I posted this in the novel writing forum, but I should put it here as well since this is a place where the subject can be manipulated and stretched for effect. Here is the original request:
I'm looking for a little help from all of you kind AWers. I'll collecting a file of examples of incorrect human anatomy/physiology from published stories (fiction only). For example, a best-selling author had a victim stabbed in the neck (with a knife) that severed the aorta. It would have to be a really, really long knife, wielded with a severe downward arc, and then it would be a difficult job. Another example pops up all the time--a character is hit on the head hard enough for him/her to lost consciousness, and immediately upon coming-to, he/she gets up and does something heroic. A person hit that hard would be one sick puppy, probably with severe motor deficits and serial puking to boot. The other classic one is peeing oneself when startled (hands up everyone without an incontinence problem who soaks their drawers when startled--even with incontinence issues, the emission tends to be small in volume).
Anyone have favorites? If you have specific examples, you don't have to put them here. I'd like to get the references, but it can be done via PM. Examples will be used in a professional teaching forum, with proper academic treatment.
Thank you.
I'm looking for a little help from all of you kind AWers. I'll collecting a file of examples of incorrect human anatomy/physiology from published stories (fiction only). For example, a best-selling author had a victim stabbed in the neck (with a knife) that severed the aorta. It would have to be a really, really long knife, wielded with a severe downward arc, and then it would be a difficult job. Another example pops up all the time--a character is hit on the head hard enough for him/her to lost consciousness, and immediately upon coming-to, he/she gets up and does something heroic. A person hit that hard would be one sick puppy, probably with severe motor deficits and serial puking to boot. The other classic one is peeing oneself when startled (hands up everyone without an incontinence problem who soaks their drawers when startled--even with incontinence issues, the emission tends to be small in volume).
Anyone have favorites? If you have specific examples, you don't have to put them here. I'd like to get the references, but it can be done via PM. Examples will be used in a professional teaching forum, with proper academic treatment.
Thank you.