Stoker 14-17

1. 205 - "There have been toads shut up in rocks for thousands of years."
Although rumors that frogs can live indefinitely within rock have been proven false, it has been proven that frogs can survive for over a year in porous limestone (which is still quite an impressive feat).
2. 204 - "Methuselah lived nine hundred years, and ‘Old Parr’ one hundred and sixty-nine."
Thomas Parr, if the rumor is true, lived for over 160 years.
3. 205 - "There lie the Indian fakir, not dead."
In 1837, Sadhu Haridas, a famous fakir, survived being buried underground for 40 days without water. I have often heard stories of fakirs who could levitate and withstand extreme, and although I may be skeptical of a spiritual link to these amazing feats, I've always been curious about them.
4. 209 - "We dined at 'Jack Straw's Castle."
Jack Straw's Castle was a London pub, which was frequented by Bram Stoker. It's really strange to think that the characters in Stoker's Dracula walked the same streets as he did.
5. 218 - "buy a pig in a poke."
Apparently, this phrase derives from con men who would pretend to sell pigs in a bag (a poke), but would actually sell the customer a cat or dog. This phrase now refers to "buying something inferior before examining it."
6. 224 - "The Host"
Although I was already aware of the significance of the communion wafer, I find it odd that some people believe that the wafer is the literal flesh of Jesus.
7. 226 "the passion masks of the Greeks and Japanese"
It's interesting that masks were used to convey expression, rather than just to hide one's face. Similar masks are used in Korean theater dance as well.
8. 226 " the coils of Medusa’s snakes "
Although I was aware of most of the lore surrounding Medusa, I didn't know she had wings in certain variations of the story. I feel like having snake hair and the ability to petrify people makes her more than powerful enough.
9. 228 " trembling like an aspen "
Apparently, the leaves of the Eurasian Populus tremula are known for their quivering motion. I believe I've heard the phrase before, but it's still an interesting little factoid.

10. 234 " we took the Underground to Fenchurch Street "
Apparently, Fenurch St. railroad station is not a real location in London. Curious.
-All contents courtesy of bookdrum.