The patter is actually 'opera'. :) In case anyone is
particularly interested, the song is from the light (comic)
opera "Pirates of Penzance", and its original
lyrics go along the following lines:
GENERAL: I am the very model of a modern Major-General,
I've information vegetable, animal, and mineral,
I know the kings of England, and I quote the fights historical
From Marathon to Waterloo, in order categorical;
I'm very well acquainted, too, with matters mathematical,
I understand equations, both the simple and quadratical,
About binomial theorem I'm teeming with a lot o' news,
With many cheerful facts about the square of the hypotenuse.
ALL: With many cheerful facts, etc. etc. etc.
GENERAL: I'm very good at integral and differential calculus;
I know the scientific names of beings animalculus:
In short, in matters vegetable, animal, and mineral,
I am the very model of a modern Major-General.
Three guesses why it appeals to geeks. :)
