The Humbugs of the World · Chapter
XLII explained
This chapter profiles the Count de St.
What happens
This chapter profiles the Count de St. Germain, a mysterious figure who claimed to be thousands of years old, possessed supernatural powers, and was a master of alchemy, prophecy, and music. It details his origins, his rise at the French court, his travels across Europe, and his eventual death in 1783, while also noting his influence on Cagliostro and his reputation as a magnificent humbug.
Themes in this chapter
Definition and Nature of Humbug
St. Germain is explicitly called a 'magnificent humbug' despite his genuine talents, illustrating the blend of skill and deception that defines humbug.
Science, Medicine, and Quackery
St. Germain's Aqua Benedetta elixir and his alchemical claims to transmute metals and produce diamonds exemplify quack medical and scientific pretensions.
Religion and Superstition
St. Germain's claims of intimacy with the Apostles and the Savior, along with his use of divination and prophecy, blend religious themes with superstition.
Gullibility and Human Nature
The chapter notes that many believed St. Germain's fantastic claims, such as his immortality and diamond production, highlighting human gullibility.
Characters to notice
- Count of St. Germain
The central figure of the chapter, described as a sage, prophet, magician, and magnificent humbug with claims of immortality, alchemy, and clairvoyance.
- Count Alessandro di Cagliostro
Visited St. Germain in Schleswig, acknowledged him as master, and learned secrets such as handwriting analysis and animal fascination.
- Mr. Barnum
Narrator and commentator, providing context and judgment on St. Germain's humbug.
- Voltaire
Quoted by Frederick the Great, describing St. Germain as a man who knew all things and would live to the end of the world.
- Frederick the Great
Called St. Germain 'a man no one has ever been able to make out' and questioned Voltaire about him.
- Louis XV
St. Germain was introduced to his court via Madame de Pompadour and later sent by him to England for peace negotiations.
- Madame de Pompadour
Gained favor with her, which helped St. Germain rise at the French court.
Key passages
“He spoke of his personal intimacy with all the twelve Apostles—and even the august presence of the Savior; and one of his pretensions would have been most singularly amusing, had it not bordered upon profanity. This was no less an assertion than that he had upon several occasions remonstrated with the Apostle Peter upon the irritability of his temperament!”
St. Germain claimed to have known all twelve Apostles and even Jesus, and once scolded Peter for being too irritable.
Illustrates St. Germain's audacious religious pretensions.
“His predictions were, indeed, most startling; and the cotemporaneous evidence is very strong and explicit, that he did foretell the time, place, and manner of the death of Louis XV, several years before it occurred.”
Contemporary sources strongly suggest St. Germain accurately predicted the death of Louis XV years in advance.
Highlights St. Germain's reputation as a prophet.
“On the whole, the Count de St. Germain was a man of magnificent attainments, but the use he made of his talents proved him to be also a most magnificent humbug.”
Despite his impressive abilities, St. Germain ultimately used them for deception, making him a great humbug.
Summarizes Barnum's judgment on St. Germain's character.
