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Monday, May 19, 2014

"The Cambrian" by George Zebrowski

Appeared in NatureOnline.

Summary:

Hinkle, a paleobiologist, receives math equations from crabs.  The protagonist does not believe him.

Spoiler/Commentary:

Hinkle patents new equations and related items.  He walks as though he had something on his back.

Humorous science fantasy.  The final image clinches it.

Play on words?  Cambrian could mean the period of life single-celled organisms to multiple with arthropods a Welshman, but apparently Hinkle is from Leicestershire.  Hinkle comes from Germany, through variant forms to Heinrich or "Henry" apparently--which means ruler of house--possibly useful in interpretation.

Arthropods were the dominant lifeform during the Cambrian period, which includes crabs.

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