By the year 2660, science has transformed and conquered the world, rescuing humanity from itself Spectacular inventions from the farthest reaches of space and deep beneath the earth are available to meet every need, providing antidotes to individual troubles and social ills Inventors are highly prized and respected, and they are jealously protected and lavishly cared for by world governments That support and acclaim, however - as the most brilliant of scientists, Ralph 124C 41+, discovers - is not without its price