Trieste

Trieste is a city on the border of the Austrian Empire and Italy. It is sometimes under Italian occupation and sometimes under Austrian rule.

Psychoanalysis

Psychoanalysis is a therapeutic method for curing mental illness, which involves the patient talking to the psychoanalyst. It was created by Dr. Sigmund Freud around 1900.

The Bourse

The Bourse is the place where gentlemen in Trieste go to gamble on the stock market.

Veronal

Veronal is a poison which can be fatal, but not if the victim receives prompt medical attention. Guido kills himself by drinking veronal.

Basedow's Disease

Basedow's disease, which Ada has, is a syndrome commonly associated with an overactive thyroid. In the United States it is called Graves' disease.

Guido Speier & Co.

Guido Speier & Co. is the doomed business that Guido starts, with Zeno's help. They buy and sell various goods.

Violin

Zeno plays the violin terribly. Guido is...