> W. J. Liles [mailto:wliles@xxxxxxxxx] wrote:
> If you need an example of truely erroneous usage try "quantum
> leap".
I'll see your quanta and raise you an energy level. <g>
This is my understanding, possibly erroneous...
Quantum Leap was initially known as a Quantum Jump, the
the phrase originating within the Physics world in the
mid-1900's amongst the discoveries you refer to. Its
usage became popular not because of it's measure of
"distance", but because it represents the "jump" from one
distinct energy level to another. Thus, the meat of
the metaphor is, or should be, specifically *not* for
a dramatic but trackable increase or change (in distance)
but rather a complete change of state with no apparent
transition.
As I so often say "It's not the size that counts" <VBG>
...and, just for the hell of it, to paraphrase that great
piece of poetry, "Fleas"...
Valencies
Atom had 'em.
Cheers
Marc
Sydney, Oz
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