> Two atoms of hydrogen and one atom of oxygen make one molecule of water. Is
>this an example of one of those patterns which don't exist?
Well, that's a very interesting question Nate. Have you ever seen Magritte's
famous painting of a pipe upon which is written (in french) "this is not
a pipe"?
H2O <=== This is not a molecule. Does that make any sense?
Water <=== This is not a nourishing liquid
"When one points at the moon, it is the fool that looks at the finger."
All very good examples of a pattern which exists in our minds.
My organic chemistry professor in college was very clear on this point.
He considered it the essential key to understanding all of chemistry, and all
of life. I have found that understanding useful...certianly other people
claim I know a lot about chemistry. But your mileage may vary, right?
Or maybe I'm just a low-key but dangerous mind-flipper?
New definition:
Orca: Noun. A dangerous mind-flipper that spends most of their
time beneath the surface. Usually covered with random patches
of black and white, but percieves the world in shades of grey.
Reed
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Reed Konsler konsler@ascat.harvard.edu
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