William Buckland: The Eccentric Victorian Who Ate Everything

The Extraordinary Appetite of William Buckland

In the annals of history, there are few individuals as peculiar and fascinating as William Buckland. Born in 1784, during a time when famine claimed 300,000 lives in Japan and locusts swarmed South Africa, Buckland would go on to become one of the most eccentric figures of the Victorian era. His claim to fame? An insatiable appetite and a mission to consume an example of every animal in existence.

A Man of Unusual Tastes

William Buckland was not your average Victorian gentleman. While his contemporaries might have been content with a standard diet, Buckland's palate knew no bounds. His gastronomic adventures ranged from the mundane to the truly bizarre, earning him a reputation as the man who would eat anything.

Some of Buckland's most notable culinary exploits included:

• Consuming a porpoise
• Eating a puppy
• Devouring a panther
• Regularly serving mice on toast at his soirées

But perhaps his most infamous feat was consuming the preserved heart of King Louis XIV, which had been sitting in formaldehyde for 130 years.

The Heart of a King

The tale of Buckland eating King Louis XIV's heart is as extraordinary as it is true. The heart had been preserved since the monarch's death and was in the possession of Lord Harcourt. During a visit to Harcourt's residence, Buckland, known for his "notorious big stomach," spotted the preserved organ.

Without hesitation or concern for its historical significance, Buckland decided to sample this royal delicacy. He consumed the heart raw, much to the shock and disgust of those present. This act alone would have been enough to secure Buckland's place in the annals of eccentric history, but it was merely one episode in a lifetime of unusual dietary choices.

A Scientific Mind with an Unusual Approach

Despite his peculiar eating habits, William Buckland was far from a mere oddity. He was a respected geologist and paleontologist, credited with some of the earliest work in the field of dinosaur fossils. His scientific pursuits were often intertwined with his gastronomic ones, leading to some unique approaches to research.

One such instance involved Buckland's investigation of some ancient flagstones. To disprove a myth about their origin, he decided to taste them. His conclusion? The flavor was reminiscent of bat urine. This unorthodox method of research demonstrates Buckland's willingness to use all his senses in the pursuit of knowledge, even if it meant putting strange things in his mouth.

The Philosophy Behind the Appetite

Buckland's eating habits were not merely for shock value or personal amusement. He had a philosophy behind his gastronomic adventures. This is perhaps best illustrated by an anecdote from one of his lectures:

During a class, Buckland suddenly rushed down the steps with a hyena skull in hand. He approached a startled undergraduate and shouted, "What rules the world?" When the student failed to respond, Buckland provided his own answer: "The stomach, sir, rules the world. The great ones eat the less, the less the lesser still."

This dramatic demonstration encapsulates Buckland's worldview. He saw eating as a fundamental force in nature and society, driving the actions of all living things. By consuming such a wide variety of creatures, perhaps Buckland saw himself as participating in this grand natural order in the most direct way possible.

The Worst Thing Buckland Ever Ate

Given the wide array of unusual items Buckland consumed over his lifetime, one might wonder what he considered the worst. According to accounts, that dubious honor goes to bluebottles, also known as Portuguese man-of-war.

These marine creatures, related to jellyfish, are known for their powerful venom and striking appearance. The fact that Buckland found these worse than some of his other dietary adventures speaks volumes about their unpleasant taste and possibly the physical discomfort they caused.

Buckland's Legacy

William Buckland lived to the age of 72, passing away in 1856. For a man who regularly consumed potentially dangerous and certainly unappetizing substances, this was a remarkably long life, especially considering the medical knowledge and hygiene standards of the time.

His legacy extends beyond his unusual eating habits. Buckland made significant contributions to the fields of geology and paleontology. He was one of the first to scientifically describe a dinosaur fossil, paving the way for future discoveries in the field.

Moreover, Buckland's eccentric behavior and willingness to push boundaries in both his personal and professional life serve as a reminder of the diversity of human experience. In an era often remembered for its rigid social norms and conservative values, Buckland stands out as a colorful character who lived life on his own terms.

Other Eccentric Figures of the Era

While Buckland's eating habits made him unique, he was not the only eccentric figure of his time. The Victorian era produced a number of individuals whose behavior and lifestyle choices set them apart from their contemporaries.

Major General Charles George Gordon

A British Army officer, Gordon had a distinguished military career fighting campaigns across the Middle East and Africa. However, he was equally known for his unusual beliefs. Gordon was convinced that the Earth was encased in a hollow sphere and that the Garden of Eden was located somewhere in the sea off the coast of the Seychelles.

These beliefs, while scientifically unfounded, demonstrate the wide range of ideas that could coexist with more conventional thinking during this period of rapid scientific advancement.

Robert Hawker

A Cornish poet, Hawker lived an unconventional life that rivaled Buckland's in its eccentricity. Some of Hawker's notable quirks included:

• Living in a hut made from driftwood
• Dressing as a mermaid
• Excommunicating his cat
• Building the country's first mosque

Hawker's lifestyle choices, like Buckland's eating habits, challenged the norms of Victorian society and showcased the diversity of human behavior even within a seemingly rigid social structure.

The Victorian Era: A Time of Contrasts

The lives of individuals like Buckland, Gordon, and Hawker provide a fascinating counterpoint to the common perception of the Victorian era as a time of strict moral codes and rigid social norms. While these elements certainly existed, the period also allowed for remarkable eccentricity among certain individuals, particularly those of higher social standing.

This era was marked by rapid technological advancement, scientific discovery, and social change. It was a time when old beliefs were being challenged, and new ideas were emerging. In this context, eccentric behavior could be seen as a form of exploration or rebellion against established norms.

The tolerance for such behavior, at least among the upper classes, suggests a society that was more complex and nuanced than often portrayed. While the average person might have adhered closely to social norms, there was room for those who chose to live differently, provided they had the social standing or intellectual reputation to support their eccentricities.

The Scientific Context of Buckland's Time

William Buckland's career as a geologist and paleontologist coincided with a period of significant scientific advancement. The early 19th century saw the emergence of geology as a distinct scientific discipline, and Buckland was at the forefront of this development.

Some key scientific developments during Buckland's lifetime included:

1. The recognition of the Earth's great age, challenging previous biblical interpretations
2. The discovery and classification of dinosaur fossils
3. The development of theories about extinction and the history of life on Earth
4. The beginnings of the debate about evolution, which would culminate in Darwin's theory later in the century

Buckland's work contributed significantly to these advancements. His willingness to engage directly with the physical world, including his unusual eating habits, can be seen as an extension of the empirical approach that was becoming central to scientific inquiry during this period.

The Intersection of Science and Religion

As both a scientist and a theologian (Buckland was an ordained Anglican priest), he found himself at the intersection of scientific discovery and religious belief. This was a common position for many scientists of the time, who sought to reconcile new geological evidence with biblical accounts of creation.

Buckland initially attempted to interpret geological evidence in light of the biblical flood, a theory known as "diluvialism." However, as evidence mounted, he gradually moved away from this view, accepting that the Earth was far older than biblical chronology suggested.

This evolution in Buckland's thinking reflects the broader shifts occurring in scientific and religious thought during the 19th century. It demonstrates the intellectual flexibility required of scientists in this era, as they grappled with evidence that often challenged long-held beliefs.

Buckland's Contributions to Paleontology

While Buckland's eating habits may have overshadowed his scientific work in popular memory, his contributions to paleontology were significant. Some of his key achievements in this field include:

1. The first scientific description of a dinosaur fossil (Megalosaurus)
2. Extensive work on fossil mammals, including cave-dwelling species
3. Contributions to the understanding of coprolites (fossilized feces) and their importance in understanding ancient ecosystems
4. Advancements in the field of ichnology (the study of trace fossils)

These contributions helped lay the groundwork for future paleontological research and contributed to the growing understanding of Earth's prehistoric past.

The Social Context of Buckland's Behavior

While Buckland's eating habits may seem shocking to modern sensibilities, it's important to consider them within the context of his time. The Victorian era was a period of exploration and discovery, both geographically and scientifically. There was a keen interest in the exotic and the unknown.

Buckland's consumption of unusual animals can be seen as an extension of this exploratory spirit. In an era before widespread photography or nature documentaries, physically consuming an animal might have been seen as a way of truly knowing it.

Moreover, Buckland's social position as a respected academic likely afforded him more leeway in terms of eccentric behavior. His unusual habits may have been seen as the quirks of a brilliant mind rather than cause for serious concern.

The Legacy of Victorian Eccentrics

Figures like William Buckland, Charles George Gordon, and Robert Hawker serve as reminders of the diversity of human experience and behavior, even within seemingly restrictive social contexts. Their stories continue to fascinate us because they challenge our preconceptions about the past and remind us of the complexity of human nature.

These eccentric Victorians also demonstrate the value of thinking differently and challenging norms. While not all of their ideas or behaviors were admirable or worth emulating, their willingness to live life on their own terms can be seen as a form of intellectual and personal courage.

In Buckland's case, his unusual approach to life and science led to genuine contributions to our understanding of the natural world. His story serves as a reminder that innovation and discovery often come from unexpected places and that embracing one's unique perspective can lead to valuable insights.

Conclusion

William Buckland's life story is a testament to the diversity of human experience and the unexpected paths that can lead to scientific discovery. His unusual eating habits, while shocking, were just one aspect of a life dedicated to exploring and understanding the natural world.

From consuming the heart of a long-dead king to making groundbreaking discoveries in paleontology, Buckland's life was anything but ordinary. His story, along with those of his equally eccentric contemporaries, adds color and complexity to our understanding of the Victorian era.

Ultimately, Buckland's legacy reminds us of the value of curiosity, the importance of hands-on (or in his case, mouth-on) experience, and the potential for discovery that lies in approaching the world from a unique perspective. In an age of increasing specialization and standardization, perhaps there's something to be learned from this Victorian gentleman who was willing to taste anything in his quest for knowledge.

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