Science in the 19th Century Periodical

Punch, Or the London Charivari [1st]

Introductory Essay
Volume 1  (July to December 1841)
Punch,  1 (1841), 2.

Lessons in Punmanship

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Anon

Genre:

Introduction, Drollery; Notes, Drollery

Subjects:

Disease, Medical Treatment


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Punch,  1 (1841), 28.

Animal Magnetism

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Anon

Genre:

News-Commentary

Subjects:

Animal Magnetism, Mesmerism, Government, Political Economy


    Responds to a report in The Times The Times (1777–1900+) Waterloo Directory
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of Charles Lafontaine Lafontaine, Charles (fl. 1847–66) RLIN
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, who mesmerised a boy and deprived him of all sensation. Suspects that somebody has mesmerised the Poor Law Commission Poor Law Commission
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because they show a 'total want of feeling'.



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Punch,  1 (1841), 41.

Punch's Information for the People—No. 1. Being A Very Familiar Treatise on Astronomy  [1/5]Anon, 'Punch's Information for the People—No. 2. The Thermometer', Punch, 1 (1841), 58
Anon, 'Punch's Information for the People—No.3', Punch, 1 (1841), 82
Anon, 'Punch's Information for the People—No. 4. Natural History', Punch, 1 (1841), 119
Anon, 'Punch's Information for the People—No. V. Natural History', Punch, 1 (1841), 179

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Anon

Genre:

Notes, Drollery, Serial

Subjects:

Astronomy, Language


    Intends to render science 'somewhat contemptible' by dealing with it 'familiarly'. Describes various astronomical objects, including the planets, sun, stars, and comets. The descriptions of the objects are typically based on satirical interpretations of astronomical names. For example, the planets in the air comprise the 'planet-airy system', the spots on the sun may be due to 'specks of dirt' on the bottoms of savans' telescopes, 'the watchmen on the moon must be horribly overworked' owing to the fact that the 'day' on the moon lasts a fortnight, 'the Milky Way or Whey' is an inappropriate epithet because 'whey to a certain extent is milky', and the 'Band of Orion' is not a musical band. Notes that 'we are entirely in the dark' about comets, apart from knowing that 'they are often coming, but never come'. For further reading, recommends Adams and Walker's 'plans of the universe'.



Punch,  1 (1841), 47.

The Advantages of Animal Magnetism

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Anon

Genre:

Essay, Drollery

Subjects:

Animal Magnetism, Mesmerism, Medical Treatment, Gender, Politics, Government, Electricity

People mentioned:

John Elliotson Elliotson, John (1791–1868) ODNB
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    Responds to the 'outcry' against the 'noble science' of animal magnetism caused by Charles Lafontaine Lafontaine, Charles (fl. 1847–66) RLIN
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by listing some of the uses of mesmerism. Notes that 'hen-pecked husbands' can stop their wives' 'oral battery' by 'a few passes of the hand' rather than using 'razors and their garters'. Mesmerism is also 'the only panacea for those morning and evening infantile ebullitions' assigned to the 'teeth, wind, or a pain in the stomach'. For lovers, 'it is a boon sent by Cupid' because it enables parents and bailiffs to be 'rendered powerless and unobtrusive'. It also enables political opponents to be defeated and the Chartist mobs to be quelled. Adds that the clairvoyant powers claimed by mesmerised patients would benefit many individuals. For example, it would enable Lord John Russell Russell, Lord John, 1st Earl Russell (1792–1878) ODNB
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to discern the policy of his 'wily adversary' and 'jealous husbands' to see through brick walls and to read the letters of rivals.



Punch,  1 (1841), 48.

A Hint to the Ugly

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Anon

Genre:

Essay, Drollery

Subjects:

Vaccination


    Complains that his father was 'violently opposed' to Edward Jenner's Jenner, Edward (1749–1823) DSB
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'"repeal of the small-pox", and would not have me vaccinated'.



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Punch,  1 (1841), 51.

University of London. Bachelor of Medicine—First Examination, 1841

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Anon

Genre:

News-Commentary, Drollery; Exam Paper, Spoof

Subjects:

Universities, Education, Medical Practitioners, Anatomy, Chemistry, Natural Philosophy, Animal Behaviour, Periodicals, Pharmaceuticals

Institutions mentioned:

Society of Apothecaries—Apothecaries' Hall, Worshipful Society of Apothecaries of London—Apothecaries' Hall
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Surrey Zoological Gardens Surrey Literary, Scientific and Zoological Institution—Gardens
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Publications cited:

Bell 1833 Bell, Charles 1833. The Hand: Its Mechanism and Vital Endowments as Evincing Design, London: Richard Phillips
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    Greets the University of London's University of London
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first examination for the Bachelor of Medicine degree. Thinks the university will now acquire all the other attributes of colleges in the University of Oxford University of Oxford
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and the University of Cambridge University of Cambridge
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, including steeple-chases in the vicinity of the Birmingham railway. Criticising the press for not 'more explicitly defining the questions proposed for the examinations', Punch presents 'an exact copy of the questions' to illustrate the high position that 'medical knowledge has attained in the country'. The examination questions draw on students' knowledge of the more trivial aspects of medical training. For instance, students are asked to compare the circulation of the blood and that of the Lancet Lancet (1823–1900+) Waterloo Directory
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and Medical Gazette London Medical Gazette (1827–51) Waterloo Directory
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in the hospitals, to say which is the most powerful narcotic: 'opium, henbane, or a lecture upon practice of physic', and to identify the 'most liberal pawnbrokers in the neighbourhood of Guy's Guy's Hospital
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and Bartholomew's St Bartholomew's Hospital
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'.



Punch,  1 (1841), 52.

Extraordinary Operation. Royal Dispensary for the Diseases of the Ear Royal Dispensary for the Diseases of the Ear
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Anon

Genre:

Reportage, Spoof

Subjects:

Politics, Surgery, Hospitals


    Announces that Charles L W Sibthorp Sibthorp, Charles de Laet Waldo (1783–1855) ODNB
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has 'submitted to an unprecedented and wonderfully successful operation' to amputate his ears which were becoming severely elongated.



Punch,  1 (1841), 52.

Black and White

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Anon

Genre:

Poetry, Drollery

Subjects:

Politics, Physical Geography


Punch,  1 (1841), 53.

The State Doctor—A Bit of a Farce

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Anon

Genre:

Drama, Satire; Song, Satire

Subjects:

Medical Practitioners, Medical Treatment, Charlatanry, Government, Pharmaceuticals, Politics, Health


    The dramatis personae include 'Rhubarb Pill' a 'travelling doctor' played by the Prime Minister Robert Peel Peel, Sir Robert, 2nd Baronet (1788–1850) ODNB
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. Italicised parts of Pill's lines are apparently appropriated from his political speeches. Pill boasts that as the 'professor of sophistry and doctorer of laws' he has come amongst his 'friends and neighbours' with 'old and infallible remedies and restoratives'. Despite the opposition of the 'Cabinet of Physicians', he promises to 'restore the constitution', free of charge. The 'Countryman', played by John Bull, asks Pill to cure his wife. Pill insists that he must direct his own 'administration' and see Lord John Russell's Russell, Lord John, 1st Earl Russell (1792–1878) ODNB
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'"purge" thrown out of the window'. Concludes with Pill singing a song describing himself as a 'political quack' and his attempts to restore to health a nation rendered 'rather sickly' by Russell.



Punch,  1 (1841), 57.

Public Affairs on Phrenological Priniciples

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Anon

Genre:

News-Commentary, Drollery

Subjects:

Phrenology, Government, Human Development


    Responds to George Combe's Combe, George (1788–1858) ODNB
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claim that 'in less than a hundred years' public affairs will be run by the 'rules of phrenology'. Proposes ways in which the 'science ought to be applied'. Thinks ministers of state should be rejected if they have the slightest 'bump of benevolence', royal speech-makers should possess the largest bumps of 'secretiveness', and that Chancellors of the Exchequer with a well-developed faculty of 'number' will be reliable. Expresses concern that the practice might be abused 'by parties bumping their own heads and raising tumours for the sake of obtaining credit for different qualities'.



Punch,  1 (1841), 57.

Labours of the British Association for the Advancement of Science

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Fitzroy Fipps FRGS, MEM. ASS. AVCT. SCIENCE, FAS Fipps, Fitzroy
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Genre:

Poetry, Drollery

Subjects:

Societies, Chemistry, Lecturing


    The author's memories of the British Association for the Advancement of Science British Association for the Advancement of Science
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, include 'a day on the water', 'a night at the play-house', 'a morning assemblage of elegant ladies', a 'chemical lecture on lemon and kalis', 'a magnificent dinner', 'lots of wine' and 'broken glasses'.



Punch,  1 (1841), 58.

Punch's Information for the People—No. 2. The Thermometer  [2/5]Anon, 'Punch's Information for the People—No. 1. Being A Very Familiar Treatise on Astronomy', Punch, 1 (1841), 41
Anon, 'Punch's Information for the People—No.3', Punch, 1 (1841), 82
Anon, 'Punch's Information for the People—No. 4. Natural History', Punch, 1 (1841), 119
Anon, 'Punch's Information for the People—No. V. Natural History', Punch, 1 (1841), 179

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Anon

Genre:

Notes, Drollery, Serial

Subjects:

Instruments, Heat, Measurement, Invention, Physics


    Satirical account of the thermometer, its construction, use, etymology, and history. Notes that the instrument is useful for seeing 'how fast a man's blood boils' and that the derivation of its name has caused 'warm discussion'. Traces the 'history' of the instrument from Mercury to Francis Bacon (1st Viscount St Alban) Bacon, Francis, 1st Viscount St Alban (1561–1626) DSB ODNB
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, Isaac Newton Newton, Sir Isaac (1642–1727) DSB
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, Robinson Crusoe, Daniel G Fahrenheit Fahrenheit, Daniel Gabriel (1686-1736) DSB
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, Joseph-Nicolas Delisle Delisle, Joseph-Nicolas (1688–1768) DSB
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, Anders Celsius Celsius, Anders (1701–44) DSB
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, Mr Sex Sex, Mr (fl. 1841) PU1/1/5/6
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, Réné-Antoine F de Réaumur Réaumur, René-Antoine Ferchault de (1683–1757) DSB
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and Benjamin Thompson (Count Rumford) Thompson, Sir Benjamin, Count von Rumford (1753–1814) ODNB
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. Notes that Fahrenheit's scale was adopted in England because it was 'founded on a mistake', that De Isle's improvements to the thermometer were so important that they were 'never attended to', and that Mr Sex's 'differential thermometer has given rise to considerably more than a half-dozen opinions'. Chastises the 'scientific world' for making the thermometer too complex and of limited use. Announces that Punch has invented a new thermometer that can be understood by 'everybody' and with a temperature scale that is correlated with features of daily life associated with heat—for example, 'iced bath' and 'coat off'.



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Punch,  1 (1841), 67.

Animal Magnetism; Sir Rhubarb Pill Mesmerising the British Lion

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J L, pseud.  [John Leech] Leech, John (1817–64) ODNB
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Spielmann, Marion Harry Alexander 1895. The History of "Punch", London: Cassell
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Genre:

Illustration, Satire

Relevant illustrations:

wdct.

Illustrators:

J L, pseud.  [John Leech] Leech, John (1817–64) ODNB
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Spielmann, Marion Harry Alexander 1895. The History of "Punch", London: Cassell
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Subjects:

Animal Magnetism, Mesmerism, Quackery, Medical Treatment, Politics, Government


    Depicts Robert Peel Peel, Sir Robert, 2nd Baronet (1788–1850) ODNB
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as 'Sir Rhubarb Pill', a quack doctor, mesmerising a lion sitting in his throne. On a table behind Pill sits a 'Grand Electric Politico Battery' powered by cells bearing such names as 'Stanley' Stanley, Edward George Geoffrey Smith, 14th Earl of Derby (1799–1869) ODNB
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(the Colonial Secretary), 'Lyndhurst' Copley, John Singleton, the younger, 1st Baron Lyndhurst (1772–1863) ODNB
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(the Lord Chancellor), 'New Taxes', and the 'Pension List' —some of the statesmen and the political subjects which Peel had to grapple with on taking office. The ghostly form of the senior Tory statesman, Arthur Wellesley (1st Duke of Wellington) Wellesley, Arthur, 1st Duke of Wellington (1769–1852) ODNB
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, looks on in the background.



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Punch,  1 (1841), 74.

Important News from China

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Anon

Genre:

News-Digest, Drollery

Subjects:

Telegraphy


    Remarks that news dispatches sent by the 'electro-galvanic communication' are carried so fast that they are received 'even before they are written'.



Punch,  1 (1841), 82.

Punch's Information for the People—No.3  [3/5]Anon, 'Punch's Information for the People—No. 1. Being A Very Familiar Treatise on Astronomy', Punch, 1 (1841), 41
Anon, 'Punch's Information for the People—No. 2. The Thermometer', Punch, 1 (1841), 58
Anon, 'Punch's Information for the People—No. 4. Natural History', Punch, 1 (1841), 119
Anon, 'Punch's Information for the People—No. V. Natural History', Punch, 1 (1841), 179

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Anon

Genre:

Notes, Drollery, Serial

Subjects:

Domestic Economy, Encyclopaedias, Popularization


    Reinforces its purpose to 'convey so-called "information" to the vulgar in articles written by those who 'will work cheaply' and 'know but little of what they are writing about'. Claims that the article is written by a 'gentleman' who will 'mystify a few common-place subjects, in the style of certain articles in the Penny Cyclopaedia [Long, George], ed. 1833–43. Penny Cyclopaedia for the Society for the Diffusion of Useful Knowledge, 27 vols, London: Charles Knight
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. Presents readers with 'Punch's Guide to Service; or, The Housemaid's Best Friend. Chapter 1. On the Processes and Rationale of Lighting Fires', which describes the art of building and igniting fires in ludicrously technical detail.



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Punch,  1 (1841), 88.

The Bartholomew Fair Show-Folks

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Anon

Genre:

Introduction, Drollery; Dialogue, Drollery, Caricature

Subjects:

Medical Practitioners, Invention, Charlatanry, Government, Politics, Pneumatics


    The Prime Minister Robert Peel Peel, Sir Robert, 2nd Baronet (1788–1850) ODNB
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presents himself to the 'gullible public' as 'Sir Rhubarb Pill, M.D. and L.S.D. [i.e. pounds, shillings, pence], Professor of Political Chemistry and Conservative Medicine to the Carlton Club'. His other distinctions include being the inventor of the 'People's Patent Sliding Stomach-pump' and the 'new Royal extract of Toryism'.



Punch,  1 (1841), 90.

Parliamentary Intentions

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Anon

Genre:

Reportage, Spoof

Subjects:

Government, Politics, Light, Instruments, Photography


Punch,  1 (1841), 94–95.

The Lost Papers of the British Association

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Anon

Genre:

News-Digest, Spoof

Subjects:

Societies, Medical Treatment, Mesmerism, Surgery, Medical Practitioners, Disease


    Describes how medical papers to be presented at the British Association for the Advancement of Science British Association for the Advancement of Science
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were lost and found their way into Punch's hands. The spoof papers include Dr Splitnerve's case of a highly 'magnetic' young man, Dr Mortar's cure of an excessive case of squinting, Dr Sexton's evidence supporting his claim that influenza is 'a disease of convenience', and Professor Wynne Slow on the 'Philosophy of Death'.



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Punch,  1 (1841), 105.

Transactions and Yearly Report of the Hookham-Cum-Snivey Literary, Scientific, and Mechanics' Institution  [1/2][Tiddledy Winks], 'Transactions and Yearly Report of the Hookham-Cum-Snivey Literary, Scientific, and Mechanics' Institution', Punch, 1 (1841), 118

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Tiddledy Winks Winks, Tiddledy
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Genre:

Serial—Introduction, Drollery; Reportage, Spoof

Subjects:

Societies, Education, Invention

People mentioned:

Isaac Newton Newton, Sir Isaac (1642–1727) DSB
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Institutions mentioned:

British Association for the Advancement of Science British Association for the Advancement of Science
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    Explains how 'a few scientific labourers' decided to deliver lectures during weekly meetings 'at one another's cottages'. Papers presented at the society's first meeting concern such subjects as the 'Advantage of an Air-gun over a Fowling-piece, in bringing down pheasants without a noise', and the 'Value of Cheap Literature, and Intrinsic Worth (by weight) of the various Publications of the Society for the Confusion of Useless Knowledge'. Describes the society's rising fortunes, including its new library and museum. Notes the society's Shepperton expedition on board punts. Claims the society intends to 'take a high place [...] in the scientific transactions of the country' and notes that the subject for the 'Prize Essay' will be 'the possibility of totally obliterating the black stamp on the post-office's Queen's heads, so as to render them serviceable a second time'.



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Punch,  1 (1841), 118.

Transactions and Yearly Report of the Hookham-Cum-Snivey Literary, Scientific, and Mechanics' Institution  [2/2]Tiddledy Winks, 'Transactions and Yearly Report of the Hookham-Cum-Snivey Literary, Scientific, and Mechanics' Institution', Punch, 1 (1841), 105

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[Tiddledy Winks] U Winks, Tiddledy
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Genre:

Serial—Introduction, Drollery; Reportage, Spoof

Subjects:

Societies, Education, Mental Illness, Collecting, Amateurism


    Disappointed with the results of the 'public examination of the juvenile members' of the society. The 'infant philosophers' were required to answer such questions as 'the distance, in miles, from the Hanwell Lunatic Asylum County Lunatic Asylum, Hanwell
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to the Tuesday in Easter week'. Reports the 'creditable progress' of the 'School of Design and Drawing' including one student's controversial design for a monument to Horatio Nelson (Viscount Nelson) Nelson, Horatio, Viscount Nelson (1758–1805) ODNB
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. Reports various additions to the society's museum including 'A small lizard, caught in Regent's Park, preserved in gin-and-water, in a soda-water bottle, and denominated by the librarian "a heffut"'. Notes various library acquisitions including 'bound copy of Sermons preached at Hookham-cum-Snivey Church, by the Reverend Peter Twaddle'.



Punch,  1 (1841), 119.

Punch's Information for the People—No. 4. Natural History  [4/5]Anon, 'Punch's Information for the People—No. 1. Being A Very Familiar Treatise on Astronomy', Punch, 1 (1841), 41
Anon, 'Punch's Information for the People—No. 2. The Thermometer', Punch, 1 (1841), 58
Anon, 'Punch's Information for the People—No.3', Punch, 1 (1841), 82
Anon, 'Punch's Information for the People—No. V. Natural History', Punch, 1 (1841), 179

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Anon

Genre:

Notes, Drollery, Serial

Subjects:

Natural History, Nomenclature, Plenitude, Animal Behaviour


    Defines 'natural history' as the history of 'naturals' such as human species, and of 'simples' such as herbs. Insists that moving from the pine to the hautboy, the gnat to the elephant, and from Lord John Russell Russell, Lord John, 1st Earl Russell (1792–1878) ODNB
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to William Whewell Whewell, William (1794–1866) DSB
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we are reminded of the 'endless variety of all sorts of everything' in nature. Notes that species are given Latin names to make knowledge of natural history 'as difficult of acquirement as possible to everybody'. Dwells on the 'physical structure and peculiarities', 'habits, reproduction, and food', and 'geographical distribution' of one species—the barber of 'homo emollientissimus'.



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Punch,  1 (1841), 122.

A Mesmeric Advertisement

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Anon

Genre:

Advertisement, Spoof

Subjects:

Mesmerism, Animal Magnetism, Charlatanry


    Charles Lafontaine Lafontaine, Charles (fl. 1847–66) RLIN
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seeks 'a few fine able-bodied young men' who won't flinch when pins are driven into their legs, and who can 'stare out an ignited lucifer without winking'.



Punch,  1 (1841), 123.

To Sir Rhubarb Pill, M.P. & M.D.

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Anon

Genre:

Poetry, Drollery, Caricature

Subjects:

Medical Treatment, Charlatanry, Government, Politics


    Criticises the Prime Minister Robert Peel's Peel, Sir Robert, 2nd Baronet (1788–1850) ODNB
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support of the Poor Law and remedy for saving the patient 'labouring under a consumption' from 'a trip across the Styx'.



Punch,  1 (1841), 123.

Matinee Mesmerique; or, Procédé Humbugaresque

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Anon

Genre:

News-Commentary, Drollery

Subjects:

Mesmerism, Animal Magnetism, Government, Charlatanry, Politics, Electricity, Quackery, Medical Treatment


    Reports on a hirsute London practitioner of animal magnetism whose attempts to deprive his patients of their senses proved difficult because they 'left all the sense they possess at home'. Suggests, in view of his ability to send politicians to sleep and to stupefy John Bull, that the Prime Minister Robert Peel Peel, Sir Robert, 2nd Baronet (1788–1850) ODNB
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is the 'Charles Lafontaine Lafontaine, Charles (fl. 1847–66) RLIN
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of political mesmerism'. Compares Lafontaine's tactics to those of Peel. For example, 'one resorts to electrics, the other to election tricks'.



Punch,  1 (1841), 126.

Doctor Peel Taking Time to Consult

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Q Q
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Genre:

Essay, Satire, Caricature

Subjects:

Medical Treatment, Medical Practitioners, Government, Charlatanry, Quackery, Politics


    'Dr' Peel, a representation of the Prime Minister Robert Peel Peel, Sir Robert, 2nd Baronet (1788–1850) ODNB
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as a 'quacksalver', is asked to cure a horse. Notes that Peel refused to use his strange medicines on his 'patient' (the allegorical figure of Britain, John Bull) until he was paid a fee. Peel will not write Bull a prescription until he has studied the diseases and the 'whole Materia Medica'.



Punch,  1 (1841), 129.

Bunk's Discoveries in the Thames

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Anon

Genre:

Essay, Drollery

Subjects:

Natural History, Societies, Collecting, Mapping


    Concerns the findings of a 'survey of the coast between Arundel-stairs and Hungerford-market pier'. Notes the discovery of 'a large number of curious specimens in natural history' which it viewed at the 'Stangate-and-Millbank-both-sides-of-the-water-united-for-the-advancement-of-Science-Association' (an allusion to the British Association for the Advancement of Science British Association for the Advancement of Science
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). Specimens include the 'shells of the native oyster' (which are to be discussed at the spoof Hookham-cum-Snivey Institution) and a 'skeleton of some unknown animal'.



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Punch,  1 (1841), 141.

Transactions of the Geological Society of Hookham-Cum-Snivey

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Anon

Genre:

Proceedings, Spoof

Subjects:

Geology, Palaeontology, Societies


    Describes a controversy at the spoof Geological Society of Hookham-cum-Snivey over whether the local soil is 'crustaceous' or carboniferous. Supporters of the former point to bread crusts found in the soil while supporters of the latter position note the 'regular strata of undoubted cinders'. Notes how the opening of a local sewer promised to resolve the dispute but the 'hard substance' found in the sewer caused confusion and a physical struggle between those concerned. Notes Mr Grubemup's observations of the soil and fossils under the milestone in Kensington Road.



Punch,  1 (1841), 142.

The Physiology of the London Medical Student  [1/12]Anon, 'The Physiology of the London Medical Student—II. The New Man', Punch, 1 (1841), 154
Anon, 'The Physiology of the London Medical Student—III. Of his Gradual Development', Punch, 1 (1841), 165
Anon, 'The Physiology of the London Medical Student—4. Of the Manner in which the First Season Passes', Punch, 1 (1841), 177
Anon, 'The Physiology of the London Medical Student—5. Of His Maturity and Latin Examination', Punch, 1 (1841), 185
Anon, 'The Physiology of the London Medical Student—6. Of the Gender and Its Class', Punch, 1 (1841), 201
Anon, 'The Physiology of the London Medical Student—7. Of Various Other Diverting Matters Connected with Grinding', Punch, 1 (1841), 213
Anon, 'The Physiology of the London Medical Student—8. Of the Examination at the Apothecaries' Hall', Punch, 1 (1841), 225
Anon, 'The Physiology of the London Medical Student—9. Of the Sequel to the Hall Examination', Punch, 1 (1841), 229
Anon, 'The Physiology of the London Medical Student—10. The Termination of the Hall Examination', Punch, 1 (1841), 244
Anon, 'The Physiology of the London Medical Student—11. How Mr Muff Concludes His Evening', Punch, 1 (1841), 253
Anon, 'The Physiology of the London Medical Student—12. Of the College, and the Conclusion', Punch, 1 (1841), 265

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Anon

Genre:

Serial—Essay, Drollery; Lecture, Spoof

Subjects:

Medical Practitioners, Physiology, Education, Universities


    Seeks to portray the 'propensities' of University of London University of London
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medical students. Outlines course to students and notes the various 'M's' who have written on physiology including François Magendie Magendie, François (1783–1855) DSB
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, Johannes P Müller Müller, Johannes Peter (1801–58) DSB
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, Herbert Mayo Mayo, Herbert (1796–1852) DSB
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, and John G Millingen Millingen, John Gideon (1782–1862) ODNB
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. Invites students to ignore their normal studies and to 'demonstrate' theories 'connected with the human anatomy' in a jovial manner.



Punch,  1 (1841), 143.

The Political Naturalist's Library

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Anon

Genre:

Announcement, Spoof

Subjects:

Natural History, Publishing, Government, Politics


    Announces several works in natural history in which the author and/or contents are satirically related to the title of the work. For example, 'Humming Birds' is described as a work containing a 'Memoir and Portraits of Robert Peel Peel, Sir Robert, 2nd Baronet (1788–1850) ODNB
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[the Prime Minister], Lord Stanley Stanley, Edward George Geoffrey Smith, 14th Earl of Derby (1799–1869) ODNB
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[the Colonial Secretary], and Lord Aberdeen Gordon, George Hamilton-, 4th Earl of Aberdeen (1784–1860) ODNB
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[the Foreign Secretary]'.



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Punch,  1 (1841), 149.

The Political Euclid  [1/2]Anon, 'The Political Euclid—No. 2', Punch, 1 (1841), 166

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Lord Palmerston, Late Professor of Toryism, but now Lecturer on Whiggery to the College of St Stephen's Palmerston, Lord
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Genre:

Essay, Spoof, Serial

Subjects:

Mathematics, Politics, Government


    Putatively by the statesman Henry J Temple (3rd Viscount Palmerston) Temple, Henry John, 3rd Viscount Palmerston (1784–1865) ODNB
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, this guide to 'the best mode of getting a place for your relations' is a list of definitions of terms used in politics, all of which are parodies of geometrical propositions. For example, 'a line in politics is interest without principle' and 'an obtuse angle is that in which the inclination is evidently to the Treasury Treasury
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'.



Punch,  1 (1841), 151.

Mr Sancho Bull and his State Physician

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W N, pseud.  [William Newman] Newman, William (fl. 1842) Spielmann 1895
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Spielmann, Marion Harry Alexander 1895. The History of "Punch", London: Cassell
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Genre:

Illustration, Caricature

Relevant illustrations:

wdct.

Illustrators:

W N, pseud.  [William Newman] Newman, William (fl. 1842) Spielmann 1895
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Spielmann, Marion Harry Alexander 1895. The History of "Punch", London: Cassell
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Subjects:

Medical Practitioners, Politics, Government


    Depicts the Prime Minister Robert Peel Peel, Sir Robert, 2nd Baronet (1788–1850) ODNB
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as the medical practitioner in Miguel de Cervantes Saavedra's Cervantes Saavedra, Miguel de (1547–1616) CBD
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Don Quixote Cervantes Saavedra, Miguel de 1605–16. El ingenioso hidalgo don Quixote de la Mancha, 2 vols, Valencia: P. P. Mey
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who refuses Sancho Bull the luxuries of 'cheap bread' and 'exchequer bills'.



Punch,  1 (1841), 154.

The Physiology of the London Medical Student—II. The New Man  [2/12]Anon, 'The Physiology of the London Medical Student', Punch, 1 (1841), 142
Anon, 'The Physiology of the London Medical Student—III. Of his Gradual Development', Punch, 1 (1841), 165
Anon, 'The Physiology of the London Medical Student—4. Of the Manner in which the First Season Passes', Punch, 1 (1841), 177
Anon, 'The Physiology of the London Medical Student—5. Of His Maturity and Latin Examination', Punch, 1 (1841), 185
Anon, 'The Physiology of the London Medical Student—6. Of the Gender and Its Class', Punch, 1 (1841), 201
Anon, 'The Physiology of the London Medical Student—7. Of Various Other Diverting Matters Connected with Grinding', Punch, 1 (1841), 213
Anon, 'The Physiology of the London Medical Student—8. Of the Examination at the Apothecaries' Hall', Punch, 1 (1841), 225
Anon, 'The Physiology of the London Medical Student—9. Of the Sequel to the Hall Examination', Punch, 1 (1841), 229
Anon, 'The Physiology of the London Medical Student—10. The Termination of the Hall Examination', Punch, 1 (1841), 244
Anon, 'The Physiology of the London Medical Student—11. How Mr Muff Concludes His Evening', Punch, 1 (1841), 253
Anon, 'The Physiology of the London Medical Student—12. Of the College, and the Conclusion', Punch, 1 (1841), 265

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Anon

Genre:

Essay, Drollery, Serial

Subjects:

Medical Practitioners, Anatomy, Education, Hospitals, Universities, Pathology


    Describes the academic and social life of a medical student at the University of London University of London
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. Aspects of his social life are linked with medical claims. For example, the author claims that the student abstains from drinking beer after being warned about the 'collywobbles' described in James Copland's Copland, James (1791–1870) ODNB
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Medical Dictionary [Copland, James] 1832–58. A Dictionary of Practical Medicine, Comprising General Pathology, the Nature and Treatment of Diseases, Morbid Structures and the Disorders Especially Incidental to Climates, to the Sex and to the Different Epochs of Life, with Numerous Prescriptions, a Classification of Diseases, a Copious Bibliography, with References; and an Appendix of Approved Formulae, 3 vols, London: Longman, Brown, Green, Longmans & Roberts
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and John Gregory's Gregory, John (1724–73) ODNB
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Practice of Physic Gregory, John 1768–69. Lectures on the Practice of Physic, Edinburgh: J Balfour
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. The student perceives the 'rich reward of watching the gradual progress of a fellow-creature to convalescence, and the insignificance of worldly gain compared with the pure treasures of pathological knowledge'. Takes the perspective of the student, Joseph Muff, who describes his fellow students as 'dissipated and irreligious'.



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Punch,  1 (1841), 157.

The Geology of Society  [1/2]Anon, 'Geology of Society. Section II', Punch, 1 (1841), 178

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Anon

Genre:

Essay, Drollery, Serial

Subjects:

Geology, Stratigraphy, Sociology, Class, Analogy, Human Species


    Likening social to geological strata, society is divided into 'three great strata, called High Life—Middle Life—and Low Life'. The article further divides society into the 'Superior Class', 'Transition Class', 'Metamorphic Class', and 'Primitive Formation'. Details characteristics of each class. For example, 'Superior Class', also labelled the 'St. James' Series', includes people 'wearing coronets' and those who are 'related to coronets'. The 'Transition Class', is subdivided into 'Russell-square group', including people 'who give dinners to the superior classes', and the 'Clapham group', which includes people who 'keep a shop "concern" and a one-horse shay, and go to Ramsgate for three weeks in the dog-days'. Notes that this latter stratum is 'characterised by its fossil remains', such as watches and snuff-boxes. The 'Primitive Formation' is subdivided into the 'Whitechapel group', and 'St Giles's Group', which consists of 'Tag-rag and bob-tail in varieties'.



Punch,  1 (1841), 165.

The Physiology of the London Medical Student—III. Of his Gradual Development  [3/12]Anon, 'The Physiology of the London Medical Student', Punch, 1 (1841), 142
Anon, 'The Physiology of the London Medical Student—II. The New Man', Punch, 1 (1841), 154
Anon, 'The Physiology of the London Medical Student—4. Of the Manner in which the First Season Passes', Punch, 1 (1841), 177
Anon, 'The Physiology of the London Medical Student—5. Of His Maturity and Latin Examination', Punch, 1 (1841), 185
Anon, 'The Physiology of the London Medical Student—6. Of the Gender and Its Class', Punch, 1 (1841), 201
Anon, 'The Physiology of the London Medical Student—7. Of Various Other Diverting Matters Connected with Grinding', Punch, 1 (1841), 213
Anon, 'The Physiology of the London Medical Student—8. Of the Examination at the Apothecaries' Hall', Punch, 1 (1841), 225
Anon, 'The Physiology of the London Medical Student—9. Of the Sequel to the Hall Examination', Punch, 1 (1841), 229
Anon, 'The Physiology of the London Medical Student—10. The Termination of the Hall Examination', Punch, 1 (1841), 244
Anon, 'The Physiology of the London Medical Student—11. How Mr Muff Concludes His Evening', Punch, 1 (1841), 253
Anon, 'The Physiology of the London Medical Student—12. Of the College, and the Conclusion', Punch, 1 (1841), 265

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Anon

Genre:

Diary, Drollery, Serial

Subjects:

Medical Practitioners, Education, Universities, Instruments, Lecturing, Medical Treatment, Instruments, Statistics

Institutions mentioned:

University of London University of London
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    Notes that within 'two months of the first winter session' the medical student has studied so hard that he's nothing but 'ink-stains and industry', a 'walking chronicle of pathological statistics', and imagines himself as an 'embryo Hunter Hunter, John (1728–93) DSB
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'. Upholds the importance of the stethoscope and the benefits of using it on oneself.



Punch,  1 (1841), 166.

The Political Euclid—No. 2  [2/2]Lord Palmerston, 'The Political Euclid', Punch, 1 (1841), 149

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Anon

Genre:

Notes, Drollery, Serial

Relevant illustrations:

wdct. [3]

Subjects:

Mathematics, Politics


    Considers three political problems: 'to describe an Independent Member upon a given indefinite line of politics'; 'from a given point, to draw out a Radical Member to a given length'; and, 'from the greater opposition of two members to a given measure to cut off a part, so as it may agree with the less'. Shows how to solve each problem by arguments which parody the reasoning used in Euclid's Euclid (fl. 295 BC) DSB
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geometry.



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Punch,  1 (1841), 177.

The Physiology of the London Medical Student—4. Of the Manner in which the First Season Passes  [4/12]Anon, 'The Physiology of the London Medical Student', Punch, 1 (1841), 142
Anon, 'The Physiology of the London Medical Student—II. The New Man', Punch, 1 (1841), 154
Anon, 'The Physiology of the London Medical Student—III. Of his Gradual Development', Punch, 1 (1841), 165
Anon, 'The Physiology of the London Medical Student—5. Of His Maturity and Latin Examination', Punch, 1 (1841), 185
Anon, 'The Physiology of the London Medical Student—6. Of the Gender and Its Class', Punch, 1 (1841), 201
Anon, 'The Physiology of the London Medical Student—7. Of Various Other Diverting Matters Connected with Grinding', Punch, 1 (1841), 213
Anon, 'The Physiology of the London Medical Student—8. Of the Examination at the Apothecaries' Hall', Punch, 1 (1841), 225
Anon, 'The Physiology of the London Medical Student—9. Of the Sequel to the Hall Examination', Punch, 1 (1841), 229
Anon, 'The Physiology of the London Medical Student—10. The Termination of the Hall Examination', Punch, 1 (1841), 244
Anon, 'The Physiology of the London Medical Student—11. How Mr Muff Concludes His Evening', Punch, 1 (1841), 253
Anon, 'The Physiology of the London Medical Student—12. Of the College, and the Conclusion', Punch, 1 (1841), 265

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Anon

Genre:

Serial—Essay, Drollery; Letter, Spoof

Subjects:

Medical Practitioners, Education, Colleges, Lecturing, Anatomy, Botany, Textbooks


    Describes social and intellectual exploits of Joseph Muff, a medical student at the University of London University of London
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. Notes that the student is now mature because he takes notes at each lecture but intersperses them with 'a larger proportion of portraits of the lecturer, and other humorous conceits'. At this point the student beings 'an steady course of imaginary dissection'—a 'chimerical account of extremities whose minute structure he has deeply investigated'. Describes the student's lecture-room pranks and inventions, and how his conversation turns from anatomy lectures to pub exploits. The student 'gets' his anatomical prize 'by stealth, cribbing his answers from a tiny manual of knowledge'. Copies Joseph Muff's letter to his father in which he boasts about his conscientiousness, his purchase of several leading medical text-books and his hiring of a 'private demonstrator'. Describes the experiences of a student at 'Botanical Lectures' in the Society of Apothecaries Chelsea Physic Garden Worshipful Society of Apothecaries of London—Chelsea Physic Garden
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, and how students conducted themselves during 'botanical excursions'.



Punch,  1 (1841), 178.

Geology of Society. Section II  [2/2]Anon, 'The Geology of Society', Punch, 1 (1841), 157

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Anon

Genre:

Essay, Drollery, Serial

Relevant illustrations:

wdct.

Subjects:

Geology, Stratigraphy, Sociology, Class, Palaeontology, Analogy


    Describes society using geological terms. Describes the characteristics of the 'Transition Class'. Notes that individuals in this class tend to 'mix with the superior strata' and explains the causes of the 'elevation' of members of this group. Describes the 'Russell-square group' that consists of individuals distinguished by their tendency 'to give dinners to their superior series'. Notes the scarcity of 'fossil animals' in this group. Notes that the highest class, the 'St James' Series', consists of 'specimens' that are usually found 'attached to coronets' and in which one is most likely to find 'precious stones'. Notes the occurrence of the 'larking vein' in all classes and that specimens in each strata depend on the 'situation in which they are found'. The illustration shows a man drinking beer while lying on his back. The caption reads 'embedded in quarts(z)'.



Punch,  1 (1841), 179.

Punch's Information for the People—No. V. Natural History  [5/5]Anon, 'Punch's Information for the People—No. 1. Being A Very Familiar Treatise on Astronomy', Punch, 1 (1841), 41
Anon, 'Punch's Information for the People—No. 2. The Thermometer', Punch, 1 (1841), 58
Anon, 'Punch's Information for the People—No.3', Punch, 1 (1841), 82
Anon, 'Punch's Information for the People—No. 4. Natural History', Punch, 1 (1841), 119

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Anon

Genre:

Notes, Drollery, Serial

Subjects:

Natural History, Physiology, Nutrition, Human Species


    Parodying the language of natural history, it describes the 'physiology', 'habits', 'moral characteristics', 'reproduction', diet ('sustenance'), and 'geographical distribution' of opera-dancers.



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Punch,  1 (1841), 185.

The Physiology of the London Medical Student—5. Of His Maturity and Latin Examination  [5/12]Anon, 'The Physiology of the London Medical Student', Punch, 1 (1841), 142
Anon, 'The Physiology of the London Medical Student—II. The New Man', Punch, 1 (1841), 154
Anon, 'The Physiology of the London Medical Student—III. Of his Gradual Development', Punch, 1 (1841), 165
Anon, 'The Physiology of the London Medical Student—4. Of the Manner in which the First Season Passes', Punch, 1 (1841), 177
Anon, 'The Physiology of the London Medical Student—6. Of the Gender and Its Class', Punch, 1 (1841), 201
Anon, 'The Physiology of the London Medical Student—7. Of Various Other Diverting Matters Connected with Grinding', Punch, 1 (1841), 213
Anon, 'The Physiology of the London Medical Student—8. Of the Examination at the Apothecaries' Hall', Punch, 1 (1841), 225
Anon, 'The Physiology of the London Medical Student—9. Of the Sequel to the Hall Examination', Punch, 1 (1841), 229
Anon, 'The Physiology of the London Medical Student—10. The Termination of the Hall Examination', Punch, 1 (1841), 244
Anon, 'The Physiology of the London Medical Student—11. How Mr Muff Concludes His Evening', Punch, 1 (1841), 253
Anon, 'The Physiology of the London Medical Student—12. Of the College, and the Conclusion', Punch, 1 (1841), 265

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Anon

Genre:

Serial—Essay, Drollery; Diary, Spoof

Subjects:

Medical Practitioners, Education, Universities, Dissection, Anatomy, Electricity, Narcotics

Institutions mentioned:

Society of Apothecaries—Apothecaries' Hall Worshipful Society of Apothecaries of London—Apothecaries' Hall
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    Describes the academic and social life of a medical student at the University of London University of London
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. Notes the student's religious attendance at the dissecting-room and his prankish activities there. Protagonist Joseph Muff joins other men dissecting the brain in search of the hippocampus major. The student's many 'jocose pursuits' include administering poison to the 'toxological guinea-pigs' and hunting rabbits 'kept for galvanism'. Describes the students' preparation for and sitting of a Latin examination. Notes medical students' gregariousness and aversion to dining alone.



Punch,  1 (1841), 189.

List of the Premiums Awarded by the Hookham-Cum-Snivey Literary and Scientific Society

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Anon

Genre:

Announcement, Spoof

Subjects:

Horticulture, Botany, Politics, Societies


    Awards given include those to 'Count D'Orsay D'Orsay, Alfred Guillaume Gabriel (Gédéon Gaspard Alfred de Grimaud), Count (1801–52) ODNB
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' for 'the most approved Essay on Cultivating a Flower Pot, and the Expediency of growing Migionette in preference to Sweet Pea on the Window-sills', and to 'Peter Borthwick Borthwick, Peter (1804–52) ODNB
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' for a treatise proving that 'a Member requires no Brains, instancing his own case, where the deficiency was supplied by the length of his ears'.



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Punch,  1 (1841), 196–97.

The Rival Candidates

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Anon

Genre:

Short Fiction, Drollery

Subjects:

Magnetism, Psychology, Physics


    Notes that 'philosophers' claim that steel is the only substance capable of producing a 'magnetic effect' but adds that after observing the behaviour of the 'heroine' of the story, they would have concluded that gold has greater magnetic attraction than steel.



Punch,  1 (1841), 201.

The Physiology of the London Medical Student—6. Of the Gender and Its Class  [6/12]Anon, 'The Physiology of the London Medical Student', Punch, 1 (1841), 142
Anon, 'The Physiology of the London Medical Student—II. The New Man', Punch, 1 (1841), 154
Anon, 'The Physiology of the London Medical Student—III. Of his Gradual Development', Punch, 1 (1841), 165
Anon, 'The Physiology of the London Medical Student—4. Of the Manner in which the First Season Passes', Punch, 1 (1841), 177
Anon, 'The Physiology of the London Medical Student—5. Of His Maturity and Latin Examination', Punch, 1 (1841), 185
Anon, 'The Physiology of the London Medical Student—7. Of Various Other Diverting Matters Connected with Grinding', Punch, 1 (1841), 213
Anon, 'The Physiology of the London Medical Student—8. Of the Examination at the Apothecaries' Hall', Punch, 1 (1841), 225
Anon, 'The Physiology of the London Medical Student—9. Of the Sequel to the Hall Examination', Punch, 1 (1841), 229
Anon, 'The Physiology of the London Medical Student—10. The Termination of the Hall Examination', Punch, 1 (1841), 244
Anon, 'The Physiology of the London Medical Student—11. How Mr Muff Concludes His Evening', Punch, 1 (1841), 253
Anon, 'The Physiology of the London Medical Student—12. Of the College, and the Conclusion', Punch, 1 (1841), 265

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Anon

Genre:

Serial—Essay, Drollery; Diary, Spoof

Subjects:

Medical Practitioners, Education, Colleges, Lecturing

Institutions mentioned:

University of London University of London
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    Observes that in preparation for the 'ordeals of the Hall and College' the student resolves to abstain from drinking. Notes medical students' appreciation of cramming. Observes that the medical teacher is a 'man of the most varied and eccentric knowledge', acquainted with 'the different branches to be studied', and a master of 'all their minutiae'. Describes 'grinding-class'—a preparation for the examination at the Apothecaries' Hall Worshipful Society of Apothecaries of London—Apothecaries' Hall
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. Here, Joseph Muff and other students irritate the 'grinder' by managing only sloppy answers to questions and by their jocose behaviour.



Punch,  1 (1841), 203.

Hard and Fast

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Anon

Genre:

News-Commentary, Drollery

Relevant illustrations:

wdct.

Subjects:

Medical Practitioners, Controversy, Surgery

People mentioned:

Thomas Wakley, Wakley, Thomas (1795–1862) ODNB
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John Elliotson Elliotson, John (1791–1868) ODNB
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    Notes the controversy between 'physicians, apothecaries, and surgeons' over a fasting man, Bernard Cavannah Cavannah, Bernard (fl. 1841) PU1/1/17/3
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. The illustration shows two barber-surgeons fighting each other with domestic utensils. The caption reads: 'Surgere in Armis'.



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Punch,  1 (1841), 206.

The Heir of Applebite

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Anon

Genre:

Novel, Drollery, Serial

Subjects:

Vaccination, Psychology, Human Development

People mentioned:

Edward Jenner Jenner, Edward (1749–1823) DSB
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     One character, Mrs Waddledot, strongly opposes vaccination and links it to the dullness of children. Notes the opposition between practices of vaccination and inoculation.



Punch,  1 (1841), 213.

The Physiology of the London Medical Student—7. Of Various Other Diverting Matters Connected with Grinding  [7/12]Anon, 'The Physiology of the London Medical Student', Punch, 1 (1841), 142
Anon, 'The Physiology of the London Medical Student—II. The New Man', Punch, 1 (1841), 154
Anon, 'The Physiology of the London Medical Student—III. Of his Gradual Development', Punch, 1 (1841), 165
Anon, 'The Physiology of the London Medical Student—4. Of the Manner in which the First Season Passes', Punch, 1 (1841), 177
Anon, 'The Physiology of the London Medical Student—5. Of His Maturity and Latin Examination', Punch, 1 (1841), 185
Anon, 'The Physiology of the London Medical Student—6. Of the Gender and Its Class', Punch, 1 (1841), 201
Anon, 'The Physiology of the London Medical Student—8. Of the Examination at the Apothecaries' Hall', Punch, 1 (1841), 225
Anon, 'The Physiology of the London Medical Student—9. Of the Sequel to the Hall Examination', Punch, 1 (1841), 229
Anon, 'The Physiology of the London Medical Student—10. The Termination of the Hall Examination', Punch, 1 (1841), 244
Anon, 'The Physiology of the London Medical Student—11. How Mr Muff Concludes His Evening', Punch, 1 (1841), 253
Anon, 'The Physiology of the London Medical Student—12. Of the College, and the Conclusion', Punch, 1 (1841), 265

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Anon

Genre:

Serial—Essay, Drollery; Diary, Spoof

Subjects:

Medical Practitioners, Education, Universities, Statistics, Medical Treatment

Institutions mentioned:

University of London University of London
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    Notes that one medical student sought to learn 'the whole of his practice of physic by setting the description of the diseases to music'. Produces two verses of his 'Poetry of Steggall's Steggall, John (fl. 1829–60) WBI
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Manual Steggall, John 1829. A Manual for Students Preparing for Examination at the Apothecaries' Hall or other Medical Examinations, London: [n. pub.]
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' which relate to the 'symptoms, treatment, and causes of Haemoptysis and Haematemesis'. Praises the poet as somebody who 'might have turned Cooper's Cooper, Samuel (1780–1848) ODNB
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First Lines of Surgery Cooper, Samuel 1807. The First Lines of the Practice of Surgery: Being an Elementary Work for Students, and a Concise Book of Reference, London: Richard Phillips
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and Copland's Copland, James (1791–1870) ODNB
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Medical Dictionary [Copland, James] 1832–58. A Dictionary of Practical Medicine, Comprising General Pathology, the Nature and Treatment of Diseases, Morbid Structures and the Disorders Especially Incidental to Climates, to the Sex and to the Different Epochs of Life, with Numerous Prescriptions, a Classification of Diseases, a Copious Bibliography, with References; and an Appendix of Approved Formulae, 3 vols, London: Longman, Brown, Green, Longmans & Roberts
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into a tragedy'. Notes that as examinations approach, the economy of the medical student changes from 'butterfly to chrysalis': he spends all his time studying, moving between 'the grinder and his lodgings'. Notes the medical student's 'assiduity' and interest in the 'statistics of the Hall Worshipful Society of Apothecaries of London—Apothecaries' Hall
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'.



Punch,  1 (1841), 214.

Punch's Catechism of Geography

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Anon

Genre:

Introduction, Drollery; Catechism, Spoof

Subjects:

Physical Geography


    Aims to acquaint the public with 'the exact geographical position of this inhabitable world'. Questions refer to broad geographical concepts but are typically answered in terms of metropolitan locations. For example, geography is defined as 'the looking for places on a map, or in Downing-Street, or anywhere else in the world' 'any districts containing a number of separate residences and distinct tenements, as St. James's, St. Giles's'. Several answers are parodies of the terms given in the question. For example, the sea is defined as 'any small collection of water, as at Chelsea, Battersea'.



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Punch,  1 (1841), 218.

To Punch

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Toby Toby
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Genre:

Introduction / Letter, Drollery; Poetry, Drollery

Subjects:

Pathology, Medical Treatment, Veterinary Science


    Introduces an item of 'poetic pathology' from Toby, a dog. The poem describes the symptoms of ascites, an illness that can be cured by 'squill, blue pill, and other means'. Describes the symptoms of 'Tympanitis', which can be cured with a 'cordial laxative, mix'd up with some carminative' and by 'avoiding food that's flatulent'.



Punch,  1 (1841), 225.

The Physiology of the London Medical Student—8. Of the Examination at the Apothecaries' Hall  [8/12]Anon, 'The Physiology of the London Medical Student', Punch, 1 (1841), 142
Anon, 'The Physiology of the London Medical Student—II. The New Man', Punch, 1 (1841), 154
Anon, 'The Physiology of the London Medical Student—III. Of his Gradual Development', Punch, 1 (1841), 165
Anon, 'The Physiology of the London Medical Student—4. Of the Manner in which the First Season Passes', Punch, 1 (1841), 177
Anon, 'The Physiology of the London Medical Student—5. Of His Maturity and Latin Examination', Punch, 1 (1841), 185
Anon, 'The Physiology of the London Medical Student—6. Of the Gender and Its Class', Punch, 1 (1841), 201
Anon, 'The Physiology of the London Medical Student—7. Of Various Other Diverting Matters Connected with Grinding', Punch, 1 (1841), 213
Anon, 'The Physiology of the London Medical Student—9. Of the Sequel to the Hall Examination', Punch, 1 (1841), 229
Anon, 'The Physiology of the London Medical Student—10. The Termination of the Hall Examination', Punch, 1 (1841), 244
Anon, 'The Physiology of the London Medical Student—11. How Mr Muff Concludes His Evening', Punch, 1 (1841), 253
Anon, 'The Physiology of the London Medical Student—12. Of the College, and the Conclusion', Punch, 1 (1841), 265

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Anon

Genre:

Serial—Essay, Drollery; Diary, Spoof

Subjects:

Medical Practitioners, Education, Universities, Lecturing

Institutions mentioned:

University of London University of London
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    Points out that before he enters the Apothecaries' Hall Worshipful Society of Apothecaries of London—Apothecaries' Hall
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, the student collects 'testimonials of attendance to lectures and good moral conduct in his apprenticeship'. Advises students to obtain the testimonial of attendance while the testifier (the lecturer) is too busy to investigate the actual record of attendance. Produces a 'Code of Instructions' for examination candidates, which includes such jocose items as 'previously to going up, take some pills and get your hair cut', and 'should things appear to be going against you, get up a hectic cough'. Describes the behaviour of various students in the interval before, during, and after the examination.



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Punch,  1 (1841), 229.

The Physiology of the London Medical Student—9. Of the Sequel to the Hall Examination  [9/12]Anon, 'The Physiology of the London Medical Student', Punch, 1 (1841), 142
Anon, 'The Physiology of the London Medical Student—II. The New Man', Punch, 1 (1841), 154
Anon, 'The Physiology of the London Medical Student—III. Of his Gradual Development', Punch, 1 (1841), 165
Anon, 'The Physiology of the London Medical Student—4. Of the Manner in which the First Season Passes', Punch, 1 (1841), 177
Anon, 'The Physiology of the London Medical Student—5. Of His Maturity and Latin Examination', Punch, 1 (1841), 185
Anon, 'The Physiology of the London Medical Student—6. Of the Gender and Its Class', Punch, 1 (1841), 201
Anon, 'The Physiology of the London Medical Student—7. Of Various Other Diverting Matters Connected with Grinding', Punch, 1 (1841), 213
Anon, 'The Physiology of the London Medical Student—8. Of the Examination at the Apothecaries' Hall', Punch, 1 (1841), 225
Anon, 'The Physiology of the London Medical Student—10. The Termination of the Hall Examination', Punch, 1 (1841), 244
Anon, 'The Physiology of the London Medical Student—11. How Mr Muff Concludes His Evening', Punch, 1 (1841), 253
Anon, 'The Physiology of the London Medical Student—12. Of the College, and the Conclusion', Punch, 1 (1841), 265

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Anon

Genre:

Serial—Diary, Spoof; Song, Drollery

Subjects:

Medical Practitioners, Education, Universities, Medical Treatment, Pharmaceuticals

Institutions mentioned:

University of London University of London
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    The protagonist, Joseph Muff, is invited to answer questions on the subjects drawn from 'pharmacopoeias, books of prescriptions, trays of drugs, and half-dead plants'. Describes the award of certificates and the ensuing merriment. A student sings a song entitled 'The Student's Alphabet'. Each line of the song describes an aspect of medical school life described by a word beginning with consecutive letters of the alphabet. For example, 'Oh, A was an Artery, fill'd with injection; / And B was a Brick, never caught at dissection'.



Punch,  1 (1841), 231.

The Star System

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Anon

Genre:

News-Commentary, Drollery

Subjects:

Astronomy, Politics


    Reports that Peter Laurie Laurie, Sir Peter (1778–1861) ODNB
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, on learning that the planets Mars, Jupiter, and Saturn, could be seen 'every evening in the west', invited them to 'the later Polish Ball'. The planets were advised 'to come by water' and Laurie waited for his 'fiery stranger' at the 'Tower Stares'.



Punch,  1 (1841), 232.

Punch's Stomachology  [1/2]Anon, 'Punch's Stomachology', Punch, 2 (1842), 50

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Anon

Genre:

Essay, Drollery, Serial

Subjects:

Phrenology, Analogy, Anatomy, Mapping


    Using the analogy with phrenology, argues that the stomach possesses several 'faculties' including those for 'roast beef' and 'devilled kidney'. Adds that the stomach is a compound organ each part of which receives 'its own proper kind of ailment' and develops itself by 'outward bumps and prominences'. Introduces his 'system of Stomachology' and anticipates that his system will replace anatomy. Divides faculties into four classes: 'sustaining faculties' (basic foods), 'sentiments or affections', 'superior sentiments', and 'intellectual tastes' (fashionable foods).



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Punch,  1 (1841), 244.

The Physiology of the London Medical Student—10. The Termination of the Hall Examination  [10/12]Anon, 'The Physiology of the London Medical Student', Punch, 1 (1841), 142
Anon, 'The Physiology of the London Medical Student—II. The New Man', Punch, 1 (1841), 154
Anon, 'The Physiology of the London Medical Student—III. Of his Gradual Development', Punch, 1 (1841), 165
Anon, 'The Physiology of the London Medical Student—4. Of the Manner in which the First Season Passes', Punch, 1 (1841), 177
Anon, 'The Physiology of the London Medical Student—5. Of His Maturity and Latin Examination', Punch, 1 (1841), 185
Anon, 'The Physiology of the London Medical Student—6. Of the Gender and Its Class', Punch, 1 (1841), 201
Anon, 'The Physiology of the London Medical Student—7. Of Various Other Diverting Matters Connected with Grinding', Punch, 1 (1841), 213
Anon, 'The Physiology of the London Medical Student—8. Of the Examination at the Apothecaries' Hall', Punch, 1 (1841), 225
Anon, 'The Physiology of the London Medical Student—9. Of the Sequel to the Hall Examination', Punch, 1 (1841), 229
Anon, 'The Physiology of the London Medical Student—11. How Mr Muff Concludes His Evening', Punch, 1 (1841), 253
Anon, 'The Physiology of the London Medical Student—12. Of the College, and the Conclusion', Punch, 1 (1841), 265

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Anon

Genre:

Diary, Drollery, Serial

Subjects:

Medical Practitioners, Education, Universities, Dissection, Lecturing, Anatomy

Institutions mentioned:

Apothecaries' Hall, Worshipful Society of Apothecaries of London—Apothecaries' Hall
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University of London University of London
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    Describes the activities of various students the morning after their post-examination merriment. Describes the scene in the dissecting room, where students rejoice at hearing the news that the anatomy teacher is 'unavoidably detained'. Students consequently indulge in various naughty activities including schemes to kill a hen and another to let loose domestic animals in the dissecting room.



Punch,  1 (1841), 252.

A Perfect Vacuum Proved

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Anon

Genre:

News-Commentary, Drollery

Subjects:

Animal Magnetism, Medical Treatment, Psychology, Observation, Politics


    Reports that Mr Halse Halse, William Hooper (fl. 1840s) DNBS
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, a lecturer on animal magnetism, claimed that one of his patients had, 'under the magnetic influence', been able to 'see her own insides'. Adds that when Halse sent Charles W Stewart (3rd Marquess of Londonderry) Stewart (afterwards Vane), Charles William, 3rd Marquess of Londonderry (1778–1854) ODNB
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into a 'magnetic sleep', he found nothing inside his patient's head.



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Punch,  1 (1841), 253.

The Physiology of the London Medical Student—11. How Mr Muff Concludes His Evening  [11/12]Anon, 'The Physiology of the London Medical Student', Punch, 1 (1841), 142
Anon, 'The Physiology of the London Medical Student—II. The New Man', Punch, 1 (1841), 154
Anon, 'The Physiology of the London Medical Student—III. Of his Gradual Development', Punch, 1 (1841), 165
Anon, 'The Physiology of the London Medical Student—4. Of the Manner in which the First Season Passes', Punch, 1 (1841), 177
Anon, 'The Physiology of the London Medical Student—5. Of His Maturity and Latin Examination', Punch, 1 (1841), 185
Anon, 'The Physiology of the London Medical Student—6. Of the Gender and Its Class', Punch, 1 (1841), 201
Anon, 'The Physiology of the London Medical Student—7. Of Various Other Diverting Matters Connected with Grinding', Punch, 1 (1841), 213
Anon, 'The Physiology of the London Medical Student—8. Of the Examination at the Apothecaries' Hall', Punch, 1 (1841), 225
Anon, 'The Physiology of the London Medical Student—9. Of the Sequel to the Hall Examination', Punch, 1 (1841), 229
Anon, 'The Physiology of the London Medical Student—10. The Termination of the Hall Examination', Punch, 1 (1841), 244
Anon, 'The Physiology of the London Medical Student—12. Of the College, and the Conclusion', Punch, 1 (1841), 265

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Anon

Genre:

Serial, Diary, Drollery

Subjects:

Medical Practitioners, Education, Universities, Chemistry

Institutions mentioned:

University of London University of London
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    Believes a pot of 'half-and-half' (a mixture of two malt liquors, commonly ale and porter) is as essential to the 'proper illumination of a Medical Student's faculties' as 'sulphuric acid is to the ignition of the platinum of the hydropneumatic lamp'. Notes that, despite the efforts of the Royal College of Surgeons Royal College of Surgeons
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, pots of beer find their way into the dissecting room. Relates gossip and mirth enjoyed by medical students over pots of beer.



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Punch,  1 (1841), 265.

The Physiology of the London Medical Student—12. Of the College, and the Conclusion  [12/12]Anon, 'The Physiology of the London Medical Student', Punch, 1 (1841), 142
Anon, 'The Physiology of the London Medical Student—II. The New Man', Punch, 1 (1841), 154
Anon, 'The Physiology of the London Medical Student—III. Of his Gradual Development', Punch, 1 (1841), 165
Anon, 'The Physiology of the London Medical Student—4. Of the Manner in which the First Season Passes', Punch, 1 (1841), 177
Anon, 'The Physiology of the London Medical Student—5. Of His Maturity and Latin Examination', Punch, 1 (1841), 185
Anon, 'The Physiology of the London Medical Student—6. Of the Gender and Its Class', Punch, 1 (1841), 201
Anon, 'The Physiology of the London Medical Student—7. Of Various Other Diverting Matters Connected with Grinding', Punch, 1 (1841), 213
Anon, 'The Physiology of the London Medical Student—8. Of the Examination at the Apothecaries' Hall', Punch, 1 (1841), 225
Anon, 'The Physiology of the London Medical Student—9. Of the Sequel to the Hall Examination', Punch, 1 (1841), 229
Anon, 'The Physiology of the London Medical Student—10. The Termination of the Hall Examination', Punch, 1 (1841), 244
Anon, 'The Physiology of the London Medical Student—11. How Mr Muff Concludes His Evening', Punch, 1 (1841), 253

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Anon

Genre:

Diary, Drollery, Serial

Subjects:

Medical Practitioners, Education, Hospitals

Institutions mentioned:

University of London University of London
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    Describes how the protagonist of the story, Joseph Muff, undergoes the process of 'grinding' in anatomy, before presenting himself at the Royal College of Surgeons Royal College of Surgeons
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. Describes medical students' preparations for their last examination at the college. Students irritate the 'grinder' again by giving sloppy and jocose answers to medical questions. Compares the college examination favourably with those at the Apothecaries' Hall Worshipful Society of Apothecaries of London—Apothecaries' Hall
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. The conclusion states that the articles have 'endeavoured to show the medical student as he actually exists—his reckless gaiety, his wild frolics, his open disposition'. Adds that students look back on their education with affection but also with a sense of the 'lamentable inefficacy of the present course of medical education pursued at our schools and hospitals, to fit a man for future practice'.



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