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Literary notes about Optimum (AI summary)

The term "optimum" is used widely to denote an ideal or most favorable condition, whether in scientific inquiry, technical specifications, or literary and rhetorical expression. In scientific and technical contexts it often designates precise conditions for maximum or most rapid growth, reaction, or performance—as seen when discussing bacterial growth or oxygen levels ([1], [2], [3], [4]). At times the word also takes on evaluative or even philosophical overtones, serving as a benchmark of excellence or virtue in both classical and satirical discourse ([5], [6], [7]). In more imaginative or humorous narratives, the term can suggest an exaggerated ideal, such as the quirky invitation to participate in “optimum ecology” or the playful naming of a restaurant ([8], [9]). Even when applied to everyday measurements—from incubation periods and temperature settings to optimal strategies—it emphasizes a peak state of functionality and well-being ([10], [11], [12]).
  1. The maximum and minimum temperatures at which growth takes place, as well as the optimum, are fairly constant for each bacterium.
    — from The Elements of Bacteriological TechniqueA Laboratory Guide for Medical, Dental, and Technical Students. Second Edition Rewritten and Enlarged. by J. W. H. (John William Henry) Eyre
  2. The temperature optimum is rather high, 60° to 70° C. Page 131
    — from The Nature of Animal Light by E. Newton (Edmund Newton) Harvey
  3. In the chemostat, growth of the organisms is limited by maintaining one essential nutrient concentration below optimum.
    — from Significant Achievements in Space Bioscience 1958-1964 by United States. National Aeronautics and Space Administration
  4. OPTIMUM TEMPERATURE, temperature at which growth is most rapid.
    — from The Fundamentals of Bacteriology by Charles Bradfield Morrey
  5. Nec vero possum tantum dare ingenio meo, ut dispexerim sponte mea in tempestate illa turbulentissima rei publicae, quid esset optimum factu.”
    — from Selections from Viri Romae by C. F. L'Homond
  6. Ad quatuor autem leucas de Nazareth, est Cana Galileæ, vbi Christus ad vrbanas matris preces, mutauit vndam in vinum optimum.
    — from The Principal Navigations, Voyages, Traffiques and Discoveries of the English Nation — Volume 08 Asia, Part I by Richard Hakluyt
  7. 3. Virtutem cum pietate conjunctam optimum esse rationem cultus divini.
    — from An Essay Concerning Humane Understanding, Volume 1 by John Locke
  8. When a slightly mad robot drunk on AC, wants you to join an experiment in optimum ecology—don't do it!
    — from The Ego Machine by Henry Kuttner
  9. You’re sure it’s for me?’ came in that Greek with a strange accent, which had first fallen on my ears in the Optimum Restaurant.
    — from Phroso: A Romance by Anthony Hope
  10. For example, the optimum reaction observed in the set of experiments to determine the range was +10.
    — from The Elements of Bacteriological TechniqueA Laboratory Guide for Medical, Dental, and Technical Students. Second Edition Rewritten and Enlarged. by J. W. H. (John William Henry) Eyre
  11. Optimizing in this way, she found that the optimum opening angle is about 45 degrees, when the funnel is pointed directly towards the sun.
    — from The BYU Solar Cooker/Cooler by Steven E. Jones
  12. Optimum Volume of 0·6 Molar Phosphate in c.c. Maximum Rate in Cubic Centimetres of CO 2 per Five minutes.
    — from Alcoholic FermentationSecond Edition, 1914 by Arthur Harden

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