William Buckland's Exotic Appetite

William Buckland (1784-1856) was not only a distinguished geologist but also a zoophage, known for his unconventional eating habits. His approach to food was far from ordinary, as he constantly sought out new and exotic animals to include in his diet. Buckland's unconventional culinary adventures took him to extremes. He indulged in a wide variety of animals, from mice and moles to crocodiles and crickets. His fascination with unique delicacies knew no bounds. He once learned of the death of a leopard at a zoo and was determined to taste it. To achieve this, he had the leopard exhumed.

One of the most bizarre episodes in Buckland's eating history involved blue bottle flies, which he claimed to be the worst food he ever consumed. His appetite went beyond animals, as he once famously ate the preserved heart of a French King, declaring, "I have eaten many strange things, but have never eaten the heart of a king before." William Buckland's unique gastronomic adventures showcased his adventurous spirit, and his penchant for trying the unconventional left a lasting mark on his reputation as a British eccentric.