| Merely
corroborative detail, intended to give artistic verisimilitude to an otherwise bald and unconvincing narrative. The Mikado |
D Vautier
6/2019
A secret substance was invented by a Sir Kenelm
Digby called the “powder of sympathy”. The powder was said to cure wounds over long distances (Cronin,
20). When a bandage from the
wound was dipped in water with the powder the patient would react.
Several clever people got the idea to bring a wounded dog that had been treated with the magic powder on board a ship. The corresponding bandage would be dipped in water at exactly 12 noon Greenwich and the dog would yelp. The longitude could thus be calculated. Great idea.