Literary notes about variation (AI summary)
The term "variation" in literature is employed to capture a wide range of meanings, from the technical to the artistic. In scientific writings, particularly those dealing with natural history and evolution, it describes specific modifications or differences among organisms or in natural laws, as discussed in texts on natural selection [1], [2], [3]. In more tactical or methodical works, such as those on chess or military strategy, it denotes alternative sequences or methods—alternative game moves or shifts in approach that illustrate different possibilities within a fixed framework [4], [5], [6]. Meanwhile, in artistic and poetic contexts, the word is used to highlight subtle changes that alter tone, rhythm, or meaning, enriching the texture of the work [7], [8], [9]. Beyond these settings, it can also indicate differences in language usage or textual recensions, pointing to shifts in wording or interpretation [10], [11], [12]. Thus, across genres, "variation" functions as a flexible concept that underscores both precise, measurable differences and imaginative, creative deviations.
- It has often been asserted, but the assertion is incapable of proof, that the amount of variation under nature is a strictly limited quantity.
— from The Origin of Species by Means of Natural Selection by Charles Darwin - The question is not, at what period of life any variation may have been caused, but at what period the effects are displayed.
— from The Origin of Species by Means of Natural Selection by Charles Darwin - Nothing can be effected, unless favourable variations occur, and variation itself is apparently always a very slow process.
— from On the Origin of Species By Means of Natural Selection by Charles Darwin - Kt - Kt 3 Kt - K 3 Page 147 {147} So far a very well-known variation of the Ruy Lopez.
— from Chess Fundamentals by José Raúl Capablanca - 4. The general who thoroughly understands the advantages that accompany variation of tactics knows how to handle his troops.
— from The Art of War by active 6th century B.C. Sunzi - We give a few moves of the main variation:— 1. P - R 4 P - Q R 4 2.
— from Chess Fundamentals by José Raúl Capablanca - The metre of the song is the same as that of the poem, the only variation being in the order of the rhymes.
— from The Lady of the Lake by Walter Scott - Note the musical variation in the measure here; the 1st, 3d, and 4th syllables being accented instead of the 2d and 4th.
— from The Lady of the Lake by Walter Scott - Now, prithee, sweet soul, in all thy variation, Which body would'st thou choose, to keep up thy station?
— from Volpone; Or, The Fox by Ben Jonson - In Joseph. Ant. vi. 14. 2 ἀπεκδὺς is only a variation for μετεκδὺς which seems to be the correct reading.
— from St. Paul's Epistles to the Colossians and Philemon by J. B. Lightfoot - I have generally noted any variation in the use of capitals, but not always.
— from The Poems of John Donne, Volume 1 (of 2) by John Donne - And thus it comes to pass that in this instance there is no variation between the two manuscripts.
— from The City of God, Volume II by Bishop of Hippo Saint Augustine