The Diamond Lens: Classic Book Guide and Free Edition
The Diamond Lens: author and translator credits, catalogue synopsis, subjects and links to the Gutenberg reading formats.
The Diamond Lens is catalogued by Project Gutenberg with author credits for O'Brien, Fitz James (1828–1862).
Catalogue synopsis
Project Gutenberg supplies this automated synopsis of the opening text:
"The Diamond Lens" by Fitz James O'Brien is a science fiction short story written during the mid-19th century, likely in the Victorian era. The narrative revolves around the concept of microscopic inquiry and the pursuit of scientific discovery, exploring the limits of human perception and obsession with knowledge. The story follows the protagonist, Linley, an aspiring microscopist who becomes enthralled by the beauty of a microscopic creature he names Animula, discovered through a diamond lens he constructs using a rare and large diamond. Initially, Linley is deeply captivated by Animula's ethereal beauty and the fantastical world within the drop of water in which she resides. However, he becomes increasingly consumed by his infatuation and neglects reality, leading to tragedy when the water evaporates and Animula perishes. Linley's obsession results in his mental and physical deterioration, reflecting the dangers of becoming too engrossed in one's pursuits, ultimately leaving him as a broken individual haunted by the loss of his beloved microscopic creation.
Book and edition facts
- Title: The Diamond Lens
- Author credits: O'Brien, Fitz James (1828–1862)
- Catalogue language: English
Catalogue subjects
- Microscopy -- Fiction
- Murder -- Fiction
- Science fiction
Gutenberg collections
- Category: American Literature
- Category: Science-Fiction & Fantasy
- Category: Short Stories
- Precursors of Science Fiction
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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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