Published in 1947, 'Rat Race' by George O. Smith is a science fiction short story that follows inventor Peter Manton as he creates a unique mousetrap with unintended consequences. This innovative device not only captures mice but also sends them back in time, leading to a national crisis known as a 'plague of rats.' The narrative humorously examines the complexities of invention and the unforeseen effects of technological advancements, highlighting the challenges of innovation amidst wartime shortages.
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