How Does the Continua Device Work in Robert A. Heinlein's Number of the Beast?

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SUMMARY

The discussion centers on the "continua" device featured in Robert A. Heinlein's novel "Number of the Beast." Participants explore its function within the context of three spatial dimensions and three time dimensions, emphasizing the innovative narrative style of Heinlein. The continua serves as a plot device that challenges conventional perceptions of time and space, suggesting that dimensions may exist at 90-degree angles to one another. This concept provokes thought about the nature of reality and the possibilities of science fiction.

PREREQUISITES
  • Familiarity with Robert A. Heinlein's literary style
  • Understanding of basic concepts in physics related to dimensions
  • Knowledge of science fiction narrative techniques
  • Awareness of thematic elements in speculative fiction
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  • Research the concept of multidimensional space in theoretical physics
  • Explore narrative devices used in science fiction literature
  • Analyze the implications of time as a non-linear construct
  • Read other works by Robert A. Heinlein for comparative analysis
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Science fiction enthusiasts, literary analysts, and readers interested in the intersection of physics and speculative fiction will benefit from this discussion.

hsdrop
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was just wondering if anyone has read the number of the beast by Robert A. Heinlein and if you have what are your thoughts on the "continua" which is the device they put into Gay Deceiver the air car of sorts and how it works with dimensions; the three spatial dimensions known to the real world, and three time dimensions its a very good book and it makes you think what if
lol but any good sci-fi book should do that
 
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Wow! You have a cave-in in your attic and came across a dusty box of paperbacks of something? :wink:

Read it a long time ago.

Had a lot of difficulty with Heinlein's style.

I just thought his explanation was a cute plot vehicle.

666
 
lol no i just love really good sci-fi and what could happen if we start to think outside the box in this case way outside the box hehe the concept is something that i have been mulling over for a while now that all dimensions are 90 degrees apart from each other and that time is not a just a line without width or height if you were to look at it separate from space itself
 
hsdrop said:
lol no i just love really good sci-fi and what could happen if we start to think outside the box in this case way outside the box hehe the concept is something that i have been mulling over for a while now that all dimensions are 90 degrees apart from each other and that time is not a just a line without width or height if you were to look at it separate from space itself
Ah, the swapped parallax scene for Stranger In A Strange Land.
 
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yes even throw valentine michael smith could do it with his mind in number of the beast that had a machine that i guess twisted space and time for them
 

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