Have our ancestors genetically passed on their lifelong repetitive memories so we may adapt to the environment and in turn pass on our collective repetitive memories? The psychiatrist in this novel is willing to perform an illegal experiment to prove genetic memory exists. He discovers a human gene that produces a specific protein that enhances long-term memory. As a by-product of his find, he hopes to prove ancestral memories are inheribable and influence behavior. He needs to test the hypothesis in order to claim his copied gene can generate ancestral memories.

Time and money prevent the doctor from legally conducting his experiment, so he finds an unsuspecting young male as his subject. The trial is a success except for one variable. The antiquated memories have not had time to intergrate with the young man's brain so they unravel with unpredictable outcomes. Although the young man's escapades are thrilling, he is led to believe he suffers from a personality disorder. Emotional support alone from his friend or a childhood sweetheart, whose hope to rekindle their romance, cannot overcome his predicament. In the end will he direct his own destiny?