A Filbert is a Nut

A Filbert is a Nut is a science fiction short story by Rick Raphael, published in the late 1950s. The narrative follows Thaddeus Funston, a patient in a mental institution, who absurdly believes he can create an atomic bomb out of modeling clay. Through dark humor and satire, the story critiques the perceptions of sanity and genius during the Cold War era, culminating in an ironic conclusion that reflects the anxieties of the time. The plot escalates as Funston's creations lead to a military investigation after a nighttime explosion at the hospital.