The Aggravation of Elmer

"The Aggravation of Elmer" by Robert Arthur is a science fiction short story published in the mid-20th century. The narrative revolves around a young boy named Elmer, who possesses remarkable scientific abilities, causing both intrigue and trouble for the adults in his life. The story blends elements of humor and adventure, exploring themes of youth versus adulthood, and the unintended consequences of genius. The plot begins when Bill Rawlins, the protagonist, encounters an unusual traffic jam caused by a mysterious device created by Elmer, a thirteen-year-old boy genius from South America. Elmer’s invention, dubbed the "unhappen genii," has the power to stop all electric devices, leading to widespread chaos. As Bill learns more about Elmer's capabilities, he becomes eager to harness the boy's inventions for commercial gain. However, things take a chaotic turn when Elmer's experiments with anti-gravitation results in an explosion that sends his garage, and possibly himself, into unknown territory. The story culminates in a humorous yet cautionary tale about the dangers of recklessness in the pursuit of knowledge and the complexities of youthful ingenuity.