157 %Appendix \ref{sec:comm_alg} describes the blob complex when $\cC$ is a commutative algebra, 

   157 %Appendix \ref{sec:comm_alg} describes the blob complex when $\cC$ is a commutative algebra, 

   158 %thought of as a disk-like $n$-category, in terms of the topology of $M$.

   158 %thought of as a disk-like $n$-category, in terms of the topology of $M$.

   159 

   159 

   160 

   160 

   161 

   161 

   163 \label{sec:motivations}

   163 \label{sec:motivations}

   164 

   164 

   165 We will briefly sketch our original motivation for defining the blob complex.

   165 We will briefly sketch our original motivation for defining the blob complex.

   166 

   166 

   167 As a starting point, consider TQFTs constructed via fields and local relations.

   167 As a starting point, consider TQFTs constructed via fields and local relations.