GRGR (5) PK and other threads knotted into one another

[Paul Mackin]

On Tue, 6 Jul 1999, David Morris wrote:

> Science, especially that of biology and psychology, has constantly sought
> out the extreme case, the obscure patient whose pathology is so bizarre or
> intense, as a way of studying the causal mechanisms.  This is what Pointy
> thinks he has found in Slothrop.


Good point and if applicable to Slothrop then I have underestimated
Pointsman. Is S like some idiot savant who is able to accomplish
prodigious feats for the simple reason that some inhibitory element
essential to normal functioning is missing from his mental capabilies? 
What might this be? Can't think of much at the moment but it has
possibilites.

I suppose in end the usual scientific  interest is in the normal rather
than the special case. I remember in the annals of physiology much was
learned about normal gastric function by observing the open yet still
functioning stomach of a WWI casualty.

					P.