Chapter I: “Boston, Aug. 19, 1817

“The Committee appointed by the Linnaean Society, at their meeting on the 18th. inst. for the purpose of collecting any evidence which may exist respecting a remarkable animal, denominated a _Sea Serpent_, reported to have recently been seen in and near the harbour of _Cape Ann_, have concluded on the following method of proceeding in the execution of their commission.”

“I. The examination to be confined to persons professing actually to have seen the animal in question.

“II. Such persons to be examined as may be met with by either of the Committee, or by Hon. Lonson Nash of Gloucester, who is to be requested by a letter addressed to him from the Committee to undertake this service.”

“III. All testimony on the subject to be taken in writing, and after being deliberately read to the person testifying, to be signed by him, and sworn before a magistrate. The examinations to be separate, and the matter testified by any witness not to be communicated until the whole evidence be taken.”

“IV. The persons testifying to be requested first to relate their recollections on the subject, which being taken down, the following questions to be proposed, if not rendered unnecessary by the statement given.”

“Questions.”

“1. When did you first see this animal?”

“2. How often and how long at a time?”

“3. At what times of the day?”

“4. At what distance?”

“5. How near the shore?”

“6. What was its general appearance?”

“7. Was it in motion or at rest?”

“8. How fast did it move, and in what direction?”

“9. What parts of it were above the water and how high?”

“10. Did it appear jointed or only serpentine?”

“11. If serpentine, were its sinuosities vertical or horizontal?”

“12. How many distinct portions were out of water at one time?”

“13. What were its colour, length and thickness?”

“14. Did it appear smooth or rough?”

“15. What were the size and shape of its head, and had the head ears, horns, or other appendages?”

“16. Describe its eyes and mouth.”

“17. Had it gills or breathing holes, and where?”

“18. Had it fins or legs, and where?”

“19. Had it a mane or hairs, and where?”

“20. How did its tail terminate?”

“21. Did it utter any sound?”

“22. Did it appear to pursue, avoid or notice any thing?”

“23. Did you see more than one?”

“24. How many persons saw it?”

“25. State any other remarkable fact.”