Slouching Towards Bedlam — 9 of 76

Chapter 7 - Tapes and Files

A tape is a kind of thing. A tape has an indexed text called a code. A tape has a truth state called dispensed. The dispensed of a tape is usually false. The description usually is "A short piece of paper tape, mechanically imprinted with the symbols '[the code of the noun]'."

A paper tape labeled 4361A2 is a tape. The code of a paper tape labeled 4361A2 is "4361A2".

A paper tape labeled F6A142 is a tape. The code of a paper tape labeled F6A142 is "F6A142".

A paper tape labeled DB9E75 is a tape. The code of a paper tape labeled DB9E75 is "D89E75".

A file is a kind of thing. A file is usually proper-named. A file has an indexed text called a code. A code is usually "ERROR!".

Understand "folder" as a file.

A file labeled 4361A2 is a file. The printed name of 4361A2 is "File 4361A2: Emanuel Barthelemy". The code of 4361A2 is "4361A2".

Instead of examining the 4361A2, say "The file is fairly brief -- it only covers the single night that Emanuel Barthelemy spent at the Hospital. The papers are written up by Dr. Simon Brand, and apparently there's been a mix-up in the system, as Barthelemy is listed as being kept in the *lower* rather than the upper Corridor 6 -- room C specifically.[paragraph break]Barthelemy was being held under suspicion of the murder of two men -- Collard and Moore -- which occurred in Warren Street, Fitzroy-Square. The case is listed as [']customary['] - Barthelemy being held under observation for 24 hours to prove or disprove his insanity.[paragraph break]Brand's final conclusion is that Emanuel is fit to stand trial.";

A file labeled F6A142 is a file. The printed name of F6A142 is "File F6A142: Cleve Anderson". The code of F6A142 is "F6A142". The F6A142 has a truth state called used. The used of the F6A142 is false.

Instead of examining the F6A142:

change the current menu to the Table of File F6A142;

change the current menu title to "File F6A142: Cleve Anderson";

change the introduction boolean to 1;

change the second introduction boolean to 1;

change the second introduction index to 4;

change the current menu introduction to "The file is broken into several sections:";

change the current second menu introduction to "Personal Notes";

carry out the displaying activity;

clear the screen;

change the introduction boolean to 0;

change the second introduction boolean to 0;

try looking;

if the used of the F6A142 is false:

say "As the file is closed, something nestled within its pages falls to the floor with a loud clang.[paragraph break]";

now the iron key is in the location of the player;

now the used of the F6A142 is true.

A file labeled DB9E75 is a file. The printed name of DB9E75 is "File DB9E75: Daniel McNaughton". The code of DB9E75 is "DB9E75".

Instead of examining the DB9E75, say "The file is extensive -- covering the ten years Daniel McNaughton was in residence at Bethlehem before his death two years ago. Apparently he was kept in upper-6-E for the first year, then moved to Corridor 22 for the remainder.[paragraph break]McNaughton was arrested for the attempted assassination of Prime Minister Peel and the death of Drummond (Peel[']s private secretary). McNaughton's defense stated that he was under the delusion of being persecuted by the Tories in his native Glasgow who, he claimed, 'compelled him' to act.[paragraph break]The case, of course, became the first famous legal test for acquittal by reason of insanity. Victoria's response was to order the court to develop a stricter test for insanity - which lead to the now-standing 'McNaughton Rule.'[paragraph break]Most of the later notes are by Superintendent Simon Brand - soliloquies on the McNaughton Rule and its effects on both the legal system and the psychological profession.";

The iron key is a thing. The printed name of the iron key is "large iron key". The description of the iron key is "An old-fashion rusted iron key."