The Time Machine is a science fiction novel by H. G. Wells. Wells is generally credited with the popularization of the concept of time travel by using a vehicle that allows an operator to travel purposely and selectively forwards or backwards in time. The term "e;time machine"e;, coined by Wells, is now almost universally used to refer to such a vehicle. The Time Machine has since been adapted into three feature films of the same name, as well as two television versions, and a large number of comic book adaptations. It has also indirectly inspired many more works of fiction in many media.