With 38-Across, A Brief History of Time author who used a wheelchair because of motor neuron disease

Cracking the Code: A Challenging Crossword Clue & a Scientific Giant

Welcome back, crossword fanatics! This week’s puzzle threw a real curveball, and I’m talking about a clue that sent me scrambling for my research notes: “With 38-Across, A Brief History of Time author who used a wheelchair because of motor neuron disease.”

This isn’t your typical straightforward definition clue. It requires a bit of lateral thinking, blending biographical information with the need to consider another part of the puzzle. The beauty (and the frustration!) lies in the interconnectedness. You can’t solve this one in isolation; it demands a collaborative approach between the two clues.

To tackle this, we need to break down the components. Firstly, we know we’re looking for an author. Secondly, this author wrote
A Brief History of Time
, a landmark work of popular science. Thirdly, and most importantly, the author’s physical condition is integral to the clue. The phrase “used a wheelchair because of motor neuron disease” is not mere descriptive fluff; it’s a crucial piece of identifying information.

Consider what we know about the illness. Motor neuron disease is a progressive neurodegenerative disease, characterized by the gradual weakening and wasting of muscles. This is a significant factor, limiting the options considerably. Think about the challenges an author facing this level of physical disability would have faced, especially in the era when this author was writing and publishing their work.

This knowledge helps us to refine our search within the world of science and popular science authors. We can eliminate authors whose lives weren’t marked by such a debilitating condition. We’re looking for someone whose story resonated widely, their achievements all the more remarkable in light of their physical challenges.

Now, let’s consider 38-Across. Whatever the answer to that clue is, it must logically fit with the author’s name to form a complete and coherent answer. This is where cross-referencing within the puzzle is critical. See how other clues and answers might intersect or provide hints. The answer to 38-Across may itself allude to the author, their work, or the context of their illness.

Remember, a good crossword clue provides enough information to lead you to the answer without giving it away entirely. This clue is a masterclass in that regard. It tests not only your knowledge of authors and scientific works but also your ability to synthesize information from disparate sources, a skill honed by hours of puzzle solving.

So, what’s your strategy? How are you approaching this multi-faceted clue? Let me know in the comments below! Share your thought processes and any breakthroughs you’ve had – whether successful or not! The journey of solving, the process of elimination and the eventual “aha!” moment are all part of the fun. Let’s crack this puzzle together!

Available Answers:

Stephen.

Last seen on the crossword puzzle: Daily Celebrity Crossword – 11/16/24 Smartypants Saturday