# I explained — Islands of Space

> Chapter companion for Islands of Space by John W. Campbell.

## What happens

Three scientists—Arcot, Wade, and Morey—are interrupted by John Fuller. They reveal their plan to build a spaceship that can exceed the speed of light by altering the curvature of space, powered by high-density currents using lux metal insulation. The group decides to move their work to Arcot's Vermont lab.

## Themes in this chapter

### Science and Technology as Tools

The chapter focuses on the scientific breakthrough of altering space curvature to exceed light speed, and the development of a new power source.

### Exploration and Adventure

The team plans to visit distant stars and galaxies, indicating a spirit of exploration.

### The Value of Knowledge and Learning

The characters' deep understanding of physics and mathematics enables their revolutionary ideas.

## Character check-ins

### Dr. Richard Arcot

Leads the discussion about the new space drive and power source; bantering with colleagues.

### Morey

Mathematical assistant who humorously complains about lack of credit; helps develop the theory.

### Wade

Coined the terms 'lux' and 'relux'; participates in the banter and explains the new speed concept.

### John Fuller

Arrives late; skeptical but intrigued by the proposed faster-than-light travel; will design the ship.

## Key lines

> The velocity of light, just as Einstein said, is a property of space. What happens if we change space?

Arcot suggests that since light speed depends on space itself, altering space could allow faster travel.

_Core concept of the new drive._

> By changing the curvature of the space surrounding you, you could get any velocity you wanted.

Manipulating local space curvature enables arbitrary speeds.

_Explanation of the principle behind the proposed ship._

> I put a current of ten thousand amps through a little piece of lead wire, and that gave me a current density of 10^10 amps per square inch.

Arcot achieved extremely high current density in a lead wire using lux insulation.

_Describes the power source experiment._

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/islands_of_space_se/chapters/i
- Book: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/islands_of_space_se
- All chapters: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/islands_of_space_se/chapters