"You may."
"I have spent thirteen years studying physics and allied sciences. I believe that I stand fairly high among my fellows. Since no man may be capable in many arts, I believe that I have not been lax in not seeking degrees in law."
"No objection," said Kingman. "Dr. Farrell, in order that the process be properly outlined in the record, I am going to ask you to explain it in brief. How does your matter transmitter work?"
Farrell nodded and took time to think. Tinken whispered in Don's ear: "The stinker! He knows Hamilton hates anything more complex than a can opener!"
"What can we do?"
"Hope that our demonstration blasts them loose. That's our best bet, plus fighting for every inch."
Farrell moistened his lips and said: "Utilizing certain effects noted with earlier experimentation, we have achieved the following effects: The matter to be transmitted is placed in situ, where it is scanned by an atom-scanner. This removes the substance, atom by atom, converting the atoms to energy. This energy is then re-converted into atoms and stored in a matter bank as matter again. The energy of disintegration is utilized in reintegration at the matter bank with but small losses. Since some atoms have higher energy than others, the matter bank's composition will depend upon the scanned substance."
"The matter bank is composed of the same elements as the matter for transmission?" asked Kingman.
"No. Some elements release more energy than others. It is desirable that the energy-transfer be slightly negative. That is to say, that additional energy must be used in order to make the thing work."
"Why?"