I studied differential equations from Ed Ford in the summer of 1975. McCutcheon Hall, Purdue University, West Lafayette, IN. First and second order DEs. Linear differential equations, and nonlinear. Methods of solution. The Wronskian. Operators. The Laplace Transform. Routh-Hurwitz stability criteria. Phase-gain diagrams. Bode plots. Lead-lag diagrams. Mason gain graphs. It all seemed to fit together so marvelously. It was all of a piece, a whole cloth, seamless, white, pure.
The great Cambridge mathematician G.H. Hardy wrote, "Greek mathematics is 'permanent,' more permanent even than Greek literature. Archimedes will be remembered when Aeschylus is forgotten, because languages die and mathematical ideas do not."
During the day I marveled at the beauty of mathematics. At night with a short haired girl, I ground my hips against hers. She whispered, "I've got a spot that's hot for you" with her warm, wanton breath.
I don't remember anything about Archimedes. I barely remember differential equations. But my summertime friend's words are permanently etched into my brain.