01.12.14 — Electrodynamics — the Acrostic



Solar electrodynamics in far ultraviolet —arcades of solar plasma filaments in the lower corona of the Sun are revealed in far ultraviolet light by TRACE instruments, courtesy The TRACE Picturebook, NASA

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January 12, 2014

ACROSTIC, Puzzle by Emily Cox and Henry Rathvon
Edited by Will Shortz

This Sunday’s acrostic draws a quotation from Lectures on Physics by Richard Feynman.

“The whole thing was basically an experiment,” Richard Feynman said late in his career, looking back on the origins of his lectures. The experiment turned out to be hugely successful, spawning publications that have remained definitive and introductory to physics for decades. Ranging from the basic principles of Newtonian physics through such formidable theories as general relativity and quantum mechanics, Feynman’s lectures stand as a monument of clear exposition and deep insight.  Timeless and collectible, the lectures are essential reading, not just for students of physics but for anyone seeking an introduction to the field from the inimitable Feynman.”~ Google Books 

The quotation:  THE MOST SIGNIFICANT EVENT OF THE NINETEENTH CENTURY WILL BE JUDGED AS MAXWELL’S DISCOVERY OF THE LAWS OF ELECTRODYNAMICS.  THE AMERICAN CIVIL WAR WILL PALE INTO PROVINCIAL INSIGNIFICANCE IN COMPARISON WITH THIS … EVENT.

The author’s name and the title of the work:  FEYNMAN, LECTURES ON PHYSICS

The defined words:

A. Writer in the margin of Diaphanous’ “Arithmetica”, FERMAT
B. Surround, ring, ENCIRCLE
C. Serious warning in sports (2 wds.), YELLOW CARD
D. About to be served (3 wds.), NEXT IN LINE
E. Don’s body, MAFIA
F. Classic sailor’s tattoo, ANCHOR
G. Historical trio member having a tilde, NIÑA
H. Farsighted perspective (2 wds.), LONG VIEW
I. Not fixed, as a set of beliefs, EVOLVING
J. Business that overcharges customers (2 wds.), CLIP JOINT
K. Painter of “Assumption of the Virgin,” 1516-18, TITIAN
L. Cited but not verified, UNOFFICIAL
M Glossy black, RAVEN
N. Way of getting connected since the 1970s, ETHERNET
O. 1964 Life magazine coinage regarding “The Bing Crosby Show”, SITCOM
P> Be unwilling to let go, OBSESS
Q. Participants in a TV game show originally hosted by Bob Eubanks, NEWLYWEDS
R. Stones in a Georgia orchard (2 wds.), PEACH PITS
S. Strong coffee, not the wimpy stuff (2 wds.), HIGH TEST
T. “Truer words were never spoken!” (3 wds.), YOU SAID IT
U. Change to make a competitive splash (2 wds.), SWIM MEET
V. Administer in an unwelcome way, INFLICT
W. In the bag, CLINCHES
X. Radio descriptor (hyph), SHORT-WAVE

The full paragraph of the quotation:  “From a long view of the history of mankind, seen from, say, ten thousand years from now, there can be little doubt that the most significant event of the 19th century will be judged as Maxwell's discovery of the laws of electrodynamics. The American Civil War will pale into provincial insignificance in comparison with this important scientific event of the same decade.”

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