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"In science fiction one can say a great many things that are unpalatable, … because it's expressed as science fiction you can slip it past their defenses."
- Frederik Pohl
 |
| Poison Snooper | ||
| A device that checked food and drink for poisons. |
In the world of Dune, most wealthy people (and especially noble-born) needed to be careful about poisons in their food and drink.
| The Duke said: "Paul, I'm doing a hateful thing, but I must." He stood beside the portable poison snooper that had been brought into the conference room for their breakfast. The thing's sensor arms hung limply over the table, reminding Paul of some weird insect newly dead. The Duke's attention was directed out the windows at the landing field and its roiling of dust against the morning sky. |
| From Dune,
by Frank Herbert. Published by Putnam in 1965 Additional resources -
|
Poison snoopers were available in different forms, including portables:
"Hawat already has our own poison snooper over the dining table," he said. "There's a portable in your room..."
Large ceiling-mounted versions oversaw activity on formal tables:
The classic central chandelier remained unlighted, and its chain twisted upward into shadows where the mechanism of the poison-snooper had been concealed. Pausing in the doorway to inspect the arrangements, the Duke thought about the poison-snooper and what it signified in his society. All of a pattern, he thought. You can plumb us by our language--the precise and delicate delineations for ways to administer treacherous death. Will someone try chaumurky tonight--poison in the drink? Or will it be chaumas--poison in the food?
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and Technology by Frank Herbert
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| Electronic Tongues Will Rule The Kitchen |
| Mass Production Of In Vitro Meat From One Sample |
| Mealworms Food Of The Future |
| Self-Driving Domino's Pizza Car |
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