The Cabinet of Curiosities Setting & Symbolism

The Cabinet of Curiosities Objects/Places

Elephant Foot Box

Among McFadden's collection in the archives is a box made from an elephant's foot. Inside is a letter from J.C. Shottum accusing Enoch Leng of murder in the name of science.

J.C. Shottum's Letter

Nora gives a letter written by Shottum accusing Leng of murder to Smithback, who uses it to write an article for the New York Times.

Cabinets of Curiosities

Cabinets of curiosities began as cabinets filled by rich men with natural artifacts, displayed for the pleasure of family and friends. These cabinets expanded, taking up whole rooms and buildings, becoming some of the first museums of natural history. However, the artifacts were meant to shock and entertaining; therefore, many of them were fakes.

Arcanum

Leng's arcanum, a long sought after secret, is his formula for prolonging life.

Old Surgeon's Tools

The copycat killer, the Surgeon, uses old surgeon's tools once belonging to Leng in order to kill his victims.

Ledgers

O'Shaughnessy finds two ledgers in...
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