People Minus X

"People Minus X" by Raymond Z. Gallun is a science fiction novel written in the late 20th century. The story begins with Ed Dukas, a young man living in a time of advanced technology and scientific discovery, who experiences a bizarre phenomenon involving writing appearing on paper seemingly by itself. As the narrative unfolds, it delves into themes of technological advancement, human nature, and the consequences of striving for immortality, while Ed grapples with the memory of his uncle, Dr. Mitchell Prell, and the catastrophic events that have unfolded due to scientific experiments. The opening of "People Minus X" introduces Ed Dukas as he writes letters and finds traces of another presence in his room when mysterious ink begins to form words on his paper. This unsettling occurrence sparks Ed’s memories of his past, particularly his uncle, a well-known scientist who vanished after a catastrophic explosion linked to his experiments. As the story progresses, we learn about Ed's troubled childhood shaped by technological marvels and the looming specter of death. The atmospheric tension reveals Ed's conflicted feelings towards his uncle's legacy, technology, and his desire to understand the future ahead of him, setting the stage for a narrative that explores the intricate connections between humanity, science, and the unknown.