n the most intimate. It was not long after Gulliver's description that he tells the readers that the mistress of the farm led him into nature where he "discharged the necessities of nature." He later remarks:"I hope the gentle reader will excuse me for dwelling on these and the likeparticulars, which however insignificant they may appear to groveling vulgar minds,yet will certainly help a philosopher to enlarge his thoughts and imagination,and apply them to the benefit of public as well as private life, which is the soledesign in presenting this and other accounts to the world; wherein I have beenchiefly studious of truth, without affecting any ornaments of learning or of style" Swift could not have used a more grotesque and offensive representation of his view of scientific advancement than that of excrement. While many readers may chuckle at such an image, a scientist would be overwhelmed with rage. Gulliver is telling the world, in a serious tone, that his deification in nature will help enlighten the world. Swift realizes that no individual takes a serious interest in another man's bowel movement and would rather that person keep such happenings to themselves. Swift is poking fun at the seriousness by which scientist approach their study. Swift believes these men are consumed by minute facts that will in no manner bring about a revelation in truth or thought. Swift's most piercing jest occurs when Gulliver declares that a study of his feces is a study of truth. Scientist appear to be more ridiculous when Gulliver explains to the reader that it is the "grovelling vulgar minds" that find such incidents to be insignificant. Gulliver is telling the reader that it is the vulgar and uneducated minds that take no interest in such repulsive study as that of the study of feces; yet, the scientist takes great interest and will ensure that they will share their findings with enlightened ones around the world. Swift manag...
