Synopsis
A professor invents a machine that can accurately predict how long a person will live.
History
First publication: Astounding August 1939
Heinlein’s first published story.
Review
A good SF short story, competent, better than most SF published in the 30s. Heinlein did write better stories, but this still has some interesting ideas, very well presented.
Videos
We have the story in these editions:
The Great SF Stories 1 (1939), edited by Isaac Asimov, Martin H. Greenberg, paperback, DAW Books, 1979-03-00
The Past Through Tomorrow, hardcover, Ace/SFBC, 1987-07-00
Expanded Universe, hardcover, Baen, 2003-10-00
First Flight: Maiden Voyages in Space and Time, edited by Damon Knight, paperback, Lancer Books, 1963-08-00
All of the stories in the Future History series:
Coventry
Blowups Happen
Logic of Empire
—We Also Walk Dogs
The Green Hills of Earth
Space Jockey
It’s Great to Be Back
The Black Pits of Luna
Gentlemen, Be Seated!
Ordeal in Space
Delilah and the Space-Rigger
The Long Watch
The Menace from Earth
Searchlight
The Roads Must Roll
Life-Line
Misfit
The Moon is a Harsh Mistress
If This Goes On—
Orphans of the Sky
Let There Be Light
