Sartor Resartus · Chapter
I: Preliminary explained
The Editor introduces the surprising lack of a fundamental philosophy of clothes, despite the advanced state of science and culture.
What happens
The Editor introduces the surprising lack of a fundamental philosophy of clothes, despite the advanced state of science and culture. He praises German thought for taking up this neglected subject, specifically through the new book 'Clothes, their Origin and Influence' by Professor Teufelsdröckh of Weissnichtwo, and reflects on the Editor's own role in bringing this work to an English audience.
Themes in this chapter
Clothing as Symbol
The chapter introduces clothes as the 'grand Tissue of all Tissues' and the subject of a new philosophical inquiry.
Critique of Society and Materialism
The Editor criticizes the neglect of fundamental philosophy in favor of practical, mercantile concerns, especially in England.
The Role of the Artist and Thinker
The chapter praises German thinkers for their fearless speculation and contrasts them with the stunted condition of English science.
Characters to notice
- The Editor
The Editor introduces the chapter, reflecting on the state of science and the arrival of Teufelsdröckh's book.
- Diogenes Teufelsdröckh
Professor Teufelsdröckh is the author of the treatise on clothes, newly published and sent to the Editor.
Key passages
“Our Theory of Gravitation is as good as perfect: Lagrange, it is well known, has proved that the Planetary System, on this scheme, will endure forever; Laplace, still more cunningly, even guesses that it could not have been made on any other scheme.”
Our understanding of gravity is nearly complete, with Lagrange and Laplace having demonstrated the stability and necessity of the planetary system.
The Editor uses this to contrast the thoroughness of physical science with the neglect of the philosophy of clothes.
“But here, as in so many other cases, Germany, learned, indefatigable, deep-thinking Germany comes to our aid.”
Once again, Germany's scholarly persistence provides the insight that others have missed.
The Editor credits German intellectual tradition for addressing the overlooked subject of clothes.