Iain Pears - An Instance of the Fingerpost

Neither option seemed sensible and, with the very greatest reluctance, I decided I would have to provoke some sort of reaction that would bring him to light, or frighten him off. It was a finely judged experiment, which would only be successful if it produced a single result. I was like an experimentalist who has his theory, and conducts an experiment to confirm it; I had not the luxury of the true philosopher, who can perform his operations and construct his theory from the evidence of his eyes.

I pondered this matter for a day before concluding that 1 had no alternative and, as the opportunity offered, I decided to throw hesitation aside. The Society was to hold a meeting, at which many matters were to be discussed, and the evening concluded by the public vivisection of a dog. These are always popular, and I fear that several operators conducted their experiments more to excite the pleasure of the audience than for any utility.

But many always wished to come, guests were encouraged to spread the fame of our work, and the company afterward was always merry and free. I straightaway asked Mr. Oldenburg if he would do me the favor of inviting Señor de Moledi as a guest of honor, impressing on that gentleman that his presence would be warmly appreciated.

This de Moledi was Spain’s representative in England, and a close associate of Caracena, the governor of the Spanish Netherlands and a man with a great hatred of all things English. It was inconceivable he would be ignorant of any attempt on the king, even though he would have been wise not to know too many details. Consequently, if I was to stir the pot a little, he was by far the best person to approach. If my intervention worked and produced some practical response, I might at last have the solid evidence I needed, and would be finally in a position to lay out my suspicions with some hope of being believed.

The meeting that evening was a crowded one, although the communications read out by Mr. Oldenburg in his dull monotone scarcely deserved much attention. One paper on the geometry of the parabola was as absurd as it was incomprehensible, and my opinion was crucial in having it, and its author, rejected out of hand. Another by Mr. Wren on the sundial was, as usual with that fine man, a model of lucidity and elegance but scarcely of major significance. Correspondence from abroad produced its usual crop of interest, mixed in with bombast and faulty thinking. The only matter of moment I recall (and consulting the minutes of the meeting I see my memory serves me well) was an excellent reading by Mr. Hooke on his work with a microscope of his own devising. However detestable that man was as an individual, he was one of the finest artisans of our little group, close in observation, meticulous in recording. His revelations of the entire worlds to be found in a simple drop of water astonished us all, and produced an almost tearful commentary from Mr. Goddard, who praised the Lord mightily for His creation, and for His goodness in allowing His creatures to comprehend ever more of His works. Then, prayers ended the formal session, and those who had a mind to watched the experiment with the dog.

I could see from his expression that de Moledi had as little taste for the bowlings of a tormented beast as I, and so I approached him and said that no one would take it as an insult to the gathering if he did not attend; for my part I also intended to absent myself, and if he wished to take a glass of wine with me, I would be honored by his company.

To this he assented and, having already arranged the matter beforehand, I led him through to the room Wren maintained at Gresham College, where a good Canary wine awaited us.

“I hope, sir, you did not find the occupations of we men of curiosity distasteful. I know that it must seem a strange interest, and that some consider it impious.”

We spoke inLatin, and I was pleased to find that his own fluency in that blessed tongue was no less than mine. He seemed the most courteous of men and, if most Spaniards were like him, I could see how a man like Mr. Bennet, who placed such store in the niceties of address, might be seduced into loving the nation. For my part, I was safe from being deceived by such matters, for I knew all too well what lay behind the fine manners.

“On the contrary; I found it eminently diverting, and I very much hope that men of good curiosity from all over Christendom will join together in free discourse. There are many in Spain, as well, who are interested in these matters and I would willingly introduce them to your Society, if you find that agreeable.”

I accepted with pleasure, and made certain I would remember to warn Oldenburg of the danger. Spain is a country which had ruthlessly subjected all enquiry to persecution, and for such a place as this to desire communication with us would have been laughable had it not been so cruel.

“I must say I am glad to make your acquaintance, Dr. Wallis, and even more pleased to have the opportunity of talking to you in private. I have, of course, heard much of you.”

“You surprise me, Your Excellency. I do not know how my name has come to your ears; I did not realize you took an interest in mathematics.”

“I take very little; excellent pursuit though it no doubt is, I have no head for figures at all.”

“That is a pity. I have long believed the purity of mathematical reasoning is the finest training a man might have.”

“In which case, I must own to my deficiencies, for my great interest is canon law. But I did not hear of you for your expertise in algebra. Rather for your skill in the comprehension of codes.”

“I am sure whatever you heard was greatly exaggerated. I have few abilities in that line of work.”

“So great is your reputation as the finest man in the world, that I was wondering whether you might share your knowledge.”

“With whom?”

“With all men of good will, who wish to bring the darkness into light, and ensure the peace of all Christendom.”

“You mean I should write a book about it?”

“Maybe you should,” he said with a smile. “But that would be a long operation, and bring you little reward. More, I wondered whether you might travel to Brussels, and give instruction to some young men of my acquaintance, who would prove, I am sure, to be some of the finest pupils you have ever had. Naturally, this labor would be well rewarded.”

The audacity of the man was astonishing; he slipped so easily and readily into the suggestion, it fell from his lips so normally, that I did not even feel resentment at the proposal. There was, of course, not the slightest chance of my even considering the offer; perhaps he knew that. In my life I have had many such proposals; I have turned them all down. Even good Protestant states I have declined to aid in any way at all, most recently rejecting a hint that I should instruct Mr. Leibniz in my art. I have always been determined that my skill should be my country’s alone, and should not be available to any who might become an antagonist.

“Your offer is as generous as my worth is small,” I replied. “But I fear my university duties are such that I would never be allowed leave to travel.”

“A great pity,” he replied, with no trace at all of surprise or disappointment. “If your circumstances ever change, the offer will undoubtedly be renewed.”

“As you have done me a great honor, I feel obliged to repay your kindness instantly,” I said. “For I must tell you that a plot is afoot by your enemies to besmirch your reputation, by spreading the most scurrilous rumors.”

“And this comes from your work, does it?”

“It comes from different places. I know many people of high standing, and converse frequently with them. Let me tell you frankly, sir, that I feel strongly you should be allowed to defend yourself against idle tittle-tattle. You have not been in this country long enough to understand the power of gossip in a country so ill-used to the discipline of strong and firm government.”