The Messiah of the Cylinder: Classic Book Guide and Free Edition
The Messiah of the Cylinder: author and translator credits, catalogue synopsis, subjects and links to the Gutenberg reading formats.

The Messiah of the Cylinder is catalogued by Project Gutenberg with author credits for Emanuel, V. R. (Victor Rousseau) (1879–1960).
Catalogue synopsis
Project Gutenberg supplies this automated synopsis of the opening text:
"The Messiah of the Cylinder" by Victor Rousseau is a science fiction novel written in the early 20th century. The story begins with a scientific experiment set at the Biological Institute in England, where the main character, Arnold Pennell, and his colleague Lazaroff are conducting research on the possibility of suspending life in animals for long durations. The narrative delves into themes of consciousness, evolution, and the dynamics between science and faith, exploring the moral implications of their groundbreaking work. At the start of the novel, the reader is introduced to a heated discussion over coffee between Arnold, Lazaroff, Sir Spofforth, and Esther, the latter two representing opposing views on science and spirituality. This scene serves as a prelude to the ambitious experiment Lazaroff proposes—sealing live monkeys in cylinders to preserve them in a state of suspended animation for a century. As tensions build, Arnold's concerns about the moral ramifications of their work become evident. The opening chapters set the stage for a narrative that intertwines personal relationships with the philosophical dilemmas of scientific advancement, ultimately leading to unexpected consequences that will test their beliefs and spirits as the story unfolds.
Book and edition facts
- Title: The Messiah of the Cylinder
- Author credits: Emanuel, V. R. (Victor Rousseau) (1879–1960)
- Catalogue language: English
Catalogue subjects
- Science 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.


