Donald A. Wollheim (ed) by Avon Fantasy Reader 12

Author:Avon Fantasy Reader 12
Language: eng
Format: mobi, epub
Published: 2011-09-01T15:21:16+00:00

require that you keep in mind nine equations at a time. That is a heavy burden and relatively few men are able to do it. Here I have (our coordinates, w, x, y, and z, and the variables:

67

y<-

Zi.

Wj,

y»

Wj,

x.-.

y».

Zs.

W|,

y."

and requiring diat I cany in my mind sixteen equations at one time. Thai may seem impossible, hut I've drilled myself at it for two years,

and gradually 1 was able to go farther and farther--------- "

"But there are other quantities here," Sheila interrupted, studying the paper intently, "that do not belong in equations for the rotation of coordinates. They look like the integrals in electromagnetic equations."

"Good for you!" Ileagey cried enthusiastically. "That pretty little head has something on the inside, too. That is jus* exactly what they are: electromagnetic integrals. You see, the rotation of coordinates looks very pretty in theory, but when you hook it up with a little practical dynamics—don't you understand yet?"

Sheila stared at the young mathematician in questioning wonder.

"Sheila, jewel, you're just irresistible that way. I can't help it." He gathered her in his arms and kissed her face in a dozen places. She pushed him away.

"No more until you tell me what this is about. I mean it!" She stamped her foot, but a merry smile contradicted her stern frown.

"You're just like your father when you're like that," he said, taking up the papers again. "Very simple little conception," he continued. "Why be satisfied with rotating coordinates on paper? Here's a way to rotate them in concrete, physical reality.

"Listen now. When you rotate two coordinates through ninety de-

grees, you have an ordinate where then- previously was an abscissa.

If you rotate three coordinates through ninety degrees, you can make

a vertical plane occupy a horizontal position. Now—suppose you

rotate four coordinates through forty-five degrees: you can then make

a portion of space occupy a new position, outside of what we know

as space. And we can bring into this space of ours a portion of the

unknown space along the fourth coordinate------------ "

"The fourth dimension!" gasped Sheila.

"There it is on paper. But we're going to do it in reality. There—" pointing across the room—"are the coils by means of which we can rotate some real space. 1 want you to see the preliminary trial. As I do not know just exactly what may happen, 1 am going to rotate only a small |X>rtion to begin with."

Sheila's eyes gleamed with excited comprehension.

"Call father in. He's just across the corridor--------- "

"Not for the very first trial. I want you to see that alone. After wo

know what it will do--------- "

"But it may be dangerous. Something may happenf

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