New York, A.D. 2660

Being much interested in sports, she desired to know presently how the modern New Yorker kept himself in condition and for his answer Ralph stopped at a corner and they entered a tall, flat-roofed building. They took off their coasters, stepped into the electromagnetic elevator and ascended the fifty odd stories in a few seconds. At the top, they found a large expanse on which were stationed dozens of flyers of all sizes. There was a continuous bustle of departing and arriving aerial flyers and of people alighting and departing.

She was very interested in sports and soon asked how a modern New Yorker kept in shape. In answer, Ralph stopped at a corner, and they entered a tall building with a flat roof. They took off their coasters and stepped into the electromagnetic elevator. It carried them up more than fifty stories in a few seconds. At the top, they found a large open area with dozens of flyers of all sizes. Aerial flyers were constantly arriving and departing, and people were getting on and off.

As soon as Ralph and Alice appeared a dozen voices began to call: "Aerocab, sir, Aerocab, this way please!" Ralph, ignoring them, walked over to a two-seated flyer and assisted his companion to the seat; he then seated himself and said briefly to the "driver," "National Playgrounds." The machine, which was very light and operated entirely by electricity, was built of metal throughout; it shot up into the air with terrific speed and then took a northeasterly direction at a rate of ten miles per minute, or 600 miles per hour.

As soon as Ralph and Alice appeared, a dozen voices called out: "Aerocab, sir, Aerocab, this way please!" Ralph ignored them and walked over to a two-seat flyer. He helped Alice into her seat, then sat down himself and said briefly to the "driver," "National Playgrounds." The machine was very light, made entirely of metal, and powered entirely by electricity. It shot up into the air at tremendous speed, then headed northeast at ten miles per minute, or 600 miles per hour.

From the great height at which they were flying it was not hard to point out the most interesting structures, towers, bridges, and wonders of construction deemed impossible several centuries ago.

From that height, it was easy to point out the most interesting buildings, towers, bridges, and other engineering wonders. Several centuries earlier, such structures had been thought impossible.

In less than ten minutes they had arrived at the National Playgrounds. They alighted on an immense platform and Ralph, leading Alice to the edge, where they could see the entire playgrounds, said:

In less than ten minutes, they arrived at the National Playgrounds. They landed on an enormous platform. Ralph led Alice to the edge, where they could see the entire playgrounds, and said:

"These National Playgrounds were built by the city in 2490, at the extreme eastern end of what used to be Long Island, a few miles from Montauk.³ An immense area had been fitted up for all kinds of sports, terrestrial and aquatic as well as aerial. These municipal playgrounds are the finest in the world and represent one of New York's greatest achievements. The City Government supplied all the various sport paraphernalia and every citizen has the right to use it, by applying to the lieutenants in charge of the various sections.

"These National Playgrounds were built by the city in 2490. They were at the easternmost end of what used to be Long Island, a few miles from Montauk.³ A vast area had been equipped for all kinds of sports on land, in the water, and in the air. These municipal playgrounds are the finest in the world and one of New York's greatest achievements. The City Government provided all the sports equipment. Every citizen has the right to use it by applying to the lieutenants in charge of the various sections.

"There are playgrounds for the young as well as for the old, grounds for men, grounds for the women, grounds for babies to romp about in. There are hundreds of baseball fields, thousands of tennis courts, and uncounted football fields and golf links. It never rains, it is never too hot, it is never too cold. The grounds are open every day in the year, from seven in the morning till eleven at night. After sunset, the grounds and fields are lighted by thousands of iridium wire spirals, for those who have to work in the daytime.

“There are playgrounds for young and old, areas for men and women, and places for babies to play. There are hundreds of baseball fields, thousands of tennis courts, and countless football fields and golf courses. It never rains, and it is never too hot or too cold. The grounds are open every day of the year, from seven in the morning until eleven at night. After sunset, thousands of iridium wire spirals light the grounds and fields for those who work during the day.

"As a matter of fact all the great baseball, tennis, and football contests are held after sundown. The reason is apparent. During the daytime, with the sun shining, there is always one team which has an advantage over the other, on account of the light being in their eyes. In the evening, however, with the powerful, stationary light overhead, each team has the same conditions and the game can be played more fairly and more accurately."⁴

"In fact, all major baseball, tennis, and football contests are held after sundown. The reason is clear. During the day, sunlight always gives one team an advantage because it shines in the other team's eyes. In the evening, however, a powerful, stationary light shines overhead. Both teams have the same conditions, so the game can be played more fairly and accurately."⁴

Ralph and his companion strolled about the immense grounds watching the players and it was not long before he discovered that she, like himself, was enthusiastic about tennis. He asked her if she would care to play a game with him and she acquiesced eagerly.

Ralph and his companion walked around the vast grounds, watching the players. Before long, he discovered that she loved tennis as much as he did. He asked if she would like to play a game with him, and she eagerly agreed.

They walked over to the dressing building where Ralph kept his own sport clothes. Since the girl had no tennis shoes, he secured a pair for her in the Arcade, and they sauntered over to one of the courts.

They walked to the dressing building, where Ralph kept his sports clothes. Since the girl had no tennis shoes, he got her a pair at the Arcade. Then they strolled over to one of the courts.

In the game that followed, Ralph, an expert at tennis, was too engrossed in the girl to watch his game. Consequently, he was beaten from start to finish. He did not see the ball, and scarcely noticed the net. His eyes were constantly on Alice, who, indeed, made a remarkably pretty picture. She flung herself enthusiastically into her game, as she did with everything else that interested her. She was the true sport-lover, caring little whether she won or not, loving the game for the game itself.

In the game that followed, Ralph, an expert tennis player, was too absorbed in Alice to pay attention to his game. As a result, he was beaten from start to finish. He did not see the ball and barely noticed the net. His eyes were always on Alice, who made a remarkably pretty picture. She threw herself enthusiastically into the game, as she did with everything else that interested her. She truly loved sports and cared little whether she won or not. She loved the game for its own sake.

Her lovely face was flushed with the exercise, and her hair curled into damp little rings, lying against her neck and cheeks in soft clusters. Her eyes, always bright, shone like stars. Now and again they met Ralph's in gay triumph as she encountered a difficult ball.

Her lovely face was flushed from exercise. Her hair curled into damp little rings, resting in soft clusters against her neck and cheeks. Her eyes, always bright, shone like stars. Now and then, she met Ralph's eyes with joyful triumph as she handled a difficult ball.

He had never imagined that anyone could be so graceful. Her lithe and flexible figure was seen to its best advantage in this game requiring great agility.

He had never imagined anyone could be so graceful. The game required great agility and showed off her slender, flexible figure.

Ralph, under this bombardment of charms, was spellbound. He played mechanically, and, it must be admitted, wretchedly. And he was so thoroughly and abjectly in love that he did not care. To him, but one thing mattered. He knew that unless he could have Alice life itself would not matter to him.

Overwhelmed by her charms, Ralph was spellbound. He played mechanically and, it must be admitted, terribly. But he was so completely and hopelessly in love that he did not care. Only one thing mattered to him. He knew that without Alice, life itself would mean nothing to him.

He felt that he would gladly have lost a hundred games when she at last flung down her racket, crying happily: "Oh, I won, I won, didn't I?"

He felt he would gladly have lost a hundred games when she finally threw down her racket. She cried happily, "Oh, I won, I won, didn't I?"

"You certainly did," he cried. "You were wonderful!"

"You certainly did," he exclaimed. "You were wonderful!"

"I'm a little bit afraid you let me win," she pouted. "It really wasn't fair of you."

"I'm a little afraid you let me win," she said with a pout. "That really wasn't fair of you."

"You were fine," he declared. "I was hopelessly outclassed from the beginning. You have no idea how beautiful you were," he went on, impulsively. "More beautiful than I ever dreamed anyone could be."

"You were wonderful," he said. "I was hopelessly outmatched from the start. You have no idea how beautiful you were," he added impulsively. "More beautiful than I ever dreamed anyone could be."

Before his ardent eyes she drew back a little, half pleased, half frightened, and not a little confused.

Under his passionate gaze, she drew back a little, half pleased, half frightened, and quite confused.

Sensing her embarrassment he instantly became matter-of-fact.

Sensing her embarrassment, he immediately became matter-of-fact.

"Now," he said, "I am going to show you the source of New York's light and power."

"Now," he said, "I'm going to show you where New York's light and power come from."

A few minutes later, after both had changed their shoes, they were again seated in an aerocab and a twenty minute journey brought them well into the center of what was formerly New York state.

A few minutes later, after both had changed their shoes, they were back in an aerocab. A twenty-minute journey took them well into the center of what was once New York state.

They alighted on an immense plain on which twelve monstrous Meteoro-Towers, each 1,500 feet high, were stationed. These towers formed a hexagon inside of which were the immense Helio-Dynamophores, or Sun-power-generators.

They landed on a vast plain where twelve enormous Meteoro-Towers stood, each 1,500 feet high. The towers formed a hexagon around the immense Helio-Dynamophores, or Sun-power-generators.

The entire expanse, twenty kilometers square, was covered with glass. Underneath the heavy plate glass squares were the photo-electric elements which transformed the solar heat direct into electric energy.

The entire area, twenty kilometers square, was covered with glass. Beneath the thick glass plates were photoelectric elements that converted solar heat directly into electricity.

The photo-electric elements, of which there were 400 to each square meter, were placed in large movable metal cases, each case containing 1,600 photo-electric units.

There were 400 photoelectric elements per square meter. They were housed in large movable metal cases, each containing 1,600 photoelectric units.

Each metal case in turn was movable, and mounted on a kind of large tripod in such a manner that each case from sunrise to sunset presented its glass plate directly to the sun. The rays of the sun, consequently, struck the photo-electric elements always vertically, never obliquely. A small electric motor inside of the tripod moved the metal case so as to keep the plates always facing the sun.

Each metal case could move and was mounted on a kind of large tripod. From sunrise to sunset, each case kept its glass plate facing directly toward the sun. As a result, the sun’s rays always struck the photoelectric elements directly, never at an angle. A small electric motor inside the tripod moved the case to keep the plates facing the sun.

In order that one case might not take away the light from the one directly behind it, all cases were arranged in long rows, each sufficiently far away from the one preceding it. Thus shadows from one row could not fall on the row behind it.

To keep each case from blocking the light from the one directly behind it, all the cases were arranged in long rows. Each row was far enough from the one before it that its shadows could not fall on the row behind it.

At sunrise, all cases would be almost vertical, but at this time very little current was generated. One hour after sunrise, the plant was working to its full capacity; by noon all cases would be in a horizontal position, and by sunset, they again would be in an almost vertical position, in the opposite direction, however, from that of the morning. The plant would work at its full capacity until one hour before sunset.

At sunrise, all the cases would be almost vertical, but they generated very little current then. One hour after sunrise, the plant was working at full capacity. By noon, all the cases would be horizontal. By sunset, they would be almost vertical again, but facing the opposite direction from the morning. The plant would work at full capacity until one hour before sunset.

Each case generated about one hundred and twenty kilowatts almost as long as the sun was shining, and it is easily understood what an enormous power the entire plant could generate. In fact, this plant supplied all the power, light, and heat for entire New York. One-half of the plant was for day use, while the other half during daytime charged the chemical gas-accumulators for night use.

Each case generated about 120 kilowatts for almost as long as the sun was shining. It is easy to see how much power the entire plant could generate. In fact, the plant supplied all the power, light, and heat for all of New York. Half the plant supplied power for daytime use. During the day, the other half charged the chemical gas-accumulators for night use.

In 1909 Cove of Massachusetts invented a thermo-electric Sun-power-generator which could deliver ten volts and six amperes, or one-sixtieth kilowatt in a space of twelve square feet. Since that time inventors by the score had busied themselves to perfect solar generators, but it was not until the year 2469 that the Italian 63A 1243 invented the photo-electric cell, which revolutionized the entire electrical industry. This Italian discovered that by derivatives of the Radium-M class, in conjunction with Tellurium and Arcturium, a photo-electric element could be produced which was strongly affected by the sun's ultra-violet rays and in this condition was able to transform heat direct into electrical energy, without losses of any kind.

In 1909, Cove of Massachusetts invented a thermo-electric Sun-power-generator that could deliver ten volts and six amperes. It produced one-sixtieth of a kilowatt in an area of twelve square feet. Since then, scores of inventors had worked to perfect solar generators. But it was not until 2469 that the Italian 63A 1243 invented the photo-electric cell. His invention revolutionized the entire electrical industry. He discovered that derivatives of the Radium-M class, combined with Tellurium and Arcturium, could produce a photo-electric element. This element was strongly affected by the sun's ultraviolet rays. In this state, it could transform heat directly into electrical energy, without losses of any kind.

After watching the enormous power plant for a time Alice remarked:

After watching the enormous power plant for a while, Alice said:

"We, of course, have similar plants across the water but I have never seen anything of such magnitude. It is really colossal. But what gives the sky above such a peculiar black tint?"

"Of course, we have similar plants across the water, but I've never seen anything this big. It's really enormous. But why does the sky above have such a strange black tint?"

"In order not to suffer too great losses from atmospheric disturbances," Ralph explained, "the twelve giant Meteoro-Towers which you notice are working with full power as long as the plant is in operation. Thus a partial vacuum is produced above the plant and the air consequently is very thin. As air ordinarily absorbs an immense amount of heat, it goes without saying that the Helio-Dynamophore plant obtains an immensely greater amount of heat when the air above is very clear and thin. In the morning the towers direct their energy toward the East in order to clear the atmosphere to a certain extent, and in the afternoon their energy is directed toward the West for the same purpose. For this reason, this plant furnishes fully thirty per cent more energy than others working in ordinary atmosphere."

"To avoid losing too much energy to atmospheric disturbances," Ralph explained, "the twelve giant Meteoro-Towers you see run at full power as long as the plant is operating. This creates a partial vacuum above the plant, making the air very thin. Air normally absorbs an immense amount of heat. Naturally, the Helio-Dynamophore plant receives immensely more heat when the air above it is very clear and thin. In the morning, the towers direct their energy eastward to clear the atmosphere to some extent. In the afternoon, they direct their energy westward for the same purpose. As a result, this plant supplies a full thirty percent more energy than others operating under normal atmospheric conditions."

As it was growing late they returned to the city, traversing the distance to Ralph's home in less than ten minutes.

As it was getting late, they returned to the city, reaching Ralph's home in less than ten minutes.

Alice's father arrived a few minutes later, and she told him of the delightful time she had had in the company of their distinguished host.

Alice's father arrived a few minutes later. She told him what a wonderful time she had spent with their distinguished host.

Shortly after they had dined that evening Ralph took his guests down to his Tele-Theater. This large room had a shallow stage at one end, with proscenium arch and curtain, such as had been in use during the whole history of the drama. At the rear of the room were scattered a number of big upholstered chairs.

Shortly after dinner that evening, Ralph took his guests down to his Tele-Theater. The large room had a shallow stage at one end. It had a proscenium arch and curtain, like those used throughout the history of drama. Several large upholstered chairs were scattered at the back of the room.

When they had seated themselves, Ralph gave Alice a directory of the plays and operas that were being presented that night.

Once they were seated, Ralph gave Alice a list of the plays and operas being performed that night.

"Oh, I see they are playing the French comic opera, La Normande, at the National Opera tonight," she exclaimed. "I have heard and read much of it. I should like to hear it so much."

"Oh, I see they're playing the French comic opera, La Normande, at the National Opera tonight," she exclaimed. "I've heard and read a lot about it. I'd love to hear it."

"With the greatest of pleasure," Ralph replied. "In fact, I have not heard it myself. My laboratory has kept me so busy, that I have missed the Opera several times already. There are only two performances a week now."

"With pleasure," Ralph replied. "In fact, I haven't heard it myself. I've been so busy in my laboratory that I've already missed the opera several times. There are only two performances a week now."

He walked over to a large switchboard from which hung numerous cords and plugs. He inserted one of the plugs into a hole labeled "National Opera." He then manipulated several levers and switches and seated himself again with his guests.

He walked over to a large switchboard with many cords and plugs hanging from it. He inserted one plug into a hole labeled "National Opera." Then he adjusted several levers and switches and sat down again with his guests.

In a moment, a gong sounded, and the lights were gradually dimmed. Immediately afterward, the orchestra began the overture.

A moment later, a gong sounded, and the lights slowly dimmed. Right afterward, the orchestra began the overture.

A great number of loud-speaking telephones were arranged near the stage, and the acoustics were so good that it was hard to realize that the music originated four miles away at the National Opera House.

Many loudspeaking telephones were arranged near the stage. The acoustics were so good that it was hard to believe the music came from the National Opera House, four miles away.

When the overture was over, the curtain rose on the first act. Directly behind it several hundred especially constructed Telephots were arranged in such a manner as to fill out the entire space of the shallow stage. These telephots were connected in series and were all joined together so cleverly that no break or joint was visible in the rear part of the stage. The result was that all objects on the distant stage of the National Opera were projected full size on the composite Telephot plates on the Tele-Theater stage. The illusion was so perfect in all respects that it was extremely hard to imagine that the actors on the Telephot stage were not real flesh and blood. Each voice could be heard clearly and distinctly, because the transmitters were close to the actors at all times and it was not necessary to strain the ear to catch any passages.

When the overture ended, the curtain rose on the first act. Directly behind the curtain, several hundred specially constructed Telephots filled the entire space of the shallow stage. The Telephots were connected in series and joined so cleverly that no break or joint was visible at the back of the stage. As a result, all objects on the distant stage of the National Opera were projected at full size onto the combined Telephot plates on the Tele-Theater stage. The illusion was perfect in every respect. It was extremely hard to imagine that the actors on the Telephot stage were not real flesh and blood. Every voice could be heard clearly and distinctly because the transmitters were always close to the actors. There was no need to strain to hear any passages.

Between the acts Ralph explained that each New York playhouse now had over 200,000 subscribers and it was as easy for the Berlin and Paris subscribers to hear and see the play as for the New York subscriber. On the other hand, he admitted that the Paris and Berlin as well as the London playhouses had a large number of subscribers, local as well as long distance, but New York's subscription list was by far the largest.

Between acts, Ralph explained that each New York theater now had more than 200,000 subscribers. Subscribers in Berlin and Paris could see and hear the play just as easily as subscribers in New York. He admitted that theaters in Paris, Berlin, and London also had many subscribers, both local and long-distance. But New York had by far the largest subscriber list.

"Can you imagine," mused Alice, "how the people in former centuries must have been inconvenienced when they wished to enjoy a play? I was reading only the other day how they had to prepare themselves for the theater hours ahead of time. They had to get dressed especially for the occasion and even went so far as to have different clothes in which to attend theaters or operas. And then they had to ride or perhaps walk to the playhouse itself. Then the poor things, if they did not happen to like the production, had either to sit all through it or else go home. They probably would have rejoiced at the ease of our Tele-Theaters, where we can switch from one play to another in five seconds, until we find the one that suits us best.

"Can you imagine," Alice wondered, "how inconvenient it must have been for people in past centuries to see a play? I read just the other day that they had to start getting ready for the theater hours in advance. They had to dress especially for the occasion. They even had different clothes for going to the theater or the opera. Then they had to ride or perhaps walk to the theater itself. And the poor things, if they didn't like the production, had to sit through it or go home. They probably would have loved how easy our Tele-Theaters make it. We can switch from one play to another in five seconds, until we find the one we like best.

"Nor could their sick people enjoy themselves seeing a play, as we can now. I know when I broke my ankle a year ago, I actually lived in the Tele-Theater. I cannot imagine how I could have dragged through those dreary six weeks in bed without a new play each night. Life must have been dreadful in those days!"

"Sick people couldn't enjoy watching a play as we can now, either. When I broke my ankle a year ago, I practically lived in the Tele-Theater. I can't imagine how I could have gotten through those dreary six weeks in bed without a new play each night. Life must have been dreadful in those days!"

"Yes, you are right," Ralph said. "Neither could they have imagined in their wildest dreams the spectacle I witnessed a few days ago.

"Yes, you're right," Ralph said. "They couldn't have imagined, even in their wildest dreams, what I saw a few days ago.

"I happened to be passing this room and I heard such uproarious laughter that I decided to see what caused it all. Entering unnoticed, I found my ten-year-old nephew 'entertaining' half-a-dozen of his friends. The little rascal had plugged into a matinee performance of 'Romeo and Juliet' playing at the 'Broadway'—in English of course. He then plugged in at the same time into Der Spitzbub, a farce playing that evening in Berlin, and to this, for good measure, he added Rigoletto in Italian, playing at the 'Gala' in Milan.

"I happened to be passing this room when I heard such loud laughter that I decided to see what was causing it. I went in unnoticed and found my ten-year-old nephew 'entertaining' half a dozen friends. The little rascal had plugged into a matinee performance of 'Romeo and Juliet' at the 'Broadway', in English, of course. At the same time, he plugged into Der Spitzbub, a farce playing that evening in Berlin. For good measure, he added Rigoletto in Italian, playing at the 'Gala' in Milan.

"The effect was of course horrible. Most of the time, nothing but a Babel of voices and music could be heard; but once in a while a single voice broke through the din, followed immediately by another one in a different language. The funniest incident was when, at the 'Broadway,' Juliet called: Romeo, Romeo, where art thou, Romeo?, and a heavy comedian at the Berlin Theatre howled: Mir ist's Wurst, schlagt ihn tot!

"The effect was, of course, horrible. Most of the time, all you could hear was a jumble of voices and music. But now and then, a single voice broke through the noise, immediately followed by another speaking a different language. The funniest moment came when Juliet called out at the 'Broadway': Romeo, Romeo, where are you, Romeo? A heavyset comedian at the Berlin Theatre howled: Mir ist's Wurst, schlagt ihn tot!

"Of course, everything on the stage was blurred most of the time, but once in a while extremely ludicrous combinations resulted between some of the actors at the various theaters, which were greeted with an uproar by the youngsters."

"Of course, everything on the stage was blurred most of the time. But now and then, the actors from different theaters formed hilarious combinations. The children greeted these with an uproar."

As he concluded the anecdote the curtain rose once more, and the audience of three settled back to enjoy the second act of the opera.

As he finished the story, the curtain rose again, and the three people settled back to enjoy the opera’s second act.

Later, when it was all over, they went down to the street floor at Ralph's suggestion, where they put on their Tele-motor-coasters, preparatory to seeing more of New York—this time by night.

Later, when it was all over, Ralph suggested they go down to the street level. There, they put on their Tele-motor-coasters, ready to see more of New York, this time at night.

The party proceeded to roll down Broadway, the historic thoroughfare of New York. Despite the fact that it was 11 o'clock at night, the streets were almost as light as at noonday. They were illuminated brilliantly by the iridium spirals, hanging high above the crossings. These spirals gave forth a pure, dazzling-white light of the same quality as sunlight. This light moreover was absolutely cold, as all electrical energy was transformed into light, none being lost in heat. Not a street was dark—not even the smallest alley.

The group continued down Broadway, New York’s historic thoroughfare. Although it was 11 o’clock at night, the streets were almost as bright as at noon. Iridium spirals hung high above the intersections, lighting the streets brilliantly. The spirals gave off a pure, dazzling white light with the same quality as sunlight. The light was also completely cold because all the electrical energy was turned into light. None was lost as heat. Not a single street was dark, not even the smallest alley.

James 212B 422, as well as his daughter, lingered over the superb displays in the various stores and they entered several to make a few purchases. Alice was much impressed with the automatic-electric packing machines.

James 212B 422 and his daughter lingered over the magnificent displays in the various stores. They entered several stores and made a few purchases. Alice was very impressed by the automatic-electric packing machines.

The clerk making the sale placed the purchased articles on a metal platform. He then pushed several buttons on a small switchboard, which operated the "size" apparatus to obtain the dimensions of the package. After the last button was pressed, the platform rose about two feet, till it disappeared into a large metal, box-like contrivance. In about ten to fifteen seconds it came down again bearing on its surface a neat white box with a handle at the top, all in one piece. The box was not fastened with any strings or tape, but was folded in an ingenious manner so that it could not open of its own accord. Moreover, it was made of Alohydrolium, which is the lightest of all metals, being one-eighth the weight of aluminum.

The clerk placed the purchased items on a metal platform. He then pressed several buttons on a small control panel. These operated the "size" apparatus to measure the package. After he pressed the last button, the platform rose about two feet and disappeared into a large metal box-like device. About ten to fifteen seconds later, it came down again. On it was a neat white box with a handle on top, all in one piece. The box had no strings or tape. Instead, it was cleverly folded so it could not open on its own. It was also made of Alohydrolium, the lightest of all metals, which weighs one-eighth as much as aluminum.

The automatic packing machine could pack anything from a small package a few inches square up to a box two feet high by three feet long. It made the box to suit the size of the final package, placed the articles together, packed them into the box which was not yet finished, folded the box after the handle had been stamped out, stenciled the firm's name on two sides and delivered it completely packed, all within ten to fifteen seconds.

The automatic packing machine could pack anything from a small package a few inches square to a box two feet high and three feet long. It made the box to fit the finished package, gathered the items, and packed them into the unfinished box. After stamping out the handle, it folded the box, stenciled the firm’s name on two sides, and delivered the finished package. The whole process took ten to fifteen seconds.

The box could either be taken by the purchaser or the clerk would stencil the customer's name and address into the handle, place a triangular packet-post stamp on the box and drop it into a chute beside the counter. It was carried down into the Packet-Post Conveyor, which was from seventy-five to one hundred feet below the level of the street, where it landed on a belt-like arrangement moving at the rate of five miles an hour. The action was entirely automatic and the chute was arranged with an automatic shutter which would only open when there was no package immediately below on the moving belt. This precluded the possibility of packages tumbling on top of each other and in this way blocking the conveyor tube.

The customer could take the box, or the clerk could stencil the customer's name and address on the handle. The clerk would then put a triangular packet-post stamp on the box and drop it into a chute beside the counter. The chute carried the box down into the Packet-Post Conveyor, seventy-five to one hundred feet below street level. There, the box landed on a belt-like device moving at five miles an hour. The process was entirely automatic. An automatic shutter in the chute opened only when there was no package directly below it on the moving belt. This kept packages from falling on top of one another and blocking the conveyor tube.

When the package had landed on the conveyor belt it traveled to the nearest distributor office, where the post office clerk would take it from the belt and see if it was franked correctly. The stamp was then machine cancelled and after the clerk had noted the address he routed it to the sub-station nearest to the addressee's home. Next he clamped onto the package an automatic metal "rider" which was of a certain height, irrespective of the size of the package.

When the package landed on the conveyor belt, it traveled to the nearest distributor office. There, a post office clerk took it from the belt and checked whether it had the correct postage. A machine then canceled the stamp. After noting the address, the clerk routed the package to the sub-station nearest the addressee’s home. Next, the clerk clamped an automatic metal "rider" onto the package. The rider was always the same height, regardless of the package’s size.

The package with its rider was placed on an express conveyor belt traveling at the rate of 25 miles an hour. This express belt, bearing the package, moved at an even speed, and never stopping, passed numerous sub-stations on the way. At the correct sub-station the rider came against a contact device stretching across the belt at right angles, at a certain height. This contact arrangement closed the circuit of a powerful electromagnet placed in the same line with the contact, a few feet away from the express belt. The electromagnet acted immediately on the metal package (Alohydrolium is a magnetic metal), drawing it in a flash into the sub-station from the belt. If there was another package right behind the one so drawn out, it was handled in the same manner.

The package and its rider were placed on an express conveyor belt traveling at 25 miles an hour. The belt carried the package at a steady speed, passing numerous sub-stations without stopping. At the correct sub-station, the rider struck a contact device. The device stretched across the belt at a right angle, at a certain height. The contact closed the circuit of a powerful electromagnet. The electromagnet was in line with the contact, a few feet from the belt. It immediately acted on the metal package (Alohydrolium is a magnetic metal), pulling it off the belt and into the sub-station in a flash. If another package was directly behind the one pulled off, it was handled the same way.

After the package had arrived at the sub-station it was despatched to its final destination. Another rider was attached to it and the package placed on a local conveyor belt passing by the house to which it was addressed. On arriving at the correct address its rider would strike the contact overhead, which operated the electromagnet, pulling the package into the basement of the house, where it fell on the platform of an electric dumb-waiter. The dumb-waiter started upward automatically and the package was delivered at once.

After the package arrived at the sub-station, it was sent on to its final destination. Another rider was attached to the package, and it was placed on a local conveyor belt that passed the house it was addressed to. When the package reached the right address, its rider struck an overhead contact. This activated an electromagnet, which pulled the package into the basement of the house. There, it fell onto the platform of an electric dumbwaiter. The dumbwaiter started upward automatically, and the package was delivered at once.

By this method a package could be delivered in the average space of forty minutes from the time of purchase. Some packages could be delivered in a much shorter time and others which had to travel to the city limits took much longer.

Using this method, a package could be delivered an average of forty minutes after purchase. Some packages could be delivered much sooner. Others that had to travel to the city limits took much longer.

"How wonderful!" Alice exclaimed after Ralph had explained the system. "It must have taken decades to build such a stupendous system."

"How wonderful!" Alice exclaimed after Ralph explained the system. "It must have taken decades to build such an enormous system."

"No, not quite," was the reply. "It was built gradually by an enormous number of workers. The tubes are even now extended almost daily to keep pace with the growth of the city."

"No, not quite," came the reply. "A huge number of workers built it gradually. The tubes are still extended almost daily to keep up with the city's growth."

From the stores Ralph took his guests to the roof of an aerocab stand and they boarded a fast flyer.

From the stores, Ralph took his guests to the roof of an aerocab stand. There, they boarded a fast flyer.

"Take us about 10,000 feet up," Ralph instructed the driver.

"Take us up about 10,000 feet," Ralph told the driver.

"You haven't much time," the man answered, "at 12 o'clock all cabs must be out of the air."

"You don't have much time," the man replied. "All cabs must be out of the air by 12 o'clock."

"Why?"

"Why?"

"Today is the 15th of September, the night of the aerial carnival, and it's against the law to go up over New York until it's all over. You have twenty-five minutes left, however, if you wish to go up."

"Today is September 15, the night of the aerial carnival. It's against the law to go up over New York until the carnival is over. However, you have twenty-five minutes left if you want to go up."

"I forgot all about this aerial carnival," said Ralph, "but twenty-five minutes will be time enough for us if you speed up your machine."

"I forgot all about the aerial carnival," said Ralph. "But twenty-five minutes will be enough if you speed up your machine."

The aerial flyer rose quickly and silently. The objects below seemed to shrink in size and within three minutes the light became fainter.

The aerial flyer rose quickly and silently. The objects below seemed to shrink, and within three minutes the light grew dimmer.

In ten minutes an altitude of twelve thousand feet had been reached, and as it became too cold, Ralph motioned to the driver not to rise further.

In ten minutes, they reached an altitude of twelve thousand feet. It became too cold, so Ralph motioned to the driver not to go any higher.

The spectacle below them was indescribably beautiful. As far as the eye could see was a broad expanse studded with lights, like a carpet embroidered with diamonds. Thousands of aerial craft, their powerful searchlights sweeping the skies, moved silently through the night, and once in a while an immense transatlantic aerial liner would swish by at a tremendous speed.

The view below them was indescribably beautiful. As far as the eye could see, lights dotted a vast expanse like diamonds embroidered on a carpet. Thousands of aircraft moved silently through the night, their powerful searchlights sweeping the skies. Now and then, an immense transatlantic airliner would swish past at tremendous speed.

Most beautiful of all, as well as wonderful, were the Signalizers. Ralph pointed them out to his guests, saying:

Most beautiful and wonderful of all were the Signalizers. Ralph pointed them out to his guests and said:

"In the first period of aerial navigation large electric lamps forming figures and letters were placed on housetops, and in open fields that the aerial craft above might better find their destinations. To the traffic flying 5,000 feet or higher such signals were wholly inadequate, as they could not be correctly read at such a distance. Hence the signalizers. These are powerful searchlights of the most advanced type, mounted on special buildings. They are trained skyward and shoot a powerful shaft of light directly upward. No aerial craft is allowed to cross these light shafts. Each shaft gives a different signal; thus the signalizer in Herald Square is first white; in ten seconds it changes to red and in another ten seconds it becomes yellow. Even an aerial liner at sea can recognize the signal and steer directly into the Herald Square pier, without being obliged to hover over the city in search of it. Some signalizers have only one color, flashing from time to time. Others more important use two searchlights at one time, like the one at Sandy Hook. This signalizer has two light shafts, one green and one red; these do not change colors, nor do they light periodically."

"In the early days of aerial navigation, large electric lamps formed numbers and letters on rooftops and in open fields. They helped aircraft overhead find their destinations. But for traffic flying at 5,000 feet or higher, these signals were completely inadequate. They could not be read correctly from that distance. Hence the signalizers. These are powerful, advanced searchlights mounted on special buildings. They point skyward and send a powerful beam of light straight up. No aircraft is allowed to cross these beams. Each beam gives a different signal. For example, the signalizer in Herald Square starts out white. After ten seconds it turns red, and ten seconds later it turns yellow. Even an aerial liner at sea can recognize the signal and steer straight to the Herald Square pier. It does not have to hover over the city looking for it. Some signalizers have only one color and flash from time to time. Other, more important ones use two searchlights at once, like the one at Sandy Hook. That signalizer has two beams, one green and one red. They do not change color or flash at intervals."

From on high Ralph's guests marveled at these signalizers, which pierced the darkness all around them. It was a wonderful sight and the weird beauty of the colored shafts thrilled Alice immeasurably.

From above, Ralph's guests marveled at the signalizers piercing the darkness all around them. It was a wonderful sight, and the strange beauty of the colored beams thrilled Alice beyond measure.

"Oh, it is like a Fairyland," she exclaimed. "I could watch it forever."

"Oh, it's like a fairyland!" she exclaimed. "I could watch it forever."

But presently the aerocab was descending rapidly and in a few minutes the strong light from below had obliterated the light shafts. As the craft drew closer the streets could be seen extending for miles like white ribbons and the brilliantly lighted squares stood out prominently. They landed, at the stroke of twelve, and Ralph found three unoccupied chairs on the top of one of the public buildings and only then did they notice that hundreds of people were seated, watching the sky expectantly.

But soon the aerocab was descending rapidly. Within minutes, the bright light from below had blotted out the shafts of light. As the craft drew closer, they could see streets stretching for miles like white ribbons. Brightly lit squares stood out clearly. They landed at exactly midnight, and Ralph found three empty chairs on the roof of a public building. Only then did they notice hundreds of people sitting there, watching the sky expectantly.

At the last stroke of twelve, all the lights below went out and simultaneously the light shafts of all the searchlights. Everything was plunged in an utter darkness.

At the last stroke of twelve, all the lights below went out. At the same time, all the searchlight beams went out. Everything was plunged into complete darkness.

Suddenly overhead at a great height the flag of the United States in immense proportions was seen. It was composed of 6,000 flyers, all together in the same horizontal plane. Each flyer was equipped with very powerful lights on the bottom, some white, some red, others blue. Thus an immense flag in its natural colors was formed and so precisely did the flyers co-operate that, although they all were at least 50 feet from each other, the appearance to those below was that of an unbroken silk flag, illuminated by a searchlight. The immense flag began to move. It passed slowly overhead, describing a large circle, so that the entire population below obtained a perfect view.

Suddenly, an enormous United States flag appeared high overhead. It was made of 6,000 flyers, all flying at the same height. Each flyer had powerful lights underneath, some white, some red, and others blue. Together, they formed an immense flag in its natural colors. The flyers worked together with great precision, although they were all at least 50 feet apart. To those below, it looked like a seamless silk flag lit by a searchlight. The immense flag began to move. It passed slowly overhead in a large circle, so everyone below got a perfect view.

Everyone applauded the demonstration. Then as suddenly as it had appeared the flag vanished and all was once more in darkness. Ralph explained to his guests that the lights of each one of the aerial flyers had been shut off simultaneously in preparation for the next spectacle.

Everyone applauded the demonstration. Then the flag vanished as suddenly as it had appeared, and everything was dark again. Ralph explained that the lights on all the aerial flyers had been switched off at once. This was in preparation for the next spectacle.

All at once there was seen an enormous colored circle which revolved with great rapidity, becoming smaller and smaller, as though it were shrinking. Finally it became a colored disc, whirling rapidly on its axis. In a few seconds, the edge opened and a straight line shot out, the disc unrolling like a tape measure. After a few minutes more, there remained nothing of the disc. It had resolved itself into a perfectly straight many-hued line, miles long. Then the lights went out again. The next spectacle was a demonstration of the solar system. In the center a large sun was seen standing still. Next to the "sun" a small red round globe spun rapidly about it, representing the planet Mercury. Around both the sun and the "planet" Mercury revolved another globe, blue in color; this was Venus. Then followed a white orb, the "Earth" with the moon turning about it. Next came the red planet Mars with its two small moons, then green Jupiter and its moons, and Saturn in yellow. Uranus was orange and lastly came Neptune in pink, all globes and their moons traveling in their proper orbits around the "sun."⁵ While the spectacle was in progress a white "comet" with a long tail traveled across the paths of the planets, turned a sharp corner around the "sun," its tail always pointing away from that body, recrossed the orbits of the "planets" again on the other side and lost itself in the darkness.

Suddenly, an enormous colored circle appeared. It spun rapidly, growing smaller and smaller, as though it were shrinking. Finally, it became a colored disc, whirling rapidly on its axis. A few seconds later, its edge opened and a straight line shot out. The disc unrolled like a tape measure. After a few more minutes, none of the disc remained. It had become a perfectly straight, many-colored line, miles long. Then the lights went out again. The next spectacle was a demonstration of the solar system. A large sun stood still at the center. Near the "sun," a small red globe spun rapidly around it, representing the planet Mercury. A blue globe revolved around both the sun and the "planet" Mercury. This was Venus. Next came a white orb, the "Earth," with the moon turning around it. Then came the red planet Mars with its two small moons, followed by green Jupiter and its moons, and yellow Saturn. Uranus was orange, and finally came Neptune in pink. All the globes and their moons traveled in their proper orbits around the "sun."⁵ During the spectacle, a white "comet" with a long tail crossed the paths of the planets. It turned sharply around the "sun," its tail always pointing away from that body. Then it crossed the orbits of the "planets" again on the other side and disappeared into the darkness.

Several other spectacles were presented, each more superb than the one preceding it. The carnival closed with a light-picture of the Planet Governor. This was exhibited for fully five minutes during which time the applause was continuous.

Several other spectacles followed, each more magnificent than the last. The carnival ended with a light-picture of the Planet Governor. It was displayed for a full five minutes, and the applause continued throughout.

"We have never seen such a marvelous spectacle," James 212B 422 declared. "You Americans still lead the world. Upon my word, the old saying that 'Nothing is impossible in America,' still holds good."

"We have never seen such an amazing sight," James 212B 422 said. "You Americans still lead the world. I must say, the old saying 'Nothing is impossible in America' is still true."

It was after one when they reached the house, and Ralph suggested a light lunch before they retired for what remained of the night. The others assented and Ralph led the way to the Bacillatorium.

It was after one when they reached the house. Ralph suggested a light lunch before they went to bed for the rest of the night. The others agreed, and Ralph led them to the Bacillatorium.

The Bacillatorium, invented in 2509 by the Swede 1A 299, was a small room, the walls and bottom of which were composed of lead. On each of the four sides were large vacuum bulbs on pedestals. These tubes, a foot in height and about six inches thick and two feet in diameter, were each equipped with a large concave Radio-arcturium cathode. The glass of the tube in front of the cathode had a double wall, the space between being filled with helium gas.

The Bacillatorium was a small room invented in 2509 by the Swede 1A 299. Its walls and floor were made of lead. On each of the four sides stood a large vacuum bulb on a pedestal. Each tube was a foot high, about six inches thick, and two feet in diameter. Each had a large concave Radio-arcturium cathode. The glass in front of the cathode had a double wall, with helium gas filling the space between the walls.

The rays emanating from the cathode, when the tube was energized with high oscillatory currents, were called Arcturium Rays and would instantly destroy any bacilli exposed to them for a few seconds. Arcturium Rays, like X-rays, pass through solid objects, and when used alone burned the tissue of the human body. It was found, however, that by filtering arcturium rays through helium no burns would result, but any germ or bacillus in or on the body would be killed at once.

When the tube was energized with high oscillating currents, the cathode gave off rays called Arcturium Rays. They would instantly destroy any bacilli exposed to them for a few seconds. Like X-rays, Arcturium Rays pass through solid objects, but used alone, they burned human tissue. However, researchers found that filtering the rays through helium prevented burns. The filtered rays still killed any germ or bacillus in or on the body at once.

The Bacillatorium was prescribed by law and each citizen ordered to use it at least every other day, thus making it impossible for the human body to develop contagious diseases. As late as the 20th century more than half the mortality was directly attributable to diseases communicated by germs or bacilli.

The law required every citizen to use the Bacillatorium at least every other day. This made it impossible for the human body to develop contagious diseases. As late as the 20th century, diseases spread by germs or bacilli directly caused more than half of all deaths.

The Bacillatorium eradicated such diseases. The arcturium rays, moreover, had a highly beneficial effect on animal tissue and the enforced use of the Bacillatorium extended the span of human life to between one hundred and twenty and one hundred and forty years, where in former centuries three score and ten was the average.

The Bacillatorium wiped out such diseases. Arcturium rays also had a highly beneficial effect on animal tissue. Mandatory use of the Bacillatorium extended the human lifespan to between 120 and 140 years. In earlier centuries, the average was 70 years.