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Manufactured in China
Publisher’s note: This book purports to be the facsimile
of an original, published on a print run ot 100 copies in
1895, of which a copy was recently found in a bookshop
near the Seven Dials in London. Unfortunately, the publisher
has been unable to ascertain whether a real Dr. Ernest Drake
ever lived in St. Leonard’s Forest or wrote a book called
Dragonolog)' and so, with regret, is unable to make
any claim as to the truth of this and must present
i decoy dummy this volume merely as an interesting curiosity.

xme-reWrd^nl
UNJJM

candlewick press
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 v\

Dratjtmlorj'y

Anvysn s-H TVN0,D3i( Noaag

DR. ERNEST DRAKE’S

DRAGONOLOGY
THE COMPLETE BOOK OF DRAGONS

EDITED BY

DUGALD A. STEER, B.A. (BRIST), S.A.S.D.

ILLUSTRATED

CANDLEWICK PRESS
PUBLISHERS OF RARE & UNUSUAL BOOKS

[all rights reserved]

 CHAPTER I
’7T”n'H4 Trrrtr-TTj ~r r an: rflr'tf tfairrndt* p-tt- r,-TT IT * it

FOREWORD
AN INTRODUCTION TO DRAGONOLOGY

Of all the natural sciences, dragonology is perhaps the most rewarding, being at the same time one of
the oldest and the least researched. Dragons have been studied since mankind’s earliest days and yet,
paradoxically, they are one of the least known of the Earth’s creatures. So, while many scientists
believe that the vast majority of the world’s flora and fauna are now understood, in the
little-known field of dragonology the way lies open for exciting new discoveries.

With time and patience,

it is possible to build up
a bond of trust. There is little visible difference
between male & female dragons
[see Chapter III].

Stef

CONTENTS REFUTING THE SCEPTICS

As dragonologists, we must be prepared to refute those

(®S
'yf J ~~
CHAPTER I.Introduction
who claim that dragons are unreal. Consider how many
jf&a CHAPTER I.Dragons of the World
creatures there may be that are still unknown to
Chapter II.Western Dragons
accepted science. When our scientists first heard of the
I fX- v Chapter II.Eastern Dragons
duck-billed platypus in 1797, they laughed. How could
mw
my CHAPTER II.Other Dragons
an egg-laying mammal with a duck’s beak and webbed The remarkable okapi—a mythical beast or
CHAPTER III.. Dragon Biology & Physiology
feet exist? Even when shown physical evidence, they new scientific wonder of the African Congo?
,/fr CHAPTER III.Life Cycle of Dragons
cried “fraud”! Yet by 1884, even the most sceptical had
^'HAI>TER 111.Dragon Behaviour changed their opinion. Recently, Henry Stanley
CHAPTER IV.Finding & Tracking
learned of another apparently mythical animal, the
M. Chapter iv.Taming 8c Flying
okapi, while searching for Dr. Livingstone. With a
‘ ‘' APPENDIX I .... A Dragonological Laboratory .
giraffe’s horns and a zebra’s legs, it has so intrigued
f/i) Appendix ii.Spells 8c Charms
scientists that they are determined to find one. Yet
■WM
Jjf Appendix hi.Biographies
there is not one who is willing to mount an expedition A duck-billed platypus—some believed that the
M Afterword.The Work
to bring dragons the scientific attention they deserve! original specimen was a stitched-together fake.
 DRAGONOLOGY

DRAGONS IN SCIENCE

All scientific dragonologists must

draw the conclusion, having read the
work of Charles Darwin in his Origin
of Species of 1859, that dragons, like
all creatures, have evolved so as to
best exploit the habitats in which SOME argue that dragons cannot have four legs and diagram, the evolution of a four-legged dragon with
they live. Noble in form and majestic two wings because no known vertebrate has more wings provides clear proof of Darwin’s hypothesis of
in flight, dragons have evolved than four appendages. As can be seen in the above animal evolution through fortuitous genetic mutation.
enviable natural abilities. One
wonders if mankind, through effort
or science, may one day be able to
imitate some of them.

ONE hypothesis suggests that dragons breathe fire as In fact, as the dragon’s head evolved, so also did the
a result of generating methane gas in their stomachs, fangs and venom-producing organs that are actually
a gas that also enables them to “float” like balloons. responsible for creating the dragon’s fiery breath.

DRAGONS IN LEGEND example offoresight-

a flameproof cloak may
Among all the kindes of Serpentes, there
invaluable.
is none comparable to the Dragon, or
that affordeth and yeeldeth so much THE FIVE F’s of DRAGONOLOGY

plentifull matter in historie for the

FIELDWORK—It is best by far to study
ample discovery of the nature thereoj.
dragons in their own environments.
The student will do very well to heed
FORESIGHT—Proper learning and
these words of natural philosopher
preparation are absolutely essential.
and dragonologist Edward Topsell,
Forwardness—The student must
in his 1607 book, The History of
he both daring and truly courageous.
Four-footed Beasts. For while there is
Frankness—One must simply report
little in dragon legend that is perfectly
honestly what one sees at all times.
true, there is also little that is entirely
FATALITIES—Unless these are avoided,
false, and the student should seek
the student will make little progress.
information from any other available
source, with an entirely open mind.
 CHAPTER II

DIFFERENT SPECIES OF DRAGON

WESTERN DRAGONS

v v hile it is likely that all of these Western dragon species are closely related, the keen dragonologist
will note a number of interesting differences between them. For example, while the rich flame of the
European dragon is produced from a combustible venom [see Chapter III], the breath of the knucker
does not ignite at all. Frost dragon venom, on the other hand, sprayed in a mist through Arctic
air, has a corrosive action that is similar in almost every respect to the effects of frostbite.

UNLIKE most reptiles, Western

dragons spend much time
caring for their egg-incubated
young after they hatch, and a
firm bond develops quickly
between chick and parent.

No doubt but there is none other beeste comparable to

the mightie dragon in awesome power and majestie,
and few so worthie of the diligent studies of wise
men, Gildas Magnus, Ars Draconis, 1465

i\ ArA&ei\ iuvgMlk (Li m&ws)

The somewhat perilous science of dragometricity—

or dragon measurement—has few living exponents.
However, we can assert that adult wyverns are the
tallest of dragons, standing some 20 feet or so in
height, as may be seen in the following diagram.
a. Human b. Chinese Lung c. European d. Wyvern
EUROPEAN Draco occidentalis magnus
20 FEET (f ■ KNOWN to most people'through their ability to
■ breathe fire and their love of treasure, this species
k r, Jv is now confined to a few remote areas. Effective at
- ~ using language, they shed their skins triennially.
Lair or Nest—A mountain or sea cave in a remote area.
Dimensions [Adult]—45 feet long; 13 to 17 feet high.
Coloration—Red, green, black, or occasionally gold. Forms of

Attack—flame, tail, claws, horns. Food—Cattle, sheep, humans

[the last only if no other food available—due to bitter flavour].
 DRAGONOLOGY

WHILE some authorities claim the knucker is locations is in contrast to that of its
simply a junior form of the European dragon, cousins, which prefer rocky', mountain
this is almost certainly not the case. Indeed, Also, although knuckers do hoard tr
its preference for damp holes and low-lying they attack with venom rather than fire

KNUCKER D raco troglodytes

p ^ Ah FOUND in damp, woodland locations,
near food sources such as rabbit warrens.
, Serpentine in appearance, these creatures
-—- — — --> have only vestigial wings and cannot fly.

Lair or Nest—A deep pond, well or “knucker hole.” Dimensions

[Adult]—30 feet long; 3 to 6 feet high. Coloration—Leathery

brown, dull red, greenish blue. Forms of Attack—Venomous bite,

constriction. Food—Rabbits, deer, farm animals, stray children.

PROMINENT features of the European dragon:

a. arrowhead tail—hardened for use in fighting
b. thick spines c. large batlike wings
d. clawed talons e. scales f. horns
g. fanged teeth h. eyes—providing a truly
phenomenal sense of sight

] m
FROST Draco occidentalis mantimus
SJr1 D J# \ Annual Arctic-to-Antarctic migrators, frost
A *tW*
dragons fly thousands of miles each year to ensure
T W8 that they spend the greater part of the year in their
" r— - favoured dark, winter climates, hunting for food.

Lair or Nest—A sea-facing cave hollowed out from a glacier

or iceberg. Dimensions [Adult]—40 feet long; 12 to 15 feet
high. Coloration—Pure white, or white tinged with blue or pink.
Forms of Attack—Fearsome frosty blast, tail, claws, horns.
Food—Giant squid, polar bear, orca, walrus, leopard seal.
 CHAPTER II

DIFFERENT SPECIES OF DRAGON

EASTERN DRAGONS

t is interesting to note that, while legends of Western dragons portray them as vicious, bloodthirsty
monsters, Eastern dragons are for the most part seen as benevolent helpmeets to mankind. The
reasons for this most likely stem from the historical interactions that mankind has had with
different species of dragon. Clearly some have been better neighbours than others.

Some species of
«S5t|§| lung lay their eggs
WSf in running water.

TIBETAN Draco montana _C/ S /_As

THINNER and redder than its counterpart, the Asian lung, the
Tibetan dragon is a lover ot high altitudes. Its main prey is the
Himalayan yeti, a large mountain ape that has adapted to the cold
conditions and rarefied atmosphere found in the higher mountains.

Lair or Nest—On the open mountainside in summer, in a shallow

den of snow in winter. Dimensions [Adult]—40 feet long; 10 to 12
feet high. Coloration—Almost invariably red. Forms of

Attack—Biting, or else constriction. Food—Usually the large

mountain apes known as yetis, sometimes yaks.
DIFFERENCES BETWEEN EAST & WEST

LINDWORMS Sadly, in the West, mummers’ plays enacting the

For years it was thought that the explorer Marco mutilation and killing of dragons used to be fairly

Polo’s description of a lindworm was actually a common events at May lairs. A

description of a Chinese crocodile. This notion is In the East, dragons are _

quite ludicrous, as the beast he described had only granted a proper respect. ^

two legs, and even a child knows a crocodile During Chinese festivals A k

has four. they are often honoured

with dragon-boat races and y
dragon dances as shown in hf llwfely
this scene depicting such (f Uf
a dance in Canton in 1884. T ; uJ ' if

* , ON*

^ &

Am LINDWORM Draco serpentalis

Cfv FLEET of foot as a wild pony, the lindworm is
eJfjf most often seen at a distance, sometimes in pairs,
chasing its prey of wild Bactrian camels on the
:— --* huge, empty steppes of the Asian interior.

Lair or Nest—A shallow scratch or nest in the earth, out of the

wind. Dimensions [Adult]—35 feet long; 8 to 10 feet high.
Coloration—Usually green, pale orange, or sandy yellow. Forms
yec unfa
of Attack—Claws, constriction. Food—Bactrian [two-humped] ArLUt ll/

camels. The lindworm sometimes menaces silk caravans by night.

 \
DRAGONOLOGY

Japanese lung have four Chinese or Imperial

toes, Indonesia?z three. lung havefive toes.

The lithe movement oj

this species has given
rise to the erroneous
belief that it too can fly.

CHINESE LUNG Draco orientalis magnus

J ■ 4
v W':
fcgfly t • \
■
1
t
•

G&m Vow
M ■) M fmW:J'J.f.J '
f;§| Oi / \wJJ w
i i j wl/AvU t

WBm 1 he lung.t egg was once

thought to be a huge pearl.

LONG associated with all kinds of

water, Asian lung were seen as
having power over rainfall and
storms. It is likely that the four
PROMINENT features of Chinese lung: legendary Chinese “dragon kings’
a. long, whiskery feelers b. staglike horns c. ma were highly impressive specimc
claw e. egg—usually carried in foreclaw f large
 DIFFERENT SPECIES OF DRAGON
OTHER DRAGONS

part from the primary Eastern and Western species of dragon, there are a wide variety of
other species deserving of attention. Unfortunately, space is limited in such a wide-ranging
tome, and so we must pass over the Gargouille, the Naga, and many others, and deal
instead with the most prominent dragons of Africa, the Americas, and Australia.

WYVERN Draco africanus

UNLIKE most other dragons, the wyvern has only

two legs. However, being the largest form of
dragon, it finds these perfectly sufficient for
carrying off its elephant prey.

Lair or Nest—A rocky crag, or occasionally a circular nest in an

area of sand dunes or grass. Dimensions [Adult]—50 feet long; 18
to 20 feet high. Coloration—Muddy brown to lime green. Forms

of Attack—Teeth, claws, lashing tail, dropping from great heights.

WYVERNS Food—Elephants, hippos, rhinos, or other large herbivores.

Two early geographers, Herodotus

and Pliny, both mention the
wyvern’s taste for elephants. It is
possible that the giant elephant¬
hunting bird of Arabian legend,
the roc, was an early case of
mistaken identity.

PROMINENT features of the amphithere:

a. hypersensitive eyesight b. feathery
frill around head c. legless, serpentine
body d. very large wings e. feathery tail

THE PHOENIX

The archaeopteryx fossils discovered in 1860 and

hailed as the missing link between reptiles and birds
helped many people to understand Darwin’s Origin of
Species. In reality, these fossils belonged to a primitive
form of phoenix, a bird that uses a highly effective
Study of the amphithere fire-bath in order to rid itself of parasites and that is in
skeleton reveals vestigial legs. fact the missing link between reptiles and
amphitheres. Sadly, phoenixes are so scarce that until Afire-bath improves the phoenix's plumage so much
recently there was thought to be only one in existence. that people thought it “died" and was “born again."
 DRAGONOLOGY

THIS close-up shows a reconstruction of what an Note the tremendous

amphithere’s foot may once have looked like. It is gripping power in the
not known why the feet were lost, but modern day original claw, now lost.
amphitheres use their serpentlike
tails to “strangle” and carry off / . T' •
1*11 k i, TAlffk
their hapless prey. A Wf f %4

Amphitherefeathers
have a sparkling,
golden appearance.
boec\me\A
MCKfoup IaI

The Mexican amphithere almost certainly

inspired the ancient Aztecs in their descriptions
of their god Quetzalcoatl.

AMPHITHERE D raco amencanus \

In addition to the well-known Mexican feathered X T

\ V(,
amphithere, there is a furry North American }
variety that primarily hunts buffalo and has lf
sometimes been mistaken for a gigantic moth. [_ SL

Lair or Nest—Among the reeds on lakesides or offshore islands.

Dimensions [Adult]—45 feet long; 5 to 10 feet high.
Coloration—Green. Forms of Attack—Flaming breath, tail
lash, constriction. Food—All the large indigenous mammals of the
Americas, typically llamas in the south and buffalo in the north.
MARSUPIAL DRAGONS

As yet, little is known about

the vast Australian interior.

CV- MARSUPIAL D raco marsupialis

\ THOUGHT to be extinct, the marsupial dragon is largely

a J? confined to southeastern Australia. It breathes blue As powerful hind
smoke and often starts bush fires so that it can catch its
legs evolved, the
-prey as they are driven before the flames.
wings shrank. <e mars
Lair or Nest—Rocky caves in Blue Mountain eucalyptus forests.
Dimensions [Adult]—25 feet long; 15 to 18 feet high.
Coloration—Green or blueish. Forms oe Attack—Flaming

breath, lashing tail, kicking feet, boxing “fists.” Food—Any large

marsupials; smaller prey are sought while rearing young.
 THE NATURAL HISTORY OF DRAGONS
DRAGON BIOLOGY & PHYSIOLOGY

Most species of dragons are reptilian and share many features of this animal type such as egg laying,
although they also care for their young. They are unusual in that they are the only creatures that can
speak with meaning apart from humans. However, not all dragons have managed this feat, and it
seems likely that it is only the older, more experienced dragons that have developed this skill.

Large batlike wings

Fanged teeth Thick spines

Scales

EUROPEAN
Draco occidentalis magnus

FIG. 1 EXTERIOR FEATURES

WINGS

In this picture one can see how the

The laws of flight say that dragons, like bees, bend its wings and rotate them quickly in their surprisingly batlike wings of the European
can’t fly, when in actual fact they can. Their sockets and also by the fact that dragon bones dragon are affixed to small “fingers,” which
aerial skill is assisted by the dragon’s ability to are lightweight and hollow like those of birds. can be used to aid the dragon in climbing
sheer cliffs [and by extension, tall buildings].
DIFFERENCES BETWEEN EASTERN & WESTERN SIGHT
A dragon can spot a valuable gem
By comparing this Chinese dragon skull with Dragons have the best sight of from 6,000feet.
the European dragon skull below, differences any animal and were sometimes
in the essential shape of Eastern and Western slain so their eyes could be used
species can be seen. in telescopic lenses. It may be
that Galileo used a dragon lens
Dragon bones are not often found because in his very first telescope, before
of their very fast rate of decomposition. realising that fairly good lenses
could be made by grinding glass.
A dragons eye has six optic nerves,
used to see light in different parts
Nostril of the spectrum.
FIG. 4 DETAIL OF HEAD

A dragonsfire can
reach a temperature
of1,000 degrees!

FEEDING & DIGESTION

Digestion is fairly straightforward in dragons.

In general, a dragon will eat its prey whole when this
is practicable. If not, the dragon may rip its food into
tasty chunks that are small enough to eat. A dragon
feeds once every few weeks. Sometimes, when a
tough specimen is eaten, or one with a hard,
armoured exterior, the dragon will regurgitate its
prey at leisure in order to “shell” it and flame-grill it
to a more succulent tenderness.

SCALES CLAWS

The hard scales of the dragon are capable of Dragon claws are made of keratin, like our
resisting most projectiles, and can be made own hair and nails. Dragons must avoid
into bulletproof armour, using metal rivets. breathing fire on them or they stink horribly.
—.—.
 j / :• •; • '■ ■ *• - -v-v v;- ,

CHAPTER III
?- -*---
- 1--—---7....•<*-—-------—- ..-' V ■ V--- i

THE NATURAL HISTORY OF DRAGONS

THE LIFE CYCLE OF DRAGONS

ragons have a life cycle that resembles that of lizards, although they actively learn some aspects of
DRAGON
their resulting adult behaviours when young, unlike most lizards, whose behaviours are innate. Their
EGGS:
gestation process may best be studied by rearing dragon chicks, but these creatures must be released
into the wild at maturity, not into the New York sewerage system as occurred in one case in 1862.

In the first stage In the second stage

the embryo of the features become
Draco occidentalis discernible.
develops.
European
Egg
Eggshell Chorion

Amnion
Embryo

Yolk sac

FIG. 1 THREE MONTHS FIG. 2 TWELVE MONTHS

THE DRAGONOLOGIST’S HATCHERY

If you can obtain the eggs, you might like to hatch your own
dragon chicks. To keep the eggs warm you need to make a
“nest” of live coals, which must be kept burning over the
gestation period of three years. A small sledgehammer may
help them hatch and, if you are present, the chicks may
Wyvern believe you are their parent dragon, usefully increasing your
Egg chances of surviving that all-important first encounter.

A DRAGON’S NEST

A dragon’s nest need not be soft, for dragon eggs are highly resilient,
Amphithere
but it must be warm. However, the eggs retain heat very well.
Egg
Generally, a nesting mother breathes a jet of flame over her eggs
every three or four hours. Lindworm and wyvern pairs share nesting
duty, whereas only female European dragons care for their nests.
 HOW TO ESTIMATE AGE
Life Spans years.100.200.300.400
Dragons are difficult to age. They shed skin bi- or triennial!}
Chinese ! 1111 ill
Unknown and grow a certain amount every year, so it is possible to
European I i! I! ?1! U11! U! III! ?UI S111 i N! I H?U i 11 i tf! J US! Hils i !h i it i!! M li! s iii llimillll 1 jqo make an estimate from their size. Sometimes the dragon’s

Amphithere lti!lin!ltll!ll!ttililf!!(!llllllli!l!l!llii!ll!il]!IH!l!llH!Uilll!(l! 250 memory of historical events can help. Dragonologists estimate
a life span of about 300 years for a typical European dragon.
knucker iimiiiiiimni'imiiH iimnuc 120
However, no one has any idea how long Chinese lung live.
Human fliimmiiWIim 70

In the third stage an At birth, the horn

“egg horn” develops and tail differences MALE

to aid the chick in between male and

chipping open female chicks are Discarded

the hard shell. in evidence. egg horn

Egg horn

FIG. 3 TWENTY-FOUR MONTHS FIG. 4 THIRTY-SIX MONTHS

SIGNS OF GROWING MATURITY

There are a number of behaviours that show a chick is

POINTS TO REMEMBER:
nearing maturity and will soon seek to leave the nest.

Hoarding The chick collects precious objects from Keep iron and flint objects away from

around the house, reluctant to return them. chicks, or live in a fireproof house.

Fire play The chick seeks out iron and flint objects
and plays by making huge showers of sparks. Do not release young dragons into

Language Chicks repeat any words and the sewerage systems of a large city.

phrases they hear repeatedly,

REARING INFANTS in a parrotlike fashion. Mind your language around chicks—
they may repeat what you say over
Keep an adequate food supply. A 40- to
and over in front of visitors.
50-acre farm with a head of 300 cows should Hoarding behaviour,;

be enough for one chick. Small treats such as often misdirected toward
It is not recommended to leave
turkeys, dogs, cats, mules, or geese may be inappropriate objects,
children and hungry dragons alone.
used as rewards for all-important house such as this penny

training, as a chick learns that setting fire to farthing bicycle, is seen in

Hide all shiny or valuable objt«.
your home is not acceptable behaviour. chicks from an early age.
 THE NATURAL HISTORY OF DRAGONS
DRAGON BEHAVIOUR

T - —
JL he behaviour and feeding habits of dragons have evolved to enable their survival as a species. They
share most of these traits with other animals, but two unique habits are dragons’ love of hoarding
and their ability to speak human language. While there are many theories that relate to the dragon’s
hoarding imperative, so far no one has found a credible reason for their linguistic abilities.

TAME” BEHAVIOURS COURTING BEHAVIOUR

As a result of their interactions Like the bowerbirds of New

with humans, Asian lung have Guinea, the male dragon woos a
been known to exhibit “tame” female by creating an elaborate
behaviours. They are quite ready “nest” decorated with treasures
to accept a gift of food, provided selected to please. Frequently, as
that it is of a suitable quality, and can be seen below, a male will
some Chinese temples have a attempt to gain favour with his
monk whose primary task is the bride by presenting her with
preparation of succulent meals a particularly choice gemstone.
for the local dragons.

In preparing a meal, only the very

finest and best ingredients

The larger species seek a

mate every 28 years or so.

EUROPEAN Draco occidentalis magnus

 DRAGONOLOGY

HOARDING BEHAVIOUR

The hoarding behaviour of dragons providing them with protection in

most likely evolved because dragons their one vulnerable area. The dragons
have a soft, unarmoured “Achilles who evolved this hoarding behaviour
spot” on their bellies. When they lie were the ones who survived. Those
Ruby
on treasure, some of the jewels stick, who did not are no longer with us.

LANGUAGE

This area of dragon behaviour is a DRAGON SCRIPT

mystery. They are the only creatures Emerald
p A i- N
apart from humans who both speak b B P O
and, when occasion demands, write. k C-K P
Particularly interesting is the Western M D R R
dragon’s well-known taste for riddles M E h S
V F t T
and language games.
X G h U-V
H H P W Amethyst
1 TJ T X
r L m Y
n M T z

Diamond

Like tigers, weak or old dragons who cannot hunt their usual prey may
become man- or rather maiden-eaters. This is because maidens are
more likely to wear jewellery containing favourite dragon gems such
as rubies, emeralds, amethysts, or diamonds, shown on the right.
■

CHAPTER IV

WORKING WITH DRAGONS

FINDING & TRACKING DRAGONS

here is no more satisfying activity for the dragonologist than that of studying dragons in the wild
it is the best way of enhancing our knowledge of these creatures. While armchair science has
its own rewards, the achievement of tracking and locating a dragon and, hopefully,
reaching a position of acceptance and trust will allow the student to
put into perspective all that has been so diligently learned. XA

Encourage a dragon to
the cave mouth with an
offering of a suitable gift.
Remember that dragons
cannot easily be fooled!

WHERE TO LOOK FOR DRAGONS

Referencing the map and table [after Chapter I], one

may be in a position to determine in what sort of
terrain each type of dragon is most likely found.
Above is the perfect sort of mountain location with a
large cave where a Tibetan dragon may be located.

CONCEALMENT is recommended
until a sense of trust has been built
vy y-\\
up. Sadly, fatalities have resulted
11,
Or - from very young, inexperienced
dragonologists being too keen to
introduce themselves too soon.
TELLTALE SIGNS OF DRAGON ACTIVITY

To the experienced eye, it is easy to tell at once when

a dragons range has been entered and exactly what
dragon is being encountered.

• Footprints & tail swishing marks

• Burned scorched trees and undergrowth
• Small, depleted-lookingflocks of sheep
• Frightened villagers, with excitable children
• A tendency for the locals to eschew jewellery
• Focal legends about dragon activity, often
dismissed as “'smuggler’s tales" to keep people away
• A local hotel or hostelry with a reputation for
eccentric visitors [likely to be rival dragonologists or
newspaper hacks hot on a scoo.
 DRAGONOLOGY

APPROACHING AN EASTERN LUNG DANGERS IN THE FIELD

Less care but more protocol is required While the dangers of suffering from bites, burns, slashes from
than for approaching Western dragons. claws, death-by-constriction, tail lashings, venom attacks, and so
It may be useful if an assistant stands by forth should never be underestimated, the lesser danger of hypnosis
to provide water, but the main thing is often ignored. The mechanism for this is little understood, but it
to remember is to retain a highly seems to occur in a similar way to that seen when a snake hypnotises
respectful attitude at all times. a frog. Dragons can hypnotise large groups of individuals at one
time, and the effects may last for some months, with the hypnotised
You may even get
person often found apparently carrying on their everyday life. The
lung to eat right
signs are easy to read: an obsession with dragons, wizards, fairies, or
out of your hands!
tales of other worlds; a mad delight in fantastic illustrations and
ideas; a dislike of human rules or authorities. Luckily, there is a
tried and trusted method that may be used as a sure remedy:

• A person who has been hypnotised by a dragon should be made to do a

large number of complicated mathematical sums.

• All books on dragons, wizards, or suchlike should be confiscated, and

books on stimulating topics—politics, economic theory, the history of
* ?f< f'$ ESSENTIAL EQUIPMENT
benzene in the manufacturing industries, etc.—should be substituted.
v**-
Over time, student dragonologists will build up their own
• Exhortations to the person to "snap out of it" or to "stop living in
lists of essential equipment. Here is a basic list:
cloud-cuckoo land ” are rarely successful.
• A notebook, to preserve all important records
Chinese Ideally, should have a heatproof cover
Lung • A heatproof pen, ink, and a soft sketching pencil
• A reasonably powerful magnifying glass
*, f f
* **
• Special heat-protective clothing
• A relief map of the area that shows both fauna types
and geological formations
w • A camera, although all attempts
to photograph dragons so far
Wyvern have been failures

FIELD PROCEDURE
°W
Upon discovering signs of dragon activity such as
footprints [see left], the scientific dragonologist will
Knucker
record precise details of the event: the location, time,
date, and weather conditions. This should be repeated
over a number of days. Feeding and behaviour should
f
definitely be noted, although not at such a range as to
make it an unpleasantly personal experience. Attempts at
interaction should be included, whether they involve

w speech or spells. One should take care to take nothing

from a dragon as this will not only cause grave danger to
European
the dragonologist but may also provoke a fiery retribution
to any other people who live in the surrounding area.
 WORKING WITH DRAGONS
TAMING & FLYING DRAGONS

v v hile it is nearly always best to study dragons in the field, there may be times when it is
necessary to befriend them, or to render them temporarily tame. A good example of such a
need would be when the location where a dragon dwells is in imminent danger of being
overrun by human activities such as mining or logging. In this case an attempt must
be made to move the dragon to another suitable but currently dragon-free location.

Dragons fly at higher

altitudes than most
humans can tolerate.

TAMING DRAGONS

While there are various methods of taming dragons, they all

have a merely temporary effect on those that were not raised A bespoke saddle and harness
from the egg. See Appendix II tor a spell that will tame dragons. should be commissionedfrom
Potions have also been used. Remember it is possible that a a discreet saddler.
dragon will be angry on recovering from a taming, especially if it
was embarrassed or compromised in any way.

The sages of Arabia

developed a number
of potent methods
to tame dragons.
 DRAGONOLOGY

BEFRIENDING DRAGONS

It is far better to befriend dragons rather

than tame them. As they love to hoard,
the offer of treasure will at least
encourage the ones who can speak to
give you a hearing, but especially beware
of taking the advice of dragons at face
value as they are incredibly wily. Above
all, dragons who can speak seem to love
riddles and word games, and traditionally
any human who could outwit them in a
riddle contest gained their respect.

The dragons tail is used

for balance and lateral
stability in flight.

The dive and swoop of a

A looping manoeuvre is possible if hunting dragon can be useful
enough speed is achieved. A happy for taking a closer look at
dragon is a dragon that loops. groundfeatures.

FLYING TECHNIQUES

Attempting to ride on a dragon should

be done only in cases of dire need, or
with a dragon’s express permission.
With the right harness and equipment
it is possible to achieve a number of
manoeuvres that are both entertaining
and useful, basically following the
natural patterns a flying dragon uses This inverted manoeuvre

to mark out its territorial boundaries to takes some practise. Strong

other dragons in the vicinity. knees are required in order

to avoid falling off '.
—me-

A DRAGONOLOGICAL LABORATORY

T
JL he material that is presented in these appendices, help conserve the dragons that remain, not destroy them.
particularly that in respect of parts of dead dragons, is This author hopes that a parallel will not be drawn with
given for information only. More research is needed into the numbers of rhinos and tigers killed each year and
this area, but the purpose of the present volume is to used in “medicines” of doubtful value or for trophies.

AMPHITHERE FEATHERS

The most ticklish of all feathers, these can

DRAGON DUNG DRAGON SCALES
be made into dusters or special quills.
A remedy for scaring away savage beasts, Dissolved in sulphuric acid, and then Additionally, they can be woven together into
dung is invaluable in trips to wild regions. dissolved again in 100 parts water, dragon protective coverings of varying sorts.
Rubbed daily into the face, it is a cure for scales have been used for centuries as
DRAGON’S BLOOD
many skin conditions. As an all-purpose an invisible ink that glows only under
fertiliser, it has the property of allowing the magnetic conditions pertaining at a Dragon’s blood, while corrosive, can in small
plants to grow in record time. One drawback full moon. doses promote health and regeneration, and
is that dung from a female dragon in heat can be used to effectively heal most wounds.
sometimes acts as a strong attractor to males. A dragons claw, while not In larger doses it is dangerous, but it can have
as hard as diamond, may a potent effect on the brain, particularly on
DRAGON TEETH
be used to test the relative the areas that control language acquisition.
Contrary to the legends of Heracles or Jason, hardness of different sorts
Dragons blood
dragon teeth cannot be “sown” to produce a of minerals.

o
race of fierce warriors. But this myth may
(i x
have arisen because the teeth themselves
make some of the very sharpest of possible L-A
UvJ
edges for weapons, only recently matched by
new steel-smelting technologies. Microscope

Like the workshop of the

Lovers of fire, truly
ancient alchemist, the
mythical salamanders
modern laboratory
possess three pairs of legs.
is full of wonders. JjfJf'

To avoid picking up the wrong ingredient, remember to label all your specimens very clearly!
 DRAGONOLOGY

DRAGON HORN

Perhaps there is no music so deep and sweet

PREPARING DRAGON HIDE
as that which is played on a properly
Cured on an iron frame, sloughed-off dragon hollowed-out dragon horn. In addition,
hide loses none of its hardness and can be made powdered horn mixed with salamander
into protective shields, hides, or costumes. The grease acts on the eyes, nose, and ears,
different sections must be riveted together. producing temporary supersenses. THE DRAGON’S EYE

Like the alchemists of old, whose highest

aim was to seek out the philosopher’s
stone, capable of transforming base metals
into gold, dragonologists sought the
mystical dragon’s eye for centuries. It is the
only sure means to determine those
A NEWFANGLED APPROACn dragonologists who, by reason of their

One use that has not been tested is using light, innate wisdom and affinities with dragons,

strong dragon hide on a framework of bone to may become true dragonmasters. For some

mimic the gliders that are all the rage in reason most likely associated with the

America and France. One almost fantasises dragon’s ability to see light across various

that, with an engine, the contraption might fly! parts of the spectrum [due to its six optic
nerves], a true dragonmaster is reflected
with perfect clarity in this precious gem.
DRAGON DUST
Fortunately, my own tutor finally suceeded
This substance can be collected from the in locating it. It was secreted in a cavern
DRAGON BONES
cave walls around the nests of breeding near More Hall in England by Elizabethan
Being incredibly strong yet light, dragon bones mothers. It condenses from their breath dragonologist and natural philosopher Dr.
can be used to make shelters, in much the and has a highly soporific effect if mixed John Dee and is often referred to by him as
same way as some Inuits build shelters with enough dragon blood. Used in quantity, his crystal ball, or “shew stone.”
of whalebone. Alternatively, flame-resistant this mixture may even help to pacify fully
coracles can be constructed to assist in the grown dragons, but under no circumstances
Scientific dragonology makes little
scientific exploration of volcano craters. should dragon dust be ingested by humans.
use of the alembics, athenors, or
Herbs other paraphernalia of yesteryear.

Glass flask
& stirrer

A good pestle and mortar will befound invaluable in the preparation of potions.
 USEFUL SPELLS & CHARMS

11 dragons being magical creatures, it is not surprising superfluous, such as the magic words. Yet the spells do not
that there is magic associated with them. Interestingly, it is work without them. While discouraging scientific
not understood by scientists why these spells and charms dragonologists from magic, we must conclude that magic
work, and there may be elements in them that are in fact is simply science that no one understands yet.

THE HONG WEI INVISIBILITY SPELL EDMUND GRYPHON’S COOLING SPELL

Take four freshwater pearls, ground into Take the tongue of a blind salamander that
a powder with dragon horn and jade. Mix has lived thirty-one days and a night. Grind
this powder in the grease of a freshly it in a mortar with black alabaster and the
killed seven-day-old koi, and massage clipped mane of a unicorn. Heat all till
liberally all over the clothes and body, smoke rises. Then smear mixture over
repeating over and over as a mantra: clothing by moonlight, all the while
repeating these powerful words:
She zheng wang dong • li pa!
ABRA-SALAMANDRA!
ALABASTRUM FRIGID UM!
UNICORNUCOPIA!
This spell is found toward the end of the
first section of the remarkable Dragon * * * * *

Sutra of Hong Wei. It lasts four hours. The heat-resistant effect lasts for three
days, then wears off gradually.

ABRAMELIN’S TAMING SPELL DR. DEE’S DRAGON SUMMONATION

Take three troy ounces of dragon dust
Hollow out the horn of a dragon. Take it to
from a silver dish that has been thrice
the high point of a hill that has a barrow,
washed in water that has reflected a new
burial mound, or old castle upon it. Turn
moon. Cast it over the dragon, crying:
once about and blow three times on the
Ivahsi yiiduin! horn before repeating this verse:
Enimor taym inspelz!
Dragon kin that come and go,
Boyar ugoner gedit! Come and aid me here below.
Serpents one and serpents all,
Come and heed my dragon call!
This spell is hard to get right, because it
BEST METHOD OF APPLYING DUST FLAM MI FAX! ARFAX! ORFAX!
is very difficult to pronounce the words
correctly. It seems likely that they are MINIFAX! MAGNIFAX! THORFAX!
Perfect the casting of dragon dust, using
actually in the secret dragonish tongue. rice or confetti. The best area to practise
The spell will last for a full three hours. is at a church with a wedding in progress. For one week dragons will protect you.

Right: the remarkable

and swift efficacy of
Hong Wei's long-lasting
invisibility spell.

START AFTER 5 SECONDS AFTER 10 SECONDS AFTER 15 SECONDS

Recite the spell. One third of body is invisible. One third of body remaining. Whole body is invisible.
 DRAGONOLOGY

THE TALISMAN OF MASTER MERLIN

Nine times nine lives hath lived, the cat
As an aside on matters magical, we should refer to the talisman And ninety nights are nine by ten,
of Master Merlin. The image here is copied from Ars Draconis, Nine ounces from nine pounds of fat,
penned by the monk Gildas Magnus in 1465. According to Nine times hath pecked the Dorking hen,
Magnus, Merlin used it to release the dragons beneath Dinas So nine times nine I'll call to thee,
Emrys [see Appendix III], The talisman is kept Ninth of those nine, come thou to me!
by a dragon that will lend it in exchange
for answering a lost riddle. In the Repeat this verse eight times, holding the
rune booklet [Chapter III] talisman aloft, and at the ninth a dragon
you can see a fragment of will appear. Bow low as she
this lost riddle from approaches. Then otter forth the
Dinas Emrys. What talisman. When it is accepted,
follows are the you may ask her to perform
[probably garbled] any one action that lies in her
words of the power, and it will be done.
talisman spell. She will now become the
keeper of the talisman.

The talisman of Master

Merlin must be sought
zuith care and used only
once, for good or ill.

While some dragons can

read, they do not have the It is ill advised to try to keep the
ability to open secret envelopes. talisman, as it properly belongs to
Keep the rune spell below safe! dragons, which will certainly search
for it if it is not used.

WARNING—THE DANGERS

As with all of these appendices, known to backfire on those who

I make no recommendations that innocently tried to use them, and
they be tried, as the results are sure to should a dragon overcome you while
be uncertain and the ingredients you were trying to use a taming spell,
hard to obtain. Magic is an attractive for example, there is no knowing
study, to be sure, but to a truly what sort of fun it might then decide
modern dragonologist only as to have. It is better to know much,
attractive as its true [rather than see much, learn much but do little
imagined] causes and effects may be other than the things which may
studied under the aegis of science. help to conserve and protect the few
Remember that spells have been dragons that remain on earth.
 • j§£ • '.7

APPENDIX III
:A v

DRAGONOLOGISTS & DRAGONSLAYERS OF HISTORY

Um any study it is useful to understand a little about Indeed, even the best-known dragonologists from history
those who have gone before. This is partly because, given preferred to be known first as magicians, explorers, or
haughty modern scepticism about dragons, many living natural philosophers. Dragonslayers, on the other hand,
dragonologists are very keen to conceal their identities. have always seemed to court rather than avoid publicity.

■pni

MERLIN AMBROSIUS: Vth Century A.D.

Merlin is considered the founding father of Western dragonology. dragons—a red Welsh dragon and a white Saxon one—had been
Nennius, the 9th century historian, recounts the story that King imprisoned in a cavern beneath the fortress years before by King
Vortigern, retreating into North Wales, tried to build a fortress at Llud. Merlin released the dragons, which fought until the red
Dinas Emrys. However, no sooner were walls set up than they dragon defeated the white one. Vortigern took this to be an
collapsed again. Merlin was able to explain the reason: Two rival omen that he too would defeat the Saxons, as he in fact did.

EDWARD TOPSELL: XVIIth Century A.D. MARCO POLO: XHIth Century A.D.

Topsell, an early English naturalist, Marco Polo, an Italian traveller, studied

included a detailed section on dragons in dragons en route to China. He writes
his scholarly History of Four-footed Beasts about elephant-hunting wyverns, two-
of 1607. In one note he mentions that legged lindworms, and the methods used
dragons are fond of lettuce but that to launder asbestos [or dragon-proof]
apples give them stomachaches. The clothes in the desert lands of Karakhoja.
present author has not tested these
hypotheses but recommends that his
readers carry a small head of leaf or
iceberg in case an opportunity arises.

In Tops ell’s time, modern science was

born when trust in ancient authorities
gave way to the current method of testing
hypotheses through repeated observations.
 DRAGONOLOGY

GEORGE OF CAPPADOCIA: Illrd Century A.D.

George of Cappadocia was a dragonslayer who became

confused with a Christian saint. This is partly because they
shared the same name and partly because, while George of
Cappadocia slew an actual dragon, St. George slew the
symbolic dragon of paganism. The dragon George of
Cappadocia slew was not evil, just hungry. The people of
Libya, where the dragon lived, had become rich, and their
large flocks grazed on land that was once the habitat of the
dragon’s natural prey. So it was not surprising that, having
eaten all their sheep, the hungry dragon resorted to
feeding on townsfolk. Interestingly, Sylene, the town
where this took place, seems to have been destroyed, as it
cannot be found on the map at all, which leads us to
wonder if George was quite as successful at ridding the
area of dragons as history has since painted him.

BEOWULF: Vlth Century A.D.

Beowulf, the famous Danish

king, was forced to become a
dragonslayer when a local
dragon was aroused to fury
by the theft of a cup from its
hoard. Unable to pacify the
dragon, Beowulf decided to
face it alone in order to save
his subjects. Badly bitten and
burned, he would have failed
had not his faithful servant
Wiglaf stabbed the dragon,
enabling Beowulf to finally
despatch it, although mortally
wounded himself.

FU HSI: MMCMLXII B.C.

Fu Hsi is the first recorded

dragonologist. A dragon met
him in 2962 B.C. on the
banks of China’s Yellow
River and gave him the vital
secret of writing. Fu Hsi used
writing to teach people how
to become civilised: to use a
compass and set-square to
take accurate measurements,
to make music, to fish, and to
domesticate animals. It is not
known whether modern
dragons regret so generously
helping mankind in this wav.
!
s

! AFTERWORD
THE WORK OF A DRAGONOLOGIST

i
above all prepared. At all times be silent about your work. At all times be secret and subtle. Do not
discuss dragons with people who do not believe in them, or with those who merely seek to amuse themselves.
Work only with those who share your passion. Learn what you can from all of the other sciences.
Cherish all animals. Then one day the world may at last learn to accept the honourable science of dragonology.

KNOWLEDGE & IGNORANCE CONSERVATION

When studying dragons, remember the dangers, and Undoubtedly, this is by far our most pressing concern.
remember that it is only through increasing your As the Earth becomes more populous, the wild regions
knowledge that you will learn the best ways of studying that are the home of the dragon become fewer.
them. This is particularly true of those who leave their Unless we dragonologists can take the proper
armchairs and go on to become fully fledged field steps, these fantastic beasts may disappear from
dragonologists. As someone else may well say one day on our world altogether, never to be seen again.
a very similar topic: when you visit dragons, take nothing
BEWARE OF OTHERS
but photographs; leave nothing but your footprints.
Not everyone who studies dragons does so
AND LAST
for the right reasons. For some, the lust
Only a few become master dragonologists. Such are for power is too strong to resist. For
reflected in the mystical dragon’s eye. Their task is to others, it is the lust for gold.
conserve and protect those few dragons that remain, for Be wary at all times.
who knows how many shall last another century, with the
human population growing at such an exponential rate?
And with them, how many more of Earth’s creatures
will become extinct until people start to say that they
never existed at all, except in our imaginations?

HUNTERDON E~CSONAL H.S.

°* ^BRary
SOUTH HUNTERDON REG HS LIBRARY

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