The novel includes microfilm, the vending machine, the jukebox (both existed when it was written), satellites, spaceflight, the tape recorder, artificial cloth, television (and channel surfing) [3] as well as remote-control power transmission, the videophone, transcontinental air service, solar energy in practical use, sound movies, synthetic milk and foods, and voiceprinting.

[citation needed] It also contains "...the first accurate description of radar, complete with diagram...", according to Arthur C. Clarke in his "non-genre" novel Glide Path (1963): "A pulsating polarized ether wave, if directed on a metal object can be reflected in the same manner as a light-ray is reflected from a bright surface or from a mirror..."[4] Even though Ralph 124C 41+ has been described as pioneering many of the tropes and ideas found in later science fiction works,[6] it has largely been neglected due to what critics often describe as poor artistic quality.

"[10] Reviewing the 1950 Frederick Fell edition in The New York Times, Rex Lardner wrote that while the "fine" novel "contain[ed] a good deal of sound prophecy,... it has a narrative style as quaint as the retarder on a Hupmobile.

"[14] According to Westfahl, "the novel merits attention because of the ways Gernsback uneasily blended several generic models – melodrama, the travel tale, Utopia, even touches of Gothic and Satire – in an effort to achieve a workable vehicle for a story emphasizing scientific facts and predictions.

In the year 2108, the main character, archivist Future Taylor discovers in a preserved public library an Encyclopedia of Science Fiction and learns about the original novel.