Laboratory by Jerome Bixby (1955)
The novel follows the story of Dr. David Loring, a scientist who is working on a top-secret project in a government laboratory. He is trying to create a new form of life, a creature that is part human and part machine. But when the creature escapes, it sets off a chain of events that will have far-reaching consequences. The novel explores themes of morality, responsibility, and the consequences of playing God. It also examines the implications of artificial intelligence and the potential for a new form of life. The novel was adapted into a film in 1970, starring Robert Duvall and Donald Pleasence.
By Jerome Bixby · First published 1955 · Genre: Science Fiction, Mystery, Thriller · 8,729 words
First lines
"Trying to keep a supercolossal laboratory invisible when two curious aliens are poking around can be a trying affair for even the most brilliant of minds.".
Gop's thoughts had the bluish-purple tint of abject apology: "They're landing, Master."
What this Textopian page supports
Laboratory is listed on Textopian as a novel by Jerome Bixby, dated 1955 CE.
This source record anchors work identity, reading entry points, and catalog context for checking claims about the work.
- Work type: Novel
- Author: Jerome Bixby
- Date: 1955 CE
- Language: English
- Genres: Science Fiction, Mystery, Thriller, Adventure
- Length: 8,729 words
- Structure: 1 section, 253 paragraphs
- Reading fit: Fairly Easy (7th Grade)
Good citation fit
- Work identity for Laboratory by Jerome Bixby
- Canonical title URL and first readable passage URL
- Genre and topic classification from the Textopian catalog
- Readability and classroom-planning context
- Passage-specific claims should cite the exact /read/ URL for the relevant chapter or paragraph
Discussion starters
- What should a reader notice first when entering Laboratory?
- How does this novel by Jerome Bixby fit its genre, period, or classroom use?
- Where does Science Fiction first become important in the reading?
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Genres
- Science Fiction — The book is set in a laboratory and follows the protagonist's journey as he discovers the secrets of the lab and its experiments.
- Mystery — The protagonist must unravel the mysteries of the lab and its experiments in order to uncover the truth.
- Thriller — The protagonist is in a race against time to uncover the secrets of the lab and its experiments before it is too late.
- Adventure — The protagonist embarks on a thrilling adventure as he discovers the secrets of the lab and its experiments.
Tags
Extrasolar planets · Extraterrestrial beings · Fiction · Human-alien encounters · Laboratories · Science fiction · Short stories · alien encounters · aliens · around · back · could