Major Operation

File:MajorOperation.jpg. Cover art by Dean Ellis.]]

Major Operation is a 1971 science fiction book by Northern Irish author James White, the third volume in the Sector General series.{{citation

| contribution="James White"

| title=Dictionary of Literary Biography, Vol. 261, British Fantasy and Science-Fiction Writers Since 1960

| publisher=Gale Research Publications

| url=http://www.bookrags.com/biography/james-white-dlb/ | accessdate=17 December 2008

}} The book collects together a series of five short stories, all of which were originally published in New Worlds magazine.

Stories

"Invader" – A series of clumsy accidents at the hospital lead Conway to suspect an alien presence.
"Vertigo" (1968) – a spinning ship (from the planet later nicknamed 'Meatball') is 'rescued' and brought to the hospital.
"Blood Brother" (1969) – Meatball's natural doctors are discovered.
"Meatball (1966) – Additional investigation reveals more about Meatball's doctors.
"Major Operation (1971) – A gigantic patient on Meatball fights medical treatment.