a list compiled by Alex Kasman (College of Charleston)
a list compiled by Alex Kasman (College of Charleston)
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| In this episode of the classic science fiction series Outer Limits, a 2-dimensional being trapped in our world is aided by Dr. Stone, an engineer described as being an expert in "optical geometry" and "equations of rectilinear motion". Stone's brother, also a successful researcher with but one with government ties, seeks to destroy the creature he sees as a monster.
Despite the mention of mathematical concepts such as dimension and geometry and the equations written on the engineer's blackboard, there really is not much math in this story. In fact, there does not seem to be much sense at all to the idea that lenses (made from "meteoric quartz") would allow the wearer to see this 2-dimensional being or that such a being would be able to go through walls. It should probably also be mentioned that Dr. Stone is portrayed as absent-minded and anti-social, two traits frequently applied to characters with mathematical knowledge/ability, though he himself explains that he gives people this impression only because he is distracted by deep thoughts. Thanks to Daniel Look of Saint Lawrence University for bringing this work of mathematical fiction to my attention.
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| More information about this work can be found at www.youtube.com. |
| (Note: This is just one work of mathematical fiction from the list. To see the entire list or to see more works of mathematical fiction, return to the Homepage.) |
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Where are the new works of mathematical fiction?: As you can see from this chronological listing, this database includes many works of mathematical fiction for each year from 1990 to 2025. Strangely, only two are listed for 2026, so far. Either less mathematical fiction is being published than in previous years or I'm just having more trouble finding it. If you know of any works of fiction that should be added to this list, especially recently published ones, please let me know. (Keep in mind that I do not include self-published works or children's fiction that just covers elementary mathematical concepts.) Thanks!
(Maintained by Alex Kasman, College of Charleston)
