Drugs, Chemicals And A Machine

An sf writer can create a new prop or gadget as a plot device. Thus:

in Poul Anderson's "Honorable Enemies," a drug that makes a person believe whatever he is told (see Sorgan and Flandry On Alfzar);

in Anderson's There Will Be Time, chemicals with the same effect (see Sorgan And The Maurai Drug);

in Anderson's "I Tell You, It's True," a machine with the same effect (see It's True);

in Robert Heinlein's The Door Into Summer, a "zombie" drug that makes people do as they are told, believe what they are told and answer any question (not mentioned on this blog before).

Tomorrow: Andrea above the Old Pier Bookshop.

Wednesday: Paul Wilcock. (We have not mentioned him before.)

Next Tuesday: the Gregson.

Lancaster: a high energy place.