Holtzman Effect

From Dune

The Holtzman Effect was a scientific theory relating to the repellant force of subatomic particles.

[edit] Discovery

The Holtzman Effect was discovered during the Butlerian Jihad, and proved to have a profound impact on human society.

Though many accounts credit the Holtzman Effect to the great scientist and inventor Tio Holtzman, other evidence suggests more credit should be given to his servant assistant Norma Cenva, who developed one of Holtzman's immature concepts into an advanced, quantifiable principle. ^‡

[edit] Effects

The effects of this theory were felt on humanity for tens of thousands of years, and proved to be the catalyst for rapid technological developments in several areas. These include:

• shield: the Effect allowed the creation of a shielding that repelled fast moving projectiles, but allowed slower moving objects, such as hand-held knives, to pass through.
• suspensors: the Effect's repellent effect allowed physical objects equipped with a Holtzman field generator to defy gravity.
• Glowglobe: Another practical use of the Holtzman Effect was the invention of the glowglobe, which produced light self-powered usually by organic batteries, and float allowed by a small Holtzman field suspensor generator.
• subatomic fusion: an unexpected byproduct of a laser hitting a shield was the release of vast amounts of energy. Some theorize such an event was the true cause behind the devastation witnessed on Poritrin during the Butlerian Jihad.
• space travel: without question the most profound effect of the Holtzman Effect was its ability to fold space and time, and thus allow for instantaneous travel from one side of the universe to the other.

[edit] Behind the Scenes

The Holtzman Effect is mentioned several times in passing by Frank Herbert in his original Dune novels. But no specific details as to the scientific principles behind it are given. Furthermore, the spelling of Holtzman differs slightly from one novel to the next.

More detail is given as to the origin, development, and science behind the Holtzman Effect in the Legends of Dune prequel novels by Brian Herbert and Kevin J. Anderson.