The Social, Ethical, and Economic Implications of the Human Genome Term Paper - 1

The Social, Ethical, and Economic Implications of the Human Genome Project for Society - Term Paper Example Social implications include major advances in medical treatments, but also changes in people’s attitudes and behavior due to new procedures like testing when symptoms arise or screening before any disease symptoms are apparent. Ethical issues include balancing individual interests against the interests of others, and such considerations as potentially racist applications and unforeseen consequences of information which gene-related activities can produce. Some of the most critical issues such as privacy and the desire not to know are highlighted. Financial implications for society at large, private companies and for individuals are explored. Finally, there is the assessment of the extent to which the Frankenstein metaphor applies to this project. The paper concludes that the Human Genome Project is an extremely powerful resource which can be used for good or evil purposes and that we have resolved some but by no means all, of the major ethical issues that it brings. The Human Genome Project promises a revolutionary insight into the genetic â€Å"blueprint† of the human body. Consider the social, ethical, and economic implications of this project for society and the potential for applications of this research. Genetic engineering is a relatively new science, which rests on the pioneering work of Gregor Mendel on the garden pea, leading to the formulation of Mendel’s laws in 1866. (Thomas, 2003 pp. 1-3). It was only some fifty years later that the true significance of his discoveries was realized.  

Marketing strategy of Starbucks Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1000 words

Marketing strategy of Starbucks - Essay Example Starbucks is attempting to involve its customers in the product in many ways. First, the company is marketed as a status item hence it is high involvement (has higher psychological, economic, and social risk) cheaper coffee or unbranded coffee from its competitors. Secondly, Starbucks is utilizing different campaign, like â€Å"Bold Coffee† campaign and the â€Å"Via† taste challenge so as to get its customers to come to the store continuously and try the new products. This is a perfect use of the buyer behavior theory that predicts that the customers could switch brands only to try a new thing. Offering its customers with a new flavor to try every week, the company actively manages the natural inclination of the customers to try new things. These strategies together with emphasizing on socially responsible behavior, the company are also offering customers with additional benefits on which they can evaluate its products. Through building a strong brand that its customer s are loyal to, implying that the customers don’t even consider the other brands whenever they are going for coffee, immediately they will choose Starbucks since it’s the coffee for any person who loves coffee. These are the strategies that are employed by Starbucks to keep its existing customers satisfied (Simon, B. 2009). Promotion is the most common promotional mix elements utilized by Starbucks are internet marketing, advertising, public relations, personal selling, and sales promotion (Michelli, J. A. 2007).

Human Growth and Development Essay Example for Free

Human Growth and Development Essay Four phases of development Early Childhood Early childhood describes the years from ages two to six. During early childhood, the body no longer grows at the rapid pace that it did during the first two years of life. On average children add two to three inches in height and about 5 pounds in weight each year (Berk, 2006). The weight increase is due mainly to increases in the size of the skeleton and muscular systems as well as some body organs. Consequently, posture and balance changes that support gains in motor coordination. Cognitive development – Children begin to make gains in tasks that depend on the frontal cortex and language skills and motor coordination increase at an astonishing rate. Children begin to gain the ability to control impulses. During the early school –age period, children are constructing a broad overview of how their interpersonal world is structured and where they fit in. They are devising a scheme for self in society. Because children’s life experiences are limited and they are still highly impressionable, the nature of this initial worldview as likely to be very compelling, permeating their outlook in the years ahead. Handedness The period of middle and late childhood involves slow consistent growth. This is a period of calm before rapid growth spurt of adolescence. Among the important aspects of body change in this developmental period are those involving the skeletal system the muscular system and motor skills. Motor Development During middle and late childhood, children’s motor development becomes much smoother and more coordinated. Children’s center of gravity begins to shift and they become more steady on their feet making it easier to balance and complete tasks such as throwing, hitting, catching, hopping, and jumping. Gross Motor As children move through the elementary school years they gain greater control over their bodies and can sit still and pay attention for longer periods of time. However, elementary school children become more fatigued from longer periods of sitting than by more physically active skills. Fine Motor Fine motor skills too take a giant leap forward in the preschool years (Berk, 2006). As young children gain control over their hands and fingers they begin to show success in putting puzzles together, building small blocks, cutting and pasting. Middle School Age Physical Development Cognitive Development Emotional Development Social Development Adolescence Physical Development Cognitive Development Emotional Development Social Development Early Adulthood ages 18-40 For most people earl adulthood involves a common set of tasks: leaving home, completing education, beginning full-time work, attaining economic independence, establishing a long-term sexually and emotionally intimate relationship and starting a gamily (Berk, 2006). Emerging adulthood is a new transitional phase of development extending from late teens to mid twenties. During this period most people have left adolescence but are still some distance from taking on adult responsibilities. Rather they explore alternatives more intensely than they did as teenagers prolonging identity development. Physical Development Once body structures reach maximum capacity and efficiency, biological aging or senescence begins genetically influenced declines in the functioning of organs and systems that are universal in all members of our specials (Cristofalo et. al, 1999). Many factor contribute to biological aging.

Chemistry of Essential Oils

Chemistry of Essential Oils Rhea Hughes Table of Contents 1. Introduction 2. Basic Chemical Structure 2.1 Hydrocarbons Monoterpenes Sesquiterpenes 2.2 Oxygenated Compounds 3. Extraction Methods 4. How essential oils are analysed 5. Discussion 6. Conclusion 7. Bibliography 1. Introduction Essential oils are used as alternative medical treatments, fragrances for perfumes and also as flavours in food and beverages (Djilani Dicko, 2012). They are made up of fragranced mixtures that are found in different parts of plants such as the seeds, stems or flowers. (doTERRA, 2014). In this essay the following topics of essential oils will be discussed; the chemical structure, how they are extracted from plants and how to determine their components through analysis. 2. Basic Chemical Structure Essential oils are extracted from plants as the compounds that make up essential oils are created naturally by chemical reactions that occur in different plants. Essential oils are released when oils are chemically extracted from the herb or when the herb is compressed (EBSCO, 2014).There are two groups of chemicals that are made from nature; they are classified into primary and secondary metabolites. Primary metabolites can be divided further into carbohydrates, lipids, nucleic acids and proteins. Secondary metabolites are divided into alkaloids, polyketides, shikimates and terponiods (Baser Buchbauer, 2010). The secondary metabolism of a plant is responsible for their scent and also plays a role in the defence system of the plant protecting it from pests Essential oils are made up of hydrocarbons and their derivatives oxygentated compounds that are created from plants secondary metabolism (Chamorro et al., 2012). As it can be seen in Figure 1 in the biosysthesis of secondary metabolites, water and carbon dioxide are converted to glucose through photosynthesis. Phosphoenolpyrutave is a main element in the shikimate group of natural products. Decarboxylation of phosphoenolpyrutave produces acetate which is esterified with coenzyme-A to produce acetyl CoA. Acetyl CoA is a starting point for Mevalonic Acid, which is the starting compound for terpenoids. Figure 1 shows the chemical structure of the biosynthesis of secondary metabolites. (Baser Buchbauer, 2010). Figure 1: Biosythesis of secondary metabolites (Baser Buchbauer, 2010). Essential oils molecules are prepared mainly from carbon, hydrogen, and oxygen (essentials, 2014). Essential oils can be divided into two groups hydrocarbons and their derived oxygenated compounds (Martin, 2014). The hydrocarbon group is divided into monoterpenes and sesquiterpenes. Hydrocarbon chains are kept together by carbon atoms that are linked together. At different points in the chains atoms are attached to make up alternative oils (essentials, 2014). The oxygenated compounds can be broken down into smaller compounds such as Phenols, Alcohols, Aldehydes, Ketones, Esters, Lactones, Coumarins, Ethers and Oxides (EsotericOils, 2014). 2.1 Hydrocarbons Terpenes are made up of isoprene units. Isoprenes are five-carbon molecules. Isoprenes are assembled in different formations to make up terpenes (Cyberlipid, 2014). Terpenes are a group of molecules that is based on a number of isoprene units in a head to tail fashion. Figure 2 : Isopene Unit (Cyberlipid, 2014) Modified terpenes (terpenoids) are where methyl groups have been moved or removed or oxygen atoms added to the structure. Terpenes are easily decomposable under different effects such as air light and moisture which can cause spoilage of the oil. Terpenes have a narrow boiling range, making them difficult to purify. (Parry, 1922). Monoterpenes and sesquiterpenes are the main components of essential oils as they are adequately volatile (Cyberlipid, 2014), (Baser Buchbauer, 2010). Monoterpenes Monoterpenes have 2 isoprenes units linked together. Monoterpenes are very volatile due to the molecular structure (Chamorro et al., 2012). Monoterpenes increase the therapeutic functions of other components in the oil and stop the collection of toxins (Martin, 2014). An example of an essential oil that is a monoterpene is menthol which is a cyclic monoterpene. Menthol has cooling properties and has a unique scent of the oil residue that is extracted from it (Kamatoua et al., 2013). There is a difference in the content of methone and menthol detected, as the plant mature there is a higher content of menthol and menthyl acetate content (Baser Buchbauer, 2010). Figure 3: Steoreoisomers of menthol (-) –menthol is the most commonly used synthetic and natural form. Menthol has microbial properties but is not a principal compound in essential oils as it is only a component in of a restricted number of aromatic plants (Kamatoua et al., 2013). Sesquiterpenes Sesquiterpenes have 3 isoprene units linked together. They are common in essential oils and are less volatile than monterpenes so they blend well with volatile oils (Martin, 2014). An example of a sestquiterpene is Zingiberene that is used in the oil. It is acquired by fractional distillation under reduced pressure (Parry, 1922). Figure 4: Structure of Zingiberene (Chemistry, 2014). 2.2 Oxygenated Compounds Oxgenated compounds or terpenoids are derivates of terpenes. They have a stronger aroma and are normally more stable as they do not oxidise as easily under different conditions (Fresholi, 2014). Some examples of oxygentated compounds are alcohol, ketones and esters. Alcohols can further be divided into monoterpene alcohol and sesquiterpene alcohols (EsotericOils, 2014). Alcohols are found in in their free state and in the form of esters in essential oils. Methyl alcohols which are soluble in water which are main components in essential oils are removed during the distillation process so they are not actually found in the essential oil but can be found in the distilled water. But when in ester form methyl alcohols can be found in essential oils such as winter green. (Parry, 1922). Alcohols are beneficial components that have antimicrobial and antiseptic properties. Esters are naturally occurring in plants. Esters such as terpineol attribute to the aroma in essential oils (Pharmacognosy, 2012). They also have calming and sedative properties (Oils, 2007). Linalyl acetate is a naturally occurring ester that is found herbs and flowers. It is used to make Lavender oil (Hermitageoils, 2014).Ketones have skin healing properties and also helps break down fats (Oils, 2007). Verbenone is an example of a natural ketone that is extracted from plants. It is an ingredient in the oil Rosemary Other examples of oxygenated compounds are aldehydes that have anti-inflammatory and anti-infectious agents such as geraniol found in Rose Geranium. Oxides that have anti-inflammatory properties such as eucalyptole are found in Eucalyptus. Phenols have anti-pathogenic properties (Oils, 2007). Thymol is an example of a phenol, it is a compound of thyme and ajowan seed oil (Parry, 1922) and ethers help regulate hormones and the central nervous system such as chavicol found in basil (Oils, 2007). 3. Extraction Methods There are different extraction methods that are used for the extraction of components for essential oils. There are two main types of extraction methods these are distillation and expression. Solvent extraction and CO2 extracts are also other techniques that can be used for the release of essential oils from plants. Different distillation methods that are used are steam distillation, water distillation and steam and water distillation. For distillation process the material from which the material is being extracted is placed on a grid in the still, the steam or/and water depending on which method is being used breaks through the plant material and removes the volatile compounds in it. The volatile compounds rise up into the condenser which cools the vapour into liquid form. This oil liquid will be form a separate layer with water and can be drawn off separately from the water (NAHA, 2014). Expression of essential oils is done through a technique known as ecuelle a piquer. This technique involves placing the rind of a fruit in a container with spikes that puncture the peel while it is being rotated. This technique allows the essential oils that are contained in the fruit to be released when it is punctured. Centrifugal force can then be used to separate the fruit juice from the essential oils (NAHA, 2014). Solvent extraction is used when the plants are too fragile to go through the distillation process. In solvent extraction the odoriferous lipophilic is extracted from the plant along with other tissues in the plant. This causes a thick solution to be extracted that contains waxes, fats and other odoriferous material. This solution is then mixed with alcohol which extracts the aromatic compounds (NAHA, 2014). Hypercritical carbon dioxide (CO2) extraction involves putting C02 under pressure to turn it into a liquid from a gas. This liquid is then used as an inert liquid solvent which can extract aromatic compounds from the plant by diffusing through it. C02 can contain some elements that are not found in the corresponding essential oils. During extraction methods some main considerations must be addressed such as the cost, pesticide residue on the plants and also the safety and therapeutic benefits of the essential oil being produced. These considerations help decide which extraction method is most beneficial (NAHA, 2014). 4. How essential oils are analysed Terpenes are structurally varied therefore the methods used for analyses have to account for a great number of molecular compounds (Baser Buchbauer, 2010). With essential oils there are cheaper versions available on the market. Sensory tests are preformed first to help determine if the oil is poor quality. The clarity, colour, odour and viscosity are looked at to determine the quality. When these sensory tests are completed, physical parameters are measured through refractive index, optical rotation and their specific gravity (Lyth, 2014). Chromatography techniques are then used in the separation and identification of compounds (Baser Buchbauer, 2010).Gas chromatography/Mass Spectrometry is widely used in the separation and identification of compounds in essential oils. In gas chromatography the identification and quantification of the different chemical compounds in essential oils can be detected. Each individual compound can be identified by the retention time of the peaks. The data collected can then be compared against standards to determine the purity. (Lyth, 2014).One of the main objectives in separation is the resolution of the compound with a short retention time. To achieve this, the appropriate parameters must be provided. Chiral stationary phases allow for the separation of compounds with optical isomerism. When identifying essential oils in gas chromatography the temperature must be changed as essential oils contain votaile compounds and less volatile compounds. The temperature must start off low and then be raised every minute until 200C to obtain elution of heavy terpenoids. This allows for shorter elution times, separate and narrow peaks (Baser Buchbauer, 2010) 5. Discussion The chemistry of essential oils is important as they have such diverse effects. The different structures of the compounds is what causes the effects of the essential oil (EBSCO, 2014).It also depends on what part of the plant is being used and also the development stage of the plant. There are also changes in the amount of oil yield and the different compounds that are observed between the process of the bud of a flower forming and full flowering (Baser Buchbauer, 2010). But a plant’s compounds can have different effects depending on the country of origin, the type of soil it was grown in and also the climate conditions of where it was grown. These factors can all effect natural variations in the essential oils that are extracted from the plant (Lyth, 2014). Even though essential oils are known for their healing properties it is difficult to prove that they work because of the unique aroma of essential oils it is also difficult to have a control group. A lot of published studies on essential oil fail to reach accurate and reliable scientific standards (EBSCO, 2014) 6. Conclusion Essential oils are used in a variety of industries, but it is important to know the chemistry behind the process of producing them. This helps produce high quality and pure products that will produce better results. The extraction of them from the plant and also where the plant was growing and the conditions that it grew in are important factors when analysing the product for quality and purity. 7. Bibliography Anon., 2014. Organic facts. [Online] Available at: https://www.organicfacts.net/organic-oils/natural-essential-oils/list-of-essential-oils.html [Accessed 05 November 2014]. Baser, K.H.C. Buchbauer, G., 2010. Handbook of essential oils : science, technology, and applications. Boca Raton: Taylor and Francis Group. Chamorro, E.R. et al., 2012. INTECH. [Online] Available at: http://www.intechopen.com/books/gas-chromatography-in-plant-science-wine-technology-toxicology-and-some-specific-applications/study-of-the-chemical-composition-of-essential-oils-by-gas-chromatography [Accessed 16 October 2014]. Chamorro, E.R. et al., 2012. Study of the Chemical Composition of Essential Oils by Gas Chromatography. Gas Chromatography in Plant Science,Wine Technology, Toxicology and Some Specific Applications, pp.307-25. Chemistry, R.S.o., 2014. ChemSpider. [Online] Available at: http://www.chemspider.com/Chemical-Structure.83751.html [Accessed 28 October 2014]. Cyberlipid, 2014. Cyberlipid centre. [Online] Available at: http://www.cyberlipid.org/simple/simp0004.htm [Accessed 08 November 2014]. doTERRA, I., 2014. doTERRA. [Online] Available at: http://www.doterra.com/sgen/essentialDefinition.php [Accessed 05 November 2014]. EBSCO, C.R.B., 2014. NYU Langone Medical Centre. [Online] Available at: http://www.med.nyu.edu/content?ChunkIID=37427 [Accessed 05 November 2014]. EsotericOils, 2014. Esoteric Oils. [Online] Available at: http://www.essentialoils.co.za/components.htm [Accessed 08 November 2014]. essentials, T.r., 2014. The Real Essentials. [Online] Available at: http://www.therealessentials.com/chemistry.html [Accessed 05 November 2014]. Fresholi, 2014. Fresholi. [Online] Available at: http://www.fresholi.com/index.php?option=com_contentview=articleid=653:essential-oil-componentscatid=88:aromatherapy [Accessed 28 October 2014]. Hermitageoils, 2014. Hermitageoils. [Online] Available at: http://www.hermitageoils.com/essential-synthetics/linalyl-acetate [Accessed 06 November 2014]. Inc, M.W.P., 2013. International WellnessDirectory. [Online] Available at: http://www.mnwelldir.org/docs/therapies/essentia02.htm [Accessed 30 October 2014]. Kamatoua, G.P.P., Vermaaka, I. Viljoen, A.M., 2013. Phytochemistry. Menthol: A simple monoterpene with remarkable biological properties [Online], 96, pp.15-25. Available DOI: 10.1016/j.phytochem.2013.08.005 [Accessed 14 November 2014]. Martin, N., 2014. Experience-Essential-Oils.com. [Online] Available at: http://www.experience-essential-oils.com/chemistry-of-essential-oil.html [Accessed 08 November 2014]. MintNews, 2014. MintNews. [Online] Available at: http://www.mintnews.in/Product-Directories.php?id=cpbThD2wlbs- [Accessed 06 November 2014]. NAHA, 2014. National Association for Holistic Aromatherapy. [Online] Available at: http://www.naha.org/explore-aromatherapy/about-aromatherapy/how-are-essential-oils-extracted [Accessed 05 November 2014]. NobelMediaAB, 2014. Norbal Prize.org. [Online] Available at: http://www.nobelprize.org/nobel_prizes/chemistry/laureates/1910/press.html [Accessed 29 October 2014]. Oils, N.O., 2007. NHR Organic Oils. [Online] Available at: http://www.nhrorganicoils.com/frame.php?page=info_21 [Accessed 05 November 2014]. OMICS, 2013. Open access Scientific Reports. [Online] Available at: http://omicsonline.org/scientific-reports/srep129.php [Accessed 25 October 2014]. Parry, E.J., 1922. The chemistry of Essential oils and Artifical perfumes. 4th ed. London: D. Van Nostrand Company. Pharmacognosy, 2012. Pharmacognosy. [Online] Available at: http://www.epharmacognosy.com/2012/05/ester-volatile-oils-esters-of-aliphatic.html [Accessed 03 November 2014]. Wikipedia, 2014. Wikipedia. [Online] Available at: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Verbenone [Accessed 06 November 2014]. Wikipedia, 2014. Wikipedia. [Online] Available at: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Thymol [Accessed 06 November 2014]. http://www.biospiritual-energy-healing.com/essential-oil-chemistry.html http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Essential_oil http://www.zenitech.com/documents/Toxicity_of_essential_oils_p1.pdf http://depa.fquim.unam.mx/amyd/archivero/LipidosPaulaYurkanis_11315.pdf Page 1 of 10

To Kill a Mockingbird by Harper Lee - The Importance of Atticus Finch :: Kill Mockingbird essays

The Importance of Atticus Finch in To Kill A Mockingbird  Ã‚  Ã‚   The core character of a novel is responsible for maintaining the stability of society within the novel, exhibiting qualities of a true hero, and constantly emphasizing the novel’s central themes.   In the classic, To Kill A Mockingbird, Atticus Finch serves as the core of the novel by displaying a character of stability, humility, and high moral standards.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   Atticus Finch is a character of stability in an unstable society.   He is a balanced figure who is able to cope with the unreasonable and highly emotional town in which he lives.   He can manage the prejudiced white masses and still deal justly with the underprivileged Negro population of Maycomb.   He is one of the few people who understand the individual worth of a person regardless of the color of his/her skin.   This enables him to defend Tom Robinson based solely on the concept of justice and equality.   In his closing argument, Atticus explains that, â€Å"there is one place all men are created equal.   That place is in a court room† (Lee 205).   This justifies the fact that Atticus believes in equality in a society, the equality not only of race, but also of sex, class, and religion as well.   His view of equality and justice is a symbol of his own psychological stability throughout the novel.   Accordingly, in the final analys is of the story, Atticus represents the â€Å"justice† in the community of Maycomb.   His stability throughout the book is one of the many characteristics that depict Atticus Finch as the novel’s core.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   In a town of such undeserved glory, Atticus Finch is the one character who is worthy of glorification.   Yet, his humility further illustrates Atticus as a man of pure stability.   Surrounded by the self-righteousness of others, he is able to remain emotionally grounded.   Atticus Finch is a highly accomplished man of great intelligence, but even greater meekness.   For example, during one of their chats with Miss Maudie, Scout learns that her father’s childhood nickname was â€Å"Ol Shot† (Lee page #), which referred to his unbelievable marksmanship.   When Scout becomes excited about telling all of her friends about her father and his incredible talent, Jem says, â€Å"I'd reckon if he wanted us to know he’d a told us.   If he was proud of it he’d a told us†¦ but Atticus is a gentleman†¦and people in their right minds never take pride in their talents† (Lee 98).

Depreciation And Sale Of Asset :: essays research papers

Depreciation is the decline in the future economic benefits of a depreciable non-current asset through wear and tear and obsolescence. It is an allocation process. It can be calculated by two main methods, each reflecting in a distinct prospect in the way the asset is used. Depreciation is to be treated as an estimated expense that does not set aside cash for the replacement of a non-current asset. In determining the cost of acquisition of the lathes, any capital expenditure made must be added to the purchase price of the lathes. This amount will be considered as the historical cost and will be used in calculating the depreciation expense Depreciation is the allocation of the cost of a non-current asset less its estimated disposal value against revenue over the assets useful life. A depreciable asset is an asset that will be used over more than one accounting period and will gradually contribute to revenue over its useful life. However, it will give rise to future expenses as their future economic benefits are used up or expired. Examples of depreciable assets include machinery and motor vehicles. Generally, most non-current assets, with the exception of land, decline in their potential to provide future economic benefit. There are three factors that contribute to this decline. They are, the deterioration of a non-current asset due to the use of it, technical obsolescence, whereby certain assets become out of date due to technical innovations and improvements on a comparative basis and the final, commercial obsolescence which is the process of certain non-current assets becoming redundant as the demands fall for the goods or service previously provided by the asset Depreciation allocates the assets cost or depreciable amount over the estimated useful life of the asset to the entity. It is not a process of asset valuation. The cost of the asset less the accumulated depreciation is not intended to give the current market value of the asset as the asset purchased is not intended for re-sale but use in the business. There are two methods of depreciating an asset, the straight-line method, and the reducing balance method. The straight-line method of depreciation allocates the same amount of depreciation expense being charged against revenue each accounting period of the assets useful life. This method is effective for assets that give a constant contribution of revenue per period. It provides a direct relationship between the depreciation expense and the asset cost.

Forward the Foundation Chapter 24

8 Like any intellectual, Hari Seldon had made use of the Galactic Library freely. For the most part, it had been done long-distance through computer, but occasionally he had visited it, more to get away from the pressures of the Psychohistory Project than for any other purpose. And, for the past couple of years, since he had first formulated his plan to find others like Wanda, he had kept a private office there, so he could have ready access to any of the Library's vast collection of data. He had even rented a small apartment in an adjacent sector under the dome so that he would be able to walk to the Library when his ever-increasing research there prevented him from returning to the Streeling Sector. Now, however, his plan had taken on new dimensions and he wanted to meet Las Zenow. It was the first time he had ever met him face-to-face. It was not easy to arrange a personal interview with the Chief Librarian of the Galactic Library. His own perception of the nature and value of his office was high and it was frequently said that when the Emperor wished to consult the Chief Librarian, even he had to visit the Library himself and wait his turn. Seldon however, had no trouble. Zenow knew him well, though he had never seen Hari Seldon in person. â€Å"An honor, First Minister,† he said in greeting. Seldon smiled. â€Å"I trust you know that I have not held that post in sixteen years.† â€Å"The honor of the title is still yours. Besides, sir, you were also instrumental in ridding us of the brutal rule of the junta. The junta, on a number of occasions, violated the sacred rule of the neutrality of the Library.† (Ah, thought Seldon that accounts for the readiness with which he saw me.) â€Å"Merely rumor,† he said aloud. â€Å"And now, tell me,† said Zenow, who could not resist a quick look at the time band on his wrist, â€Å"what can I do for you?† â€Å"Chief Librarian,† began Seldon â€Å"I have not come to ask anything easy of you. What I want is more space at the Library. I want permission to bring in a number of my associates. I want permission to undertake a long and elaborate program of the greatest importance.† Las Zenow's face drew into an expression of distress. â€Å"You ask a great deal. Can you explain the importance of all this?† â€Å"Yes. The Empire is in the process of disintegration.† There was a long pause. Then Zenow said, â€Å"I have heard of your research into psychohistory. I have been told that your new science bears the promise of predicting the future. Is it psychohistorical predictions of which you are speaking?† â€Å"No. I have not yet reached the point in psychohistory where I can speak of the future with certainty. But you don't need psychohistory to know that the Empire is disintegrating. You can see the evidence yourself.† Zenow sighed. â€Å"My work here consumes me utterly, Professor Seldon. I am a child when it comes to political and social matters.† â€Å"You may, if you wish, consult the information contained in the Library. Why look around this very office-it is chock-full of every conceivable sort of information from throughout the entire Galactic Empire.† â€Å"I'm the last to keep up with it all, I'm afraid,† Zenow said, smiling sadly. â€Å"You know the old proverb: The shoemaker's child has no shoes. It seems to me, though, that the Empire is restored. We have an Emperor again.† â€Å"In name only, Chief Librarian. In most of the outlying provinces, the Emperor's name is mentioned ritualistically now and then, but he plays no role in what they do. The Outer Worlds control their own programs and, more important, they control the local armed forces, which are outside the grip of the Emperor's authority. If the Emperor were to try to exert his authority anywhere outside the Inner Worlds, he would fail. I doubt that it will take more than twenty years, at the outside, before some of the Outer Worlds declare their independence.† Zenow sighed again. â€Å"If you are right, we live in worse times than the Empire has ever seen. But what has this to do with your desire for more office space and additional staff here in the Library?† â€Å"If the Empire falls apart, the Galactic Library may not escape the general carnage.† â€Å"Oh, but it must,† said Zenow earnestly. â€Å"There have been bad times before and it has always been understood that the Galactic Library on Trantor, as the repository of all human knowledge, must remain inviolate. And so it will be in the future.† â€Å"It may not be. You said yourself that the junta violated its neutrality.† â€Å"Not seriously.† â€Å"It might be more serious next time and we can't allow this repository of all human knowledge to be damaged.† â€Å"How will your increased presence here prevent that?† â€Å"It won't. But the project I am interested in will. I want to create a great Encyclopedia, containing within it all the knowledge humanity will need to rebuild itself in case the worst happens-an Encyclopedia Galactica, if you will. We don't need everything the Library has. Much of it is trivial. The provincial libraries scattered over the Galaxy may themselves be destroyed and, if not, all but the most local data is obtained by computerized connection with the Galactic Library in any case. What I intend, then, is something that is entirely independent and that contains, in as concise a form as possible, the essential information humanity needs.† â€Å"And if it, too, is destroyed?† â€Å"I hope it will not be. It is my intention to find a world far away on the outskirts of the Galaxy, one where I can transfer my Encyclopedists and where they can work in peace. Until such a place is found, however, I want the nucleus of the group to work here and to use the Library facilities to decide what will be needed for the project.† Zenow grimaced. â€Å"I see your point, Professor Seldon, but I'm not sure that it can be done.† â€Å"Why not, Chief Librarian?† â€Å"Because being Chief Librarian does not make me an absolute monarch. I have a rather large Board-a kind of legislature-and please don't think that I can just push your Encyclopedia Project through.† â€Å"I'm astonished.† â€Å"Don't be. I am not a popular Chief Librarian. The Board has been fighting, for some years now, for limited access to the Library. I have resisted. It galls them that I have afforded you your small office space.† â€Å"Limited access?† â€Å"Exactly. The idea is that if anyone needs information, he or she must communicate with a Librarian and the Librarian will get the information for the person. The Board does not wish people to enter the Library freely and deal with the computers themselves. They say that the expense required to keep the computers and other Library equipment in shape is becoming prohibitive.† â€Å"But that's impossible. There's a millennial tradition of an open Galactic Library.† â€Å"So there is, but in recent years, appropriations to the Library have been cut several times and we simply don't have the funds we used to have. It is becoming very difficult to keep our equipment up to the mark.† Seldon rubbed his chin. â€Å"But if your appropriations are going down, I imagine you have to cut salaries and fire people-or, at least, not hire new ones.† â€Å"You are exactly right.† â€Å"In which case, how will you manage to place new labors on a shrinking work force by asking your people to obtain all the information that the public will request?† â€Å"The idea is that we won't find all the information that the public will request but only those pieces of information that we consider important.† â€Å"So that not only will you abandon the open Library but also the complete Library?† â€Å"I'm afraid so.† â€Å"I can't believe that any Librarian would want this.† â€Å"You don't know Gennaro Mummery, Professor Seldon.† At Seldon's blank look, Zenow continued. † ‘Who is he?' you wonder. The leader of that portion of the Board that wishes to close off the Library. More and more of the Board are on his side. If I let you and your colleagues into the Library as an independent force, a number of Board members who may not be on Mummery's side but who are dead set against any control of any part of the Library except by Librarians may decide to vote with him. And in that case, I will be forced to resign as Chief Librarian.† â€Å"See here,† said Seldon with sudden energy. â€Å"All this business of possibly closing down the Library, of making it less accessible, of refusing all information-all this business of declining appropriations-all this is itself a sign of Imperial disintegration. Don't you agree?† â€Å"If you put it that way, you may be right.† â€Å"Then let me talk to the Board. Let me explain what the future may hold and what I wish to do. Perhaps I can persuade them, as I hope I've persuaded you.† Zenow thought for a moment. â€Å"I'm willing to let you try, but you must know in advance that your plan may not work.† â€Å"I've got to take that chance. Please do whatever has to be done and let me know when and where I can meet the Board.† Seldon left Zenow in a mood of unease. Everything he had told the Chief Librarian was true-and trivial. The real reason he needed the use of the Library remained hidden. Partly this was because he didn't yet see that use clearly himself. 9 Hari Seldon sat at Yugo Amaryl's bedside-patiently, sadly. Yugo was utterly spent. He was beyond medical help, even if he would have consented to avail himself of such help, which he refused. He was only fifty-five. Seldon was himself sixty-six and yet he was in fine shape, except for the twinge of sciatica-or whatever it was-that occasionally lamed him. Amaryl's eyes opened. â€Å"You're still here, Hari?† Seldon nodded. â€Å"I won't leave you.† â€Å"Till I die?† â€Å"Yes.† Then, in an outburst of grief, he said, â€Å"Why have you done this, Yugo? If you had lived sensibly, you could have had twenty to thirty more years of life.† Amaryl smiled faintly. â€Å"Live sensibly? You mean, take time off? Go to resorts? Amuse myself with trifles?† â€Å"Yes. Yes.† â€Å"And I would either have longed to return to my work or I would have learned to like wasting my time and, in the additional twenty to thirty years you speak of, I would have accomplished no more. Look at you.† â€Å"What about me?† â€Å"For ten years you were First Minister under Cleon. How much science did you do then?† â€Å"I spent about a quarter of my time on psychohistory,† said Seldon gently. â€Å"You exaggerate. If it hadn't been for me, plugging away, psychohistorical advance would have screeched to a halt.† Seldon nodded. â€Å"You are right, Yugo. For that I am grateful.† â€Å"And before and since, when you spend at least half your time on administrative duties, who does-did-the real work? Eh?† â€Å"You, Yugo.† â€Å"Absolutely.† His eyes closed again. Seldon said, â€Å"Yet you always wanted to take over those administrative duties if you survived me.† â€Å"No! I wanted to head the Project to keep it moving in the direction it had to move in, but I would have delegated all administration.† Amaryl's breathing was growing stertorous, but then he stirred and his eyes opened, staring directly at Hari. He said, â€Å"What will happen to psychohistory when I'm gone? Have you thought of that?† â€Å"Yes, I have. And I want to speak to you about it. It may please you. Yugo, I believe that psychohistory is being revolutionized.† Amaryl frowned slightly. â€Å"In what way? I don't like the sound of that.† â€Å"Listen. It was your idea. Years ago, you told me that two Foundations should be established. Separate-isolated and safe-and arranged so that they would serve as nuclei for an eventual Second Galactic Empire. Do you remember? That was your idea.† â€Å"The psychohistoric equation -â€Å" â€Å"I know. They suggested it. I'm busy working on it now, Yugo. I've managed to wangle an office in the Galactic Library-â€Å" â€Å"The Galactic Library.† Amaryl's frown deepened. â€Å"I don't like them. A bunch of self-satisfied idiots.† â€Å"The Chief Librarian, Las Zenow, is not so bad, Yugo.† â€Å"Did you ever meet a Librarian named Mummery, Gennaro Mummery?† â€Å"No, but I've heard of him.† â€Å"A miserable human being. We had an argument once when he claimed I had misplaced something or other. I had done no such thing and I grew very annoyed, Hari. All of a sudden I was back in Dahl. One thing about the Dahlite culture, Hari, it is a cesspool of invective. I used some of it on him and I told him he was interfering with psychohistory and he would go down in history as a villain. I didn't just say ‘villain,' either.† Amaryl chuckled faintly. â€Å"I left him speechless.† Suddenly Seldon could see where Mummery's animosity toward outsiders and, most probably, psychohistory must come from-at least, in part-but he said nothing. â€Å"The point is, Yugo, you wanted two Foundations, so that if one failed, the other would continue. But we've gone beyond that.† â€Å"In what way?† â€Å"Do you remember that Wanda was able to read your mind two years ago and see that something was wrong with a portion of the equations in the Prime Radiant?† â€Å"Yes, of course.† â€Å"Well, we will find others like Wanda. We will have one Foundation that will consist largely of physical scientists, who will preserve the knowledge of humanity and serve as the nucleus for the Second Empire. And there will be a Second Foundation of psychohistorians only-mentalists, mind-touching psychohistorians-who will be able to work on psychohistory in a multiminded way, advancing it far more quickly than individual thinkers ever could. They will serve as a group who will introduce fine adjustments as time goes on, you see. Ever in the background, watching. They will be the Empire's guardians.† â€Å"Wonderful!† said Amaryl weakly. â€Å"Wonderful! You see how I've chosen the right time to die? There's nothing left for me to do.† â€Å"Don't say that, Yugo.† â€Å"Don't make such a fuss over it, Hari. I'm too tired to do anything. Thank you-thank you-for telling me†-his voice was weakening-â€Å"about the revolution. It makes me-happy-happy-hap-â€Å" And those were Yugo Amaryl's last words. Seldon bent over the bed. Tears stung his eyes and rolled down his cheeks. Another old friend gone. Demerzel, Cleon, Dors, now Yugo†¦ leaving him emptier and lonelier as he grew old. And the revolution that had allowed Amaryl to die happy might never come to pass. Could he manage to make use of the Galactic Library? Could he find more people like Wanda? Most of all, how long would it take? Seldon was sixty-six. If only he could have started this revolution at thirty-two when he first came to Trantor†¦ Now it might be too late. 10 Gennaro Mummery was making him wait. It was a studied discourtesy, even insolence, but Hari Seldon remained calm. After all, Seldon needed Mummery badly and for him to become angry with the Librarian would only hurt himself. Mummery would, in fact, be delighted with an angry Seldon. So Seldon kept his temper and waited and eventually Mummery did walk in. Seldon had seen him before-but only at a distance. This was the first time they would be together alone. Mummery was short and plump, with a round face and a dark little beard. He wore a smile on his face, but Seldon suspected that smile of being a meaningless fixture. It revealed yellowish teeth and Mummery's inevitable hat was of a similar shade of yellow with a brown line snaking around it. Seldon felt a touch of nausea. It seemed to him that he would dislike Mummery, even if he had no reason to do so. Mummery said, without any preliminaries, â€Å"Well, Professor, what can I do for you?† He looked at the time-strip on the wall but made no apology for being late. Seldon said, â€Å"I would like to ask you, sir, to put an end to your opposition to my remaining here at the Library.† Mummery spread his hands. â€Å"You've been here for two years. What opposition are you speaking of?† â€Å"So far, that portion of the Board represented by you and those who believe as you do have been unable to outvote the Chief Librarian, but there will be another meeting next month and Las Zenow tells me he is uncertain of the result.† Mummery shrugged. â€Å"So am I uncertain. Your lease-if we can call it that-may well be renewed.† â€Å"But I need more than that, Librarian Mummery. I wish to bring in some colleagues. The project in which I am engaged-the establishment of what is needed in the way of the eventual preparation of a very special Encyclopedia-is not one I can do alone.† â€Å"Surely your colleagues can work wherever they please. Trantor is a large world.† â€Å"We must work in the Library. I am an old man, sir, and I am in a hurry.† â€Å"Who can stay the advance of time? I don't think the Board will allow you to bring in colleagues. The thin edge of the wedge, Professor?† (Yes, indeed, thought Seldon, but he said nothing.) Mummery said, â€Å"I have not been able to keep you out, Professor. Not so far. But I think I can continue to keep out your colleagues.† Seldon realized that he was getting nowhere. He opened the touch of frankness a notch. He said, â€Å"Librarian Mummery, surely your animosity toward me is not personal. Surely you understand the importance of the work I am doing.† â€Å"You mean, your psychohistory. Come, you have been working on it for over thirty years. What has come of it?† â€Å"That's the point. Something may come of it now.† â€Å"Then let something come of it at Streeling University. Why must it be at the Galactic Library?† â€Å"Librarian Mummery. Listen to me. What you want is to close the Library to the public. You wish to smash a long tradition. Have you the heart to do that?† â€Å"It's not heart we need. It's funding. Surely the Chief Librarian has wept on your shoulder in telling you our woes. Appropriations are down, salaries are cut, needed maintenance is absent. What are we to do? We've got to cut services and we certainly can't afford to support you and your colleagues with offices and equipment.† â€Å"Has this situation been put to the Emperor?† â€Å"Come, Professor, you're dreaming. Isn't it true that your psychohistory tells you that the Empire is deteriorating? I've heard you referred to as Raven Seldon, something that, I believe, refers to a fabled bird of ill omen.† â€Å"It's true that we are entering bad times.† â€Å"And do you believe the Library is immune to those bad times? Professor, the Library is my life and I want it to continue, but it won't continue unless we can find ways of making our dwindling appropriations do. And you come here expecting an open Library, with yourself as beneficiary. It won't do, Professor. It just won't do.† Seldon said desperately, â€Å"What if I find the credits for you?† â€Å"Indeed. How?† â€Å"What if I talk to the Emperor? I was once First Minister. He'll see me and he'll listen to me.† â€Å"And you'll get funding from him?† Mummery laughed. â€Å"If I do, if I increase your appropriations, may I bring in my colleagues?† â€Å"Bring in the credits first,† said Mummery, â€Å"and we'll see. But I don't think you will succeed.† He seemed very sure of himself and Seldon wondered how often and how uselessly the Galactic Library had already appealed to the Emperor. And whether his own appeal would get anywhere at all. 11 The Emperor Agis XIV had no real right to the name. He had adopted it upon succeeding to the throne with the deliberate purpose of connecting himself with the Agises who had ruled two thousand years ago, most of them quite ably-particularly Agis VI, who had ruled for forty-two years and who had kept order in a prosperous Empire with a firm but nontyrannical hand. Agis XIV did not look like any of the old Agises-if the holographic records had any value. But, then again, truth be told, Agis XIV did not look much like the official holograph that was distributed to the public. As a matter of fact, Hari Seldon thought, with a twinge of nostalgia, that Emperor Cleon, for all his flaws and weaknesses, had certainly looked Imperial. Agis XIV did not. Seldon had never seen him at close quarters and the few holographs he had seen were outrageously inaccurate. The Imperial holographer knew his job and did it well, thought Seldon wryly. Agis XIV was short, with an unattractive face and slightly bulging eyes that did not seem alight with intelligence. His only qualification for the throne was that he was a collateral relative of Cleon. To do him credit, however, he did not try to play the role of the mighty Emperor. It was understood that he rather liked to be called the â€Å"Citizen Emperor† and that only Imperial protocol and the outraged outcry of the Imperial Guard prevented him from exiting the dome and wandering the walkways of Trantor. Apparently, the story went, he wished to shake hands with the citizens and hear their complaints in person. (Score one for him, thought Seldon, even if it could never come to pass.) With a murmur and a bow, Seldon said, â€Å"I thank you, Sire, for consenting to see me.† Agis XIV had a clear and rather attractive voice, quite out of keeping with his appearance. He said, â€Å"An ex-First Minister must surely have his privileges, although I must give myself credit for amazing courage in agreeing to see you.† There was humor in his words and Seldon found himself suddenly realizing that a man might not look intelligent and yet might be intelligent just the same. â€Å"Courage, Sire?† â€Å"Why, of course. Don't they call you Raven Seldon?† â€Å"I heard the expression, Sire, the other day for the first time.† â€Å"Apparently the reference is to your psychohistory, which seems to predict the Fall of the Empire.† â€Å"It points out the possibility only, Sire-â€Å" â€Å"So that you are coupled with a mythic bird of ill omen. Except that I think you yourself are the bird of ill omen.† â€Å"I hope not, Sire.† â€Å"Come, come. The record is clear. Eto Demerzel, Cleon's old First Minister, was impressed with your work and look what happened-he was forced out of his position and into exile. The Emperor Cleon himself was impressed with your work and look what happened-he was assassinated. The military junta was impressed with your work and look what happened-they were swept away. Even the Joranumites, it is said, were impressed with your work and, behold, they were destroyed. And now, O Raven Seldon, you come to see me. What may I expect?† â€Å"Why, nothing evil, Sire.† â€Å"I imagine not, because unlike all these others I have mentioned, I am not impressed with your work. Now tell me why you are here.† He listened carefully and without interruption while Seldon explained the importance of setting up a Project designed to prepare an encyclopedia that would preserve human learning if the worst happened. â€Å"Yes yes,† said Agis XIV finally, â€Å"so you are, indeed, convinced the Empire will fall.† â€Å"It is a strong possibility, Sire, and it would not be prudent to refuse to take that possibility into account. In a way, I wish to prevent it if I can-or ameliorate the effects if I can't.† â€Å"Raven Seldon if you continue to poke your nose into matters, I am convinced that the Empire will fall and that nothing can help it.† â€Å"Not so, Sire. I ask only permission to work.† â€Å"Oh, you have that, but I fail to see what it is you wish of me. Why have you told me all this about an encyclopedia?† â€Å"Because I wish to work in the Galactic Library, Sire, or, more accurately, I wish others to work there with me.† â€Å"I assure you that I won't stand in your way.† â€Å"That is not enough, Sire. I want you to help.† â€Å"In what way, ex-First Minister?† â€Å"With funding. The Library must have appropriations or it will close its doors to the public and evict me.† â€Å"Credits!'† A note of astonishment came into the Emperor's voice. â€Å"You came to me for credits?† â€Å"Yes, Sire.† Agis XIV stood up in some agitation. Seldon stood up at once also, but Agis waved him down. â€Å"Sit down. Don't treat me as an Emperor. I'm not an Emperor. I didn't want this job, but they made me take it. I was the nearest thing to the Imperial family and they jabbered at me that the Empire needed an Emperor. So they have me and a lot of good I am to them. â€Å"Credits! You expect me to have credits! You talk about the Empire disintegrating. How do you suppose it disintegrates? Are you thinking of rebellion? Of civil war? Of disorders here and there? â€Å"No. Think of credits. Do you realize that I cannot collect any taxes at all from half the provinces in the Empire? They're still part of the Empire-‘Hail the Imperium!'-‘All honor to the Emperor'-but they don't pay anything and I don't have the necessary force to collect it. And if I can't get the credits out of them, they are not really part of the Empire, are they? â€Å"Credits! The Empire runs a chronic deficit of appalling proportions. There's nothing I can pay for. Do you think there is enough funding to maintain the Imperial Palace grounds? Just barely. I must cut corners. I must let the Palace decay. I must let the number of retainers die down by attrition. â€Å"Professor Seldon. If you want credits, I have nothing. Where will I find appropriations for the Library? They should be grateful I manage to squeeze out something for them each year at all.† As he finished, the Emperor held out his hands, palms up, as if to signify the emptiness of the Imperial coffers. Hari Seldon was stunned. He said, â€Å"Nevertheless, Sire, even if you lack the credits, you still have the Imperial prestige. Can you not order the Library to allow me to keep my office and let my colleagues in to help me with our vital work?† And now Agis XIV sat down again as though, once the subject was not credits, he was no longer in a state of agitation. He said, â€Å"You realize that, by long tradition, the Galactic Library is independent of the Imperium, as far as its self-government is concerned. It sets up its rules and has done so since Agis VI, my namesake†-he smiled-â€Å"attempted to control the news functions of the Library. He failed and, if the great Agis VI failed, do you think I can succeed?† â€Å"I'm not asking you to use force, Sire. Merely expressing a polite wish. Surely, when no vital function of the Library is involved, they will be pleased to honor the Emperor and oblige his wishes.† â€Å"Professor Seldon, how little you know of the Library. I have but to express a wish, however gently and tentatively, to make it certain that they will proceed, in dudgeon, to do the opposite. They are very sensitive to the slightest sign of Imperial control.† Seldon said, â€Å"Then what do I do?† â€Å"Why, I'll tell you what. A thought occurs to me. I am a member of the public and I can visit the Galactic Library if I wish. It is located on the Palace grounds, so I won't be violating protocol if I visit it. Well, you come with me and we shall be ostentatiously friendly. I will not ask them for anything, but if they note us walking arm-in-arm, then perhaps some of the precious Board of theirs may feel more kindly toward you than otherwise. But that's all I can do.† And the deeply disappointed Seldon wondered if that could possibly be enough.