August 5, 2006
The Marthambles
When I re-read the Aubrey-Maturin series of novels I was continually perplexed by Maturin's use of the term "the marthambles" as a malady he was only partially successful in curing. Apparently it could be quite fatal. O'Brian would only say that it "was known as the marthambles at sea and griping of the guts by land".
Griping of the guts? Lord, I'm pretty sure I'm afflicted with that, although I didn't know it could be fatal. The term escapes all known lexicography, although this is a good explanation of sorts. And I don't think bark and steel, as successful as it was with other diseases, cured the marthambles.
Ahh...Aubrey-Maturin. Rum, sodomy, and the lash, eh? And...special this week...Marthambles!
Posted by: Elisson at August 7, 2006 11:03 AMI just finished the Aabrey-Maturin series for the second time (although the series was expanded since my last foray). I kept my American Heritage collegiate nearby for reference, needing it at least three to four times per book. When my younger son becomes a teen in three years I am going to take both of my boys on a weeklong working sail trip. There are several options out there.
It was strange knowing that there were not any more after Blue at the Mizzen but then again I think O'Brien was running out of actions to thrust Aubrey into. Have you ever identified someone as your "particular" friend? - clh
Posted by: Dishonorable Schoolboy at August 8, 2006 8:16 AMI don't think you're supposed to understand Marthambles. I'm thinking it an esoteric thing. Like...perhaps they were all love-sick for a working lady named Martha. (Or maybe she gave them gonorrhea, ambles and trots being similar suffixes.)
Posted by: Key at August 13, 2006 7:12 PM