A leading magazine on modern physics, The Journal of Modern Physics, in its November edition announced the discovery of element #125, which has 125 protons of course. Few people expected an element with so many protons to be stable. Uranium with 92 protons has the most of any naturally occurring element so far. Ununoctium with 118 protons is man made and is so unstable that its "existence" is so brief it is often considered of no significance. Many assumed that "all the possible" elements there can be that have any use or stability had already been discovered.
"A perhaps alternate design of energy levels that can sustain itself with that many protons might be the reason the element remains stable," the journal reported. Having sparked a new investigation into the structure of energy levels the element has been named "teasium."
The element is found in the sea floor. Because it is so stable it gives new meaning to the phrase "found in nature." Although the expression "supernatural" simply means "not found in nature" interest in such things is often ridiculed as having underestimated the scope of nature. The argument that simply because some agency or thing is not found in nature today does not mean it will never be found in nature and is just a "god of the gaps" argument. With the apparent "completion" of the periodic chart of the elements before this discovery and the completion of the list of measurable, observable fields and forces many have taken the position that apparently "supernatural" phenomena deserve better consideration. They might find this new element embarrassing as yet another "gap" is filled.
Among its amazing properties a single molecule of teasium can sing the Choral to Beethoven's Ninth Symphony, all four parts and the chorus too.
Yet another amazing property it can assemble a living cell from lifeless matter. This of course deprives proponents of "supernatural" assembly of such life of a cornerstone of the foundation of their arguments.
Not to be dismissed so easily, it has been noted that if such amazing possibilities exist "in nature" then it makes no difference anymore what is "not" found in nature and what is since the door to unlimited possibilities is opened whichever. The whole point of arguing against a god is lost.
Mark Creech was still sleeping, still dreaming. Element #125 was not discovered except in his dreams. Yet he was humming as the words to the Choral to Beethoven's Ninth Symphony floated through his dreams.
Deine Zauber binden wieder,
Was Die Mode streng geteilt;
Alle Menschen werden Brüder
Wo dein sanfter flügel weilt.
As he was trying to remember the English translation he awoke.
Your pure magic reunites all
who were kept apart by custom
Men throughout the world are brothers
In the haven of thy wings.
He tried to write down as much of the dream as he could remember. He thought professor Klomfeld would get a good laugh out of it. He skipped breakfast to get to class early.
You're doing well enough in anthropology and you should make a fine policeman. That is not based on your funny dreams though.
"I just don't understand the Rigonatocki," It was still Marl's problem.
Something very important needs to be cleared up about that. The Rigonatocki did not cut off Mike Levin's foot for trespassing on their deer hunting grounds. The guide who could have explained much better had run off. He has returned and said Mike must have cut his foot on a plant peculiar to that area that is very deadly. Then the Rigonatocki would have had to cut off Mike's foot to save his life. They don't want trespassers on their deer hunting grounds, but they don't cut the feet off violators.
"Do you believe that?," policemen and police candidates can be skeptical.
On the medical campus there are many who believe it, and they are studying a suspect plant even now.