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"We are all repositories for genetically-encoded information that we're all spreading back and forth amongst each other, all the time. We're just lousy with information."
- Neal Stephenson
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| Blaster | ||
| A device that shoots a beam of energy that destroys whatever is in its path. |
This is probably the first occurrence of this very useful sf expression.
| Well it was for me that, in obedience to Hul Jok's imperative command, I was holding my Blastor pointing ahead of me; for as I blundered full upon the monstrosity it upheaved its ugly bulk—how I do not know, for I saw no legs nor did it have wings—to one edge and would have flopped down upon me, but instinctively I slid forward the catch on the tiny Blastor, and the foul thing vanished—save for a few fragments of its edges—smitten into nothingness by the vibration hurled forth from that powerful little disintegrator. |
| From When the Green Star Waned,
by Nictzin Dyalhis. Published by Weird Tales in 1925 Additional resources -
|
Heinlein uses the same word in his 1940 novella Coventry:
He checked over the list again. Enough concentrated and desiccated food and vitamin concentrate to last six months. That would give him time enough to build hothouses for hydroponics, and get his seeds started. Medical supplies- he did not expect to need those, but foresight was always best. Reference books of all sorts. A light sporting rifle- vintage: last century. His face clouded a little at this. The War Department had positively refused to sell him a portable blaster. When he had claimed the right of common social heritage, they had grudgingly provided him with the plans and specifications, and told him to build his own. Well, he would, the first spare time he got.
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'Hello, Europa... Is this your robot I'm looking at, in sector 94?'
What other robots are strong enough to carry you? Do you want them to do so?
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'Plates and cups ... slowly floated down to the floor and were not broken.'
'She woke just before the signal from the car which would have called her...'
'You can flip through your several types of radar displays quicker than you can change channels to avoid a commercial...'
'[He] pressed several buttons on the wide bracelet he wore upon his left wrist...'
