A misplaced quotation mark has led to the call-out (in the print
version on p 713) crediting Shakespeare with words he did not write. The
quotation from Henry IV (Pt 2) ends after the words 'excellent wit'. The
next sentence, I assume, was written by Dr Dalrymple.
It would be tempting to pretend that I knew Falstaff's lines so well
that I spotted the error, but, sadly, that's not the case. However, the
last sentence just didn't sound right to me. On checking the Oxford
English Dictionary, I discover that the first recorded figurative use of
'cornered' as a verb isn't until the late 19th century so my stylistic
suspicions were correct.
But I am grateful to the BMJ sub-editor who made the mistake, for a
pleasant excuse to read the whole speech and delve into the dictionary
(one of my favourite occupations).
Rapid Response:
Re:Shakespeare and alcohol
A misplaced quotation mark has led to the call-out (in the print
version on p 713) crediting Shakespeare with words he did not write. The
quotation from Henry IV (Pt 2) ends after the words 'excellent wit'. The
next sentence, I assume, was written by Dr Dalrymple.
It would be tempting to pretend that I knew Falstaff's lines so well
that I spotted the error, but, sadly, that's not the case. However, the
last sentence just didn't sound right to me. On checking the Oxford
English Dictionary, I discover that the first recorded figurative use of
'cornered' as a verb isn't until the late 19th century so my stylistic
suspicions were correct.
But I am grateful to the BMJ sub-editor who made the mistake, for a
pleasant excuse to read the whole speech and delve into the dictionary
(one of my favourite occupations).
Competing interests: No competing interests