Stories for 'To Be Tagged'



Sorted by date of original publication

  • Post Image
    Algebra Slippers
    Ted Russell

    The document presents a humorous narrative by Ted Russell, centered around a character known as Grampa who recounts how he acquired a pair of cherished swileskin slippers through a series of clever dealings influenced by the mathematical concept of Algebra. The story illustrates the intersection of everyday life and mathematics, as Grampa's bargaining with a merchant leads to the realization of algebraic principles in practical situations, ultimately resulting in the creation of his treasured slippers. Through this light-hearted anecdote, Russell highlights the importance of resourcefulness and the relatable challenges faced by individuals, particularly those of modest means.
  • Post Image
    The Day the Sun Died
    Daniel Galouye

    This Novella explores a tense scenario revolving around a group of scientists grappling with the implications of a catastrophic experiment that threatens the universe. The narrative intricately weaves themes of existential dread, the hubris of humanity in the face of cosmic powers, and a desperate struggle for survival against an awakening entity capable of annihilating existence. The climax culminates in the realization that their actions have unleashed forces beyond their control, leading to an ambiguous but thought-provoking conclusion about the nature of reality and human responsibility.
  • Post Image
    Disputation
    Arend Heyting

    The drama consists of dialogues between characters Class, Int, Form, and Letter, explores the principles of intuitionism in mathematics, contrasting it with classical logic. Int argues that mathematical existence is tied to mental constructions, rejecting the principle of excluded middle to assert that definitions must be verifiable through constructive methods. The discussion highlights the philosophical implications of accepting intuitionistic mathematics and its potential rejection of classical results, emphasizing the importance of mental constructs over metaphysical assertions.
  • Post Image
    With All the Trappings
    Garrett Randall

    The document presents the story set in a secretive research facility in Eden Valley, Colorado, where top-secret projects relating to espionage and advanced scientific research are conducted. The protagonist, Derek Martin, is tasked with safeguarding a critical secret that could be a game-changer in warfare. He navigates a complex web of security, suspicion, and theoretical science, eventually uncovering a multi-layered strategy that aims to entrap espionage agents by making them part of an elaborate decoy system of research that effectively operates through misinformation and obfuscation.
  • Post Image
    Fringe of Thought
    Peter Dickinson

    The text reflects on the relationship between abstract mathematics and reality, prompted by a colleague’s musings on mathematical concepts. It critiques the decline in meaningful mathematical exploration, drawing parallels to societal decay, and emphasizes the importance of creativity and practical thinking in scientific endeavors. The concept of the Mobius strip serves as a metaphor for complex thinking.The narrative weaves in personal anecdotes of the author and broader philosophical questions, ultimately lamenting the disconnect between theoretical pursuits and real-world implications.
  • Post Image
    The Black Cloud
    Fred Hoyle

    This novel by Fred Hoyle explores the implications of a mysterious cosmic cloud approaching Earth which may block sunlight, leading to catastrophic climate changes hence causing concerns about its potential impact on life and the environment. As scientists study the cloud’s properties and trajectory, they debate the likelihood of a catastrophic event while grappling with political and ethical dilemmas regarding the dissemination of their findings.The narrative highlights the vulnerabilities of Earth to cosmic phenomena, suggesting that humanity’s understanding of the universe is still limited and that such threats can emerge unexpectedly, challenging our preparedness.
  • Post Image
    Gentlemen Please Note
    Garrett Randall

    The novella features a fictional correspondence revolving around the historical figure Isaac Newton, exploring his theoretical works and interactions in a setting filled with mathematical and scientific inquiries. The narrative captures the tension between Newton's groundbreaking ideas on calculus and physics and the skepticism of his contemporaries, emphasizing the challenges of historical research and the influence of modern scientific principles.The plot suggests that Newton's letters to military officials reveal insights into his work on ballistics and artillery.It highlights the struggle of balancing genius with the skepticism of peers and the establishment within the field of mathematics and science.
  • Post Image
    The Feeling of Power
    Isaac Asimov

    In this short story, a technician Aub demonstrates a revolutionary method of computation without computers, called graphitics, which impresses military leaders. As Aub’s abilities are explored, the potential for human computation to replace machines in warfare becomes evident. However, Aub struggles with the ethical implications of his discovery, ultimately leading to his tragic decision to end his life, while Programmer Shuman revels in the newfound power of the human mind and embraces the capabilities of human thought.The story raises questions about the moral responsibility of inventors and the potential misuse of their creations.
  • Post Image
    A Fable
    F M Hall

    The text discusses the experiences of four friends— a scientist, economist, historian, and mathematician—at Cambridge University. Each friend approaches their studies and future careers differently. While the scientist finds success in academia, the economist turns to sports, the historian aims for politics, and the mathematician struggles but eventually finds a role in programming due to the rise of automation. The story illustrates how diverse paths can lead to unexpected outcomes in life.Moral of the story emphasizes the unpredictability of success.
  • Post Image
    Survival Problem
    Colin Kapp

    The story revolves around Mike Conyers, a philosopher invited to a secretive desolate research facility surrounded by barbed wire, Fort Athlan, where scientists aim to create a breakthrough into another dimension using the Housemann-Crane Discontinuity Theorem. As Conyers navigates the ethical and existential implications of their dangerous experiment, he discovers a plot involving a nuclear missile and the potential for catastrophic consequences. Ultimately, he takes drastic measures to prevent the misuse of knowledge that could lead to self-destruction.Conyers’ ultimate decision leads to an explosive conclusion, questioning humanity’s responsibility in the face of power.
  • Post Image
    Psichopath
    Garrett Randall (as Darrell Langart)

    “Psichopath” by Darrel T. Langart explores a secret government agency called Society for Mystical and Metaphysical Research which operates under the guise of studying paranormal phenomena utilizing psionic powers like telepathy to investigate a sabotage. The characters possess abilities like clairvoyance and telepathy to solve problems. The story delves into the complex interplay of scientific theory, psychological conflict, and the implications of psionics, ultimately revealing deeper themes of truth and perception in the realm of science.The conflict between established scientific theories and emerging data is central to the plot.The story culminates in a confrontation that challenges the characters’ convictions.
  • Post Image
    The Heart on the Other Side
    George Gamow

    This whimsical tale is about a mathematician Stan Situs who is seeking an approval from his girlfriend Vera’s father for their marriage. Stan proposes a revolutionary shoe manufacturing process using a Mobius twist, which he believes will allow for the production of only right-footed shoes that can be converted into left-footed ones. After a perilous journey to the Amazon, Stan returns with only right shoes, but discovers he has become a mirror image of himself, resulting in humorous and unexpected challenges.The Mobius strip symbolizes the complexity and interconnectedness of life, suggesting that appearances can be deceiving, much like Stan’s transformation into a mirror image. It also emphasizes the potential for scientific inquiry to revolutionize everyday life, even in unexpected ways.
  • Post Image
    Party Piece
    Steve Hall

    The Midnight Club gathered for their Winter session in a festive mood, with President Vance Seaton organizing a surprise entertainment program instead of a guest speaker.The venue was a charming country house with a festive ambiance.The identity of the performers was kept a secret until the event. The evening culminated with the performance of illusionists Levito and Gloria, who captivated the members with a series of impressive magic tricks. The atmosphere was filled with anticipation, and the audience was left wondering whether the illusions were mere tricks or real magic.The lingering uncertainty about the tricks performed created an air of mystery, engaging the audience’s imagination. This element of mystery is crucial in storytelling and performance, inviting deeper engagement.
  • Post Image
    The Mathenauts
    Norman Kagan

    A short story where a mathenaut who is a topologist, describes his fifth trip aboard the spaceship Abrecht Dold, under the Private Enterprises Act. The spaceship's crew, comprises of eccentric individuals like a physicist, a pataphysicist and a meta-mathematician .The protagonist struggles with a malfunction in the ship’s systems, leading to a tense situation as the walls of the ship begin to close in. The story reflects the challenges and peculiarities of space travel in a mathematical context.The diverse backgrounds of the crew members illustrate the importance of collaboration across different scientific disciplines in achieving complex goals
  • Post Image
    Flatland
    John Sladek

    In a world where existential dilemmas intertwine with daily life, characters grapple with themes of capital punishment, societal roles, and the nature of reality. George and Dave find themselves in a grim prison setting, while Mary navigates the complexities of modern morality and relationships. Meanwhile, a narrative of absurdity unfolds with Major X, highlighting the disconnection between human experiences and societal expectations, culminating in George’s tragic fate and Dave’s isolation on a desert island.