…Which would have read better in that last panel, really. “Pentothal” is easily hastened through to counter its excess of syllables during intentionally stilted speech, much like the three disyllabic (and single trisyllabic) words used above. Whereas it is far more natural to split “thiopental” into two chunks (Thio. Pental.) as it is comprised of two trochees. Pentothal does not lend itself to this so easily, as it has its own independent rhythm as a dactyl. As a result there’s sort of an instinctual stumble on “thiopental” as a single chunk where there wouldn’t be on “pentothol” or with thiopental if it were to break the pattern and be represented as two sentences.But I digress.
alviebird about 13 years ago
Better known as sodium pentothal.
chaosandcake about 13 years ago
…Which would have read better in that last panel, really. “Pentothal” is easily hastened through to counter its excess of syllables during intentionally stilted speech, much like the three disyllabic (and single trisyllabic) words used above. Whereas it is far more natural to split “thiopental” into two chunks (Thio. Pental.) as it is comprised of two trochees. Pentothal does not lend itself to this so easily, as it has its own independent rhythm as a dactyl. As a result there’s sort of an instinctual stumble on “thiopental” as a single chunk where there wouldn’t be on “pentothol” or with thiopental if it were to break the pattern and be represented as two sentences.But I digress.
chaosandcake about 13 years ago
^ Pretty much what he said.
lewisbower about 13 years ago
You can’t handle the truth
doverdan about 13 years ago
Is the word in song or poetry?