"One of the main threads of science fiction has long been the dramatization of scientific and technological ideas, especially those of physics and astronomy and their effects on human lives. The purpose of this book is not to survey all of sicence fictoin, nor all of hard science fictoin, but to present a few stoires that illuminate some of the issues discussed in courses on science, technology, and society, which are currently served by nonfiction books and anthologies. This book's title, Gedanken Fictions, refers to a basic tool of science, the gedanken or thought experiment that must be used when laboratory experiments are not practical or possible. Dr. Thomas A. Easton is Professor of Life Sciences at Thomas College in Waterville, Maine. He is also the author of Taking Sides: Clashing Views on Controversial Issues in Science, Technology and Society."