A global organization was once led by an actual crocodile. Its members operate on a thirteen-month calendar where every thirteenth day is exactly a Friday, and they strictly study a subject defined as the science of imaginary solutions. This is the highly unusual world of ‘pataphysics.
Invented by French writer Alfred Jarry in the late nineteenth century, this sardonic philosophy operates strictly as a parody of traditional science. From secret European institutes to obscure museums filled with animatronic chipmunks, the history and practice of ‘pataphysics present a completely alternative approach to reality.
The Origins of a Parody Science
The term first appeared in print on April 28, 1893, within Jarry’s play Guignol, published in L’Écho de Paris littéraire illustré. Jarry further explored the concept in his novel Exploits and Opinions of Dr. Faustroll, Pataphysician. He defined ‘pataphysics as a study of exceptions rather than general rules.
The word derives from a Greek phrase meaning “that which is above metaphysics.” Jarry specifically mandated the inclusion of an apostrophe in the word—spelling it “‘pataphysics”—to avoid French puns like patte à physique, which translates to “physics paw.”
The Collège de ‘Pataphysique
In 1948, the Collège de ‘Pataphysique was founded in Paris, France. The group appointed a fictional character, Dr. Faustroll, as its permanent Inamovable Curator. Real-world operations were handled by the Vice-Curator, the highest living entity in the hierarchy.
In 2014, Tanya Peixoto was elected to this position, succeeding Her Magnificence Lutembi, who was an actual crocodile. The organization published journals called Viridis Candela and included members like Marcel Duchamp and the Marx Brothers. The college completely stopped its public activities between 1975 and 2000, a period they formally termed the “occultation.”
A Highly Specific Alternative Calendar
Practitioners use the pataphysical calendar, created in 1949 as a variation of the Gregorian system. The pataphysical era begins on September 8, 1873, which is Jarry’s exact date of birth. This calendar consists of exactly thirteen months, each containing exactly twenty-nine days.
The twenty-ninth day of each month is considered imaginary, with only two exceptions throughout the year. Every week starts on a Sunday, guaranteeing that the thirteenth day of any month always falls on a Friday. When referencing standard Gregorian dates, users add the appendage “vulg.” for “vulgate.”
Institutes and Singing Chipmunks
The study of ‘pataphysics spread globally, establishing institutes in cities like London, Buenos Aires, and Vilnius. In Bristol, Rhode Island, the private Musée Patamécanique displays bizarre inventions inspired by the field.
Visitors who secure an appointment can view a troupe of singing animatronic chipmunks, an olfactory clock, and a twenty-four-inch tall holographic ear that plays the violin. Through these global branches, the study of ‘pataphysics continues its learned and completely useless research exactly as Jarry initially outlined.