--- by reflex of his profession ---

[Gilbert]

What does that mean?

The vidphone beside his bed clanged; he reached, by reflex of his profession, to acknowledge it.

Later, it is shown, that the vidphone is sort of voice-operated, no need to reach after it.

Does the "by reflexion of his profession" mean that is used (because of his profession) to reach after the telephone?

[Marylin]

What does that mean?

The vidphone beside his bed clanged; he reached, by reflex of his profession, to acknowledge it.

Later, it is shown, that the vidphone is sort of voice-operated, no need to reach after it.

Does the "by reflexion of his profession" mean that is used (because of his profession) to reach after the telephone?

I think so. Sounds to me he picks up the phone at work every day so this was an automatic thing to do.

[Gilbert]

Thanks. It must be a habbit, because he's very old as well and I suppose the vid(eo)phone wasn't available in his youth.

[Casiopea]

Thanks. It must be a habbit, because he's very old as well and I suppose the vid(eo)phone wasn't available in his youth.

That's a very good point.

A reflex is an automatic response, something you do without thinking about it, and it is related to habit.