Cortexiphan
Cortexiphan is a drug that features in Fringe.
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History
Cortexiphan was an experimental smart drug that was created by Walter Bishop and William Bell in 1981. Clinical trials were conducted by the pair between the years 1981 and 1983 with this being done so in Ohio and Jacksonville. The intention was to produce a drunk that prevented natural shrinkage or limitation of the human mind.
The drug was tested on a group of children that attended a Daycare facility run by Walter. The group included Olivia Dunham, Susan Pratt, Nancy Lewis, Nick Lane, and many others. Cortexiphan was meant to prevent, not undo, 'limitation' that developed with adolescence. This is why the drug was administered to children. Walter and Bell theorized that it might enhance certain abilities in predisposed children, especially the ability to travel between universes. Administering the drug to young children whose potential had not yet been limited could theoretically help release their extraordinary potential. The drugs were extensively animal tested. Cortexiphan was not approved by the FDA. At least one participant, Simon Phillips gained telepathic abilities, but lacked any way to control them, forcing him to constantly 'hear' the thoughts of others while in there presence. This unforseen consequence forced Bishop to remove him from the trial before it was completed. (Episode: Concentrate and Ask Again)
It was later revealed that the trials continued much later than previously stated. Walter had discovered a mechanical method to cross between universes, and in 1985 used it to save the life of an alternate version of his son, Peter Bishop. He successfully brought this version of his son from the other side to this one. (Episode: Peter) However, this mechanical method damaged the barrier between universes, which in turn began a chain reaction that began the slow decay of both universes and ignited a war between them. (Episode: There's More Than One of Everything) Recognizing that any further use of his machine to cross between worlds would accelerate the process, he decided instead to use the children in the hopes that they could safely cross between worlds and return Peter to his own universe. (Episode: Subject 13)
Olivia Dunham was perhaps the greatest success of the trial, and demonstrated a number of abilities after receiving the drug, including the ability to safely cross between universes. However, Walter discovered that this ability was not easily controlled, and required intense emotional stimuli in to activate, and he began experimenting with frightening Olivia. After realizing that it was the abuse from her step-father that was allowing her to cross over, Walter discontinued his experiments with her emotions, as he empathized with her, and even threatened her stepfather into ceasing his abuse. (Episode: Subject 13)
Overview
In appearance, Cortexiphan was a nootropic drug designed to enhance the mental abilities of the test subject, allowing them to tap into the 'infinite capability' of the human mind. Initial exposure to the drug as an adult can be lethal, so trials were performed on children.
It was supposed to prevent shrinkage but not reverse its effects which was why it was administered to children during its trial phase. The drug was based on the notion that perception was the key to transformation.
It had a number of possible effects that ranged from telekinesis to mind reading. The exact response to Cortexiphan varies from child to child. Manifested psionic abilities include telepathy, mind control, pyrokinesis, telekinesis, and the ability to transit the 'brane' [i.e., membrane] between universes. Cortexiphan also has slight regenerative abilities.
Cortexiphan has a number of possible effects, ranging from telekinesis to mind reading. Cortexiphan subjects are also able to travel safely between universes and sense the presence of alternate universes or items from alternate universes through a telltale "glimmer." Powers granted by Cortexiphan are difficult to control, and many subjects were plagued by an inability to do so, resulting in many deaths, both subjects themselves and people around them. However, it is possible, with practice, to control the abilities. In the series finale, it is revealed that Cortexiphan has powerful regenerative properties; William Bell confessed that he had been injecting himself with massive doses of Cortexiphan to stall (but not cure) the cancer ravaging his body. Walter later confirms this when he removes a bullet from Olivia’s brain; since she too had been dosed heavily with Cortexiphan, the head wound healed instantly and she regained consciousness.
Users
- Olivia Dunham :
- Susan Pratt :
- Nancy Lewis :
- Nick Lane :
- Simon Phillips :
Noes
- Cortexiphan was created by J. J. Abrams, Alex Kurtzman and Roberto Orci where it featured in the setting of the Fringe universe.
Appearances
- Fringe:
External Link
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