178     \bd(b) = \sum_{j=1}^{k} (-1)^{j+1} E_j(b).

   178     \bd(b) = \sum_{j=1}^{k} (-1)^{j+1} E_j(b).

   179 }

   179 }

   180 The $(-1)^{j+1}$ factors imply that the terms of $\bd^2(b)$ all cancel.

   180 The $(-1)^{j+1}$ factors imply that the terms of $\bd^2(b)$ all cancel.

   181 Thus we have a chain complex.

   181 Thus we have a chain complex.

   182 

   182 

   183 We define the {\it support} of a blob diagram $b$, $\supp(b) \sub X$, 

   185 We define the {\it support} of a blob diagram $b$, $\supp(b) \sub X$, 

   184 to be the union of the blobs of $b$.

   186 to be the union of the blobs of $b$.

   185 For $y \in \bc_*(X)$ with $y = \sum c_i b_i$ ($c_i$ a non-zero number, $b_i$ a blob diagram),

   187 For $y \in \bc_*(X)$ with $y = \sum c_i b_i$ ($c_i$ a non-zero number, $b_i$ a blob diagram),

   186 we define $\supp(y) \deq \bigcup_i \supp(b_i)$.

   188 we define $\supp(y) \deq \bigcup_i \supp(b_i)$.

   187 

   189