Literary notes about Viscosity (AI summary)
In literature, the word "viscosity" has taken on varied and evocative roles that extend beyond its strict scientific meaning. For instance, in an excerpt from Thomas Jefferson’s Declaration of Independence [1], the term appears in stark isolation, provoking intrigue and inviting readers to ponder its metaphorical implications. In contrast, Ben Jonson’s use of "viscosity" in The Alchemist [2] places it alongside descriptors like "oleosity" and "suscitability," thereby contributing to a vivid, almost satirical portrayal of character traits. Both examples highlight how authors have leveraged the term—whether to evoke ambiguity or to enrich character description—demonstrating literature’s capacity to repurpose technical language to suit artistic and rhetorical aims.