Confirmed: Even if you'd already previously pick-pocketed and turned in the recipe to the Middle Managers. Was able to progress onwards and finally scratch this one off my dance card. Thank you Lestats.
Don't suppose anyone has found a fix for the Man in The Moon Man Mask?
Or are you screwed if you don't have Science 9? Because the Dumb options, The Convict Option, and the 1 Observation option just lead to dead ends and from then on he won't talk to you if you return.