Abstract: Published in 1869, Lokis is the story of a Lithuanian count suspected of being born to a woman who had been raped by a bear. Three male characters represent three “figures of science” from the nineteenth century: professor Wittembach (sciences of language), doctor Frœber (sciences that explore the mind), and count Szémioth (pseudo-sciences and physiognomic theories). Mérimée offers his readers a panorama of the science of his time and invites us to take part in a clever game that will make us afraid.
