Yes, bill, but that's not the point I was trying to make:
What is the difference between and advancement (sense 1 or 3) and advance? And if there is in fact a distinction, then
-- which would be the proper word in the above context?
-- the above use of the plural, "advancements," suggests reference to specific techniques, rather than general progress (one would not refer to "progresses" in the plural). Is the meaning of advancement (3) one which can be pluralized?