The science of detection

In 1996, the Quadro QRS 250G Tracker was brought to market. Its ability to detect substances such as drugs made it instantly popular with police forces and schools. However, the device is no longer on the market, because it…

A) Emitted too much radiation for safe use
B) Had no active components and did not work at all
C) Made occasional errors that led to costly lawsuits
D) Was a direct copy of a device patented by a French school-teacher

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God of wisdom

Who was the Egyptian god of learning and wisdom?

A) Anubis
B) Osiris
C) Ra
D) Thoth

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Duns Scotus

John Duns Scotus, a celebrated 13th-century theologian and philosopher, is notable for what accomplishment outside his vocation?

A) Developing a more efficient method of milling corn
B) Founding the modern nation of Scotland
C) Inspiring the word “dunce”
D) Rowing single-handed to Ireland in a coracle

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Kanoon

What is a kanoon?

A) A Malay canoe
B) A moonlight revel
C) A stall where an elephant can be “parked”
D) A zither-like instrument with fifty or more strings

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Ladders and adders

The familiar children’s board game of “Snakes and Ladders” (sometimes called “Chutes and Ladders” in the USA) was originally intended for what purpose?

A) To convey the capriciousness of fate
B) To give practice in counting to 100
C) To illustrate “the perils of Protestantism”
D) To teach Hindu moral principles

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Quoits

A quoit is a heavy ring of metal used in the ancient game of quoits (pronounced “koyts”). What does a player attempt to do with the quoit?

A) Hold it above the head while running a course with ponds and hurdles
B) Hurl it as far as possible in the direction of the opposing team
C) Roll it three times around a circular course without leaving its lane
D) Throw it over a peg set into a specially-prepared clay square

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Voting, non-elective

In which one of these four parliamentary democracies are citizens required by law to vote in national elections?

A) Australia
B) Canada
C) New Zealand
D) United Kingdom

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Odd school out

The “Ivy League” of prestigious northeastern universities in the United States contains eight members. Which of the following is not a member?

A) Bowdoin College
B) Brown University
C) Dartmouth College
D) University of Pennsylvania

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Battle royal

In September, 1066, a foreign force invaded England in an attempt to take the throne from King Harold. Who led the invaders?

A) Edgar Atheling, great-nephew of the late Edward III
B) Harold Hardrada, King of Norway
C) Tostig Godwinson, Earl of Northumbria
D) William, Duke of Normandy

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And to my wife Anne…

For much of their married life, William Shakespeare and Anne Hathaway lived apart. When Shakespeare died in 1616, however, seven years before Anne, he did remember her in his will. What particular legacy did he leave her?

A) Six bee-hives
B) Their second-best bed
C) A sonnet that included a pun on Anne’s surname
D) Three identical chests, of which she could choose but one

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