From Review of Bio of Tom Stoppard in SF Chronicle by David Kipen--9/1/02

[Paul Mackin]

Bandwraith at aol.com wrote:

> More later. The key notion is that the developement of the
> calculus, the tools (remember Dixon's earlier Hammer quote)
> of modern analysis, and hence, the resolution of Zeno's Doxies
> were accompanied by the feeling that those doing the analyzing
> were in a position of objectivity, i.e., could pick and choose the
> values of "X" to be studied, and use the results to control the
> outcome- i.e., what (and who) were within, and what without any
> circles, radiant or otherwise, which might result.

That technological inventions contibute to historical outcomes would never
be disputed. However it sounds here almost like you are hinting at more.
Sounds like you (or maybe Pynchon)  are suggesting that the mathematical
invention of calculus changed thinking processes in some way as to allow an
intelligent acceptance of certain outcomes in the social and political
realms that without the insight of calculus might not be acceptable or even
occur.

Or do the radius or convergence, etc.,  serve mainly as a metaphor for
certain  historical outcomes? I probably would have thought the latter.
 but wonder what others think.
P.