"Decomposition of the linking number of a closed ribbon" (F Brock Fuller)

Date:
1977-1978
Reference:
PP/CRI/H/6/12/5
Catalogue details

Licence: In copyright

Credit: "Decomposition of the linking number of a closed ribbon" (F Brock Fuller). Source: Wellcome Collection.

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    November 16, 1976 Professor F. H. C. Crick The Salk Institute for Biological Studies P.O. Box 1809 San Diego, CA 92112 Dear Francis, The paper could be cut down to 5500 words by eliminating diagrams and review material (my estimate of 7500 words includes the equivalent space used up by the diagrams ), but it would then be necessary to write a more complete exposition elsewhere (where?). By cutting it into two papers brief outlines of the proofs could be included. In terms of logic the natural place to cut is to omit 52 and stop at the end of on p. 9» The reason is that all this material is purely topological and involves no calculus or differential geometry. It might therefore be much more palatable to biochemists and does get the main point across about linking not being additive. On the other hand, since the confusion between Tw (differential geometric) and Ik (topological) is probably preprogrammed into the human brain it may be better to go on through §7, as you suggest. The first paper could be rounded off by stating a result Lk(ß) = Wr(a) + Y ÓWría^b^ B ¿ ) + Tw(ß ± ) like 10.1 on p. 17 except that a and b would have to agree in position and direction at the interfaces between successive topological balls. The chief purpose of the second paper would then be to remove this awkward restriction. I would be pleased to give a talk at the campus. It would probably have to be in their second quarter since the first quarter instruction ends Dec. with finals Dec. 7-11« A good contact might be Jay P. Fillmore (associate professor of mathematics). I have never met him, but he made two nice suggestions about my 1971 paper, one of which I used in the Romanian paper (the other didn't work)/ My teaching schedule is arranged for the long weekend, with classes on Mon., Tues., Wed. at 1:00 P.M. It is best not to worry about Lynn's schedule. One of her motives is to make a long distance drive (she got her driver's license on Oct. 19, her l6th birthday -- the earliest possible time). It might be better to come with her after her Christmas recess starting Dec. 18. I could come earlier by myself (last class is on Dec. 8). Sincerely yours, frus-zh^ F. Brock Fuller FBF:mmh