Chapter 5, The Child Runs Deep in Filidor Summary

Professor Filidor is a respected professor of synthesis, the combining of things into a whole. His arch-rival is Professor Momsen, a professor of analysis, the breaking down of things into their parts. He takes people apart into pieces, especially by filliping their noses. Momsen is known as anti-Filidor. After chasing each other down throughout the world, the two men meet in Warsaw. Professor Filidor is with his wife and his assistants, Teofil Poklewski, Teodor Roklewski, and the narrator. Momsen is with his lover, Flora Gente.

The two professors begin a war of words, with Momsen arguing "noodles," while Filidor argues "Noodle," an ideal form. Then, Momsen attacks Filidor's wife, pointing out her parts: the ear, the nose and its nostrils, and her fingers. The final blow is an analysis of her...