'The Food of the Gods' (1904) by H G Wells

'The Food of the Gods and How It Came to Earth' is a science fiction novel that explores the unintended consequences of scientific experimentation. The story revolves around the creation of a substance known as "Herakleophorbia IV" or the "Food of the Gods," a chemical compound developed by two scientists, Mr. Bensington and Professor Redwood, to accelerate the growth of living organisms.

Their initial goal is to use the substance to increase the size and productivity of livestock and crops. However, when the Food accidentally spreads beyond their control, it causes animals—and eventually humans—to grow to enormous proportions. The experiment leads to chaos and danger, as giant rats, insects, and chickens become threats, while human children fed the substance grow into massive, superhuman beings.

The novel explores the social and ethical implications of this rapid, uncontrollable growth. The ordinary people fear and resent the giants, seeing them as a threat to the existing social order. The giants, in turn, must grapple with their place in a world that is not built for them, leading to tension between the "normal" humans and the giants. The story touches on themes of scientific hubris, the limits of human control over nature, and the potential consequences of unchecked progress.

The novel ends on an ambiguous note, as the conflict between the normal humans and the giants intensifies, leaving open questions about the future of both groups and the world they inhabit.