"Тед Чан. Seventy-Two Letters (72 буквы, Рассказ) (англ.)" - читать интересную книгу автора

the male and female variants than simply the sexual epithet."
"Only if one considers the male variant imperfect," said Ashbourne,
"which I do not. Consider: while a fertile male and a fertile female might
seem equivalent, they differ radically in the degree of complexity
exemplified. A female with viable ova remains a single organism, while a
male with viable spermatozoa is actually many organisms: a father and all
his potential children. In this light, the two variants of the name are
well- matched in their actions:
each induces a single organism, but only in the female sex can a single
organism be fertile."
"I see what you mean." Stratton realized he would need practice in
thinking about nomenclature in the organic domain. "Have you developed
euonyms for other species?"
"Just over a score, of various types; our progress has been rapid.
We have only just begun work on a name for the human species, and it
has proved far more difficult than our previous names."
"How many nomenclators are engaged in this endeavor?"
"Only a handful," Fieldhurst replied. "We have asked a few Royal
Society members, and the Acadщmie has some of FranceТs leading
designateurs working on it. You will understand if I do not mention any
names at this point, but be assured that we have some of the most
distinguished nomenclators in England assisting us."
"Forgive me for asking, but why are you approaching me? I am hardly in
that category."
"You have not yet had a long career," said Ashbourne, "but the genus of
names you have developed is unique. Automata have always been specialized
in form and function, rather like animals: some are good at climbing,
others at digging, but none at both. Yet yours can control human hands,
which are uniquely versatile instruments: what else can manipulate
everything from a wrench to a piano? The handТs dexterity is the physical
manifestation of the mindТs ingenuity, and these traits are essential to
the name we seek."
"We have been discreetly surveying current nomenclatoral research for
any names that demonstrate marked dexterity," said Fieldhurst.
"When we learned of what you had accomplished, we sought you out
immediately."
"In fact," Asbourne continued, "the very reason your names are
worrisome to sculptors is the reason we are interested in them: they endow
automata with a more human-like manner than any before. So now we ask,
will you join us?"
Stratton considered it. This was perhaps the most important task a
nomenclator could undertake, and under ordinary circumstances he would
have leapt at the opportunity to participate. But before he could embark
upon this enterprise in good conscience, there was another matter he had
to resolve.
"You honor me with your invitation, but what of my work with dexterous
automata? I still firmly believe that inexpensive engines can improve the
lives of the labouring class."
"It is a worthy goal," said Fieldhurst, "and I would not ask you to
give it up. Indeed, the first thing we wish you to do is to perfect the