Casaubon

Casaubon is a graduate student in Philosophy at the University when he writes a dissertation on the Knights Templar. While a student, he meets Belbo and Diotallevi. He writes his dissertation on the Knights Templar and, after he earns his degree, takes a job teaching in Brazil to be closer to his girlfriend, Amparo. Amparo leaves him after an experience at a religious ceremony in Brazil where she is, seemingly, possessed by a demon. Casaubon stays on in Brazil for another year before returning to Milan.

When he returns, he sets himself up as a kind of Sam Spade for obscure knowledge. He will track down any piece of knowledge, no matter how obscure, for a fee. After running into Belbo again by chance, Mr. Garamond hires Casaubon to find pictures for a book they are putting together on metals for Garamond Press. He introduces Aglie to Belbo...