[originaltext]W: Dr. Jones, how exactly would you define eccentricity?M: Well,

W: Dr. Jones, how exactly would you define eccentricity?
M: Well, we all have our own particular habits which others find irritating or amusing, but an eccentric is someone who behaves in a totally different manner from those in the society in which he lives.
W: When you talk about eccentricity, are you referring mainly to matters of appearance?
M: Not specifically, no. There are many other ways in which eccentricity is displayed. For instance, some individuals like to leave their mark on this earth with bizarre buildings. Others have the craziest desires which influence their whole way of life.
W: Can you give me an example?
M: Certainly. One that immediately springs to mind was a Victorian surgeon by the name of Buckland. Being a great animal lover he used to share his house openly with the strangest creatures, including snakes, bears, rats, monkeys and eagles.
W: That must have been quite dangerous at times.
M: It was, particularly for visitors who weren’t used to having "pets"—for want of a better word—in the house. They used to get bitten and even attacked. And the good doctor was so interested in animals that he couldn’t resist the temptation to sample them as food. So guests who came to dinner had to be prepared for a most unusual menu, mice on toast, roast. Once he even tried to make soup from elephant’s trunk. Strangely, though, his visitors seemed to go back for more.
W: It sounds very crazy.
M: Yes!