what do theorems mean in tlt? that bit always confused me

a theorem is a (mathematical?) statement that has been proven as true (using a proof) and is often used to solve more complicated problems. i.e. the Pythagorean theorem being used to solve for various properties of a right triangle, and further than that, it can be used for useful IRL stuff like architecture and getting a plane off the ground.

the Locked Tomb treats necromancy like a science, with (unexplained) rules, methods, equations, theorems, etc. Harrowhark mentions the “theorem mathematics” of the creche massacre when she confesses to John in HtN, and later on in the same book Ianthe is mentioned as having a notebook filled with “substantial mathematics” related to her necromantic study.

THEREFORE when they say “theorem” in TLT I imagine how in order to get a plane off the ground you have to do a lot of math first to calculate stuff like interia and force and air resistance and friction, and then to keep it flying you have to do yet more math and think about things like how you will lose some amount of energy as heat.

following that, in order to get a skeleton to fold your laundry you have to do a lot of math first about the energy requierments of cell division (regarding building the skeletal frame up from a single bone chip), cell differentiation (building out ligaments as needed), etc necromantic verbage, and then to KEEP it folding that laundry you have to do yet more math about like, i dunno. Gravity and energy loss.

it seems like a lot of work, honestly. no wonder normal, non-Lyctoral necromancers are always bleeding and sweating all over the place