Le Docteur Ox

"Le Docteur Ox" is a novella written by the prolific French author Jules Verne. It is one of Verne's lesser-known works, but it still showcases his signature blend of science fiction and adventure. The story is set in the fictional Belgian town of Quiquendone, a place known for its extreme calm and tranquility. However, this peaceful town experiences a series of unusual events when a visiting scientist, Dr. Ox, arrives. Dr. Ox proposes to the town council a plan to test the effects of oxygen, and under the guise of improving the town's lighting, he begins to introduce higher levels of oxygen into the town's atmosphere. As the experiment progresses, the townspeople's behavior becomes increasingly erratic, and chaos ensues. The novella satirizes human nature and the consequences of scientific experimentation. "Le Docteur Ox" is notable for its humor, satire, and Verne's exploration of scientific themes. While not as famous as some of his other works, it is appreciated for its unique take on science fiction.