A pound of prevention: Classic Book Guide and Free Edition
A pound of prevention: author and translator credits, catalogue synopsis, subjects and links to the Gutenberg reading formats.
A pound of prevention is catalogued by Project Gutenberg with author credits for Edmondson, G. C. (1922–1995).
Catalogue synopsis
Project Gutenberg supplies this automated synopsis of the opening text:
"A Pound of Prevention" by G. C. Edmondson is a science fiction novella written in the mid-20th century, specifically around the 1950s. The story delves into themes of space travel, human adaptability, and the unforeseen consequences of sterilization practices in a zero-gravity environment. It centers on a group of astronauts preparing for a mission to Mars while grappling with the challenges of their situation. The narrative follows General Carnhouser and three young astronauts—Hagstrom, van den Burg, and Aréchaga—as they embark on their journey to Mars. As the mission progresses, the crew finds themselves struggling not only with the physical demands of space but also with unexpected health issues stemming from their food. The rations selected for the mission are irradiated and devoid of living bacteria, leading to severe digestive problems, particularly for two of the crew members. Aréchaga, who remains unaffected, realizes that the lack of beneficial bacteria has left his comrades unable to digest even the most nutrient-rich foods. Taking matters into his own hands, he reinfects himself with a traditional chili sauce, ultimately saving his crewmates by restoring their gut flora. The story highlights both the importance of preventive measures and the absurdities that can arise in the pursuit of cleanliness in an environment as harsh as space.
Book and edition facts
- Title: A pound of prevention
- Author credits: Edmondson, G. C. (1922–1995)
- Catalogue language: English
Catalogue subjects
- Science fiction
- Short stories
- Sick -- Fiction
- Space flight to Mars -- Fiction
- Space ships -- Fiction
Gutenberg collections
- Category: Science-Fiction & Fantasy
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View the complete Gutenberg catalogue record. Project Gutenberg identifies this edition as public domain in the United States; that designation does not establish its copyright status in every country.
Source notes
Catalogue metadata is public domain and is supplied through Gutendex, which imports Gutenberg's machine-readable catalogue. The automated synopsis is source-supplied, not an independently verified review. Author dates above describe the credited people; no ebook release date is presented as the book's original publication date.
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