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''Proteus in the Underworld'' (1995) is a science fiction novel by Charles Sheffield. The book is set in the same universe as his previous works ''Proteus Unbound'' (1989) and ''Sight of Proteus'' (1978), although it stands on its own and can be enjoyed regardless of familiarity with Sheffield's other novels. == Technological background== The most immediately apparent new technology, and the one which provides the backdrop for much of the story, is that of Form Change. Purposive Form Change is an extremely advanced and refined form of biofeedback, in which a Form Change Tank assists a human user in subtle or extreme modifications to his or her physiology and appearance. The most practical and widespread use of Form Change is in treating congenital defects and injuries. Limbs may be regrown, eyesight corrected, chemical imbalances adjusted, and the onset of senility delayed for decades. Carried to its logical conclusion in a consumer society, it also allows people to customise their appearance through superficial cosmetic changes, alter their sex, or even to fuse their body with another person's. Form Change also provides an outlet for the aspirations of fanatics and niche social groups. Multiple colonies have been established on asteroids and cometary debris throughout the solar system, in which isolated groups implement quixotic and highly questionable form changes to bring about their own personal utopias. One such group magnifies the scale of their body so as to allow for greater brain development in the womb. Another group has established a surprisingly stable fiefdom in which physical appearance is a direct indicator of societal status. Others attempt bizarre cyborg enhancements, stabilised by regular form change tank visitations. One of the most extreme forms is reminiscent of a kangaroo with highly adapted circulatory and respiratory systems, allowing survival on the surface of Mars. Form Change has, in fact, become so well accepted that the ability to form change is now the very definition of humanity. Experimentation on animals has shown that only humans have the ability to undergo Purposive Form Change. Eventually, this fact becomes so ingrained into society that infants who cannot respond to Form Change treatments are euthanised shortly after birth. This Humanity Test has been in effect for nearly two hundred years. Wormholes also play a part in this universe. Although extremely expensive and requiring a large amount of power to operate, wormholes allow instantaneous communication across the solar system, as well as even more expensive instantaneous travel. Given the cost of wormholes, they are used almost exclusively by the government and big business; ordinary citizens travel by intrasolar ships. In the context of this story, wormholes do not greatly affect the plot, and mainly serve to facilitate interaction between the main characters. 抄文引用元・出典: フリー百科事典『 ウィキペディア（Wikipedia）』 ■ウィキペディアで「Proteus In The Underworld」の詳細全文を読む スポンサード リンク
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