Capek's novel Krakatit is based on a similar invention to the one described by the author in The Absolute Factory. The inventor Prokop discovers a way to let any substance disintegrate into atoms. The explosion releases a huge amount of energy. He produces a substance called krakatit - the most terrible explosive in the world, which can be detonated remotely using electromagnetic waves. Prokop realizes the reach of his discovery - the owner of krakatit could become the ruler of the world. Others realize this too and try to deprive Prokop of the invention. Part of the formula is obtained by Prokop's former colleague Tomeš and he tries to make the explosive as well.