h2g2 The Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy: Earth Edition

Try to find the answer to an arcane question. Google may be used, but it won't necessarily find you the answer straight off. You may have to dig a bit.

First question:

What sort of stuff is ziff?

Ziff publishes magazines, journals, newsletters, electronic information products, training manuals and provides market research about the computer industry, and organises, produces and manages trade shows and seminars on the computer industry

What is a zit ?

Thank you Lord Wolfden but it's not time for question 2 yet.

What sort of stuff is ziff? Answer: metal. Now where is it first (and last) mentioned in literature?

The more I reveal the easier it gets; and the less the achievement.

Ziff ranks Twain's "accomplished travel literature

Not Twain; earlier. Right continent.

stumped

OK more clues. Look for it in the company of Ether and . . . no that won't find it immediately. Want another clue?

Errm

Persist. The answer is on page two of a current google for "ether ziff"; three different results.

give up someone else have a try

You don't know how close you are!!

Well i'll give someone else a go now

Another clue then. Alma.

Last clue: Mosiah.

well it could be tin. if you're going to be that obscure there is no definitive answer.
choadbaby.

Google for ziff mosiah.

The first page of ten results all point uniquely to the work of literature where the word 'ziff' (ostensibly meaning a metal) was first mentioned: The Book of Mormon, translated into English by Joseph Smith, published 1830.

Question no. 2: What sort of thing is a bissex? Clue: not a person's name.

Something to do with OSX programming?

No. Pre-electronic.

Now where did I put my special glasses?...the ones I use for reading Reform Egyptian...