Second Sight

"Second Sight" by Alan Edward Nourse is a scientific fiction novel that was likely written in the mid-20th century. The book explores the themes of psychic abilities and the complexities of human perception, particularly focusing on the protagonist, Amy Ballantine, who struggles with her extraordinary abilities and the implications they have on her life. Set against a backdrop of scientific inquiry and ethical dilemmas regarding the use of her psi powers, the narrative unfolds in a world grappling with the intersection of ability and humanity. The story follows Amy, a young woman with heightened psychic abilities, as she navigates her relationships with her mentor, Lambertson, and a psychiatrist named Aarons, who seeks to exploit her unique capabilities for research purposes. As Amy questions her identity and the nature of her powers, she grapples with feelings of isolation and the fear of being treated as a mere subject of study rather than as a person with desires and dreams. The narrative delves into her internal conflicts, revealing her longing for normalcy and connection, as well as her resistance to being used as a tool in the scientific exploration of psi phenomena. Ultimately, the book presents a poignant exploration of the balance between personal autonomy and the broader implications of extraordinary abilities in human society. (This is an automatically generated summary.)

Alan Edward Nourse was an American science fiction writer and physician. He wrote both juvenile and adult science fiction, as well as nonfiction works about medicine and science. His SF works sometimes focused on medicine and/or psionics.