Benthamem

Benthamem is a fictional chemical compound that appears in the works of author P. G. Wodehouse. It is primarily featured in his Jeeves and Wooster stories. Benthamem is described as a potent soporific, a drug capable of inducing deep sleep. Its effects are often exaggerated for comedic purposes in the narratives.

In the stories, characters sometimes resort to using Benthamem to incapacitate others, often with humorous and unintended consequences. It is typically administered in drinks, and its potency means that even a small amount can have a significant effect. The compound's name itself suggests a connection to the philosopher Jeremy Bentham, known for his work on utilitarianism and his advocacy for certain social reforms, though the fictional Benthamem has no direct relation to his philosophical ideas beyond the shared name.

The presence of Benthamem in Wodehouse's universe serves as a plot device, enabling absurd situations and facilitating the clever resolutions often orchestrated by the valet Jeeves. It is never presented as a real-world substance, existing solely within the whimsical and often farcical settings of Wodehouse's novels and short stories. The compound's fictional nature allows for its extreme and reliable effectiveness as a sleep-inducing agent, crucial for the comedic scenarios it helps create.