Of Time and Texas

"Of Time and Texas" by William F. Nolan is a science fiction novella published in the mid-20th century. The story introduces readers to the eccentric Professor C. Cydwick Ohms, who believes that time travel is the solution to the overpopulation crisis of the year 2057. With a blend of humor and imaginative concepts, Nolan constructs a narrative that explores the implications of time travel on human society. The narrative unfolds as Professor Ohms reveals his invention, the C. Cydwick Ohms Time Door, which supposedly allows for one-way travel to Texas in 1957. As Ohms attempts to demonstrate his creation, he faces unexpected challenges, leading to an unforeseen and chaotic outcome. The novella captures the tension between innovation and the unforeseen consequences of scientific endeavors, as it culminates in a humorous scene where a stampede bursts into his laboratory, highlighting both the unpredictability of time travel and societal issues of the future. Through this engaging plot, Nolan explores themes of escape, technological ambition, and the absurdity of human attempts to manipulate time.