photo by daughter Susan
This is a busy week. I’ll be getting a new hip on Friday and my mind is occupied on getting prepared. So much to arrange for ahead of time. My brain is not good at double-tasking, so to create something clever or amusing for you to read right now seems beyond me.
However, I’ve just started reading a fascinating book which I think you may find of interest. As you know, I’m a history buff and I’d definitely put this book in that category. ‘The Professor and the Madman, a tale of Murder, Insanity, and the Making of the Oxford English Dictionary’ is written by Simon Winchester.
The Professor and the Madman
author Simon Winchester
Winchester was a geologist at Oxford, is a full-time correspondent and writer who now lives in the U.S.
It’s the story of two of the men who worked on the making of the dictionary begun in 1857. One of the most ambitious endeavors ever, it required the help of many to bring it to fruition.
Professor James Murray, who headed the project, realized that one man, Dr. W. C. Minor, contributed more than ten thousand submissions. They had never met. He decided Minor should be honored. This led to a shocking discovery. Dr. Minor, an American Civil War veteran, was an inmate at an asylum for the criminally insane. He had committed murder.
Professor James Murray headed the project
This IS a fascinating story, as only true stories can be. I plan to read it during my recovery. If you think it may please you, join me and we can share our opinion of the book when we finish reading it.
Dr. William Chester Minor
I know you wish me well and thank you. I’ll be a new bionic woman.
View from Over the Hill 
Wishing you All the Best, Muriel! A speedy recovery, and pleasant, sunny Spring days to look forward to!
Thank you lovely lady. Muriel
Good luck, Muriel! They say old age is not for the faint of heart. You are on the Hero’s Journey. Bring back a boon for the rest of us. 🙂 ❤
Thank you so much Chris: But I must say YOU are my Hero. Muriel
Muriel….this sounds like a fascinating story. Dr. Minor had so much free time in prison he was able to submit over 10,000 words. He must have been a methodical murderer. Assuming he submitted one word each day and skipped Saturday and Sunday to rest he would have submitted 250 words each year. That comes to 40 years times 250 words per year. No wonder he grew a beard in prison. (250 x40 equals 10,000 words). I had to put on my thinking cap to figure that out. Giggle. Enjoy the book. It’s perfect for rehab. Joe
Thanks for your comment Joe: And for all your support and kindness and good wishes. Muriel
Here’s to the bionic woman!
You and your new hip are going to love one another.
Hey, I think I’ll just call myself ‘Muriel the Bionic Woman’. I like that! Thanks so much…
You’re going to do grrrrreat! I’ll see you soon.
Judy 😻
I can’t miss with all the support I have from friends like you Judy. Thanks for everything. Love to you and Donna, ‘Muriel the Bionic Woman’
Sending all good wishes in your direction, Muriel. We’ll miss you at tai chi coffee, but I’m confident you’ll be able to join us again soon. Your Winchester book sounds terrific – I’ve only read two books by him thus far (Krakatoa and The Map That Changed the World – both totally absorbing).
Thank you Joyce: This book IS a must read for me and for you too. I’ll look forward to seeing the gang again as soon as I can. My best to you and to everyone. Muriel, the bionic woman.