Dr. “Jackey” Barrett of Trinity College, Dublin, Ireland, was as well known for his eccentricities as he was for his ability to teach Hebrew. As a rule he prefaced everything he said with the words, “Do you see me now.” A typical conversation would be like this:
Student: “Good morning, Dr. Barrett.”
Barrett: “Do you see me now. Good morning to you.”
Student: “May I make an appointment to see you about my grade?”
Barrett: “Do you see me now. Yes, please see my secretary, and she will help you.”
Student: “Couldn’t I just see you now?”
Barrett: “Do you see me now. No, you may not see me now.”