Science in the 19th Century Periodical

Punch, Or the London Charivari [1st]

Introductory Essay
Volume 14  (January to June 1848)
Punch,  14 (1848), [xi].

March–April

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Anon

Genre:

Illustration, Drollery

Relevant illustrations:

wdct.



[Pictorial Border]

Subjects:

Zoological Gardens, Amusement


    Shows animals dressed as gentlemen in and around a zoological garden.




Punch,  14 (1848), [xviii].

[September-October]

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Anon

Genre:

Notes, Drollery; Illustration, Drollery

Relevant illustrations:

wdct.

Illustrators:

R D, pseud.  [Richard Doyle] Doyle, Richard (1824–83) ODNB
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Spielmann, Marion Harry Alexander 1895. The History of "Punch", London: Cassell
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Astronomical Terms

Subjects:

Astronomy



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Punch,  14 (1848), 2.

Punch's New Battery

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Anon

Genre:

Editorial, Drollery

Subjects:

Military Technology, Anaesthesia, War


    Proposes a scheme in which an 'invading army' is reduced to a state of 'utter insensibility' by spraying them with chloroform from fire-engines lined up on the English coast.



Punch,  14 (1848), 5.

Tales of the Hatchway

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Anon

Genre:

News-Commentary, Drollery

Subjects:

Breeding, Animal Development, Invention, Steam-power, Animal Husbandry


    Reports on news that Mr Cantelo's Cantelo, Mr (fl. 1848) PU1/14/1/2
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has invented a process for hatching one thousand chickens an hour. Doubts his calculations and 'can't-tell-'ow' Cantelo 'does it'.



Punch,  14 (1848), 12.

A Pleasant Country

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Anon

Genre:

Essay, Drollery

Relevant illustrations:

wdct.

Illustrators:

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:

Agriculture, Education, Lecturing, Cultural Geography, Politics


    Notes that the 'philanthropic attempt to enlighten the Irish on agriculture' will be carried out with more success if the lecturers wear a suit of armour. Describes how the 'well-meaning communicants of agricultural information' have to sustain ridicule and cabbage-leaves being thrown at them. The illustration shows a figure lecturing to a audience of farmers in a suit of armour.



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Punch,  14 (1848), 23.

The Kettle Has Done it All!

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Anon

Genre:

Short Fiction, Drollery

Subjects:

Steam-power, Engineers, Invention, Nationalism, War

People mentioned:

Archimedes Archimedes (c. 287–212 BC) DSB
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    Opens with John Bull proclaiming that 'steam has made England no longer an Island'. Punch tells Mrs Gerkins how, as a child, James Watt Watt, James (1736–1819) DSB
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would be transfixed by the tunes and shapes caused by the steam emerging from his aunt's kettle. Believes Watt heard in 'the singing kettle the songs of the English CYCLOPS', who was making railways, carriages, saw-mills, and steam-engines, but then concealed the fact that he then saw in the steam the French invasion of Britain.



Punch,  14 (1848), 24.

Songs of the Rail

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Anon

Genre:

Song, Drollery

Subjects:

Railways, Invention, Transport


    Describes the journey of 'Young William Jones', a railway engine 'out of the West', which 'drove all unhelp'd' and which 'stopp'd not for water' or coke.



Punch,  14 (1848), 24.

Go-Carts for Adults

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Anon

Genre:

Essay, Drollery

Relevant illustrations:

wdct.

Illustrators:

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:

Invention, Transport


    Describes an invention for helping adults to maintain their footing on slippery pavements. It consists of a chest-high basket on wheels in which the adult walks.



Punch,  14 (1848), 24.

Sanitary Victims

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Anon

Genre:

News-Commentary, Drollery

Subjects:

Disease, Sanitation, Medical Practitioners, Government, Patronage


    Applauds the government's decision to give a pension to the widow of a Manchester surgeon, Mr Walker Walker, Mr (fl. 1848) PU1/14/3/4
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who was 'killed on duty by fever'. Thinks a pension should also be awarded to the children of Dr Lynch Lynch, Dr (fl. 1848) PU1/14/3/4
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, who was 'slain by the dirty City of London'.



Punch,  14 (1848), 25.

The Sun-Light and Gas-Light

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Anon

Genre:

Illustration, Drollery; News-Commentary, Drollery

Relevant illustrations:

wdct.

Illustrators:

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:

Light, Astronomy, Invention, Government, Politics


    Reports on the 'gratifying proposition' to impose a tax upon the sun's 'old rival', gaslight. Notes that taxing the rays of the sun 'may be objected to as taxes on industry', given the sun's early appearance for most of the year. Glad that 'young Gas' is indignant at the news because 'he never flares up without enlightening the public'.



Punch,  14 (1848), 25.

Gold and Silver Warning

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Anon

Genre:

News-Commentary, Drollery

Subjects:

Sanitation, Metallurgy, Commerce, Medical Treatment, Charlatanry


    Reports on a Mechanics' Magazine Mechanics' Magazine (1823–72) Iron: the Journal of Science, Metals, and Manufactures (1872–93) Industries and Iron (1893–99) Waterloo Directory
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article describing the profits to be made from the gold and silver deposited from workmen's bodies during washing. Noting Kenelm Digby's Digby, Sir Kenelm (1603–65) DSB ODNB
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proposal to cure warts by 'washing the hands in moonshine in a silver basin', likens 'moonshine washing' to the 'deposit of gold and silver' in the tradesman's water tanks.



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Punch,  14 (1848), 38.

Looking-GLasses for Birds

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Tom-Tit, pseud.  [[Douglas W Jerrold]] Jerrold, Douglas William (1803–1857) ODNB
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Jerrold, Walter. 1910. Douglas Jerrold and 'Punch', London: Macmillan and Co.
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Genre:

Letter, Spoof

Subjects:

Ornithology, Animal Behaviour, Light, Instruments


    Responds to an extract from an article in the Gardener's Chronicle Gardener's Chronicle (1841–1900+) Waterloo Directory
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in which the author explains how he stopped tomtits from attacking his pears by hanging a looking glass from the tree. Warns Mr Punch not to believe this on the grounds that while looking glasses will deter tomtits from trees, they will attract many more vanity-seeking hen-birds.



Punch,  14 (1848), 38.

New Patent: Interesting to Silk Gowns

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Anon

Genre:

News-Commentary, Drollery

Subjects:

Invention, Psychology, Government


    Reports on the Admiralty's Admiralty
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patenting of a device for obliterating from memory all the facts that have been stored up over the past three years, and, consequently, absorbing 'facts of a contrary tendency, to be used against the forgotten memoranda'. Believes the success of the invention will be demonstrated in the trial of 'BURON v. DENMAN'.



Punch,  14 (1848), 41.

Country Quarters

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Anon

Genre:

News-Commentary, Drollery

Relevant illustrations:

wdct.

Illustrators:

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:

Botanical Gardens, Botany, Agriculture, Artisans


    Suggests establishing a hothouse at the Royal Botanical Gardens, Kew Royal Botanical Gardens, Kew
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, to enable 'some curious plants of British growth' to survive in cold weather. Believes the 'agricultural labourer' is one of many 'productions of an English soil' which need to be preserved—in this case by a 'nice warm bed'. The illustration shows a farmer in a large pail of water.



Punch,  14 (1848), 44.

Exotics in Scotland

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Anon

Genre:

News-Commentary

Subjects:

Botanical Gardens, Botany


    Notes from a report in the Daily News Daily News (1846–1900+) Waterloo Directory
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that the Royal Caledonian Horticultural Society Royal Caledonian Horticultural Society, Edinburgh
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proposes to make a 'glass-inclosed winter garden' for the cultivation of 'the most rare Exotics'. Challenges John Lindley's Lindley, John (1799–1865) DSB
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view that 'Exotics' will brave the garden.



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Punch,  14 (1848), 46.

Gallipot Companions

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Anon

Genre:

News-Commentary, Drollery; Song

Subjects:

Universities, Medical Treatment


    Responding to news that during the quincentennial anniversary of the University of Cambridge University of Cambridge
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, held at Gonville and Caius College Gonville and Caius College, Cambridge
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, John J Smith Smith, John James (1807–83) WBI
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toasted 'Physic'. Suggests that the toast would have included a song containing such lines as 'A bumper of febrifuge fill for me; / Give those who prefer it to be black draught; / But whatever the dose, it a strong one must be'.



Punch,  14 (1848), 47.

Geese on the Serpentine

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Anon

Genre:

News-Commentary, Drollery

Subjects:

Animal Behaviour, Nomenclature, Ornithology


    Alarmed at the audacity of the wildfowl who venture upon the ice on the Serpentine, and claims that such species are called 'Bipes implumis'.



Punch,  14 (1848), 48.

The Use of Chloroform

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Anon

Genre:

Essay, Drollery

Subjects:

Anaesthesia


    Suggests that chloroform could be used in 'thousands of instances of every-day life', including trying on shoes, shaving, and flagellation at school.



Punch,  14 (1848), 52.

The Great Clock Movement

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Anon

Genre:

Illustration, Drollery; News-Commentary, Drollery

Relevant illustrations:

wdct.

Illustrators:

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:

Time, Instruments, Measurement, Metrology, Nationalism


    Discusses attempts being made to correct the serious disagreements between the 'Clocks of England'. Notes the difficulty of making all clocks correct to the Greenwich Royal Observatory, Greenwich
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clock and believes 'refractory Clocks' will be sent to the 'House of Correction'. The illustration shows 'Greenwich Clock' as a policeman asking clocks dressed as a Scotsman and an Irishman to 'move on'.



Punch,  14 (1848), 52.

A Treasure-Trove for Newspapers

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Anon

Genre:

News-Commentary, Drollery

Relevant illustrations:

wdct.

Illustrators:

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:

Natural History, Horticulture, Periodicals, Experiment


    Discusses the 'extraordinary virtues of the Gutta Percha Tree'. Invites the 'country press' to insert a paragraph which describes how a 'gentleman who is strongly imbued with the spirit of experiments', planted a 'double sole' in the ground and succeeded in growing a 'Boot-Tree'. Describes the tree as having almost 'every specimen of boot'. The illustration shows a tree with boots hanging from its branches.



Punch,  14 (1848), 54.

Finery, Dirt, and Disease

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Anon

Genre:

News-Commentary

Subjects:

Sanitation, Manufactories, Disease, Class, Commerce


    Responds to Thomas Wakley Wakley, Thomas (1795–1862) ODNB
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who, according to an article in The Times The Times (1777–1900+) Waterloo Directory
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, reflected on the destitute individuals responsible for the 'displays of ingenuity' on show in Regent Street shops. Does not think Wakley's remarks are strong enough to remind consumers of the origins of fine goods. Thinks that it is better if the 'higher classes [...] ameliorate the physical condition of the poor, than continue to carry the consequences of it on their own backs'.



Punch,  14 (1848), 54.

A Voice from the Weathercock

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Anon

Genre:

News-Commentary, Drollery

Relevant illustrations:

wdct.

Illustrators:

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:

Meteorology, Invention


    Suggests that the 'Weathercock' can be made more comprehensible to 'the ordinary observer' by attaching coats and umbrellas to the vanes. These additions will enable better judgement of wind speed and rainfall respectively. The illustration depicts this suggestion.



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Punch,  14 (1848), 55.

One more Use of Chloroform

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Anon

Genre:

Editorial, Drollery

Subjects:

Anaesthesia, Feeling, Class


    Recommends the use of chloroform to poor-law guardians, because it will render relieving officers 'utterly devoid of feeling'.



Punch,  14 (1848), 56.

The Coming Comet

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Anon

Genre:

Essay, Drollery

Relevant illustrations:

wdct. [2]

Illustrators:

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:

Astronomy, Railways, Astrology, Superstition


    Speculates on what the imminent comet has been doing since its last appearance in 1556. Suggestions include 'enjoying himself at every astrological house where there was a drop or a cloud to be had'. Doubts whether 'this great Comet [is] to be the avant-courier to announce the arrival of some tremendous person', following the failure of the supposed 'Coming Man' to appear. Hopes the comet chooses to live in Trafalgar Square, where it can drink water from the 'two little basins' and exercise itself 'by running up and down Nelson's Column'. Thinks the comet may prove the greatest London architect since the 'Great Fire of London'. The first illustration shows a smartly dressed comet walking in Trafalgar Square with Mr Punch holding its tail. The second illustration shows the face of Francis Egerton (1st Earl of Ellesmere) Egerton, Francis, 1st Earl of Ellesmere (1800–57) ODNB
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in its head, dragging King Louis-Phillipe Louis-Phillipe, King of the French (1773–1850) CBD
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of France with its tail.



Punch,  14 (1848), 57.

The Elastic Baby Jumper

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Anon

Genre:

Essay, Drollery; Illustration, Drollery

Relevant illustrations:

wdct. [2]

Illustrators:

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:

Invention, Human Development, Politics, Steamships, Travel


    Believes the 'Infant Baby Jumper', an apparatus for suspending babies from ceilings, should be used by 'the chairman at a public meeting' enabling him to preside over or advance into an assembly, and help passengers embark and disembark from steamboats. The illustrations depicts figures suspended from this invention.



Punch,  14 (1848), 57.

Arithmetical Questions

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Anon

Genre:

Exam Paper, Spoof

Subjects:

Mathematics, Politics, Sanitation, Government, Public Health


    Various arithmetical questions concerning topical political and social questions. For example, 'Given, the Bill for Sanitary Reform. Required, to find the clause that related to the City of London', or 'Which is the greater, the distance between Bath and Jericho, or Lord Brougham Brougham, Henry Peter, 1st Baron Brougham and Vaux (1778–1868) ODNB
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and the Whigs'.



Punch,  14 (1848), 57.

Grand Discovery—Ireland's Real Disorder

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Anon

Genre:

News-Commentary

Subjects:

Mental Illness, Race


    Responds to an article in the Nation Nation (1842–97) Weekly Nation (1897–1900) BUCOP
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by noting the extraordinary industry of inmates in Irish lunatic asylums. Argues that the way to 'render the Irish industrious' is to discipline them as if they were inmates in a lunatic asylum. Suggests that John Conolly Conolly, John (1794–1866) ODNB
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be transferred from Hanwell Lunatic Asylum County Lunatic Asylum, Hanwell
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to Dublin Castle Dublin Castle
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, and that physicians quell inhabitants of 'disturbed districts' with 'sedative medicines'.



Punch,  14 (1848), 59.

Splendid Opening for a Young Medical Man

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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, Drollery

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:

Medical Practitioners


    Depicts a young doctor standing at the end of a table, around which sit several gentlemen discussing his application to become a parish doctor. The chairman announces that his salary will be £20 and that he will have to find his own 'tea and sugar—medicine I mean'. Punch thinks the applicant will lose his position to a 'humbug, who will fill it for less money'.



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Punch,  14 (1848), 67.

A Real Invasion

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Anon

Genre:

News-Commentary

Subjects:

Disease, Medical Treatment


    Responding to the news that five thousand Londoners were killed by the recent influenza epidemic, urges that 'our common shores' as well as our coasts should be fortified (a reference to the recent fortification of the coasts).



Punch,  14 (1848), 72.

Euclid Outdone

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Anon

Genre:

Editorial, Drollery

Subjects:

Railways, Time, Mathematics, Measurement


    Invites readers to solve the problem of finding 'the periods fixed for the starting of trains' in a railway timetable.



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Punch,  14 (1848), 75.

News of the Comet

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Anon

Genre:

Reportage, Drollery

Subjects:

Astronomy, Prognostication, Government, Politics


    Noting the imminent arrival of the comet, points out that 'England has already been visited by its share of misfortunes', including the recent Government budget. Reports that Professor Donneranblitz has calculated that the figures seen in the comet's tail add up to five, the new percentage of income tax announced in the budget.



Punch,  14 (1848), 76.

Old and New Toys

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Anon

Genre:

Essay, Drollery

Relevant illustrations:

wdct. [6]

Illustrators:

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:

Education, Amusement, Invention, Palaeontology, Steam-power, Gas Chemistry, Aeronautics, Electricity, Instruments, Human Development


    Argues that children's toys should be replaced by more scientific ones in order to reflect children's more sophisticated knowledge. Suggested toys include a megatherium rocking-horse, a 'monster steam-engine' (replacing the conventional rocking-horse), a gasometer (replacing the art of blowing soap bubbles), Nassau balloons, and electrical machines. Envisions that 'nurseries will be turned into miniature laboratories'. The illustrations depict the changes from the old to the suggested new toys.



Punch,  14 (1848), 78.

The Anaesthetical Electioneering Agent

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Anon

Genre:

News-Commentary, Drollery

Subjects:

Anaesthesia, Politics, Commerce, Charlatanry


    Reports that parliamentary candidates in a Yarmouth election were unconscious of acts of bribery during the voting procedure, and attributes this to the fact that candidates must have been 'under the influence of chloroform'.



Punch,  14 (1848), 82.

Steam Chickens

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Anon

Genre:

Essay, Drollery

Relevant illustrations:

wdct.

Subjects:

Breeding, Steam-power, Animal Development, Animal Behaviour, Animal Husbandry, Evolution


    Discusses Mr Cantelo's Cantelo, Mr (fl. 1848) PU1/14/1/2
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proposal to greatly increase the rate of production of poultry by hatching eggs in a steam oven. Concerned that chicks born by this process will be unable to develop 'filial affections' for their 'steam-mother', and observes Cantelo's 'Spartan notions touching deformed chickens'. Believes that the process will produce chickens that will be deformed and resemble a steam engine. Noting how some species of animal have adapted themselves to man-made inventions, the writer fears 'for the future figures of our poultry' and expects those hatched by steam to appear in the shape of tea kettles. Concludes by claiming that Cantelo's scheme is 'well worthy of consideration'. The illustration shows kettle-shaped chickens, exhaling steam, surrounded by chicks.



Punch,  14 (1848), 84.

Survey of London

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Anon

Genre:

News-Commentary, Drollery; Illustration, Drollery

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:

Mapping, Sanitation, Instruments, Military Technology


    Discusses the 'alarm' caused amongst Londoners by the 'appearance of soldiers' undertaking surveying work in preparing to level the metropolis 'at the request of the Sanitary Commissioners'. The illustration shows an elderly lady being shocked by the sight of a Royal Engineer using a theodolite. The engineer explains that it is only a 'dumpy leveller', and although the woman is relieved to learn that the instrument is not a 'blunderbust', she asks the soldier not to fire it.



Punch,  14 (1848), 84.

Fine Arts. George Hudson, Esq.: Madame Tussaud Fecit.

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Anon

Genre:

Reportage, Spoof

Subjects:

Railways, Commerce, Charlatanry, Representation, Museums, Exhibitions


    Reports on the latest addition to the collection at Madame Tussaud's Madame Tussaud's Waxworks
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—a waxwork model of George Hudson Hudson, George (1800–71) ODNB
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. Cynically suggests that Hudson's avarice has been faithfully represented in the model, including such features as his coat-tail pockets being 'filled with sovereigns', and his face being 'placed towards the [Royal] Mint Royal Mint
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'. Concludes by ironically suggesting that this 'incarceration of wealth [...] is to be worshipped by every man who glories in the name of Englishman'.



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Punch,  14 (1848), 85.

Fashionable Changes

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Anon

Genre:

Editorial, Drollery

Subjects:

Anaesthesia, Medical Treatment, Narcotics


    Discusses the effect of chloroform in cases of insensibility. Expects that drunkenness will be replaced by 'obliviousness'.



Punch,  14 (1848), 86.

Mysteries of the Initials

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Anon

Genre:

Essay, Drollery

Subjects:

Telegraphy, Publishing


    Likens the second column in The Times The Times (1777–1900+) Waterloo Directory
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, where 'fond initials love to discourse', to 'the electric telegraph between the most distant letters of the alphabet'.



Punch,  14 (1848), 86.

"The King Can do no Wrong"

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Anon

Genre:

News-Commentary

Subjects:

Railways, Transport, Commerce, Accidents


    Regarding George Hudson Hudson, George (1800–71) ODNB
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as 'more dangerous in railway travelling than either a long-bodied engine, a leaky boiler, a broken rail, or a drunken engineer', this article warns of the dangers of the railway 'King', especially the accidents that passengers suffer owing to his 'absurdity'.



Punch,  14 (1848), 87.

The Detoxicant

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Anon

Genre:

News-Commentary, Drollery

Subjects:

Anaesthesia, Medical Treatment, Morality


    Suggests that a new medical treatment called a 'Detoxicant' is 'some liquid of the chloroform nature which enabled the 'management and subjugation' of drunkards.



Punch,  14 (1848), 87.

Chloroform at Billingsgate

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Anon

Genre:

News-Commentary, Drollery

Subjects:

Anaesthesia, Animal Behaviour


    Reports on news that oysters and eels have been opened under the influence of chloroform.



Punch,  14 (1848), 88.

Fashionable Laboratories

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Anon

Genre:

Essay, Drollery

Subjects:

Anaesthesia, Amusement


    Discusses the fashion for 'chemical evening parties' where chloroform is administered. Believes corresponding changes in party etiquette will include asking a 'young lady' if she would like, not ice, but 'a glass of chloroform'. Calculating that chloroform would be cheaper than food for a hundred people, doubts 'if FARADAY Faraday, Michael (1791–1867) DSB
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would charge for a supper as much as GUNTER Gunter, Mr (fl. 1848) PU1/14/10/5
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'.



Punch,  14 (1848), 91.

Rival Monsters

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Anon

Genre:

News-Commentary, Drollery

Subjects:

Exhibitions, Monstrosities, Government


    Discusses the exhibition of 'two monster curiosities' on the banks of the Thames: a whale and Thomas C Anstey's Anstey, Thomas Chisholm (1816–73) ODNB
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'Monster' parliamentary motion. This is an allusion to Anstey's notoriously long speeches in the House of Commons House of Commons
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.



Punch,  14 (1848), 91.

"A Sewing Machine"

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[Douglas W Jerrold] Jerrold, Douglas William (1803–1857) ODNB
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Jerrold, Walter. 1910. Douglas Jerrold and 'Punch', London: Macmillan and Co.
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Genre:

Letter, Spoof

Subjects:

Invention, Technology, Domestic Economy, Class, Politics


    Notes that this invention has recently been exhibited at the Royal Institution Royal Institution of Great Britain
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. Thinks there is nothing new in the fact that the machine works by 'turning a screw', since 'English shirtmakers' have 'been made to work for farthings' by 'turning a screw'.



Punch,  14 (1848), 94.

Fluttering of the Feathered Tribe

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Anon

Genre:

Illustration, Drollery; Reportage, Spoof

Relevant illustrations:

wdct.

Illustrators:

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:

Breeding, Invention, Technology, Animal Husbandry, Steam-power, Animal Development


    Begins with an illustration showing a procession of hens, ducks, and their young, all carrying placards protesting against the threat to their livelihood posed by Mr Cantelo's Cantelo, Mr (fl. 1848) PU1/14/1/2
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steam-powered egg incubator. The text explains that birds consider that Cantelo is threatening 'the nests and other cherished institutions of the feathered tribe' and, accordingly, several birds held a meeting at which they protested against the 'new hatching systems' and the production of birds by such 'wishy-washy means'.



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Punch,  14 (1848), 106.

Five Minutes' Advice on Railway Royalty

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Anon

Genre:

News-Commentary, Drollery

Subjects:

Railways, Transport, Commerce, Accidents

People mentioned:

George Hudson Hudson, George (1800–71) ODNB
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Punch,  14 (1848), 117.

A Medical Maiden

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Anon

Genre:

News-Commentary,

Subjects:

Medical Practitioners, Education, Gender, Cultural Geography, Domestic Economy


    Reports on Elizabeth Blackwell's Blackwell, Elizabeth (1821–1910) ODNB
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attendance at medical lectures in Boston. Admires Blackwell and applauds her for 'qualifying herself for that very important duty of a good wife—tending a husband in sickness', learning to distinguish between 'real and fanciful ailments', and finding out the 'consequences of want of exercise, damp feet, and tight lacing'. Observes that 'America is certainly ahead of us in respect of the medical profession'.



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Punch,  14 (1848), 127.

Chicken for the Million

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Anon

Genre:

News-Commentary, Drollery

Subjects:

Breeding, Invention, Steam-power, Animal Husbandry, Animal Development


    Responds to Mr Cantelo's Cantelo, Mr (fl. 1848) PU1/14/1/2
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claim in the Morning Post Morning Post and Daily Advertising Pamphlet (1772–1900+) Waterloo Directory
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that he can produce an average of seventy-five chickens from one hundred eggs. Thinks Cantelo's scheme to 'produce poultry for the million' is too costly a public operation but a worthwhile 'private speculation'.



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Punch,  14 (1848), 142.

International Colours

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Anon

Genre:

News-Commentary, Drollery

Subjects:

Astronomy, Politics, Nationalism


    Reports that 'long-sighted Republicans' claimed to see the colours of the tricolour on the clouds that concealed the moon during the recent eclipse. Thinks that the moon would sympathise with France because it too is 'subject to so many changes and revolutions'.



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Punch,  14 (1848), 143.

Led by the "Noses"

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Anon

Genre:

News-Commentary, Drollery

Subjects:

Disease, Invention, Heat, Government

People mentioned:

Thomas Wakley Wakley, Thomas (1795–1862) ODNB
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    Responds to news of the illness of the speaker of the House of Commons House of Commons
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with a cynical dig at David B Reid's Reid, David Boswell (1805–63) ODNB
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ventilation system. Suggests 'homely remedies' for the speaker, but thinks a 'sub-Speaker' should be hired 'as the Influenza, or a civic dinner, or the north-east wind' might 'deprive us [...] of the Speaker'.



Punch,  14 (1848), 145.

Homage to Harvey

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Anon

Genre:

News-Commentary, Drollery

Subjects:

Medical Practitioners, Heroism, War


    Applauds a decision to erect a monument to William Harvey Harvey, William (1578–1657) DSB
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, since there are many statues of men 'whose celebrity rests on blood' but not one whose fame rests on the 'circulation of the fluid'.



Punch,  14 (1848), 145.

Proper Dignity

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Anon

Genre:

Reportage, Drollery

Subjects:

Zoological Gardens, Animal Behaviour, Commerce


    Reports that the elephant at the Zoological Society Gardens Zoological Society of London —Gardens
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has resolved to show itself only in profile, following the reduction in admission prices to the gardens.



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Punch,  14 (1848), 155.

The Aërial Mail

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Anon

Genre:

Essay, Drollery

Subjects:

Aeronautics, Military Technology, Invention


    Addressing the inventor of penny postage, Rowland Hill Hill, Sir Rowland (1795–1879) ODNB
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, proposes to send mailbags by balloon, the link between the bags and the balloon being broken by a fusee at a given distance from the General Post Office General Post Office
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.



Punch,  14 (1848), 161.

A Curious Patient

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Anon

Genre:

News-Commentary, Drollery

Subjects:

Medical Practitioners, Commerce, Expertise

People mentioned:

Benjamin C Brodie Brodie, Sir Benjamin Collins, 1st Baronet (1783–1862) DSB ODNB
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    Discusses an advertisement by 'the Surgeon to the Bank of England Bank of England
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'. Suggests that the bank's pulse is felt by the Stock Exchange Stock Exchange
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. Speculates on similar appointments such as a 'Chemist to London Bridge London Bridge
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' and a medical man to 'look after' statues.



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Punch,  14 (1848), 166.

How to Tame Ireland

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Anon

Genre:

Announcement, Drollery

Subjects:

Zoology, Animal Behaviour, Politics, Cultural Geography


    Annouces that the government is sending to Ireland the proprietor of the 'Happy Family—a zoological republic, in which the wildest animals elbow one another in the same cage—to see whether Irishmen cannot be induced, or made, to live peaceably together'. Adds that the proprietor is to 'be empowered with authority for making experiments' and has started his work on 'a Young Irelander, an Old Irelander, and an Orangeman'.



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Punch,  14 (1848), 183.

Astronomical Amusements

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Anon

Genre:

Essay, Drollery; Illustration, Caricature

Relevant illustrations:

wdct.

Subjects:

Astronomy, Discovery, Scientific Practitioners


    Reports on John C Adams's Adams, John Couch (1819–92) DSB
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'canvas solar system', 'spermaceti stars', 'oil moon', 'gas sun', and 'rushlight satellites'. Points out his latest discovery of 'FIVE NEW PLANETS'. Advises Adams to 'stick on a dozen new planets at once, in anticipation of what may be brought to light during the ensuing lustrum' because 'his planet manufacturer will charge no more for making a dozen or so while his hand is in, than he would for producing a solitary star if ordered separate'. The illustration depicts a sun-faced, bespectacled man (possibly Adams) playing globes of the earth with drum sticks—an attempt to 'illustrate the music of the spheres'.



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Punch,  14 (1848), 197.

Punch's Natural History: The Swedish Nightingale (Curruca Lumlyana)

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Anon

Genre:

Notes, Drollery

Subjects:

Natural History, Animal Behaviour, Music


    Describes the characteristics of Jenny Lind Lind-Goldschmidt (née Lind), Johanna Maria ('Jenny') (1820–87) ODNB
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as if she were literally a 'Swedish Nightingale'. Description includes remarks on the distinctiveness and 'wonderful' range of the nightingale's voice, her 'succinct' shape, and the fact that her 'nest' is 'feathered with the finest bank-paper'. Speculates on the diet of this 'Queen of Song'.



Punch,  14 (1848), 205.

A New Menagerie

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Anon

Genre:

Illustration, Drollery; Reportage, Drollery

Relevant illustrations:

wdct.

Illustrators:

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:

Menageries, Commerce


    Reports that the Zoological Society Zoological Society of London
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is allowing the public to visit all its animals for a low admission fee. Claims that the Stock Exchange Stock Exchange
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is likewise opening to the public 'its celebrated collection of living Bulls and Bears', and 'Stags'. The illustration shows the latter collection roaming about an empty hall.



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Punch,  14 (1848), 209.

Astral Literature

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Anon

Genre:

Essay, Drollery

Relevant illustrations:

wdct. [3]

Illustrators:

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:

Astronomy, Periodicals, Observatories


    Suggests the possible contents of a new American newspaper, the Sidereal Messenger Sidereal Messenger (1882–91) Astronomy and Astrophysics (1892–94) Astrophysical Journal (1895–1900+) BUCOP
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. Suggestions include a column 'inviting some missing star to return to his circle of disconsolate satellites', and announcements that Saturn 'will go through his celebrated scenes in the circle [ring system]', and that new milk can be bought from the Milky Way. Doubts whether the paper will be able to fill its pages or appeal to anybody but those 'thoroughly wrapped up in a comet's tail'. The illustrations depict the likely 'observatory' offices of the newspaper, perched on a church steeple.



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Punch,  14 (1848), 223.

Ne Puff Ultra

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Anon

Genre:

Essay, Drollery

Subjects:

Quackery, Medical Treatment, Patronage, Commerce


    Discusses news that Emperor Nicholas I Nicholas I, Emperor of Russia (1796–1855) CBD
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of Russia has been testifying to the merits of 'Revelenta Arabica', and argues that the job of puffing the remedy should have been given to a poorer continental king. Suggests the formation of a 'Testimonial Association', in which 'individuals of every kind and degree' would testify to the effects of 'wonderful cures'. Thinks Thomas Holloway Holloway, Thomas (1800–83) ODNB
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and Dr Stolberg Stolberg, Dr (fl. 1848) PU1/14/22/1
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could establish businesses using physically impaired employees.



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Punch,  14 (1848), 227.

A Bear-Garden

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Anon

Genre:

Reportage, Drollery

Subjects:

Zoology, Menageries, Nutrition, Animal Behaviour, Animal Development


    Reports on a bear garden at Shoreditch where bears are nourished and 'unadulterated grease' is supplied direct from the bear. Discusses the effect of free-trade on home-grown bear-grease, and notes the zoological uniqueness of the Shoreditch bears.



Punch,  14 (1848), 231.

Sanatory Measures

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J L, pseud.  [John Leech] Leech, John (1817–64) ODNB
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Genre:

Illustration, Caricature

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:

Sanitation, Disease, Government, Politics


    The caption reads 'Lord Morpeth [the architect of a Health of Towns Bill] Throwing Pearls before —— Aldermen'. The picture shows George Howard (Viscount Morpeth) Howard, George, 6th Earl of Carlisle (formerly styled 'Viscount Morpeth') (1773–1848) ODNB
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throwing such parliamentary bills as 'Health of Towns' and 'Sanatory' to pigs bearing the coat of arms of the Corporation of London Corporation of London
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, which are sitting and lying around his feet.



Punch,  14 (1848), 233.

Seasonable Inventions

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Anon

Genre:

News-Commentary, Drollery

Relevant illustrations:

wdct. [2]

Subjects:

Invention, Heat, Meteorology


    Reports on the invention by Messrs Dodge, of an 'Anti-Solar Hat', a parasol mounted on top of a gossamer hat, and an omnibus 'containing a refrigerator' for improving the 'broiling journey'. The illustrations depict these inventions.



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Punch,  14 (1848), 263.

A Matter of Course

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Anon

Genre:

News-Commentary

Subjects:

Sanitation, Government, Public Health, Politics

Institutions mentioned:

Literary Institution, Leicester Square Literary Institution, Leicester Square
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    Shares Hector Gavin's Gavin, Hector (d. 1855) WBI
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praise for Thomas S Smith Smith, Thomas Southwood (1788–1861) ODNB
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, the originator of the Health of Towns Bill. Regards the government's failure to appoint Smith, a person who accomplished a 'great public benefit', as a 'disgraceful erratum'.



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