The Old Goat

"The Old Goat" by Charles L. Fontenay is a science fiction story that blends humor with scientific exploration. It follows Dr. Angstrom, an ill-tempered scientist known as "The Old Goat," as he experiments with matter transmission. The story focuses on his attempt to transmit a live goat, after having success with sending objects. When an unexpected mishap sends both the goat and the doctor through the transmitter, they reappear, seemingly unscathed, but fundamentally altered. The goat then seems celebratory, while the doctor is contemplative, which leads to a funny ending with the relationship to the soul and matter.