The waning of a world

"The Waning of a World" by W. Elwyn Backus is a science fiction novel written in the early 20th century. It is centered around the intellectual rivalry between two professors, Bernard Palmer and L. R. Margard, concerning the potential for life on Mars, sparked by Palmer's theories published in his book, "Man and the Universe". The narrative features young inventor Robert Sprague, who claims to have developed a remarkable gravity-defying machine called the "Sphere", and his partnership with Professor Palmer, setting the stage for an ambitious attempt to journey to Mars. At the start of the story, readers are introduced to the ongoing debate surrounding Mars and its inhabitants. Robert, influenced by his father's previous work, approaches Professor Palmer to discuss the "Sphere" and its capabilities. As excitement builds surrounding the machine, the two men forge an unlikely partnership to explore the mysteries of Mars. The opening portion establishes the characters, plots, and themes of discovery, innovation, and the quest for knowledge, as the duo prepares to embark on a groundbreaking journey that promises not only personal glory but also answers to humanity's long-standing questions about life beyond Earth.