Changes I would make

[Geoff Bannister]

No: HPFGUIDX 177434

--- In HPforGrownups at yahoogroups.com, "eggplant107" <eggplant107 at ...> wrote:
 
> > one of the first rules of writing is
> > 'don't use a fancy word when a simple
> > word will do'.

Eggplant:
> I don't think "helix" is a fancy word, if JKR's readers don't know
> what it means then they certainly should, what with DNA and all.

Geoff:
The argument is not whether 'helix' is a fancy word but its usage.

I really do not see why the readers should necessarily recognise 
'helix' for what it is. If you ask people here in the UK to describe 
DNA, I suspect that many of them will use the word 'spiral'; I know 
a fair bit about helices because I am a mathematician but DNA and 
its double helix is not the usual stuff of casual conversation over 
coffee and biscuits.

In a second context, folk who have had anything to do with 
machinery may think of helical gearing but to use it to describe 
rising steam or fumes seems unlikely - I think that fumes would 
spiral anyway.

You still haven't answered my previous question as to why you 
would prefer Hermione to speak about  "a characteristic helical 
pattern". If she, as the pedantic bookworm that she is, is satisfied 
with 'spirals', who are we mere mortals to argue with her?
:-)))