15.23 The library to Home Computer System

Slim Novel 15 - http://adventuresofkimi.blogspot.com - See Homepage

23. Library to Home in an Instant

At last after months conceiving, planning and installing, Eddie has his library-to-home computer in place. Only he and Nina are in the know and, since she is chief librarian, he does not need to worry about higher-up interference.
 It could be considered useful library-science research.  
 It works as follows. If Eddie is at home and a question of fact comes up he cannot answer with his usual encyclopedia or dictionary, he buzzes Nina at library and types out, for example, "Nina, could you get me the definition of Graham-Steell heart murmur?"and she goes and gets the description and either types it to him on teleprinter or if it is a long page of words, puts it on copy and images to him.
   He discusses it with Professor Edwardes who exclaims. "Edward, my boy, you have justified the time I put into mentoring you!  You are becoming - as the English might say - a bloody genius." The professor pauses. "Two thoughts occur to me. First, if your Miss Nina does not mind, I should like you to install one for me between my office and the university library. Second, to consider the moral, ethical and commercial aspects of this."
   The professor continues. "In my opinion, you should not release this idea. Of course, it is going to come out. You are not the only genius at these new computers. And it will make billionaires. But, with your approach to life and learning - which I must say I take some pride in having instilled - you are already rich and better than merely rich because you channel your greeds into rational needs, if I may coin a rhyme. Money you can always get by just being as valuable as you show you are with this invention. Think! You will be far ahead of all the other medical students with this new access to knowledge." The professor pauses again. "And do not worry about the moral aspect that says you must release useful knowledge to help society. It might be correct in the ideal science civilization. But this sick greed we live under should never be helped."
   So Eddie sets up the system with Nina for Professor Edwardes. And Eddie does not report it or try to get a patent. He is behaving like the New People who will form the core of, hopefully, the coming Science Civilization.
  For next, click 15.24 A-Maying with Nina and a Proposal