Pollution causes decrease in intelligence

[Sue]

I am trying to track down a SF book I read I think in the late 60s – definitely before ocean pollution was an accepted fact. I have wanted to find this book again for about 40 years, but it is only since the advent of the internet that I have had any idea where to start.

The underlying theme was that increasing pollution in the oceans, atmosphere, food etc was causing a rapid decline in intelligence. It was written as an American on the west coast – I think a scientist or journalist reporting on the decline in intelligence in countries across the world. At the start of the book the writing was intelligent and well-educated. Throughout the book the writing degenerated until by the end it was very childish and almost unintelligible.

When I first read it I thought the idea of such ocean pollution was a bit extreme, but a couple of years later I started hearing about beach closures in Sydney because of sewerage pollution, and realised how credible it was. It was a fascinating book and made a great impression on me. However it was lost in the many moves of youth and I can't remember the title or who wrote it.
Does it ring any bells for you?

[Ann aka Iftcan]

I don't recognize your book Sue--but have you tried checking out John Wyndham's books? He tended to write novels like that. (He's best known for his The Day of the Triffids novel.)

[Sue]

I've read most of John Wyndham's, and it wasn't one of his ... good thought though.
So far noone seems to know it. I suspect it wasn't a well known author - and if I do find it and reread it I may be very disappointed .. :)

[Cheryl]

Frank Herbert and J.G. Ballard also wrote reactions to environmental destruction - probably not your book but you might want to look anyway....

(Herbert wrote a lot more than just the Dune books.)

[Lobstergirl, au gratin]

Sue, are you still looking for this book?

[Sue]

Yes .. still looking. Any suggestions?

[Ann aka Iftcan]

Sue--if you bump the thread up every 1 or 2 months, you will stand a better chance of getting it solved.

[Sue]

Thanks for the heads up .. :)

[Lobstergirl, au gratin]

Still looking?

[Sue]

Yes. No luck yet. No one seems to remember it!

[Andy]

This reminds me of Steven King's "The End of the Whole Mess" http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_End_... but since this was written in the 90s, it can't be what you're thinking of.

[Andy]

Here's the SF encyclopedia entry about pollution http://www.sf-encyclopedia.com/entry/.... Is it possible you're thinking of Brunner's "The Sheep Look Up"?

[Andy]

I think this might actually be "The Sheep Look Up" - here's a quote from the book: "The alleged rise of intelligence in so-called backward countries is ascribed by the scientists who conducted the three-year investigation to improved diet and sanitation, while the as-yet unconfirmed decline in advanced nations is attributed to intensified pollution."

[Sue]

Hi Andy ... Someone mentioned this one to me a while back - I even bought a copy to check. But I'm afraid not. I suspect mine must have been an unknown author who faded into anonymity.

[Andy]

Sue wrote: "Hi Andy ... Someone mentioned this one to me a while back - I even bought a copy to check. But I'm afraid not. I suspect mine must have been an unknown author who faded into anonymity."

Sorry I didn't get it - check out the SF encyclopedia link though - it might trigger a memory.

[Lobstergirl, au gratin]

Still looking?

[Sue]

Yep!

[Kris]

A few long shots:
- Don't Pick The Flowers (also: Denver is Missing) (1971) by D.F. Jones?
- The Sea is Boiling Hot (1971) by George Bamber?

Sue, what's the source of the pollution - global manufacturing, nuclear waste, etc.? Is the emphasis on polluted water, air or food?

[Sue]

Thanks for the suggestions Kris. I had a look but it's not those. The pollution was general - oceans, air, garbage. I don't remember any nuclear component, just garbage, sewerage, air pollution from cars, manufacturing etc. The main theme was the effect the pollution had on intelligence, as it worsened there was even less attempt to fix the problems and so IQ dropped even further. The author began reporting intelligently on the issue, but became less literate as the book progressed.

[Norm017]

Could it be Brainrack by Kit Pedler and Gerry Davis?

[A.J.]

Is it 'Pump Six' from this collection: Pump Six and Other Stories?

[Andy]

Norm017 wrote: "Could it be Brainrack by Kit Pedler and Gerry Davis?"

That does sound promising.

[Rainbowheart]

Still looking, Sue?

[Scott]

It's a short story but could it be The Marching Morons?

[Lobstergirl, au gratin]

How about now?