Playboy After Hours

March, 1957

We had brunch a couple of weeks ago with Arthur C. Clarke, author (seven novels, one coming up), astronomer, physicist, skindiver and generally a good sort. Reason we mention this is because Clarke unfolded to us a tale concerning the Ultimate Machine invented by a friend of his at M.I.T. The gadget is about the size and shape of a cigar box and almost as plain: on its side is a simple toggle switch, nothing more. One pulls the switch to the on position and the box emits an annoying buzz. Slowly...