Business For the Lawyers

"Business For the Lawyers" by Ralph Robin is a science fiction novella written in the early 1950s. The book explores themes of scientific ambition and the complex relationships within a society governed by strict social laws and guilds. The central topic revolves around a young apprentice physicist, Bump-arch, who must complete a time travel experiment to secure his place in the Guild of Scientists, thus navigating the potential pitfalls of failure and societal expectations. The story follows Bump-arch on the Day of the Candidate, where he attempts to conduct an ambitious demonstration that involves time travel, a long-held belief deemed impossible by the scientific community. His journey is intertwined with the lives of his friends, particularly Proudwalk, a journeywoman biologist, who harbors deep feelings for him. Together, they dare to defy societal norms by secretly contracting a Private Law marriage, which could lead to severe consequences if discovered by Public Law enforcers. As tensions rise with the introduction of guild authorities and the potential repercussions of their actions, Bump-arch's experiment unfolds in unexpected ways, illustrating a blend of personal stakes and broader societal challenges, ultimately highlighting the entwinement of love, ambition, and the legal ramifications in their world.