Eccentrics

Yes, TV ruined everything. Okay, before TV there were other media, back to the tell-tale.
This Victorian lady that ventured into Africa (from the same travel writing history title) apparently had a "father who was more interested in insects than pursuing his medical profession".
Indeed, how many eccentrics does any village harbour? We are used to them being dipicted in series or movies - but do we recognise them in actual life?
Next time you run into somebody mildly odd, pay attention. You might be getting the real thing.