Fourteen-twenty

As well as the obvious, the following may also be contagious (list in progress): Yawns  (across species) Cold Pupil size Pain and pain relief Emotions Delusions

Many diseases that have names don't deserve them. And some that don't have names deserve them. Can you give it to them? Then do not be to eager to deal out diagnoses in judgement. For even the very wise cannot see all ends. [apologies to JRR Tolkien] I find it a useful and humbling exercise to think of diseases that don't currently 'exist' (in our awareness) but easily could. Here is a simple three-step process. 1. Think of a pathological process which is well-understood and operates across multiple organ systems. e.g. transient vascular occlusion resulting in symptoms from downstream ischaemia. Think claudication (leg), angina (heart), TIA (brain). 2. Think of an organ system in which this pathological process could operate but which is not currently recognised. e.g. thyroid gland. 3. Imagine what symptoms would result from the process in the organ. e.g. transient attacks of fatigue and depression. There are more things in heaven and earth, Horatio, Than are dreamt...

Could it be that Aulë, Lord of the Valar, was and is secretly in the service of Melkor? There are hints in the canon upon which to speculate the defection of this high-ranking Vala...  Aulë is  one of the greatest of the Valar and  most like Melkor ' in thought and in powers ' .  In the creation of the Dwarves, Aulë is the only Vala who we know has the capacity and will to disobey Ilúvatar, and ' b oth [Aul ë  and Melkor], also, desired to make things of their own that should be new and unthought of by others .'  We know that Melkor's skill is in manipulating small weaknesses and doubts between allies, and ' others he corrupted afterwards to his service with lies and treacherous gifts .' To  concentrate his efforts on corrupting Aulë would have been a bold strategic move typical of Melkor.  Aulë was upset when reproached by Ilúvatar for the creation of the Dwarves. It fits with everything we know about Melkor that he would seize upon any seed of d...