Thanks for the ping, snarks.
I am neither mathematician nor physicist, but the engaging tone of the article led me to read every one of the posts in this thread.
I believe if I were younger (knowing what I know now) I would truly find myself seduced by the temptations of the rigors of these disciplines. For some reason or another, I thought law would be satisfying to my mind, but it wasn't (I'm an inveterate reader of arcane law reviews).
This, however.... this approaches the first twinges of unadulterated mind joy.
Thanks again.