I once read a sci fi book, I think “Day of the Dragon - Guy Endore”, where alligators hearts were deemed defective.
Surgeon repairs the hearts, and the alligators continue their growth, morphing into dragons. Which then escape and reproduce.
If I recall, it ends badly for man.
FROM BRAVE AI:
Day of the Dragon
Guy Endore’s short story “Day of the Dragon” was first published in 1934. The tale revolves around a scientist who transplants a human heart into a crocodile, allowing it to rapidly metamorphose into a dragon. According to the story, these reptiles were originally dragons, and the human heart speeds up their metabolism, enabling them to regain their dragon form.
The story has been anthologized in several collections, including:
Monster Mix (1968) edited by Robert Arthur
Tales of Terror (1967) edited by Kurt Singer
Alfred Hitchcock’s Monster Museum (1965) edited by Alfred Hitchcock
Avon Fantasy Reader, #2 (1947) edited by Donald A. Wollheim
Zoo 2000 (1973) edited by Jane Yolen
The story has also been mentioned in online discussions and forums, with some users recalling reading it in anthologies or collections featuring Alfred Hitchcock’s introductions.
Key Points:
Published in 1934
Scientist transplants human heart into crocodile, allowing it to become a dragon
Originally dragons, the reptiles regain their form due to the human heart’s influence
Anthologized in various collections, including those edited by Alfred Hitchcock and Robert Arthur
Mentioned in online discussions and forums
Overall, “Day of the Dragon” is a classic science fiction tale that explores the idea of reanimating ancient creatures through modern scientific means.