In the year 1914, two scientists, Pennell and Lazaroff, dine at the home of Sir Spofforth and his daughter Esther. Spofforth administers funding for the Biological Research Institute at which Pennell and Lazaroff work. Lazaroff and Spofforth are debating the question of conflict between science and religion. In opposition to Lazaroff, Spofforth is of the opinion that no such conflict exists. Lazoroff asserts that, within 100 years, science will be the faith of humankind to the exclusion of other religions. All except Lazaroff suppose that the argument is an academic one. Unbeknownst to them, Lazaroff has already set in motion events that will thrust himself, Pennell and Esther into a future that he envisions. Flash forward to 2015 and we have "The Messiah of the Cylinder".