Are You a Bromide? The Sulphitic Theory Expounded and Exemplified According to the Most Recent Researches into the Psychology of Boredom, Including Many Well-Known Bromidioms Now in Use

In this delightfully off‑beat essay the author tackles the age‑old habit of sorting people into neat boxes, but does so with a fresh, tongue‑in‑cheek framework: the Sulphites and the Bromides. Drawing on a 1906 “smart set” article and a lively correspondence with a Louisiana chatelaine, the piece argues that boredom and dullness can be measured with the same precision as chemistry, turning everyday observations into a playful taxonomy. The opening sections lay out the history of the theory, its origins in a parties‑guest list, and the author’s promise to prove the classification with a scientific‑sounding, yet humor‑laden, argument.

Readers are treated to a parade of ‘bromidioms’—wry sayings that capture the stultifying habits of the unoriginal—alongside vivid anecdotes from Venice to Southern plantations. The style blends Edwardian satire with early psychology, making the work both a cultural time capsule and a witty guide to spotting the conversational dead‑weight in any social circle. Listeners who enjoy clever wordplay, historical humor, and a light‑hearted probe into why some conversations feel as stale as old chemicals will find this essay an engaging, thought‑provoking listen.