Astounding Science Fiction, British Edition — page 39: what you’re looking at

Machine-transcribed from the original scan — historical spelling and the odd misread are preserved.

TRADE SECRET do not know what these principles are,” said Jennings. “You do not know for certain that Dr. Nagle has actually made the dis- coveries claimed for him and by him?” : “J am certain. I am very certain that they exist. I am certain that this Volcano which you have there on the table is symbolical of perhaps the most revolutionary discoveries since those that led to the release of atomic energy. Proper utilization of the principles symbolized there would no doubt lead to transmutation of the elements with the simplicity of ordi- nary chemical reactions. It is difficult to estimate the value of the discov- ery.” “And yet you tell us you do not know what the principle is,” said Cogswell. “It appears that the scien- tific mind runs in channels far removed from the reasoning of ordinary in- dividuals.”’ “No, that’s a very ordinary channel of thinking—or should be, anyway,” said Jennings. “It simply means that I know the abilities of Martin Nagle. I know him. I trust him. If he says it is so, then I believe that his symbology is based upon actual fact.” “Well, if you are so convinced of the existence of these discoveries, what is your opinion of Dr. Nagle’s contention that he is entitled to patent protection upon them?” “I think he is entirely correct in his demands,”’ said Jennings. “And these unknown principles would be classified, patent-wise, as Laws of Nature?” Vag °? “If this is the case, why have they not been exposed by others of your profession? Is this symbology not sufficiently understandable to be de- ciphered? Do you acknowledge that, as Dr. Nagle says, no one else is smart enough to figure these things out for another hundred years? Or do you have another unwritten code—one forbidding you to try?” Jennings smiled wryly. “Dr. Nagle Cconmiclooolks.c© 37 in