The New English Dictionary Safe Forgot Combination
The story of the "New English Dictionary Safe Forgot Combination" is a fascinating anecdote from the early days of lexicography, specifically related to the creation of what would become the Oxford English Dictionary (OED). It highlights the meticulous, sometimes humorous, challenges faced by those involved in compiling such a monumental work.
The Setting: The Oxford English Dictionary Project
The mid-19th century saw a growing need for a comprehensive and authoritative dictionary of the English language. Existing dictionaries were often limited in scope and sometimes inconsistent in their definitions and etymologies. This led to the formation of the Philological Society of London, which, in 1857, resolved to create a "New English Dictionary on Historical Principles." This dictionary, eventually known as the Oxford English Dictionary, aimed to trace the history of every word in the English language from its earliest recorded use to the present day, supported by illustrative quotations.
Collecting the Evidence: The Role of Volunteer Readers
The scale of the project was immense. To gather the necessary evidence, the editors relied heavily on volunteer readers from around the world. These volunteers were tasked with reading books, journals, and other written materials, extracting quotations that illustrated the usage and meaning of words over time. They diligently recorded the word, the source, the date, and the context of the quotation on slips of paper and sent them to Oxford.
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This vast network of volunteers was the lifeblood of the OED project, contributing millions of slips of paper that formed the raw material for the dictionary.
The Anecdote: A Lost Combination
The "New English Dictionary Safe Forgot Combination" story centers around one particular volunteer reader and a safe containing important materials related to the dictionary project. While the exact details vary slightly depending on the telling, the core narrative remains consistent.
A dedicated volunteer, whose name is often lost to history, had accumulated a significant collection of slips containing quotations and etymological notes. To safeguard these valuable materials, they were stored in a safe. However, at some point, the combination to the safe was misplaced or forgotten. This presented a considerable problem, as the information inside was crucial to the progress of the dictionary. The problem required urgent fixing before progress can be made.
The Dilemma: Importance of the Contents
The contents of the safe were not merely random notes; they represented hours, perhaps even days or weeks, of dedicated work by the volunteer reader. These materials were specifically related to the OED project. The slips contained carefully chosen quotations that illustrated the usage of particular words, as well as potentially valuable etymological insights. Losing access to this collection would mean a significant setback, requiring someone to re-read the source materials and re-extract the relevant information. That is obviously an unacceptable outcome for all stakeholders.
The Search: Trying to Remember the Combination
The initial response to the lost combination was a frantic effort to remember it. The volunteer likely tried various possible combinations based on what they could recall – birthdays, anniversaries, significant dates, or other numbers that might have seemed logical at the time the combination was set. However, these efforts proved unsuccessful. It appears that the combination was either more complex than initially thought, or the memory of it had simply faded over time.
The "Solution": Breaking Open the Safe?
With the failure to recall the combination, the next logical step was to consider alternative methods of gaining access to the safe. This likely involved weighing the options and their potential consequences.
Engaging a Locksmith: The Professional Approach
One option was to contact a professional locksmith. Locksmiths have specialized tools and techniques for opening safes without damaging the contents. However, this approach would likely involve expense, and there was no guarantee that the locksmith would be able to open the safe without causing some damage. Additionally, locksmiths might have been less common or less readily available in the time period, especially in more rural locations where some volunteers might have resided. This could have added delays to the process of accessing the information inside.
Forcible Entry: The Risky Option
Another possibility was to attempt to force the safe open. This could involve using tools to break the lock or even physically damaging the safe until it could be opened. However, this option carried significant risks. It could potentially damage the contents of the safe, rendering the slips unusable. Furthermore, it could completely destroy the safe, making it impossible to reuse. The cost of replacing the safe would then add to the expense of the endeavor. Therefore, forcing entry was likely considered a last resort.
The (Presumed) Resolution
Unfortunately, the exact resolution of the "New English Dictionary Safe Forgot Combination" story is often left unstated in retellings. It is assumed that a solution was eventually found, allowing access to the materials inside the safe, although we do not know whether this was through remembering the combination, hiring a locksmith, or some other means. If the material could not be found, more volunteer assistance may have been solicited.
The Legacy of the Story
Regardless of the specific outcome, the story serves as a reminder of the human element involved in the creation of the OED. It highlights the dedication of the volunteer readers, the practical challenges they faced, and the importance of their contributions to the dictionary.
It also offers a glimpse into the daily lives of those involved, illustrating that even seemingly mundane tasks, like managing a safe containing slips of paper, could become crucial to the success of the project.
Why the Story Matters
The "New English Dictionary Safe Forgot Combination" anecdote, while seemingly trivial, resonates for several reasons.
- It Humanizes the Lexicographical Process: It reminds us that the creation of a dictionary, even one as monumental as the OED, is not a purely mechanical or automated process. It involves real people with real-life challenges, including the occasional lost combination.
- It Highlights the Importance of Volunteer Contributions: It underscores the vital role that volunteer readers played in the OED project. Their dedication and hard work were essential to gathering the vast amount of evidence needed to support the dictionary's historical approach.
- It Illustrates the Challenges of Information Management: Even in the 19th century, managing large amounts of information was a challenge. The story highlights the importance of careful record-keeping and secure storage, even for what might seem like relatively minor items.
- It Offers a Glimpse into the Past: It provides a small but vivid snapshot of life in the 19th century, from the reliance on handwritten notes to the use of safes to protect valuable information.
In conclusion, the story of the "New English Dictionary Safe Forgot Combination" is a charming and insightful anecdote that offers a unique perspective on the creation of one of the most important dictionaries in the English language. It's a reminder that even the most ambitious projects are built on the foundation of individual efforts, and that sometimes, even the smallest details can play a significant role in the final outcome.
