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Boomerang (A Great Deal of Power) by Eric Frank Russell:
Science Fiction Inventions, Technology and Ideas

"Here is a story that poses a fascinating question — and one which mere humans have found exceedingly difficult to answer. Is it possible to create a weapon capable of destroying men of power without creating an even more powerful menace than its victims? In William Smith one small group of highly intelligent men believed they had found this answer. For William Smith was a robot. Unfortunately, howeve, William Smith had to be taught to think if he was to attain fulfillment of his mission."

Great short story by Russell; he combines some great elements. This is one of the earliest stories in which a robot struggles with the rules it's been given, and it has a very cool weapon. I'd tell you more, but you should read this Cold War classic for yourself (here). Select an invention:

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