User:Probably Heisenberg

It was Christmas morning and I was 7 years old. Under the tree was a large heavy package from my grandmother ripped. Since it appeared about a week earlier I had been trying to work out what this exciting gift could be. I ripped off the wrapping paper only to reveal a plain cardboard box. I hurriedly opened it. Inside was a brightly coloured set of books, a children’s encyclopaedia. This was not the kind of present I was either expecting or hoping for. Unloved and unwanted the books were neatly stacked away on a bookshelf to be forgotten.

About six months later I was struggling with my weekend homework. It was Sunday and I had been tasked to write an essay about submarines. The depth of my knowledge was very limited coming mainly from WW2 movies about the Atlantic U boat wolf packs. My father suggested I should perhaps have a look at the encyclopaedias to see if there was anything there that might help. The information I found was by today’s standards a bit limited but what caught my attention was the drawing of a 17th century submersible propelled by oars. For the first time schoolwork didn’t seem to be so much of a chore. My school marks were of the “could do much better” variety but this time with my new found friend, the encyclopedia, I was confident of a better grade. I remember the bitter disappointment when the essay was returned, and I saw my teachers heavy crossings out in red biro together with the words “NO this is not correct”. This latter comment appeared to be directed toward the existence of submarines in the 17th century. At the end was the final insult a "B-". This left me with two possibilities either the books had lied, or my teacher was wrong.

I am now 68 and reference books, journals and encyclopaedias have helped shape my life and my career. After working in the NHS for 35 years I have now given up clinical practice and work as a clinical advisor and expert witness. I have started to wind down towards retirement recently. My interests are many and varied from Architectural Follies to Frank Zappa. I have used Wikipedia since its beginning but not had much spare time to put something back, until now.

I am still very new to this and in the last few months have contributed to the pages relating to: Leonard Stanley Priory, and Leonard Stanley in Gloucestershire, England. I am looking forward to extending this list very soon.