# The Skylark of Space — Chapters explained

> Chapter companions for The Skylark of Space by E. E. Smith.

- [The Occurrence of the Impossible](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_skylark_of_space_se/chapters/i-the-occurrence-of-the-impossible.md): Richard Seaton accidentally discovers a way to liberate intra-atomic energy from copper while electrolyzing a solution of the unknown metal 'X'. The copper steam-bath he was using flies off into space, defying known laws
- [Steel Becomes Interested](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_skylark_of_space_se/chapters/ii-steel-becomes-interested.md): Dr. Marc DuQuesne learns of Richard Seaton's discovery of a new element that can liberate intra-atomic energy. He visits Brookings of the World Steel Corporation to propose stealing the solution and eliminating Seaton to
- [III: Seaton Solves the Problem of Power](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_skylark_of_space_se/chapters/iii-seaton-solves-the-problem-of-power.md): Seaton and Crane set up a laboratory in Crane's house, where Seaton works obsessively on harnessing a new power source. His neglect of Dorothy Vaneman prompts Crane to intervene, leading to a reconciliation. Dorothy's fa
- [Steel Liberates Energy—Unexpectedly](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_skylark_of_space_se/chapters/iv-steel-liberates-energy-unexpectedly.md): Seaton and Crane demonstrate a model of their space-flyer to Dorothy and her father, who christen it the 'Skylark.' Meanwhile, a mysterious explosion destroys a mountain village, which DuQuesne and Brookings recognize as
- [V: Direct Action](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_skylark_of_space_se/chapters/v-direct-action.md): DuQuesne, disguised as Seaton, lands at Crane's field, kills two detectives, wounds Shiro, and robs the safe. Seaton and Crane return to find the carnage, tend to Shiro, and offer a million-dollar reward. They then devel
- [VI: The Object-Compass at Work](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_skylark_of_space_se/chapters/vi-the-object-compass-at-work.md): Prescott, Seaton, and Crane discuss the mysterious burglary. Prescott is stumped, but Seaton suspects DuQuesne. Meanwhile, DuQuesne, Brookings, and Perkins plot to kidnap Dorothy Vaneman to force Seaton and Crane to surr
- [VII: The Trial Voyage](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_skylark_of_space_se/chapters/vii-the-trial-voyage.md): Seaton and Crane discover that the steel forgings for their space-car are deliberately flawed by Steel. They secretly commission a larger, stronger vessel, the Skylark, built under the supervision of MacDougall. While co
- [VIII: Indirect Action](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_skylark_of_space_se/chapters/viii-indirect-action.md): Seaton and Crane prepare for an interstellar rescue mission after discovering that Dorothy Vaneman has been kidnapped by DuQuesne and taken far beyond the solar system. They struggle to acquire enough copper for power ba
- [IX: Lost in Space](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_skylark_of_space_se/chapters/ix-lost-in-space.md): DuQuesne, Dorothy, Margaret, and Perkins are trapped in a powerless space-car falling toward a dead star. DuQuesne sacrifices all copper-containing objects to generate a repulsive force, but it is insufficient. Perkins g
- [X: The Rescue](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_skylark_of_space_se/chapters/x-the-rescue.md): Seaton and Crane, using the Skylark and the object-compass, pursue DuQuesne's vessel across interstellar space to rescue Dorothy and Margaret. They discover a massive unknown world exerting immense gravitational pull, th
- [Through Space Into the Carboniferous](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_skylark_of_space_se/chapters/xi-through-space-into-the-carboniferous.md): The Skylark crew lands on a strange planet with dense vegetation and a copper-bearing sun. After a near-fatal incident, they recover in zero gravity and resume their journey. Seaton and Crane consider using DuQuesne's ex
- [XII: The Mastery of Mind Over Matter](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_skylark_of_space_se/chapters/xii-the-mastery-of-mind-over-matter.md): After a terrifying encounter with a pure mental entity that materializes in their ship and threatens to dematerialize them, Seaton, Crane, and DuQuesne manage to disrupt its calculations through sheer mental effort, forc
- [XIII: Nalboon of Mardonale](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_skylark_of_space_se/chapters/xiii-nalboon-of-mardonale.md): The Skylark crew encounters the aerial battle between Mardonalian battleships and monstrous flying creatures. After rescuing a decorated plane, they meet Nalboon, the Domak of Mardonale, who presents them with pale-skinn
- [XIV: Nalboon Unmasked](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_skylark_of_space_se/chapters/xiv-nalboon-unmasked.md): Seaton awakens in the palace of Nalboon, where he and his party are treated as guests but are actually captives. Dunark reveals Nalboon's plan to kill them and recover the salt from their bodies, while warning them not t
- [XV: The Escape from Mardonale](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_skylark_of_space_se/chapters/xv-the-escape-from-mardonale.md): Seaton, Crane, Dorothy, Margaret, and their allies make a daring escape from Nalboon's palace, using a bluff and quick action to overcome guards. Meanwhile, Seaton and Dorothy, and Crane and Margaret, decide to marry on 
- [An Osnomian Marriage](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_skylark_of_space_se/chapters/xvi-an-osnomian-marriage.md): Seaton awakens on his wedding day, filled with joy. After a bracing cold bath, he joins Crane, Dorothy, and Margaret. Seaton explains Osnomian beliefs, which blend theology, evolution, and eugenics. The wedding ceremony 
- [Bird, Beast, or Fish?](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_skylark_of_space_se/chapters/xvii-bird-beast-or-fish.md): Seaton and crew pursue a karlon, a creature that exhibits traits of bird, beast, and fish, diving deep into the ocean and burrowing underground. After a prolonged chase, they kill it with an X-plosive bullet. Later, they
- [The Invasion](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_skylark_of_space_se/chapters/xviii-the-invasion.md): The Skylark crew defends the city of Kondal from a massive Mardonalian invasion, employing innovative defenses against various attacks including shells, ultraviolet rays, infra-sound, and electrified weapons. After repel
- [XIX: The Return to Earth](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_skylark_of_space_se/chapters/xix-the-return-to-earth.md): The Skylark returns to Earth after an uneventful voyage. DuQuesne examines the treasure given by Dunark, including radium and priceless gems, and plans to become a money power. As they approach Earth, the group discusses

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