Sorry, Travis, but I partially disagree with you. While your general
statement is true, there are specifics that can certainly vary.
First, you do not have to be at the focal point for damage to occur,
particularly over time. Heating of the tissue under the droplet can cause
necrosis. Secondly, the water droplet may be almost spherical on hydrophobic
waxy surfaces thus shortening the focal length. And thirdly, the thickness
of the waxy layer can add more distance to the focal distance and in effect
raise the focal point closer to the surface. While it's agreed that this is
probably not the cause of this epiphyllum's problems, it's certainly not out
of the realm of possibility, which you seem so certain of, for other cases.
Gary

"Travis M." wrote in message
news:c2Wsf.3597$yx.3019@trndny01...
"Emery Davis" wrote in message

On Thu, 29 Dec 2005 08:09:48 GMT
"Travis M." wrote:

[]
]
] Water drops cannot act as a magnifying glass.
]

Travis, you seem fond of unequivocal statements... I'm not
sure if you're trolling or what, but a water drop certainly can
act as a magnifying glass. Imagine the geometry of a drop,
it's easy to see how it acts as a lens.

Don't take my word for it, google "water drop magnify physics"
and follow any link, the first will do.

Just wanted to clear that up for anyone without a physics
degree.

-E

Agreed, but one cannot burn the leaf or plant part it is resting on. It
is far too close.

--

Travis in Shoreline (just North of Seattle) Washington
USDA Zone 8
Sunset Zone 5