VIII. The Kingdom of Sulfur, Chapter 58, Fire and Ice Summary

The author describes how life evolved on Europa before Lucifer. A rich ecosphere develops in the ocean, kept liquid by the gravity influences of Jupiter and volcanic vents. The variety of life becomes at least as diverse as in the oceans of primitive Earth.

VIII. The Kingdom of Sulfur, Chapter 58, Fire and Ice Analysis

This purely expositive chapter gives the background on Europa before Lucifer and provides the reader with a basis of acceptance that intelligent life evolved with the help of the monolith. The placement of the chapter is a little odd, in that it seems like a prolog or introductory chapter. The main story is already over.