Worlds Apart

by Alexander Levitsky

  THIRD LETTER

  I neglected to say that we arrived in St. Petersburg at the worst possible time for a foreigner’s visit, the so-called Vacation Month. There are two of them among the Russians, one early in the year and the other at its mid-point. During these months all business ceases, government offices are closed, and no one makes calls. This custom pleases me very much: a time has been found when everyone can find solitude, and abandoning his daily tasks, occupy himself with a search for inner perfection, or if it is desired, with his personal concerns. At first it was feared that it would cause a breakdown in daily life, but the opposite occurred: when everyone has a certain time for his personal life, then he dedicates the rest of his time exclusively to public life without distractions and therefore all occupations proceed at a double pace. In addition, this practice has the beneficial effect of reducing the number of law suits: everyone has time to consider his actions and the closure of law offices prevents the injured from taking legal action in a moment of passion. Only a very extraordinary event, such as the expectation of the Comet could to a certain extent disrupt such an admirable custom, but nonetheless, there have been no entertainments or social functions. But finally today we received a home newspaper from the Prime Minister, which contained, among other things, an invitation to a party at his home. < … >

  FOURTH LETTER

  The Prime Minister’s house is located in the best part of the city, not far from Pulkovo Hill near the famous ancient observatory, which they say was built 2500 years ago. When we approached the house there was already a host of air ships above its roof: some were in the air while yet others were moored to columns specially designed for this purpose. We stepped onto a platform which lowered itself under us and we found ourselves in a beautiful enclosed garden which served as the minister’s reception room. Planted with rare vegetation, the entire garden was illuminated by a beautifully made electric device in the likeness of the Sun. I was told that it not only illuminates the garden, but acts chemically on the shrubbery and trees. In a word, I have never before seen such luxurious vegetation.

  I wish that our Chinese traditionalists could see the Russian assemblies and manners. There is nothing like the Chinese courtliness from which we have not yet been able to free ourselves. The Russian simplicity of manner at first seems chill, but then you become accustomed to it and it seems very natural and you become convinced that this apparent coolness is combined with a natural conviviality. When we entered the reception room it was full of guests. In various places among the trees small groups were strolling about; some spoke with fervor while others listened silently. I should tell you that no one is obligated to speak. One can enter a room without saying a word, and one need not even answer questions—this doesn’t seem strange to anyone. Popular individuals often say nothing during the course of entire parties. This is considered very fashionable at the present time. To ask anyone about his health, his business, the weather, or in general to put a vacuous question is considered very impolite; but on the other hand, when a conversation begins it is lively and heated. There were many women present, beautiful and particularly fresh in appearance. Emaciation and pallor are considered marks of ignorance because principles of health, and in part medicine, are included in the course of education here and so anyone who does not guard his health is considered to be poorly educated and this is particularly true of women.

  The women were splendidly attired, for the most part in dresses made of flexible crystalline facets of various colors. They flashed with all the colors of the rainbow. Others wore fabrics which were decorated with metallic crystals, rare plants, butterflies and gleaming beetles. One of the most fashionable women wore living fireflies in the folds of her dress which produced a blinding light when she walked through the dark ways of the garden. Such dresses, they say, are very expensive and can be worn only once because the insects do not survive long. To my great surprise I noted that the fateful Comet attracted much less attention in high society than I expected. It was mentioned only in passing. Some spoke learnedly about the possibility of successful counter-measures, calculated the weight of the Comet, and rapidity of its fall, and the degree of resistance required from the equipment now under construction. Others recalled all the triumphs achieved by man over nature, and their faith in the powers of mind was so great that they spoke with amusement about the coming catastrophe. Others found another reasons for complacency: they remarked that life had had its day and everything had to end. But most talked about their daily interests and their future plans as though nothing could change. Some of the women wore coiffures à la comère; this was a little electrical device which constantly emitted sparks. I noticed that these women, for the purposes of coquetry, often stood in the shadows to display the beautiful electrical fountain in the shape of a Comet’s tail which touched their hair as though by a brilliant pen and gave a distinctive cast to their complexions.

  At various places in the garden from time to time concealed music could be heard, but at a very low volume so as not to hinder conversation. Music lovers were seated on a resonating structure built directly over an invisible orchestra. I was also invited to sit, but thanks to the fact that it was a novelty to me my nerves were so irritated by the pleasant, but to my mind, violent vibration, that unable to sit more than two minutes, I leaped from my seat onto the ground, which greatly amused the ladies. In general, the guests at the party devoted much attention to my uncle and me since we were foreigners, seeking, in accordance with the ancient Russian custom, to show us in every way their generous hospitality, and especially the ladies, who, to speak without vanity, were very fond of me, as you will shortly see. As we walked along a path spread with a velvet carpet, we paused at a small murmuring pool which cast off drops of scented water. One of the ladies, beautiful and beautifully dressed, whom I had come to know earlier, approached the pool and in a moment the murmuring was transmuted into beautiful soft music; I have never heard such sounds before. I came closer to my lady and to my astonishment saw she was playing on a keyboard near the pool. It was connected with openings from which water emerged from time to time to fall onto crystal bells, producing a wondrous harmony. Sometimes the water flowed swiftly and unevenly and then the sounds were reminiscent of the roar of raging waters in a wild but regular harmony; sometimes the water flowed serenely and then as though from great distance came stately rich accords; sometimes the water fell in tiny drops onto the resounding glass and then I could hear a soft melodic murmur. This instrument is called a hydrophone. It was invented here and is still not common. My beautiful lady had never seemed so charming: violet sparks from her coiffure fell in a fiery rain onto her white and splendid shoulders and were reflected in the swiftly flowing water and their passing gleam illuminated her beautiful mobile face and luxuriant curling hair; through the iridescent folds of her dress flashed streams of light and from time to time they momentarily outlined its beautiful patterns, which almost seemed transparent. Soon her pure expressive voice joined the sounds of the hydrophone and merged with the harmonious waves of music from the instrument. As the result of the music, which seemed to come from the water’s immeasurable depths, the marvelous and magic light, the scented air, and finally the beautiful woman, who, it seemed, floated in that marvelous merging of sounds, water and light, I became so transported that the beautiful woman stopped singing and for long I was unable to come to my senses, which she, if I am not wrong, took note of.

  She had nearly the same effect on others as well, but they neither applauded nor passed her compliments—this is not done. Everyone knows the level of his art. A bad musician does not torture the ears of his listeners, and a good musician does not ask to be heard. I should add that music is part of the general plan of education here as one of its essential subjects and it is as customary as reading and writing. Sometimes they play music written by others, but most often people, and especially women such as my beautiful friend, improvise without demand whenever they feel on inclination towards it.


  At various places in the garden stood trees heavy with fruit for the guests. Some of these fruits were the marvelous products of horticulture which is so well developed here. As I looked at them I could not help but think what an expenditure of mind and effort it had cost to combine the various varieties of fruit by grafts to produce new unheard of varieties. For example, I noticed a fruit which was something between a pineapple and a peach—nothing could be compared to its taste. I noticed figs growing on a cherry tree and bananas growing on pear trees. It is impossible to count all the new varieties invented, so to speak, by Russian gardeners. In the midst of these trees stood small urns with golden spigots. The guests seized the urns, opened the spigots, and without more ado drank what I assumed to be the beverage they contained. I followed the general example. The urns contained an aromatic mixture of stimulating gasses. It was like the bouquet of wine, and immediately it spread throughout the whole organism an astonishing vivacity and cheerfulness, which at times reached such a point that it was impossible to abandon a constant smile. These gasses are absolutely harmless and their use is strongly approved by physicians. In high society these gaseous beverages have completely replaced alcohol, which is used only by simple workmen who cannot surrender their common drink.

  A short time later the host invited us to a special structure which houses the magnetic bath. I must tell you that this device is a favorite occupation in drawing rooms and has completely replaced the ancient cards, dice, dances and other games. This is the way it is done: one of those present stands by the bath—usually someone who is more accustomed to magnetic force—and all the others hold a cord which extends from the bath, and the flow begins. Some fall into a simple magnetic sleep beneficial to the health; on others it has no effect at all; others fall into a trance and this is the purpose of the diversion. Thanks to my inexperience I was among those on whom electricity had no effect and therefore I remained a spectator of the entire incident.

  Soon very interesting talk began. Those in a trance poured out their most hidden thoughts and feelings. “I admit,” said one, “that although I try to show that I am not afraid of the Comet, I am in fact very concerned about its approach.” “Today I intentionally angered my husband,” said one beautiful woman, “because when he is angry he is so very handsome.” “Your iridescent dress,” said one fashion-plate to her neighbor, “is so beautiful that I would very much like to copy it, although I’m very ashamed to ask you for it.”

  I came up to a circle of women where the lady that I admired so much was sitting. I no sooner spoke to them, than she said, “You can’t imagine how I like you; when I saw you I was on the point of kissing you!” “And I too,” “And I too,” cried several women’s voices. Others laughed and congratulated me on my brilliant success with the ladies of Petersburg.

  The diversion continued for about an hour. Those who emerged from their trances had forgotten everything they had said, but what they had spoken in candor provided a thousand amusements which served to enliven social life. Marriages began here, romances, and also friendships. Often people who are hardly acquainted discover their attraction to each other and even old ties are strengthened by these sincere expressions of one’s inner feelings. Sometimes the men alone are subjected to it while the ladies serve as witnesses; in turn, the ladies sometimes sit at the magnetic bath and tell their secrets to the men. In addition, the spread of magnetic baths has completely driven hypocrisy and sham from the society—obviously they are impossible. However, diplomats, as the result of their calling avoid this diversion and thus they play an insignificant role in drawing rooms here. In general, those who decline to participate in the trances are not well liked; it is assumed that they harbor inimical ideas or perverse inclinations.

  Fatigued by the diverse impressions I had received during the course of the day. I didn’t wait for dinner. I sought out my air ship. A blizzard was raging, and in spite of the fact that enormous quantities of warm air were being released into the atmosphere from the heating system, I had to wrap myself in my glass mantle, but the image of the beautiful lady warmed my heart—as the ancients say. As I discovered, she was the only daughter of the Russian Minister of Medicine, but in spite of her interest in me, how could I hope to earn her favor, so long as I had not distinguished myself by some scientific discovery and therefore would no longer be considered less than an adult!

  FIFTH LETTER

  In my last letter, which was so long, I still did not have time to tell you about several remarkable individuals I met at the home of the Prime Minister. Here, as I have already written, had assembled all of high society: the Minister of Philosophy, the Minister of Fine Arts, the Minister of the Air Forces, poets and philosophers, and historians of the first and second rank. To my good fortune there I also met Mr. Khartin with whom I had become acquainted at my uncle’s home. He told me various curious details about these gentlemen, which I shall leave for another time. In general, the training and education of the highest officials is most remarkable. They are all educated in a special institution which is called the School for State Officials. The best students from all other institutions are sent there, those who have attracted attention at the earliest age. After they have passed a very demanding examination they attend the sessions of the State Council for several years to obtain necessary experience in such matters; from this training ground they proceed to the highest state positions. Hence it is not unusual to meet young men among the highest officials. This seems to be essential, for only youth’s vigor and energy is competent to fulfill the difficult assignments which are given to them. They age prematurely, and this harmful effect on their health is expected, but this is the price which is required to maintain the well-being of the entire society.< … >

  SIXTH LETTER

  This morning Mr. Khartin came to invite me to visit the general meeting of the Academy. “I don’t know,” he said, “whether we will be permitted to remain at the meeting, but before it opens you will have the opportunity to meet some of the scholars.”

  As I have already noted, the Congress Hall is located in the Museum building. Here scholars assemble nearly every day in addition to the regular weekly meetings. Most of them also live here in order to utilize the Museum’s huge libraries and laboratories. Physicists and historians, poets, musicians and painters assemble here. They generously share their ideas and experiments (even those which are not successful) and their earliest conceptions, concealing nothing, without false modesty and vanity. Here they consult on the methods for coordinating their work to give it a single direction. The organization of the Congress, which I will describe in a subsequent letter, also contributes importantly to this purpose. We entered a large hall decorated with statues and portraits of great men; several tables were covered with books while equipment ready for experiments rested on others. To one of the tables extended wires from the largest galvanic-magnetic circuit in the world, which occupies a special multi-storied building.

  It was still early and as yet few visitors had appeared. A small circle was arguing heatedly about a recently published book. It was submitted to the Congress by a certain young archeologist and had as its purpose the elucidation of a very debatable and curious question, namely the ancient name of St. Petersburg. You may know that there are many contradictory opinions on this question. Historical evidence maintains that the city was founded by the great ruler whose name it bears. No one contests this point, but the discovery of several ancient manuscripts has led to the theory that, for unexplained reasons, this famous city during the millenia changed its name several times. These discoveries have excited all the local archeologists. One of them contends that the most ancient name of St. Petersburg was Petropolis, and he submits as proof the line from the ancient poet [Derzhavin]:

  Now sunk in slumber was < … >Petropolis amidst its spires …

  Others assert, and not without foundation, that there is a misprint in that line. One individual asserts, also arguing on the basis of ancient eviden
ce, that the antcient name of St. Petersburg was Petrograd. I will not list all the remaining theories on this subject. The young archeologist has overthrown them all without exception. Digging through half-decayed piles of ancient books, he found a bundle of manuscripts which had been spared by the touch of time more than most. Several lines which had been preserved gave him occasion to write a volume of commentary in which he asserts that the ancient name of St. Petersburg was Peter. As proof he presented to the Congress the manuscript he had found. I saw that ancient text; it was written on the material which the ancients called paper whose secret of manufacture has been lost, but this is no cause for mourning because its fragility was the reason that all the ancient written records have disappeared. < … >