Vintage SciFi 4 Australia Advanced 4
Welcome to Episode 4 of the “Vintage SciFi Podcast,” where we explore the early science fiction that imagined the future through the lens of its time. Today, we bring you “Australia Advanced: Or Dialogues for the Year 2032, by Mephistophole the Younger, a visionary piece from 1832 that transports us to a future Australia filled with technological and cultural advancements.
Dialogue Four is set in the library of an Australian, discussing plans to travel across continents with ease, thanks to the advanced steam packet network. The steam packet “Rajah” represents the pinnacle of maritime technology, facilitating regular and efficient travel between England, India, and Australia. As our characters discuss their plans, we get a glimpse of a world where global connectivity and rapid travel are the norms.
We also discover the evolving field of medicine through Dr. Phillips, a character who challenges established medical theories with his progressive views on pulmonary consumption. His new house, practically a museum, and his deep engagement with natural history reflect a society that values scientific curiosity and advancement.
The conversation further reveals the sophisticated urban infrastructure of places like Woolloomooloo and the cultural richness of institutions like the Theatre Royal and the Atheneum. These details paint a picture of a society that has embraced artistic and intellectual pursuits.
Stay tuned for the full reading of “Australia Advanced: Or Dialogues for the Year 2032 Dialogue four,” a chapter that captures the essence of early science fiction and the enduring human spirit of exploration and innovation.