milne@ICSE.UCI.EDU (12/20/85)
From: Alastair Milne <milne@ICSE.UCI.EDU> Yet another request, this time for author: Quite a time ago, I read a very good book called "Nerve", about a doctor (name, I think, of Adam McKinley) who developed an especially fast neurotransmitter, and proceeded to experiment on himself with it. The effect was to increase considerably his reaction speed (though with unpleasant side-effects that only became apparent over time). He would use his improved reactions to challenge the ranking pro's of some sport where reaction time was key (such as ping-pong), and rake in the winnings, intending to finance a neuroscience research institute with them. To make it interesting, I believe the first sport he tried was boxing. The coach to whom he went naturally told him to forget it: he wasn't physically trained, and could easily be killed in the ring with a pro. Persuading the coach to let him have a brief demo round with a pro who was instructed to take it easy on him, Adam showed how he intended to survive: he was fast enough to dodge or deflect any punch thrown at him, and, though he wasn't especially strong, his own punches were extremely fast. (Those who protest that pro boxing is a lot more than just being fast enough are quite right, and as I recall, McKinley found that out the hard way.) The author, I'm positive, is a physician, which helped the story greatly: its medical aspects were very accurate, which is important when you know enough about biology and medicine to have inaccuracy spoil a story for you. However, the believability of the rest of the story, which so often suffers as technical accuracy improves, was equally good. A very good read, and I recommend it. But I'm blessed if I can remember who the author is. I'm certain it's not A. J. Cronin, who has written several medical novels. Sound familiar to anybody? Thanks a lot, Alastair Milne