novelettes. "Basic Right" by Eric Frank Russell depicts an invasion of Earth by the technologically superior Raidans from Sigma Octantis, who seize an Antarctic research expedition and declare their intention to conquer the planet. Their commander Zalumar expects resistance but encounters only peaceful acquiescence from the expedition leader Gordon Fox. Zalumar attempts to intimidate the humans by showing them documentary evidence of the Raidans' destruction of a defiant alien civilization, confident that ruthlessness and superior force guarantee victory.

"Revolt!" by Christopher Anvil also appears in this issue. An editorial by John W. Campbell examines the philosophical nature of "demonstration"—arguing that presenting objective proof always carries emotional consequences because it threatens existing belief systems and worldviews. Campbell illustrates this through historical examples like Semmelweiss's discovery of contamination in childbirth and the scientific resistance to Lavoisier's chemistry.

A brief article on "Living Fossils" by William Boyd is also included.