Science Fiction
Dictionary
A B C D E F G H I J K L M N O P Q R S T U V W X Y Z
Latest By
Category:
Armor
Artificial
Intelligence
Biology
Clothing
Communication
Computers
Culture
Data Storage
Displays
Engineering
Entertainment
Food
Input Devices
Lifestyle
Living Space
Manufacturing
Material
Media
Medical
Miscellaneous
Robotics
Security
Space Tech
Spacecraft
Surveillance
Transportation
Travel
Vehicle
Virtual
Person
Warfare
Weapon
Work
"Science fiction writers, I am sorry to say, really do not know anything. We can't talk about science, because our knowledge of it is limited and unofficial, and usually our fiction is dreadful."
- Philip K. Dick
 |
| SSA Machine | ||
| A machine that compares two people for compatibility; it sees sub specie aeternitatis, literally 'under the aspect of eternity' or outside of time. |
Joe Fernwright sits next to Mali Yojez, an attractive humanoid, on the way to Plowman's Planet to do some work for a large and powerful being named Glimmung. On the way, she agrees to try the SSA machine with him, to give him the experience.
| The stewardess began setting up the SSA machine in a rapid, efficient fashion, meanwhile explaining it. "SSA stands for sub specie aeternitatis; that is, something seen outside of time. Now, many individuals imagine that an SSA machine can see into the future, that it is precognitive. This is not true. The mechanism, basically a computer, is attached via electrodes to both of your brains and it swiftly stores up immense quantities of data about both of you. It then synthesizes these data and, on a probability basis, extrapolates as to what would become of you both if you were, for example, joined in marriage or perhaps living with each other. I will have to shave two small spots of hair on both of your heads, please, in order to attach the electrodes... How far ahead are you interested in? ...A year, or ten years? You are free to choose, but the less time-elapse you pick, the more accurate the extrapolation will be..."
"What form does its extrapolation take?" Joe asked. "Written on a paper ribbon in punch form, or-" "You will be presented pictorially with a representative moment of your two lives entwined together a year from now," the stewardess said. "Projected in 3D and in color on the far wall." |
| Technovelgy from Galactic Pot-Healer,
by Philip K. Dick. Published by Berkley Publishing in 1969 Additional resources -
|
The SSA machine takes external data about the two, obtained from other data banks, and then spends about ten minutes pulling information from their brains for the simulation.
This is essentially a computerized dating service that makes use of detailed information about compatibility.
Comment/Join this discussion ( 0 ) | RSS/XML | Blog This |
Additional
resources:
More Ideas
and Technology from Galactic Pot-Healer
More Ideas
and Technology by Philip K. Dick
Tech news articles related to Galactic Pot-Healer
Tech news articles related to works by Philip K. Dick
| Liuzhi Process Now In Use In China |
| Animated Tumblebugs On Astounding Cover! |
| Has Elon Musk Given Up On Mars? |
| 'They Erased My Memory' Says Ariana Grande |
Want to Contribute an
Item?
It's easy:
Get the name of the item, a
quote, the book's name and the author's name, and Add
it here.
| <Previous | Next> |
|
|
|
Technovelgy (that's tech-novel-gee!) is devoted to the creative science inventions and ideas of sf authors. Look for the Invention Category that interests you, the Glossary, the Science Fiction Invention Timeline, or see what's New.
|
Science Fiction
Timeline
1600-1899
1900-1939
1940's 1950's
1960's 1970's
1980's 1990's
2000's 2010's
'He was in a high-ceilinged windowless cell with walls of glittering white porcelain.'
'I don't have to tell you about the seven two-mile-diameter orbital mirrors...'
'The robant and the tiny old woman entered the control room slowly...'
'Guy named Otto Octavius winds up with eight limbs... What are the odds?'
'It is as you thought when you constructed the time crystal, my master Vaylan.'
'This was their world, their planet — this swift-traveling, yet seemingly moveless vessel.'
