[LINK] DNA Coil

[Brendan Scott]

Ivan Trundle wrote:
> 
> On 24/09/2006, at 3:37 PM, stephen at melbpc.org.au wrote:
> 
>> Wondering about the meaning of life, as you do, I was pondering
>> the apparent natural affinity many people find with the, 'mortal coil'
>> metaphor by Shakespeare. Why is it one of his best known quotes
>> when it doesn't even seem to make much sense?
> 
> "For in that sleep of death what dreams may come
> When we have shuffled off this mortal coil,
> Must give us pause: there's the respect
> That makes calamity of so long life;"
> 
> (the famous third soliloquy' in Hamlet)
> 
> It's had many meanings over time, and the meaning that Shakespeare used
> in Hamlet most likely related to 'noisy disturbance, fuss ado', though
> some suggest that the phrase meant to separate from one's body. I prefer
> the former: 'mortal coil' and the bustle of life. Even back then, life
> was busy. However, Hamlet was discussing the taking of life.

Shorter OED gives:
Middle English 16th Century
A noisy disturbance, a turmoil, a confused noise, a fuss.  
this mortal coil [from Shakes. Hamlet.] the turmoil of life.