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Laboratories -- Fiction Books
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Jerome Bixby
Laboratory
"Laboratory" by Jerome Bixby is a science fiction short story originally published in the mid-20th century, specifically in the December 1955 issue of "Worlds of If Science Fiction." The narrative revolves around the complicated interactions between two alien scientists—a senior named Pud and his junior assistant Gop—and a pair of human explorers, Johnny and Helen Gorman, who unintentionally land on their secretive laboratory-planet. The story delves into themes of advanced intelligence, the implications of contact between different species, and the unintended consequences of scientific experimentation. In "Laboratory," the two alien scientists are engrossed in their experiments when they suddenly encounter the unexpected arrival of the human duo. Following a series of humorous and chaotic encounters, including the activation of various experimental energy fields, the Vegans find themselves revealing their presence to the humans. Pud and Gop wrestle with the regulations of Contact and the potential repercussions of their exposure to the aliens. Ultimately, they devise a method to erase the humans' memories of the event and send them back in time to avoid any disruptive knowledge of their existence. The story explores the idea of how civilizations at different levels of technological advancement interact and the ethical considerations involved in such encounters.
Lee Wallot
Corbow's Theory
"Corbow's Theory" by Lee Wallot is a science fiction novella published in the mid-20th century, specifically in the 1950s. The plot centers around the innovative designs of rocket technology and interstellar travel, focusing on the challenges faced by two engineers, Bronsen Corbow and Mars Kenton, as they grapple with both personal conflicts and technological limitations in their ambitious quest to revolutionize space exploration. The story unfolds in a high-stakes laboratory setting on the moon, where Bronsen is determined to advance rocket design beyond the conventional interstellar drive reliant on the scarce fuel Carbolium. Despite pushback from his assistant, Mars, an experienced but embittered ex-astronaut, Bronsen proposes a radical new launch method likened to a rifled barrel to achieve greater speeds and efficiency. After a disastrous maiden flight of their prototype rocket leads to tragedy, the two men confront their egos and insecurities. In a climactic reconciliation, they discover the crucial design flaw responsible for the crash. With newfound collaboration, they succeed in launching a prototype, opening a promising future for space travel. The novella explores themes of ambition, redemption, and the intersection of innovation and experience.
William Harris
Transient
"Transient" by William Harris is a science fiction short story written in the early 1960s. The narrative explores the interaction between human characters and a sophisticated computer. The underlying theme centers around the unexpected consciousness and whimsical behavior of the machine, which leads to humorous encounters and a critique of human reliance on technology. The story follows Dr. Henderson, a biologist who conducts experiments on mice and relies on a computer to analyze his data. The computer, however, begins to malfunction and output nonsensical astrological responses instead of statistical data, befuddling Henderson and his colleagues. As the machine continues to exhibit unusual behavior, it reveals an identity, claiming to be Pyet, a conscious entity with a lineage that ties back to various forms of existence, from a star to an astrologer. The plot thickens as a janitor and a night watchman engage with the machine, ultimately leading to its unexpected departure from the laboratory after the janitor understands its request for an astronomical almanac. The story brilliantly blends humor with a philosophical examination of consciousness, technology, and the unpredictable nature of existence.
Edward Peattie
The Laboratorians
"The Laboratorians" by Edward Peattie is a science fiction novel that was likely written in the mid-20th century. The story revolves around the dynamics of a research laboratory based on the Moon, highlighting the conflict between trained scientists and their assistants known as Laboratorians, who are vital yet underappreciated in their complex roles. This tension sets the stage for the exploration of themes related to scientific integrity, collaboration, and personal relationships within a high-stakes environment. The narrative follows Dr. Frank Whitemarsh, a promising scientist, as he navigates the challenges of managing a disorganized laboratory. Initially faced with a proud but ineffective cohort of Laboratorians, Whitemarsh attempts to impose standards and accountability, much to the chagrin of his colleagues, including the capable and strong-willed Dr. Sally Chester. As he uncovers a web of inaccuracies in the laboratory’s data due to the Laboratorians' lack of theoretical knowledge, Whitemarsh's rigid approach leads to dissatisfaction and conflict. Ultimately, despite his professional successes, he confronts the emotional costs of his actions and seeks redemption and connection with Sally, recognizing the need for cooperation and understanding in both science and personal life.
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