# II: The First Making of Cavorite explained — The First Men in the Moon

> Chapter companion for The First Men in the Moon by H. G. Wells.

## What happens

Bedford recounts the accidental creation of Cavorite, which occurs when Cavor's neglect of the furnace leads to a catastrophic explosion. The substance, once formed, cuts off gravity, causing a violent upheaval of air and debris. Despite the destruction, Cavor is elated, insisting the experiment was a success. Bedford, though shaken, decides to continue working with Cavor, recognizing the immense potential of the discovery.

## Themes in this chapter

### Scientific Hubris and Its Consequences

Cavor's single-minded pursuit of discovery leads to a destructive explosion, highlighting the dangers of neglecting practical safeguards.

### The Limits of Knowledge

Cavor admits that theoretical knowledge is useless without practical application, as his oversight causes widespread damage.

## Character check-ins

### Mr. Bedford

Narrator and reluctant partner; observes the explosion and decides to persist with Cavor despite the risks.

### Mr. Cavor

Absent-minded scientist; accidentally creates Cavorite, causing a massive explosion, yet remains focused on the scientific achievement.

### Gibbs

Joiner and furnace tender; his dispute over coal duties leads to the furnace being neglected, triggering the accident.

## Key lines

> Gratulate me,” he gasped; “gratulate me!” “Congratulate you!” said I. “Good heavens! What for?” “I’ve done it.”

Cavor, covered in mud and bleeding, asks Bedford to congratulate him on successfully creating Cavorite, despite the catastrophic explosion.

_Highlights Cavor's single-minded focus on scientific achievement over personal safety and property damage._

> It was not an explosion. It’s perfectly simple. Only, as I say, I’m apt to overlook these little things. It’s that zuzzoo business on a larger scale. Inadvertently I made this substance of mine, this Cavorite, in a thin, wide sheet.

Cavor explains that the event was not an explosion but a result of Cavorite cutting off gravity, causing air to rush upward violently.

_Demonstrates Cavor's theoretical understanding and his tendency to minimize practical consequences._

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_first_men_in_the_moon_se/chapters/ii-the-first-making-of-cavorite
- Book: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_first_men_in_the_moon_se
- All chapters: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_first_men_in_the_moon_se/chapters