[bvw]

In crystal growing there are poisons. Small amounts of which stop the growth. The grower must ensure that poisons are avoided in the solution or spray from which the crystals are grown. For example water is poison to growing diamonds.

Yet growers of saw grit diamonds, wanting more edge then face, will use some poison (water) in the growth mix. The water keeps the face down.

That is the grower's mix of things is very important. In studying evolution -- especially from fossil inference, the little influences -- the poisons, the catalysts, the seed start points -- can not be discerned beyond some extent or in rare circumstance.

[Alamo-Girl]

Thank you for your very informative post! But did you intend it for me? You were having a sidebar with someone else on growing crystals.