Have you noticed how the word “quantum” is everywhere now? It’s hard to find an intelligent publication these days which isn’t going quantum in a big way — if that isn’t a contradiction of terminology.

Copywriters could have a lot of fun with slogans like : “Go large, go quantum.” However, it’s not easy to see how quantums have a part to play in the real world, apart from the trendiness of the word itself.

Quantum mechanics is the newest fad in science, with its magical mystery tour of the universe that must owe a lot to Dr Who.

Upcoming computers will be quantum machines that run 1000 times faster than the trendiest current Mac or Vista PC. We’re persuaded that teleportation will at last be possible with them.

Okay, you go first. I may try it when you return with all your organs intact.

Nanotechnology, which uses quantum techniques, is invading every part of us from our clothing to our bodies. Why doesn’t anybody tell us that?

No learned discussion of the latest science is complete without a deep dive into the sub-atomic world of quantum fantasy.

And, to ram home my point, the latest James Bond flick — far distant from the world of Ian Fleming — is called Quantum Of Solace, a title clearly chosen more for its resonances than its meaning. It would be a better description of the atmosphere in 10 Downing Street right now. Although Gordon Brown requires more than a mere quantum of solace.

It’s as if the big, solid cosmos of the universe is now less interesting than the smallest of the small where the laws of physics are very different and weirdly unfamiliar.

I’m tempted to change the name of this site to Quantum of Syntagma, just to get into the flow, of course. I’ve decided against it because the word is just too small to do us justice.

The European Union could certainly find a use for it though.