Short Science Fiction · Chapters
Chapters explained
Chapter companions for Short Science Fiction by Isaac Asimov.
Each chapter has a companion in the reader — open a free preview to see notes beside the text.
Chapter 1
The Magnificent Possession
Walter Sills, a struggling chemist, discovers a process to isolate ammonium metal and create a gold-like substance called ammonium oxide. He shares his breakthrough with his friend Eugene Taylor, who recognizes its immense commercial potential. Meanwhile, the news attracts the attention of industrialist J. Throgmorton Bankhead, who sees it as a threat to his business, and ex-Congressman Peter Q. Hornswoggle and gangster Mike the Slug, who each plot to exploit the discovery for their own gain.
Chapter 2
A Night of Trouble
Walter Sills revels in his discovery of ammonium metal, but his joy is short-lived as he faces a series of threats: a lowball offer from J. Throgmorton Bankhead, the intrusive proposal of ex-Congressman Peter Q. Hornswoggle, and a nighttime burglary attempt by gangster 'Slappy' Egan and his associate Mike. After a chaotic struggle, Sills and his partner Eugene Taylor drive off the intruders, but the night's events leave Sills shaken and regretting his public announcement.
Chapter 3
An Unexpected Surprise!
Walter Sills is robbed by Mike the Slug and his gangster accomplice, who steal false patent details while Sills secretly deposits the real ones in a bank vault. Later, Sills and Taylor successfully plate a spoon with ammonium, but when exposed to air, it emits a horrific, overpowering odor that causes chaos, driving everyone—including visiting industrialist Staples—to flee in panic. Sills and Taylor escape into the Hudson River to breathe clean air, lamenting the discovery's troublesome side effects.
Chapter 4
Youth
The chapter introduces the youthful perspective of the boys, likely Red and Slim, as they navigate their environment with curiosity and energy, setting the stage for their encounters with the unknown.
Chapter 5
I
Slim is woken early by Red, who shares his secret discovery of two strange, small creatures he plans to use to join or start a circus. The boys bond over the adventure, with Red persuading a hesitant but eager Slim to join him.
Free preview
16 more chapter companions sit beside the text in BetterReads — open a free preview to unlock the rest.
16 more companions → free preview