Slight spoiler alert!
The pillar in the middle of Laying the Foundation room is actually a path to a semi-secret room with... a formula.

I've been to that room a number of times, but I cannot get there... consistently. When I WANT to get inside, it seems the small flying balls just don't open up the wall in a way to allow entry, making me run like a maniac for quite some time before, finally, a passage presents itself... then I usually botch the jump, it closes and I start the whole darn thing over.
Is there a sure-fire, consistent way to get inside that pillar?