The Coffin Cure

"The Coffin Cure" by Alan Edward Nourse is a science fiction novel written in the mid-20th century. The narrative centers around the ambitious Dr. Chauncey Patrick Coffin, who claims to have discovered a groundbreaking vaccine that promises to cure the common cold. The book delves into themes of scientific ambition, ethical dilemmas in medical research, and the unforeseen consequences of medical interventions. The story unfolds as Dr. Coffin and his colleagues, Dr. Phillip Dawson and Dr. Jacob Miles, experience unexpected results following their vaccine's release to the public. Initially celebrated for their success, they soon face the terrifying realization that their cure has distorted their senses of smell, leading to a chaotic and nightmarish existence as they navigate an overwhelming world of acrid odors. In their desperate search for a solution, they experiment further, leading to darkly humorous yet unsettling results. The novel explores the intricate balance between scientific progress and the unpredictability of nature, highlighting the risks inherent in the pursuit of knowledge and the potential backlash of scientific breakthroughs. (This is an automatically generated summary.)

Alan Edward Nourse was an American science fiction writer and physician. He wrote both juvenile and adult science fiction, as well as nonfiction works about medicine and science. His SF works sometimes focused on medicine and/or psionics.