Probably Not That Difficult

• Selection and Construction by John Fentress, 2/1/98
  
  

John,

Always nice to see your challenges and the fun you have with your mind!

A couple thoughts ...

Mike Bailey's chapter in Crawford and Krebs remarks that many behavior-genetic phenomena seem consistent with a model in which the behavior is supported by small contributions from many loci.

Sounds good, should be compatible with greater stability but with lots of detail variability.

Second, Ian Stewart has a neat book on math/physical contributions ... a readable explanation of how genes don't have to control the details, just kick out the chemistry at the right times and physics takes care of the rest. (Or so it seems from the first chapter) Reminiscent of Goodwin but takes more words and therefore? more redundant with what I already know and therefore? more easily understood.

Sidetrack:

This internet stuff could induce could induce mania in the unwary. Sleep deprivation can lead to mental racing. Mental racing allows me to hook up all kinds of ideas. And, I think that they are all wonderful and have to tell all about them and do it right now. Egad! I see the identical pattern in others on some of the list-serves. I'm no longer sure as to whether mania drives the whole thing or whether the effect is another dance between susceptibility and opportunity.

Right now chewing on phase shifts and emotionality. Wonderful concepts, wall are crashing between previously unrelated things. Will post soon.

Enjoy Edelman.

Jim

• Ha! (Maybe Morph. Models) by John Fentress, 2/3/98
  • Morphology and other stuff by James Brody, 2/4/98