Sector General

Sector General is a series of science fiction novels and short stories written by James White. The series is set in a vast, multi-species space station that serves as a hospital for a wide variety of alien species. The first book in the series, Hospital Station, was published in 1962, and the series continued until White's death in 1999.

Setting

Sector General is a massive, multi-level space station located in a neutral area of space. It is designed to provide medical care to a diverse array of alien species, each with its own unique physiological and psychological needs. The station is equipped with advanced medical technology and staffed by a multi-species team of doctors, nurses, and support personnel.

Structure

The space station is divided into multiple sectors, each tailored to the specific environmental and medical needs of different species. These sectors include areas with varying levels of gravity, atmospheric composition, and temperature. The medical staff is trained to handle the unique challenges presented by each species, and the station's facilities are constantly being updated to accommodate new patients.

Main Characters

The series features a recurring cast of characters, including:

• Dr. Conway - A human doctor who serves as one of the main protagonists throughout the series. He is known for his dedication to his patients and his ability to adapt to the challenges of treating alien species.
• Dr. Prilicla - An empathic insectoid alien who can sense the emotions of others. Prilicla's abilities make him an invaluable member of the medical team.
• Nurse Murchison - A skilled human nurse who often works alongside Dr. Conway. She is known for her compassion and expertise in dealing with patients from different species.

Themes

The Sector General series explores themes of cooperation, empathy, and the challenges of providing medical care in a multi-species environment. The stories often focus on the ethical dilemmas faced by the medical staff and the importance of understanding and respecting the differences between species.

Books in the Series

The Sector General series includes the following books:

• Hospital Station (1962)
• Star Surgeon (1963)
• Major Operation (1971)
• Ambulance Ship (1979)
• Sector General (1983)
• Star Healer (1985)
• Code Blue - Emergency (1987)
• The Genocidal Healer (1991)
• The Galactic Gourmet (1996)
• Final Diagnosis (1997)
• Mind Changer (1998)
• Double Contact (1999)

Legacy

The Sector General series is considered a classic of science fiction literature, known for its imaginative world-building and thoughtful exploration of medical and ethical issues. It has influenced many other works in the genre and remains popular among fans of science fiction and medical dramas.

See Also

• James White (author)
• Science fiction
• Space station
• Hospital