"The Poison Belt" by Arthur Conan Doyle is a science fiction novel written in the early 20th century. The story revolves around a group of familiar characters from Doyle's previous works, including Professor George E. Challenger, Lord John Roxton, Professor Summerlee, and journalist Mr. E. D. Malone. They face an impending global catastrophe triggered by a mysterious cosmic event. The narrative delves into their struggle with scientific theories and existential fears, leading to a profound exploration of human nature in the face of potential extinction.
At the beginning of the novel, Malone introduces the narrative by recounting the events that lead to this peculiar situation. The group convenes at Challenger's home to celebrate their past adventures, but an alarming letter from Challenger sets the stage for an imminent disaster. Challenger theorizes that the Earth is entering a "poison belt" of ether, which could have catastrophic effects on humanity. As the story unfolds, the characters experience strange symptoms related to the ether and desperately search for a solution, eventually finding oxygen tanks to counteract the poison. The opening chapters establish a tense and dramatic tone, foreshadowing an extraordinary crisis that threatens the very survival of mankind.
