five minutes before five o'clock, winter
In a little pocket , somewhat smaller than a watch-pocket , but occupying pretty nearly the same situation as a watch-pocket on each thigh , there was placed a small box , something like a watch-case , but smaller ; into this box was introduced a watch-spring in a wheel , round about which wheel was wound an elastic cord , for regulating the force of which there was a separate contrivance . To the two ends of this cord were attached hooks , which hooks were carried through a small aperture in the pockets , and so passing down the inner and the outer side of the thigh , caught hold of two loops which were fixed on the off side and the near side of each stocking . As might be expected , so complex an apparatus was liable , like the Ptolemaic system of the heavens , to occasional derangements ; however , by good luck , I was able to apply an easy remedy to these disorders which sometimes threatened to disturb the comfort , and even the serenity , of the great man . Precisely at five minutes before five o'clock , winter or summer , Lampe , Kant 's servant , who had formerly served in the army , marched into his master 's room with the air of a sentinel on duty , and cried aloud in a military tone , -- ` Mr. Professor , the time is come . ' This summons Kant invariably obeyed without one moment 's delay , as a soldier does the word of command -- never , under any circumstances , allowing himself a respite , not even under the rare accident of having passed a sleepless night . As the clock struck five , Kant was seated at the breakfast-table , where he drank what he called _ one _ cup of tea ; and no doubt he thought it such ; but the fact was , that in part from his habit of reverie , and in part also for the purpose of refreshing its warmth , he filled up his cup so often , that in general he is supposed to have drunk two , three , or some unknown number . Immediately after he smoked a pipe of tobacco , -LRB- the only one which he allowed himself through the entire day , -RRB- but so rapidly , that a pile of glowing embers remained unsmoked .