On Nov 16, 2012, at 12:01 PM, Ed Pozharski wrote:
> On 11/16/2012 12:54 PM, Kendall Nettles wrote:
>
>> I wouldn't go into the lab and say "did you cryo-cool those crystals yet?" or "check out this nice crystal. Its ready for vitrification".
>>
>
> If we speak the way scientific articles are written...
>
> By Bernard Dixon, published in New Scientist, 11 April 1968, p.73, an imaginary conversation at breakfast:
>
> "Daddy, I want cornflakes this morning. Must I have porridge?"
>
> "Yes. It has been suggested by mummy that, in view of the external coldness, the eating of porridge by you will cause an increase in bodily temperature. Furthermore, in regard to the already-mentioned temperature considerations, your grandma-knitted gloves and wool-lining-hooded coat will have to be worn."
The imprecision of this language is staggering. For instance, the meaning of the word "worn" is completely ambiguous and should be clarified. Does the author mean that the coat (what kind?) should be draped over the child's head, tied around the child's waste, or should his arms be placed through the sleeves. If the latter, should the fasteners (what kind?) be dorsal or ventral?
James
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