The mad genius with the deadly inventionA mad genius bent on taking over the world with his powerful and destructive invention – a death ray comprised of two elements an Anti-Coherer which dissolves matter and a Degravitisor which scatters the residue into the universe. The idea of a seven-foot-tall immensely powerful scientist brooding with almost Melmothian intensity captured the public imagination and though the book was published after its author''s death it was a commercial success. This is at once science fiction and adventure thriller.