Clifford Simak: Science Fiction Technology and Ideas

Clifford Simak:
Science Fiction Technology and Ideas

An inventive and thoughtful author, American author Clifford Simak (b. 1904 - d. 1988) worked with newspapers in the Midwest during the 1930's. He won many awards for his work in the field of science fiction including several Hugo awards (one of them for Way Station) and a Nebula award. Given SFWA Grand Master Award in 1977. The Horror Writers Association made him one of three inaugural winners of the Bram Stoker Award for Lifetime Achievement.

"Gave up the idea of going out west and becoming a cowboy after I spent four years riding a horse to a small town high school, five miles each morning and eve- ning. Attended normal school after that and taught rural school for several years. Went to the University of Wisconsin, majoring in journalism. Learned more about newspaper work in the first few weeks of actual work on a northern Michigan semi-weekly than I did in all the time I spent at university.

Married in 1929. No family unless you count our Scottie pup, Hoot Mon Tyke. Byline on stories really should include Mrs. Simak’s name as well, for she acts as critic and typist. Tells me which stories will sell, those that won’t. She hasn’t missed yet!"

(Clifford Simak)

Invention/Technology	Source Work (Publication Date)
Alcatraz of Space A planetoid prison.	Reunion on Ganymede (1938)
Asteroid Mining (Blasting) Setting charges on an asteroid.	Asteroid of Gold (1932)
Asteroids From Outside Solar System Small bodies from beyond the solar system are captured by major planets.	Mr. Meek Plays Polo (1944)
Atomic Pistol Reduces the target to atomic dust.	Mutiny on Mercury (1932)
Butcher Vegetable - a plant that grows steaks A plant that grows steaks (protein).	Time is the Simplest Thing (1961)
Dimensino - alien entertainment center An alien entertainment center that provides the ultimate in immersive experience.	Time is the Simplest Thing (1961)
Electronic Spy An autonomous device that kept itself hidden while keeping track of an individual's activity.	Ring Around the Sun (1952)
Gobathian - full body healing An alien medical technology that enables full body healing in the event of traumatic injury.	Time is the Simplest Thing (1961)
Hunting Robe - a very thin hunting dog A very thin, furry hunter that captures by constriction.	Time is the Simplest Thing (1961)
Invulnerable Wall A material created by insects that grew stronger as it was compressed.	Jackpot (1956)
Life Blanket Sentient moss which, when draped over the shoulders of a human being, becomes fully self-aware, providing valuable services.	Ogre (1944)
Mentophone A device that facilitates long-distance telepathy.	Time Quarry (1950)
Metal Calculator Planet - the Burroughs planet A planet covered entirely with machinery to a height of twenty miles and covered with a metal roof.	Limiting Factor (1949)
Peeper - unlock your inner dreams A device that unlocked the dreams and fantasies inherent in the user's brain.	Shadow World (1957)
Personal Solar Plant A single-home solar-powered energy source.	Ring Around the Sun (1952)
Planet Rules Regulations governing the behavior of the away team on a new planet.	Drop Dead (1956)
Relations with Extraterrestrial Life - before the Prime Directive Instructions to earth citizens on how to behave when encountering alien civilizations.	Ogre (1944)
Rifle Range (Virtual Shooting Range) - virtual skeet shooting designed by aliens Virtual skeet shooting gallery with clay pigeon traps created by aliens.	Way Station (1963)
Robot Animals Artificial animals created using robotic elements.	Reunion on Ganymede (1938)
Robot Lawn Mower - already here An automated lawn mower.	City (1944)

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