"The butterfly bone lies at the center of the cranial base. It was named for its shape, resembling a butterfly with outspread wings. In some older texts, it was also called the Wedge Bone. Both names are still used interchangeably today, though the former is more common.
"However, some anatomical researchers still insist on the latter, believing that the word 'wedge' better reflects this bone's special position.
"It connects anteriorly to the frontal and ethmoid bones, posteriorly to the occipital bone, and laterally to the temporal and parietal bones. It participates in the fixed connections of nearly every major bone in the skull, like a carpenter's wedge locking countless components tightly together.
"So in terms of function and position, the latter makes its central role easier to understand. The pituitary gland lies in the very middle of this wedge, within a small saddle-shaped depression."
Kraft sat behind an ancient desk with his back to the window, the stacks of books swallowing his upper body whole.
Feld could barely remember when they had piled up so high. By rights, he had personally delivered most of them, but perhaps he had been too busy lately; he had no clear impression of it at all.
The weighty sheets of paper passed through his hands like quicksand, leaving behind nothing but their weight.
"The pituitary gland is where Dominic's problem lies. Perhaps this will help you understand just how perilous his condition was. Fortunately, we have successfully removed the lesion. What remains for us to deal with are merely some intangible things."
Despite being somewhat simplified, Feld had not truly taken in the lengthy professional explanation. He had only caught words like "center" and "perilous."
He nodded as if he understood, preparing to take his leave, only to be called back.
"Wait. What's that