Literary notes about Probe (AI summary)
The term "probe" is employed in literature both as a tangible instrument and as a metaphorical tool for exploration. In historical and technical writings, it often refers to a slender, specialized device used for examination or treatment, evident in detailed descriptions of surgical tools and scientific instruments [1, 2, 3, 4]. At the same time, more abstract uses appear in literary and philosophical contexts where to "probe" means to investigate deeply—whether it is the mysteries of nature, human emotions, or complex arguments [5, 6, 7, 8]. This dual application illustrates the word’s capacity to bridge concrete physical inquiry with the figurative search for hidden truths.
- Thus a common form of toilet instruments consists of a probe-like instrument with an olive at one end and a sharp stylet at the other.
— from Surgical Instruments in Greek and Roman Times by John Stewart Milne - Two epilation forceps, one ditto with leaf shaped ends and catch, three spoon probes, one spatula probe.
— from Surgical Instruments in Greek and Roman Times by John Stewart Milne - I have a spatula-probe which had been overlaid with gold, and I have met with several others similarly treated.
— from Surgical Instruments in Greek and Roman Times by John Stewart Milne - Galen (xii. 689) says foreign bodies may be removed thus by a probe dipped in resin.
— from Surgical Instruments in Greek and Roman Times by John Stewart Milne - And, if you'll probe the thing profoundly, Knew you so much—and you'll confess it roundly!—
— from Faust [part 1]. Translated Into English in the Original Metres by Johann Wolfgang von Goethe - Still I suspect that you and Simmias would be glad to probe the argument further.
— from Phaedo by Plato - From Estella she looked at me, with a searching glance that seemed to pry into my heart and probe its wounds.
— from Great Expectations by Charles Dickens - He had time in which to wonder about himself and to attempt to probe his sensations.
— from The Red Badge of Courage: An Episode of the American Civil War by Stephen Crane
