Andromeda Strain (1969) by Michael Crichton, is an early example of fiction based on the theme of saving the nation and world from a deadly virus. While this virus comes from outer space, an antidote or vaccine is needed here, quickly, before the virus can take its toll on the general population. The two survivors, an old man and a baby, are deprived of their personal rights and freedoms when they are taken to a government installation for study. The good of all is put ahead of the rights of the individual. Using a team of scientists to search for the organism and a way to stop its mutation, Crichton builds the drama and suspense to the last three minutes before the virus is spread into the atmosphere. Unless the virus can be stopped, humankind could become extinct. Written before computers and computer printouts were commonplace, the...