Irving E. Cox
Miracle by Price
"Miracle by Price" by Irving E. Cox, Jr. is a science fiction story written in the mid-20th century. The narrative revolves around themes of invention and personal relationships, exploring the idea of a brilliant yet misunderstood scientist, Dr. Edward Price, whose life’s work culminates in the creation of unconventional gadgets. The story is set against the backdrop of the beautiful and introspective setting of Yosemite, which enhances the characters’ internal conflicts and personal journeys. The plot unfolds through the correspondence of Walter Gordon, who reflects on his experiences with Dr. Price’s creations, particularly a machine known as the Transpositor and another device dubbed the Semantic-Translator. The story’s protagonist, Bertha Kent, is a botany teacher who grapples with her lofty ideal of love and self-identity, ultimately realizing that her expectations set her up for disappointment. As she navigates brief romance with the graduate physicist, Walt, she gains insights into herself and her desire for connection. The unexpected functionality of the Semantic-Translator, revealing deeper emotional truths, leads Bertha to confront and ultimately embrace her feelings, transforming her understanding of love and her sense of self. The resolution underscores how the machines serve not just as tools of experimentation but as catalysts for personal epiphanies.