Chemistry and Science Fiction

This lively collection looks at science as filtered through literature, film, and television. It discusses classic works in science fiction and provides an in-depth look at the chemistry depicted in popular culture, particularly in Star Trek , Star Wars , and Doctor Who . It includes an examination by Nebula Award winner Connie Willis of how science fiction authors use science, and reprints two tongue-in-cheek short stories by Isaac Asimov. The book also includes suggestions for using science fiction as an educational resource.

Preface

vii

(2)

Some (Extra-Terrestrial) Acknowledgments

ix

(2)

Contributors

xi

(8)

Introduction

xix

James Gunn

An Overview

3

(32)

1. A Science Fiction Primer for the Uninitiated

3

(18)

Jack H. Stocker

2. Science in Science Fiction: A Writer's Perspective

21

(14)

Connie Willis

History and Tradition

35

(122)

3. The Search for a Definition of Mankind: H. G. Wells and His Predecessors

35

(18)

Ben B. Chastain

4. Planetary Chemistry in 100 Years of Science Fiction

53

(24)

Mark A. Nanny

5. Beryllium, Thiotimoline, and Pate de Fois Gras: Chemistry in the Science Fiction of Isaac Asimov

77

(14)

Ben B. Chastain

6. The Improbable Properties of Imipolex G: Chemistry and Materials Science in Thomas Pynchon's Gravity's Rainbow

91

(14)

Carl Trindle

7. Sherlock Holmes: The Eccentric Chemist

105

(22)

James F. O'Brien

8. The Right Environment: Using Real Chemistry as a Basis for Science Fiction

127

(10)

Harry E. Pence

9. On the Covers of Science Fiction Magazines

137

(20)

Jack H. Stocker

The New Media: Television and the Movies

157

(48)

10. Where No One Has Gone Before: Chemistry in Star Trek

157

(16)

Natalie Foster

11. Chemistry in TV Science Fiction: Star Trek and Dr. Who

173

(32)

Penny A. Chaloner

Chemists at Play

205

(28)

12. The Endochronic Properties of Resublimated Thiotimoline

205

(6)

Isaac Asimov

13. Pate de Foie Gras

211

(16)

Isaac Asimov

14. Temporal Chirality: The Burgenstock Communication

227

(6)

Michael J.S. Dewar

Encouraging Creativity in the Classroom

233

(36)

15. Science Fiction: A Classroom Resource

233

(8)

Jack H. Stocker

16. Using Science Fiction To Help Teach Science: A Survey of Chemists and Physicists

241

(10)

Clarence J. Murphy

Mary Ann Mogus

Patricia M. Crotty

17. Space, Time, and Education

251

(18)

John E. Arnold

Appendix: Recommendations for Further Reading

269

(16)

Index

285

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Chemistry and Science Fiction

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Table of Contents

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