Abstract
Contemporary commentators constantly discussed longitude as a project aimed at misleading public investors. This chapter uses the literary history of the projector as a figure within Bedlam – Bethlehem Hospital – alongside discussions of longitude as a project by contemporaries, particularly the Scriblerian writers, including Jonathan Swift and John Arbuthnot. The reader is introduced to the idea of impossible projects in natural history: the philosopher’s stone, perpetual motion and squaring the circle, as well as to quack medicine. Likewise, the credit and credibility of financial, political, and religious projects or bubbles are linked to longitude, especially the South Sea Scheme, and to literary projecting associated with Grub Street. The chapter returns to Jeremy Thacker’s longitude pamphlet to consider the idea that this is a Scriblerian parody by John Arbuthnot, analysing it against the language of projects.
Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
