This book describes the world's first scientific investigation of eccentric people. It concerns itself with the issue of the possible schizophrenic-like thinking in such people based on the eccentric informants responses to a thorough mental state examination. In addition to this, there are thorough analyses of the development of eccentricity in children and adolescents, the thought and language of the eccentrics studied, a wide examination of non-conformity, and a comprehensive study of all the ways that eccentrics may be exceptional. The major part of this book winds up with the intriguing connection with creativity in the arts and sciences.