Battleangel

Via Boing Boing ..

The original device was developed by Volney Mathison, a chiropractor, as an aid to psychotherapy, ironic considering the vehemence held by Scientologists against conventional psychiatric therapy. At heart, the e-Meters are based on the simple circuitry of the Wheatstone Bridge, which measures resistance to current passed through a human body (or anything else that can be connected to the ‘can’ electrode probes, including vegetables). Scientology founder and principle prophet L. Ron Hubbard introduced the original e-meter in the ’50s [pictured above], leading up to the ‘Mark V,’ which was the e-Meter of choice for the religion until the ‘Mark VI’ was released in the 80s, powered by an Intel 8051 microprocessor.

“Using the meter, the auditor ensures the process covers the correct area in order to discharge the harmful energy connected with that portion of the preclear’s reactive mind. When charge lessens, the person heightens his ability to think clearly in the area being addressed and his survival potential increases proportionately. As a result, the preclear discovers things about himself and his life – new realizations about existence, the milestones that mark his gains.”

Source: Gizmodo

See also: Secrets of Scientology: The E-Meter