# The Sphynx of Lincoln’s Inn explained — The Eye of Osiris

> Chapter companion for The Eye of Osiris by R. Austin Freeman.

## What happens

Paul Berkeley prepares for a supper party with Miss Oman's help, but their conversation shifts to the mysterious human remains found on John Bellingham's land. Paul then visits Mr. Jellicoe to discuss the case, but Jellicoe's legalistic reasoning frustrates Paul's attempts to connect the bones to Bellingham's disappearance. Jellicoe explains the legal presumption of death and the difference between scientific and legal truth, leaving Paul no closer to solving the mystery.

## Themes in this chapter

### Deception and Truth

Paul tries to uncover the truth about the bones and Bellingham's fate, but Jellicoe's legal sophistry obscures the facts, highlighting the tension between legal truth and physical reality.

### Mystery and Detection

The chapter deepens the mystery of the dismembered remains and their connection to John Bellingham, with Paul attempting to piece together clues despite Jellicoe's resistance.

### Death and Mortality

The discussion of human bones, dismemberment, and the legal presumption of death centers on the theme of mortality and the uncertain boundary between life and death.

## Character check-ins

### Paul Berkeley

Arranges the supper party with Miss Oman's help, then visits Mr. Jellicoe to discuss the human remains and the Bellingham case.

### Miss Oman

Visits Paul to help with the supper party arrangements and teases him about his interest in Miss Bellingham.

### Arthur Jellicoe

Engages in a legal debate with Paul about the significance of the human remains and the presumption of death.

### John Bellingham

Referenced as the missing man whose remains may have been discovered; his last gift to the British Museum is mentioned.

### Godfrey Bellingham

Mentioned as Paul's friend whose difficulties would be resolved if John Bellingham returned.

### Ruth Bellingham

Referenced by Miss Oman as the young lady Paul accompanied to the museum.

## Key lines

> A man cannot deposit his own dismembered remains.

It is impossible for a person to scatter his own body parts after death.

_Jellicoe uses this logical point to dismiss Paul's suggestion that the bones are connected to Bellingham._

> The scientific outlook is radically different from the legal. The man of science relies on his own knowledge and observation and judgment, and disregards testimony.

Scientists base conclusions on direct observation, while courts rely on sworn testimony, even if it contradicts known facts.

_Jellicoe explains the fundamental difference between scientific and legal reasoning._

> If a man acts in such a way as to create a belief that he is dead, he must put up with the consequences.

If someone behaves in a way that makes others think he is dead, he cannot complain if the law treats him as dead.

_Jellicoe justifies the legal presumption of death as a consequence of the missing person's own actions._

## Links

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