A theoretical question comes up about containment. This is a big problem for alchemy, since the heat generated in the Hermetic procedure is far too great for the process to be contained. But I think I have the answer and start writing it down on a large index card. Using both sides of the card, I’m writing and writing to make sure I get it all in.

The solution has to do with the fact that, while containment is definitely a challenge given the extreme heat that is produced, if the container has the properties of a Klein bottle, the contents would be enclosed in such a way that, paradoxically, they also would be allowed to burst out!