Hubbard claimed that Dianetics could increase intelligence, eliminate unwanted emotions and alleviate a wide range of illnesses he believed to be psychosomatic. Among the conditions purportedly treated were arthritis, allergies, asthma, some coronary difficulties, eye trouble, ulcers, migraine headaches, ‘sexual deviation‘ (a category which for Hubbard, like many of his time, included homosexuality) and even death. Hubbard asserted that “memories of painful physical and emotional experiences accumulate in a specific region of the mind, causing illness and mental problems.” He taught that “once these experiences have been purged through cathartic procedures he developed, a person can achieve superior health and intelligence.” Hubbard also variously defined Dianetics as “a spiritual healing technology” and “an organized science of thought.”

*Hubbard introduced a device called an E-meter that he presented as having, as Miller puts it, “an almost mystical power to reveal an individual’s innermost thoughts”.

*Today, models of the E-meter include the Mark V, the Mark VI, the Mark VII and the newly released Mark VIII. As of January 2005, the cost of the Mark V was $900 and the Mark VII Super Quantum E-meter was US $4,650.00 (up from US $3,850 in 1995).