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Lifeline by Robert Heinlein:
Science Fiction Inventions, Technology and Ideas

“A new author suggests a means of determining the day a man must die — a startling plausible method.”

Lifeline is Robert Heinlein's first published story, appearing in Astounding Science Fiction in 1939. He wrote the story in response to a contest in Thrilling Wonder Stories for a $50 prize, but submitted it to Astounding and was paid $70.

('Lifeline' by Robert Heinlein)

Dr. Hugo Pinero has a machine, a "chronovitameter", that allows him to accurately predict the date of a person's death. As you might imagine, this has a profound impact on the insurance industry. Select an invention:

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