In this short, speculative novelette, scientist Pieter Harting ponders changes to come over the next 200 years. Harting, quite ahead of his time, describes coming wonders such as self propelled engines, telescopes, widespread use of concrete and aluminum, and daylight at night without the use of candles. Writing under the pen name 'Dr. Dioscorides', Harting takes the reader on a journey through Londinia and beyond in the year AD 2071, detailing scientific progress, technological advancements, and a changed moral and political landscape.

Pieter Harting (27 February 1812 - 3 December 1885) was a Dutch biologist and naturalist, born in Rotterdam. He made contributions in a number of scientific disciplines, and is remembered for his work in the fields of microscopy, hydrology, botany, and biostratigraphy.