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"I don't know why I write science fiction. The voices in my head told me to!"
- Charles Stross
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| Cosmic Teletype | ||
| A device that utilizes the fourth dimensional continuum to achieve communication at great distances. |
Joseph Rane was not a scientist, but he applied his own special talents in the creation of the cosmic teletype.
| First, he mounted the two teletypes on a wooden bench, side by side... He next turned his attention to his cosmic radio.
 (Cosmic Teletype from 'Cosmic Teletype' by Carl Jacobi) He called it that for want of a better term. The earlier developments of this machine were lost in a frenzy of experimentation. Starting with a study of atomic power, Rane had developed a miniature atom-smasher; later he elaborated his instrument into a device of which he himself stood a little in awe. "You see," he said one day to his housekeeper, "this machine as it now stands is based on a concept of the relation between time and space. It will project a ray through the fourth dimensional continuum. In other words, when turned to full power, is will cause a disruption of the space-time coordinates, a channel so to speak which leads from our own three-dimensional world into the fourth dimension. I am convinced that such a channel is being utilized by beings of other planets as a means of communication." Rane then connected the two teletypes to the machine, with a loading coil between each. He pulled the switch, set the dynamos in action and awaited results. |
| From Cosmic Teletype,
by Carl Jacobi. Published by Thrilling Wonder Stories in 1938 Additional resources -
|
Jacobi also describes it as a "cosmic radio."
In use throughout the story, it is clear that it is as quick a mode of communication as a teletype; instantaneous transmission, followed by a short interval in which a message is read and responded to.
Read more about the hyperwave concept.
Take a look at some of these explicitly FTL communication methods:
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'... Wendis stared thoughtfully at the brilliant lines on the spectroscope screen.'
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'... it was as if the upper part had been removed, like a cut deck of cards.'
Sumomo will get those office workers into good shape!
