A result about a selection problem of Michael (Q2701604)

A metric space \(X\) is called an \(S_4\)-space [\textit{E. Michael}, Trans. Am. Math. Soc. 71, 152-182 (1951; Zbl 0043.37902)] if for every partition \({\mathfrak F}\) of \(X\) into compact, nonempty and mutually disjoint subsets of \(X\) there exists a continuous selection \(f(F)\in F\), \(F\in {\mathfrak F}\).NEWLINENEWLINENEWLINEFrom the theorem proved in the paper under review it follows that a nondegenerate, separable metric space, which is an \(S_4\)-space, can be separated by a countable set, and thus a nondegenerate continuum that is \(S_4\) must be hereditarily decomposable. The properties of connectivity functions are essentially used in the proof; in particular the existence of a connectivity bijection with dense graph between a nondegenerate interval and nondegenerate \({\mathfrak c}\)-connected separable metric space is exhibited.