THE FIRST ray of light which brightens the darkness of the obscurity which hides the earlier history of the career of the immortal Mr Pickwick, comes from reading the following entry in the Transactions of the Pickwick Club. The editor of these papers is extremely pleased to present these to his readers, because they prove the careful attention, indefatigable energy, and fine judgement with which he has conducted his search through the many documents he has been given.

'May 12, 1827. Joseph Smiggers, Esq., P.V.P.M.P.C. [Perpetual Vice-President--Member Pickwick Club], presiding. Everyone has agreed that:--

'This Association has heard read, with feelings of complete satisfaction, and total approval, the paper by Samuel Pickwick, Esq., G.C.M.P.C. [General Chairman--Member Pickwick Club], called "Speculations on the Source of the Hampstead Ponds, with some Observations on the Theory of Tittlebats;". This Association warmly thanks Samuel Pickwick, Esq., G.C.M.P.C., for this paper.

Vocabulary:

Ray: A line of light (e.g. from a torch).
Obscurity: Something hidden or unknown.
Immortal: Someone who does not die, or who is always remembered.
Transactions: Things done or said between people.
Indefatigable: Never getting tired.
Conducted: Done, performed
Judgement: Choosing the right thing to do.
Esq: A title rather like 'Mr' (not much used today).
Presiding: In charge of a meeting.
Association: A club of people interested in the same thing.
Speculations: Unproven ideas about something.
Hampstead: An area in London with a large park.
Tittlebats: A made-up word by Dickens.