 Why was Macklin's wife hysterical when she called to speak with Ferris and Mitchell?
But Macklin is exactly what we need for a quick, dramatic test. "When we prove our results that should be of enough practical value for anyone. Our reputations don't go outside our own fields," Mitchell said. "But now Macklin—" Elliot Macklin had inherited the reputation of the late Albert Einstein in the popular mind. For the past seven years Macklin—who was the Advanced Studies Department of Firestone University—had been involved in devising a faster-than-light drive to help the Army reach Pluto and eventually the nearer stars. Mitchell had overheard two coeds talking and so knew that the project was nearing completion. "He's always treated me like dirt," Ferris said heatedly. Macklin threw a big arm across Ferris' shoulders. "Actually, Doctor, we haven't the right to ask this of a man of your importance. "Doctor, we understand you have severe headaches," Mitchell said. "No, Harold, it isn't," Macklin admitted. "Doctor," Mitchell said, "what would you say the most common complaint of man is?" "I would have said the common cold," Macklin replied, "but I suppose from what you have said you mean headaches." "Aspirins would still be used to reduce fever and relieve muscular pains," Mitchell said. "There are a number of different causes for headaches—nervous strain, fatigue, physical diseases from kidney complaints to tumors, over-indulgence—but there is one effect of all of this, the one real cause of headaches," Mitchell announced. "We have definitely established this for this first time," Ferris added. "The pressure effect caused by pituitrin in the brain," Mitchell said eagerly. "That is, the constriction of blood vessels in the telencephalon section of the frontal lobes. "The virus," Ferris explained, "can easily be localized and stabilized. "We want you," Ferris told him. "Doctor," Mitchell said quickly, "I know it's a tremendous favor to ask of a man of your position. Unless we can produce quick, conclusive and dramatic proof of our studies we can get no more financial backing. "Low blood pressure," Ferris said. "When your heart stops, your blood pressure goes to its lowest point," Mitchell said. A dew of perspiration had bloomed on Macklin's forehead. Ferris and I are confident that there is no danger.... II "Ferris!"
 She thought they had given her husband heroin.
 Her husband was very ill from the virus  Her husband was still having headaches  She thought they had given her husband heroin.  Her husband's blood pressure had dropped extremely low.