Literary notes about capillary (AI summary)
The term "capillary" appears with varied nuance across literary works, serving both a literal and metaphorical function. In some texts, the word denotes specific anatomical details of the circulatory system—used rigorously in scientific descriptions of pulmonary and bodily circulation as seen in examples [1], [2], and [3], and even in discussions of phenomena like sap ascent [4]. Conversely, the term is also embraced in more abstract and metaphorical contexts: for instance, Joyce employs it to evoke natural attraction [5] while Twain playfully characterizes a caterpillar as "CAPILLARY" [6]. Additionally, its association with physiological responses, such as blushing, is explored in both John Dewey’s and Charles Darwin’s work [7], [8]. Even historical compilations like the Journals of Lewis and Clark incorporate it to describe textures and structures in nature [9], and Jefferson references "capillary phenomena" [10]. This diverse use illustrates how "capillary" bridges the gap between precise scientific description and broader metaphorical resonance in literature.