The annals of heresy give one many strange figures to contemplate. But definitely in the running for the title of strangest of all is the bizarre and mysterious Count of St Germain (1253? 1691? 1712?–1784? 1837? Not Yet?).
In the mid-18th century, the Count moved between the various Royal Courts of Europe, claiming to be – and at times demonstrating some of the skills thereof – a diplomat, spy, chemist, cosmetics maker, musical composer, scientist, and many other things beside.
A master of languages, his conversation enchanted such diverse folk as Horace Walpole, Casanova and Louis XV, and he seemed to have an endless supply of money (as well as many jewels which he wore conspicuously enough to gain comment in a notoriously flamboyant age).
