Science in the 19th Century Periodical

Punch, Or the London Charivari [1st]

Introductory Essay
Volume 22  (January to June 1852)
Punch,  22 (1852), [x].

An Easy Berth

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Anon

Genre:

Notes, Drollery

Subjects:

Medical Practitioners


Punch,  22 (1852), [xi].

March Hair—Not Hare

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Anon

Genre:

Poetry, Drollery

Subjects:

Animal Behaviour, Scientific Practitioners

People mentioned:

Richard Owen Owen, Richard (1804–92) DSB
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Punch,  22 (1852), [xiv].

Grand Show of Prize Vegetarians

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Anon

Genre:

Illustration, Satire

Relevant illustrations:

wdct.

Illustrators:

J 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:

Nutrition, Exhibitions


    Shows a family looking at a display of people who have turned into the vegetables upon which they were exclusively fed.



Punch,  22 (1852), [xvi].

Philosophy of Mesmerism

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Anon

Genre:

Notes, Drollery

Subjects:

Mesmerism, Animal Magnetism


Punch,  22 (1852), [xviii].

Astronomical

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Anon

Genre:

Announcement, Spoof

Subjects:

Astronomy, Instruments


Punch,  22 (1852), [xviii].

Something Nice for the Serpent

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Anon

Genre:

Notes, Drollery

Subjects:

Animal Behaviour, Zoological Gardens

Institutions mentioned:

Zoological Society—Gardens, Zoological Society of London —Gardens
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Zoological Society Zoological Society of London
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Punch,  22 (1852), [xx].

Animal Food

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Anon

Genre:

Notes, Drollery

Subjects:

Animal Behaviour, Nutrition


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Punch,  22 (1852), 2.

Crackers for Christmas

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Anon

Genre:

Notes, Drollery

Subjects:

Astronomy, Chemistry, Telegraphy, Geology, Nutrition


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Punch,  22 (1852), 13.

[Revolutions]

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Anon

Genre:

Illustration

Relevant illustrations:

wdct.

Illustrators:

Mc C, pseud.  [William McConnell] McConnell, William (1831–67) ODNB
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Spielmann, Marion Harry Alexander 1895. The History of "Punch", London: Cassell
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Subjects:

Astronomy, Politics, Radicalism, Education


    An elderly gentleman explains the revolutions of the earth to his small son. The latter asks if France turns 'on its axis when it makes its revolutions' but the gentleman replies that it 'turns on its bayonets'.



Punch,  22 (1852), 14.

The Member for Bodmin the Greatest of Mathematicians

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Anon

Genre:

Poetry, Drollery

Subjects:

Mathematics, Display


    Notes the difficulties of getting over the pons asinorum of Euclid Euclid (fl. 295 BC) DSB
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(viz., the fifth proposition) and claims that James Wyld Wyld, James, the younger (1812–87) ODNB
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has solved the notorious problem of 'squaring the circle' by 'bringing a Globe Wyld's Great Globe, Leicester Square
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to a [Leicester] Square'.



Punch,  22 (1852), 19.

Railway Meeting in Constantinople

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Anon

Genre:

Proceedings, Spoof

Subjects:

Railways, Technology, Superstition, Race, Magic


    Describes a meeting to discuss the 'new Egyptian Railway', which was so well attended as to suggest the incalculable 'influence of the Railway, that mighty engine of intercourse'. This discussion represents the scepticism and fears felt by Arabs towards the railway. For example, one participant, Wobblegaw Effendi, exclaims 'Backallum' to the idea that George Stephenson's Stephenson, George (1781–1848) ODNB
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invention can complete long land journeys in the matter of a few hours. Another participant, Bogaz Kissaleri, believes the railways to be 'the work of magicians' since, on entering them you were 'thrust into a box' where 'you sat on a seat harder than nether millstone, and then a scream of a demon was heard, and the box flew away of its own accord over the tops of the mountains, and into the deep bowels of the earth'.



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Punch,  22 (1852), 23.

The Horrors of Chemistry

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Angelina Angelina
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Genre:

Letter, Spoof

Subjects:

Chemistry, Putrefaction, Anti-Scientism, Gender


    Expresses disgust at a report in the Morning Post Morning Post and Daily Advertising Pamphlet (1772–1900+) Waterloo Directory
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of a lecture by Lyon Playfair Playfair, Sir Lyon, 1st Baron Playfair of St Andrews (1818–98) DSB
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in which the chemist claimed that fragrances are made from such disagreeable substances as 'the offal of the streets'. The author is even more shocked by Playfair's claim that plants and food develop from the remains of 'a past generation' of animal 'ancestors' and wishes 'such unpleasant secrets [...] had never been discovered'.



Punch,  22 (1852), 29.

French Cooks and French Eagles

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Anon

Genre:

Essay, Drollery

Subjects:

Astronomy, Instrument-makers, Ornithology


    Describes Johannes Regiomontanus Regiomontanus, Johannes (1436–76) DSB
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as the 'subtle mechanist' who 'made a Wooden Eagle'.



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Punch,  22 (1852), 39.

The Patent Medicine Hospital

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Anon

Genre:

News-Commentary, Drollery

Subjects:

Homeopathy, Quackery, Medical Treatment, Health, Patronage

People mentioned:

Galileo Galilei Galilei, Galileo (1564–1642) DSB
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    Responds to an advertisement inviting 'Philanthropic Gentlemen' to meet the 'hundreds' who have been cured by 'Dr. G—'s MIRACULOUS RECIPE'. Insists that gentlemen and ladies should not rubbish 'Dr. G—'s pills', since they had not tested 'the powers of his "miraculous recipe"', and should accept homeopathic remedies without question. Adds that such 'persons of quality' know nothing of the 'laws of health and disease' and regard 'Personal recovery, after recourse to an alleged remedy, without reference to the question of post hoc or propter hoc' as sufficient proof. Invites such people to contradict the sceptical view of the Royal College of Physicians Royal College of Physicians
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and Royal College of Surgeons Royal College of Surgeons
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. Ends by alluding to the support of Mason G Stratford (5th Earl of Aldborough) Stratford, Mason Gerard, 5th Earl of Aldborough (1784–1849) Cokayne 1910-59
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for Thomas Holloway Holloway, Thomas (1800–83) ODNB
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.



Punch,  22 (1852), 42.

A Puff over the Left

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Anon

Genre:

Advertisement, Spoof

Subjects:

Quackery, Medical Treatment, Health, Patronage


    Announces that 'Fifty Years' UNINTERRUPTED HEALTH has been succeeded' by a litany of diseases 'after trying BOSH's good-for-nothing stuff, called the Health-restoring AMBROSIA OLYMPICA ALIMENT'. Appends testimonials from such 'equally well-known and respectable parties' as 'LORD REWITT DE QUOTIES'.



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Punch,  22 (1852), 43.

Meeting a Gas-Meter

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Anon

Genre:

Essay, Drollery

Relevant illustrations:

wdct.

Subjects:

Technology


    Describes the dangers of gas jets protruding from the outside of buildings. The illustration shows a gentleman getting his hat singed by an ignited gas jet darting horizontally out from a wall.



Punch,  22 (1852), 43.

Dr Darling Darling, Dr (fl. 1850) PU1/20/15/6
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Outdone

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Anon

Genre:

Advertisement, Spoof

Subjects:

Mesmerism, Politics, Race, Government


    Announces that 'M. Louis Napoleon Bonaparte Napoleon III, Emperor of France (originally Louis Napoléon (Charles Louis Napoléon Bonaparte)) (1808–73) CBD
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will continue his Series of Experiments on People in a Perfectly Wakeful State', and who will bend to his will and 'imagine themselves' to be 'Negroes' and Louis Napoleon Napoleon III, Emperor of France (originally Louis Napoléon (Charles Louis Napoléon Bonaparte)) (1808–73) CBD
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to be Alexander the Great Alexander the Great, King of Macedonia (356–323 BC) CBD
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.



Punch,  22 (1852), 44.

A Native and Foreign Professor

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Anon

Genre:

Essay, Drollery

Subjects:

Spiritualism, Mesmerism, Politics


    Claims that Prof. Taylor Taylor, Prof. (practitioner of 'Magic, Clairvoyance, and Ventriloquism, Parisian Delusions') (fl. 1852) PU1/22/5/3
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, a practitioner of 'Magic, Clairvoyance, and Ventriloquism, Parisian Delusions', cannot compete with Louis Napoleon Napoleon III, Emperor of France (originally Louis Napoléon (Charles Louis Napoléon Bonaparte)) (1808–73) CBD
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'in the production of Parisian Delusions'.



Punch,  22 (1852), 52.

Natural History for Aldermen

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Anon

Genre:

Essay, Drollery

Subjects:

Natural History, Palaeontology, Nutrition


    Notes William J Broderip's Broderip, William John (1789–1859) ODNB
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observation, made in Leaves from the Note-Book of a Naturalist Broderip, William John 1852. Leaves from the Note-Book of a Naturalist, London: J. W. Parker
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, that Georges Cuvier Cuvier, Georges (1769–1832) DSB
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had been struck by the 'tortue' whilst dining at the Albion. Believes Cuvier has discovered endless numbers of fossil reptiles but that no reptile pleased him more than this turtle.



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Punch,  22 (1852), 57.

The Homeopathic Minister

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J L Leech, John (1817–64) ODNB
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Genre:

Illustration, Caricature

Relevant illustrations:

wdct.

Subjects:

Homeopathy, Politics, Medical Treatment, Government


    Shows Lord John Russell Russell, Lord John, 1st Earl Russell (1792–1878) ODNB
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(the Prime Minister) reminding John Bull that 'large doses of reform are bad for your constitution' and offering him 'a globule, or infinitesimal bill'.



Punch,  22 (1852), 60.

Curious Chemical Discovery

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Anon

Genre:

News-Commentary, Drollery

Subjects:

Chemistry, Mesmerism, Politics


    Claims that 'an eminent Chemist of our acquaintance has, by the aid of a highly powerful Chemico-Mesmeric Analysing Apparatus' found the 'circulating medium' of Louis Napoleon Napoleon III, Emperor of France (originally Louis Napoléon (Charles Louis Napoléon Bonaparte)) (1808–73) CBD
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'to consist almost wholly of sang froid'.



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Punch,  22 (1852), 63.

Alphabet Lozenges

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Anon

Genre:

News-Commentary, Drollery

Subjects:

Invention, Education, Medical Treatment


    Responds to news of an inventor who proposes 'to teach children their letters through the medium of lozenges' and anticipates the 'wholesome effect' produced by 'conveying information in a medical form' and combining 'salubrity with science'.



Punch,  22 (1852), 64.

The "Hygeian" System of Politics

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Anon

Genre:

News-Commentary, Drollery

Subjects:

Quackery, Homeopathy, Medical Treatment, Politics, Analogy


    Argues that 'the system of politics now dominant in Europe conforms with marvellous regularity to the "Hygeian or Morisonian System" in medicine', a reference to James Morison's Morison, James (1770–1840) ODNB
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quack remedies. Supports this by drawing analogies between the propositions in a hand-bill for Morison's system and features of European politics. For example, while Morison proposes that 'All diseases arise from impurity of the Blood, or, in other words, acrimonious humours lodged in the body', Punch notes that 'it is impossible to deny that "acrimonious humours"—very bad humours indeed—prevail in the body politic, everywhere to a very great extent'. Extending the analogy, desires the equivalent of the 'Vegetable Compound' which will cure the diseases of the European body politic.



Punch,  22 (1852), 66.

Protectionist Unity of Thought

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Anon

Genre:

News-Commentary, Drollery

Subjects:

Astronomy, Controversy

People mentioned:

John C Adams, Adams, John Couch (1819–92) DSB
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Urbain J J Leverrier Le Verrier, Urbain Jean Joseph (1811–77) DSB
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Punch,  22 (1852), 66.

Lord Brougham's Optical Lecture

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Anon

Genre:

News-Commentary, Drollery

Subjects:

Light, Lecturing, Magic, Politics


    Reports on the lecture on optics delivered to the Académie des Sciences Académie des Sciences, Paris
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in Paris by statesman Henry P Brougham (1st Baron Brougham and Vaux) Brougham, Henry Peter, 1st Baron Brougham and Vaux (1778–1868) ODNB
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, later published as Brougham 1853 Brougham, Henry Peter 1853. 'Recherches Expérimentales et Analytiques sur la Lumière', Comptes Rendus Hebdomadaires des Séances de l'Académie des Sciences, 36, 691–94
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. Purports to be shocked that Brougham promised to give 'the greatest Optical Illusion that ever visited a nation' and proceeded to produce 'a phantasm of Louis Napoleon Napoleon III, Emperor of France (originally Louis Napoléon (Charles Louis Napoléon Bonaparte)) (1808–73) CBD
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'.



Punch,  22 (1852), 71.

The Old House and the New

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An Elderly M.P. Elderly M.P., An
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Genre:

Poetry, Drollery

Subjects:

Invention, Technology, Public Health, Sound, Architecture


    Considers David B Reid's Reid, David Boswell (1805–63) ODNB
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ventilation system for the Houses of Parliament Houses of Parliament
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to have made 'the temperature pleasant— in the heat, too, of the debate', so that 'the only draughts one suffered from, were the drafts of Bills'. Admits that the building's roof is not built upon 'acoustic principles' but adds that 'one still heard what Members said, wherever they might stand'.



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Punch,  22 (1852), 73.

Reform of the House of Lords

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Anon

Genre:

Essay, Drollery

Subjects:

Politics, Education, Physical Geography, Astronomy, Political Economy, Physiology, Medical Treatment, Quackery, Homeopathy, Geology


    Argues against the hereditary principle as sufficient for admission to the House of Lords House of Lords
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. Notes that 'nobody is a physician by birth', and argues that neither should a peer be able to 'practise his profession without examination'. Insists that a peer should learn such scientific subjects as 'the physiology of the Constitution which he will have to treat', medicine—so that 'he may understand the analogies of national and individual therapeutics'—and geology, so that he may 'acquire a philosophical idea of pedigree, by comparing the bones of his ancestors with those of the ichthyosaurus'.



Punch,  22 (1852), 73.

The Complaint of the Country M.P.

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Anon

Genre:

Poetry, Drollery

Subjects:

Government, Technology, Public Health, Pollution, Agriculture, Expertise, Scientific Practitioners, Charlatanry


    Complains about the disastrous ventilation system in the House of Commons House of Commons
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, which has led to such dire consequences as members of parliament 'breathing sulphuretted— / What d'ye call it?— hydrogen'. Pointing out that 'this is ventilation / Upon scientific grounds / Which cost the British nation / Near a hundred thousand pounds', denies that 'men of science' know anything about chemistry and condemns 'your FARADAYS Faraday, Michael (1791–1867) DSB
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and BRANDES Brande, William Thomas (1788–1866) DSB
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, / And your LIEBIGS Liebig, Justus von (1803–73) DSB
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' who advocate chemical fertilisers.



Punch,  22 (1852), 74.

The Storm in Parliament

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Anon

Genre:

Poetry, Drollery

Subjects:

Government, Technology, Public Health, Politics, Architecture, Charlatanry


    Responds to the woefully poor ventilation system in the House of Commons House of Commons
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. Believes that David B Reid Reid, David Boswell (1805–63) ODNB
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and Charles Barry Barry, Sir Charles (1795–1860) ODNB
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have 'nearly blown us / Out of the window to the skies'. Explains the excessive heat and icy breezes generated by the ventilation system and asks 'Shall we boil, or freeze, or fry?'. Resolves to 'throw the doctors [Reid and Barry]' 'Overboard' until 'by these great air-decocters / Something definite is known'.



Punch,  22 (1852), 75.

Chemistry of the House of Commons

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Rising Ten Rising Ten
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Genre:

Letter, Spoof

Subjects:

Technology, Invention, Light, Public Health, Government, Chemistry, Education


    Responds to the solution suggested by Edward A Seymour (Lord Seymour) St Maur [formerly Seymour], Edward Adolphus, 12th Duke of Somerset (1804–85) ODNB
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to the presence of 'the products of combustion of lights' in the House of Commons House of Commons
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. Points out that Seymour's solution, replacing gas lamps with wax candles, would not solve the problem. Suggests that Seymour ask his father to take him to the Royal Institution Royal Institution of Great Britain
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to 'learn all about combustion and its products'.



Punch,  22 (1852), 76.

The Monkey and the Tiger

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Anon

Genre:

News-Commentary, Drollery

Subjects:

Menageries, Monstrosities, Animal Behaviour, Government, Politics


    Reports an apparent fulfilment of François M A Voltaire's Voltaire, François Marie Arouet de (1694–1778) DSB
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'animal combination' of the 'Monkey and the Tiger'—a story about a monkey at Wombwell's Menagerie Wombwell's Menagerie
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which, escaping from chastisement by a keeper, was eaten by a tiger. Thinks the resulting monster 'Monkey-Tiger' or 'Tiger-Monkey' would, if trained to walk on its hind legs, 'pass in certain circles for a great practical statesman'.



Punch,  22 (1852), 76.

Artificial Flesh

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Anon

Genre:

News-Commentary, Drollery

Subjects:

Invention, Anatomy, Phrenology, Class, Charlatanry


    Reports on Frederick Gray's Gray, Frederick (fl. 1855) WBI
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invention of a compound that closely resembles human skin. Believes the invention 'will open a door to gross imposition' and anticipates the appearance of false hands and no end 'to the mending of faces'.



Punch,  22 (1852), 82.

A Dreadful Stress of Wind

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Anon

Genre:

News-Commentary, Drollery

Subjects:

Government, Technology, Invention, Public Health, Politics, Charlatanry


    Laments the £200,000 spent by David B Reid Reid, David Boswell (1805–63) ODNB
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and Charles Barry Barry, Sir Charles (1795–1860) ODNB
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in ventilating the Houses of Parliament Houses of Parliament
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.



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Punch,  22 (1852), 114.

Men and Apes

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Anon

Genre:

News-Commentary, Drollery

Subjects:

Animal Behaviour, Exploration, Human Species

Institutions mentioned:

Zoological Society—Gardens Zoological Society of London —Gardens
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    Discusses 'an extraordinary mode of salutation practised by the Thibetans at Lassa' mentioned by Evaristé R Huc Huc, Evariste Régis (1813–60) WBI
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in his Souveniers d'un Voyage dans la Tartarie Huc, Evaristé Regis 1850. Souvenirs d'un voyage dans la Tarterie, le Thibet et la Chine, pendant les années 1844, 1845 et 1846, 2 vols, Paris: A. Le Clère
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. Expecting readers to regard such gestures as 'idiotic', points out that the Lord Chamberlain walks backwards before the face of royalty.



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Punch,  22 (1852), 115.

The (Protectionist) Sea-Serpent

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Anon

Genre:

Illustration, Satire; Reportage, Spoof

Relevant illustrations:

wdct.

Illustrators:

McC, pseud.  [William McConnell] McConnell, William (1831–67) ODNB
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Spielmann, Marion Harry Alexander 1895. The History of "Punch", London: Cassell
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Subjects:

Zoology, Monstrosities, Politics, Government, Political Economy, Agriculture


    Describes a sighting by 'One of our Foreign Correspondents' of the 'Protectionist Sea-Serpent' which was attacked by 'a native, named JACK RUSSELL' (i.e. Lord John Russell Russell, Lord John, 1st Earl Russell (1792–1878) ODNB
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, the Prime Minister), 'the mate of the Free-Trader', Richard Cobden Cobden, Richard (1804–65) ODNB
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, and other members of the boat crew. The illustration shows a sea-serpent, with John Bull's head and a body marked 'Protection', in pursuit of 'The [Agricultural] League Agricultural League
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' ship, at whose stern John Russell sits.



Punch,  22 (1852), 118.

A Monument for the Man of Pills

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Anon

Genre:

News-Commentary, Drollery

Subjects:

Quackery, Medical Practitioners, Heroism


    Responding to news of a proposed monument to James Morison Morison, James (1770–1840) ODNB
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, suggests that the inscription should be 'Si monumentum quæris circumspice!'.



Punch,  22 (1852), 122.

The (Milk) Pale of Society

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Anon

Genre:

News-Commentary, Drollery

Subjects:

Invention, Technology, Adulteration, Public Health, Nutrition


    Responding to an advertisement for a new machine for testing the 'genuineness of milk', insists that nobody is interested in testing 'that chalky article' and thinks it is 'Far better to swallow it [milk] with all its faults, than attempt to dive too deeply into its mysteries'.



Punch,  22 (1852), 122.

Bonaparte's Next Coup

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Anon

Genre:

News-Commentary, Drollery

Subjects:

Mesmerism, Spiritualism, Politics


    Notes the ability of mesmerised subjects to 'see through walls and relate what is occurring at any distance', and warns Louis Napoleon Napoleon III, Emperor of France (originally Louis Napoléon (Charles Louis Napoléon Bonaparte)) (1808–73) CBD
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that the discussions of his senate and legislative assembly will be 'got at'.



Punch,  22 (1852), 123.

The Capture of the Sea-Serpent

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Anon

Genre:

Song, Drollery

Subjects:

Monstrosities, Hunting


    The song is supposed to be sung by the 'Serpent's Head', which identifies itself as 'a mere chimaera of the sea'. It describes his capture by Charles Seabury Seabury, Charles (master of the ship Monongahela) (fl. 1852) PU1/22/12/5 The Times, 10 March 1852, p. 8a
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, master of the whaling ship Monongahela Monongahela, ship
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.



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Punch,  22 (1852), 135.

A Wind that Blows Nobody Good

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Anon

Genre:

News-Commentary, Drollery

Subjects:

Government, Invention, Technology, Public Health, Architecture, Controversy, Charlatanry, Engineers


    Comments on the 'breeze existing between the Architect and the Ventilator of the Houses of Parliament Houses of Parliament
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'—Charles Barry Barry, Sir Charles (1795–1860) ODNB
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and David B Reid Reid, David Boswell (1805–63) ODNB
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respectively.



Punch,  22 (1852), 136.

Milk Reform

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Anon

Genre:

News-Commentary, Drollery

Subjects:

Adulteration, Technology, Invention, Public Health, Nutrition, Charlatanry


    Expresses approval that the progress of the 'milk-tester' into the 'milk-cans and milk-jugs of the metropolis' has broken the partnership between 'the cow and the pump', because it will prevent the cow 'exhausting all its resources on a dishonourable connection with a Pump' which has helped 'a system of fraud and trickery'.



Punch,  22 (1852), 136.

"To be Sold—The Crystal Palace!"

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Anon

Genre:

News-Commentary, Drollery

Subjects:

Exhibitions, Anaesthesia, Mesmerism, Psychology, Exhibitions, Commerce


    Shocked to see an advertisement for the sale of the Crystal Palace Crystal Palace
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, Punch tries to convince himself that 'somebody had chloroformed or electro-biologised us unawares'.



Punch,  22 (1852), 141.

Shall Morison have a Monument?

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Anon

Genre:

News-Commentary, Drollery; Illustration, Satire

Relevant illustrations:

wdct.

Illustrators:

Mc, pseud.  [William McConnell] McConnell, William (1831–67) ODNB
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Spielmann, Marion Harry Alexander 1895. The History of "Punch", London: Cassell
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Subjects:

Quackery, Medical Practitioners, Heroism


    Agrees with the proposal to erect a monument of James Morison Morison, James (1770–1840) ODNB
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and supports this view with arguments that play on words associated with his medical trade. For instance, a monument should be erected 'Because Morison was one of the most remarkable pillers of society'. Suggests, by means of an illustration, that it should consist of a brass head stone resting on a brass disk marked '13 1/2 D'—possibly the cost of one of his celebrated pills.



Punch,  22 (1852), 142.

An Error in Judgement?

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Anon

Genre:

News-Commentary, Drollery

Subjects:

Medical Treatment, Medical Practitioners, Crime, Gender, Human Development


    Responding to news of a severe sentence given to a man for 'an error in the administration of a remedy', thinks medical men should 'give up practice; because in their case an error in judgement' is inexcusable. Blames 'other parties'—undoubtedly patent medicine sellers—for causing 'ignorant females' to give poisonous substances to infants.



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Punch,  22 (1852), 147.

Shocking Effect of Loaves and Fishes

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Anon

Genre:

Essay, Drollery

Subjects:

Adulteration, Nutrition, Mental Illness, Politics, Mental Illness, Psychology


    Notes Alfred S Taylor's Taylor, Alfred Swaine (1806–80) ODNB
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argument, in On Poisons Taylor, Alfred Swaine 1848. On Poisons in Relation to Medical Jurisprudence and Medicine, London: John Churchill
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, concerning the 'extraordinary' effect of some types of bread and fish on the human body. Links the 'mental alteration' of a thinly-veiled Chancellor of the Exchequer, Benjamin Disraeli Disraeli, Benjamin, 1st Earl of Beaconsfield (1804–81) ODNB
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, to a consumption of these loaves and fishes. Believes that the effect of 'Treasury bread' and fish upon Disraeli's mind preaches to us 'the wonderful impartiality of nature'. Using Taylor, attributes Disraeli's recent 'irritation' to his consumption of oysters and periwinkles at Downing Street.



Punch,  22 (1852), 148.

The Protectionist Cuckoo

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Anon

Genre:

Essay, Drollery

Subjects:

Natural History, Ornithology, Politics


    Description of the habits of the 'Protectionist Cuckoo' which alludes to the poor state of the protectionist cause. For example, the bird is described as 'one of the rarest of birds' whose 'whole family will soon fade from the eye of the Political Naturalist', and which is 'incapable of any high flight whatever'.



Punch,  22 (1852), 151.

A Petition (As it Ought to Be)

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Anon

Genre:

Announcement, Spoof

Subjects:

Public Health, Sanitation, Pollution, Disease, Commerce


    A 'Humble Petition of the Metropolitan Water Companies' to Parliament Houses of Parliament
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that makes cynical digs at the profits made from consumers by the water companies, and upholds the shortcomings of such companies as virtues. For example, it urges 'That your Petitioners have supplied Water of a very superior quality; viz. Thames water, of a much more nutritious character than any soft water' owing to its enrichment by 'a large percentage of animal matter'. Other items on the petition are attacks on the refusal of metropolitan water companies to supply soft water constantly and at high pressure.



Punch,  22 (1852), 152.

The Bitter Beer Controversy

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Anon

Genre:

News-Commentary, Drollery

Subjects:

Adulteration, Pollution, Nutrition, Controversy

Institutions mentioned:

Lancet—Analytical Sanitary Commission Lancet—Analytical Sanitary Commission
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    Discusses reports that strychnine has been used in the production of bitter ale and although the Lancet Lancet (1823–1900+) Waterloo Directory
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has 'made the public suspicious of nearly everything that is sold for food', believes 'Everything, however bad, has some redeeming quality'.



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Punch,  22 (1852), 156.

The Stingo Cure

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Anon

Genre:

News-Commentary, Drollery

Subjects:

Hydropathy, Medical Treatment


    Comments on the claim that several people, including a clergyman, were cured by a specially prepared ale.



Punch,  22 (1852), 157.

Bloomer's Practice of Physic

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Anon

Genre:

News-Commentary, Drollery

Subjects:

Homeopathy, Medical Practitioners, Education, Gender


    Responding to news that in America nine women are studying homeopathy, hopes that nurses soothe babies with 'infinitesimal doses of 'Daffy and Dalby'—an allusion to Anthony Daffy's Daffy, Anthony (fl. 1673) RLIN
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'Elixir Salutis' and Joseph Dalby's Dalby, Joseph (fl. 1760) WBI
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work on the medicinal qualities of cinnabar and musk (see Daffy 1673 Daffy, Anthony 1673. Elixir Salutis: The Choise Drink of Health, or, Health-Bringing Drink ... a Secret Far Beyond any Medicament yet Known, London: T. Milbourn
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and Dalby 1762 Dalby, Joseph 1762. The Virtues of Cinnabar and Musk, Against the Bite of a Mad Dog, Illustrated, in a Letter to Sir George Cobb, Baronet, with a Word or Two Concerning Dr. Henry Bracken's Newly Discovered Specifick, of Near Eighteen-Hundred Years Standing, Being a Sufficient Refutation of the Flimsy Arguments Advanced by this Celebrated Writer, in a Learned Rant on the Virtues of Goose-Grease [...] Birmingham: John Baskerville
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).



Punch,  22 (1852), 157.

Literary Intelligence Extraordinary

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Anon

Genre:

Essay, Drollery

Subjects:

Mesmerism, Spiritualism, Publishing


    Written by 'Our own Clairvoyant' discusses several works that have not 'as yet reached even the blotting paper of its author', each one being a mere 'baby-bookling in the brain'.



Punch,  22 (1852), 161.

A Clinical Case of Larceny

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Anon

Genre:

News-Commentary, Drollery

Subjects:

Pharmaceuticals, Medical Treatment, Crime, Mental Illness, Phrenology, Education, Human Development


    Notes the strange cure for epilepsy prescribed by George Bate Bate, George (1608–68) ODNB
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in his Pharmacopeia Bate, George 1688. Pharmacopeia Bateana, in qua octingenta circiter pharmaca, pleruq; Omnia è praxi G. Batei [...] Excertpa, ordine alphabetico coreise exhibibentur [...] Accessit orthotonia edicorum observata: Annexa item est [...] tabula posologica dosibus pharmacorum [...] expeditius computandis acconmodata [...] Cura Ja. Shipton, 3 pts, London: Sam. Smith
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but points out that physicians of Bates' day 'practised according to the science of the period'. Comparing medical practitioners to lawyers, notes that 'judges and magistrates' only 'administer punishments [...] conformably to the rules of the faculty' but regards this as a reason for criticising a sentence without attacking the judge. Objects strongly to a judge's decision to flog a ten year-old child for theft, and thinks education rather than flagellation is the proper way of removing the child's 'constitutional propensity to steal'. Discusses the phrenologists' claims regarding the faculty of 'acquisitiveness' and points out that illustrations of this can be seen in the London shop of Cornelius Donovan Donovan, Cornelius (c. 1820–72) DNBS
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, the phrenologist.



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Punch,  22 (1852), 165.

Rules for Health

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Anon

Genre:

Notes, Drollery

Subjects:

Health, Nutrition


    Written 'By a Scottish Philosopher who has tried them all', these rules play on stereotypes of Scottish people and include such injunctions as 'Never eat anything but oatmeal', and 'Walk fifteen miles regularly every day'.



Punch,  22 (1852), 168.

The Astronomy of the Stage

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Anon

Genre:

Essay, Drollery

Subjects:

Astronomy, Amusement, Music


    Believes the 'Astronomy of the Stage presents phenomena which would startle even the indefatigable astronomer' who sends such observations of the 'sky blue, milky way, or the electric currents' to The Times The Times (1777–1900+) Waterloo Directory
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. Points out that the stars referred to in the title are not the 'ADDITIONAL PLANETS' or the 'pretty little twinkling stars' that John C Adams Adams, John Couch (1819–92) DSB
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keeps discovering, but the moon represented in the Royal Italian Opera's production of Gioacchino A Rossini's Rossini, Gioacchino Antonio (1792–1868) CBD
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Guglielmo Tell. Observes that the moon's conduct 'was consistent with the rules of Astronomy'.



Punch,  22 (1852), 169.

Height of Aristocratic Pride

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Anon

Genre:

News-Commentary, Drollery

Subjects:

Astronomy, Discovery, Status


    Reports that an aristocratic astronomer 'declines to inspect LEVERRIER's Le Verrier, Urbain Jean Joseph (1811–77) DSB
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new planet' because 'it is a parvenu'.



Punch,  22 (1852), 175.

Necromancy in America

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Anon

Genre:

News-Commentary, Drollery

Subjects:

Spiritualism, Charlatanry


    Announces that 'communication with the other world' is 'an established fact' in America and presents a newspaper report of two mediums who produced libellous 'sundry communications' from the spirit of a gentleman who patronised them. Concludes that the 'miscalled Rappers' are 'clearly not worth a rap'.



Punch,  22 (1852), 175.

Inaudible Sounds

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Anon

Genre:

Notes, Drollery

Subjects:

Sound, Politics


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Punch,  22 (1852), 180.

Homeopathic Revelry

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Anon

Genre:

News-Commentary, Drollery

Subjects:

Homeopathy, Quackery, Medical Treatment, Hospitals, Patronage

Institutions mentioned:

Royal College of Physicians, Royal College of Physicians
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Royal College of Surgeons Royal College of Surgeons
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    Reporting on a banquet held by supporters of the London Homeopathic Hospital London Homeopathic Hospital
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, notes sarcastically that the chairman, George T Keppel (6th Earl of Albermarle) Keppel, George Thomas, 6th Earl of Albemarle (1799–1891) ODNB
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, was 'doubtless [...] so distinguished in the scientific world [... as] to form a sound judgement on a medical question', and 'considered well what he was about' before supporting the subversive medical system of homeopathy. Suggests the 'HAHNEMANNITES' (followers Christian F S Hahnemann Hahnemann, Christian Friedrich Samuel (1755–1843) DSB
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) do not entirely carry out their principle of "similia similibus" owing to the non-infinitesimal quantities of food they consumed at the banquet. Notes the non-infinitesimal patronage of the hospital offered by 'certain bankers'.



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Punch,  22 (1852), 190.

Military Science

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Anon

Genre:

News-Commentary

Subjects:

Military Technology, Invention, Light


    Reports on experiments to test whether a Minie rifle, a weapon designed to fire balls to 'the distance whereat the marksman can see', can fire balls to a greater distance once it is fitted with a telescopic sight.



Punch,  22 (1852), 195.

Question for Medical Students

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Anon

Genre:

Notes, Drollery

Subjects:

Medical Practitioners, Education, Homeopathy, Heterodoxy, Hydropathy


    Asks whether the 'paths' in hydropathy, allopathy, and homeopathy 'lead more or less to the College Royal College of Physicians
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'.



Punch,  22 (1852), 195.

Chemical

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Anon

Genre:

Notes, Drollery

Subjects:

Chemistry


    Believes the chemists' evaporating dish is the 'pigeon pie-dish' which, when taken to Epsom, 'evaporates immediately'.



Punch,  22 (1852), 197.

Theory of the Sea-Serpent

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Anon

Genre:

Essay, Drollery

Subjects:

Monstrosities, Zoology, Charlatanry, Observation


    Considers that reports of the sea serpent suggest that humans have little 'regard for truth' but explains why it was reasonable for sailors to mistake a steamer for the monster.



Punch,  22 (1852), 198.

A Thing Difficult to Imagine

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Anon

Genre:

News-Commentary, Drollery

Subjects:

Astronomy, Scientific Practitioners, Observation


    Responding to an astronomer's report of 'a fine group of spots on the sun', suggests anybody who considers spots to be fine to be observing the sun 'with the eye of a Macassar'.



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Punch,  22 (1852), 199.

Obtaining Money on Electro-Biological Principles

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Anon

Genre:

Essay, Drollery

Subjects:

Mesmerism, Electricity, Commerce, Psychology, Charlatanry, Crime, Belief


    Explains the practice of electro-biology and electro-biologists' ability to make people 'the victims of the most extraordinary delusions'. Responding to an advertisement in The Times The Times (1777–1900+) Waterloo Directory
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for a 'CLASS for INSTRUCTION in this SCIENCE', concludes that electro-biology is less a science than an art for extracting money from people whose 'pecuniary substance' dominates their 'cerebral development'. Deplores the fact that entire assemblies of people can fall under the sway of the electro-biologist and regards this demonstration of the 'gullible portion of the human species' to be 'psychologically interesting'.



Punch,  22 (1852), 207.

A Hint to the Prince President

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Anon

Genre:

News-Commentary, Drollery

Subjects:

Mesmerism, Electricity, Psychology, Spiritualism, Government, Politics


    Notes that 'French Senators are expressly required to legislate with their eyes shut, and on no account permitted to appear in what an electro-biologist would term "a wakeful state"'.



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Punch,  22 (1852), 209.

The Game of Globules

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Anon

Genre:

News-Commentary, Drollery

Subjects:

Homeopathy, Quackery, Medical Treatment, Surgery


    Discusses a Morning Post Morning Post and Daily Advertising Pamphlet (1772–1900+) Waterloo Directory
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report of the London Homeopathic Hospital London Homeopathic Hospital
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dinner. Notes the non-infinitesimal amounts of food eaten and rejects the idea that the Queen's health should depend on 'the power of homeopathy or allopathy'. Following John Epps's Epps, John (1805–69) ODNB
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remarks, thinks 'the globule reputation is what some people seek [...] when, by agitating for the diffusion of nonsense, they acquire infinitesimal celebrity'. Notes Henry R Madden's Madden, Henry Ridewood (fl. 1851) PU1/22/21/1
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argument that Benjamin C Brodie's Brodie, Sir Benjamin Collins, 1st Baronet (1783–1862) DSB ODNB
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practice has improved since he discontinued bleeding, and claims that homeopathic patients would have ascribed this success to homeopathy 'no less' than the discontinuance of bleeding. Reminds those ladies and gentleman ignorant of medicine that 'many diseases will get well without the aid of medicine' and that homeopathic globules 'do infinitely small harm'. Introduces 'oudenopathy' as a treatment for the 'really ill' and those who have nothing wrong with them, and, following John Kennaway's Kennaway, Sir John, 2nd Baronet (1797–1873) WBI
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remarks, ponders the possibility that homeopathy, like astrology, will outlive the ridicule aimed at it.



Punch,  22 (1852), 209.

The Great Anti-Wagner Demonstration

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Anon

Genre:

News-Commentary, Drollery

Subjects:

Homeopathy, Medical Treatment


    Notes that one of the speakers at the meeting was 'DOCTOR BECCAFICO (the great homeopathist)' who 'practised medicine upon the principles of the immortal HAHNEMANN Hahnemann, Christian Friedrich Samuel (1755–1843) DSB
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'.



Punch,  22 (1852), 211.

A Domestic Enigma

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Anon

Genre:

Essay, Drollery

Subjects:

Medical Practitioners


    Argues that, while 'it may be desirable that a physician's prescription should sometimes be written in ciphers and contractions unintelligible to the patient', there is no reason for butchers' bills to be illegible.



Punch,  22 (1852), 212.

Political Electro-Biology

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Anon

Genre:

Essay, Drollery; 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:

Mesmerism, Electricity, Psychology, Politics, Government, Belief


    Surprised that electro-biology has not been adopted by politicians to make John Bull 'swallow whatever the Minister should desire to force down the throat of the victim'. Points out that the 'great advantage of electro-biology over common-place Mesmerism' is that it can be performed while the patient is awake—a state that John Bull is in for most of the time. Notes that electrobiologized patients apparently find it difficult to get rid of an object that they have stared at for a long time; the author believes that this is the situation with regard to John Bull (the patient) and income tax (the object). The illustration shows the Chancellor of the Exchequer, Benjamin Disraeli Disraeli, Benjamin, 1st Earl of Beaconsfield (1804–81) ODNB
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(standing), as the electrobiological 'Professor' who, while pointing to a lump of sugar (marked 'Income Tax') in the hands of a transfixed John Bull, exclaims, 'There, Sir That's a Lump of Sugar—You Can't Move it, Sir; I Defy You to Get Rid of It'.



Punch,  22 (1852), 217.

Taking the Shine out of Everything

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Anon

Genre:

News-Commentary, Drollery

Subjects:

Light, Instruments, Government


    Responds to news of the introduction into England of a 'Diurnal Reflector, which is intended to invest dark places with the light of day'. Notes that the instrument was banned from Paris where newspapers are suppressed for trying to illuminate the dark operations of the French government. Suggests the instruments are used to illuminate the 'dark doings' of the Court of Chancery Court of Chancery
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.



Punch,  22 (1852), 217.

The Elephant to the Right Hon. Benjamin Disraeli

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Only an Elephant Only an Elephant
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Genre:

Letter, Spoof

Subjects:

Animal Behaviour, Zoological Gardens, Politics, Government


    Objects strongly to Chancellor of the Exchequer Benjamin Disraeli's Disraeli, Benjamin, 1st Earl of Beaconsfield (1804–81) ODNB
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sneer at the proposal to give parliamentary representation to the Zoological Society Gardens Zoological Society of London —Gardens
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. The elephant puffs himself as 'the brute model of the human politician', identifying his trunk as representing 'the very philosophy of statesmanship'.



Punch,  22 (1852), 218.

Sic Itur ad Astra

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Anon

Genre:

News-Commentary, Drollery

Subjects:

Astronomy, Scientific Practitioners, Politics, Observatories


    Regards Dominique F J Arago's Arago, Dominique François Jean (1786–1853) DSB
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decision to resign as director of the Observatoire de Paris Observatoire de Paris
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rather than swear an 'oath of fidelity' to Louis Napoleon Napoleon III, Emperor of France (originally Louis Napoléon (Charles Louis Napoléon Bonaparte)) (1808–73) CBD
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, as proof that Arago does not recognise Napoleon's 'lucky star'.



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Punch,  22 (1852), 234.

What's to be Done with the Serpentine?

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Anon

Genre:

Essay, Drollery

Subjects:

Pollution, Medical Practitioners, Medical Treatment, Disease, Anthropomorphism


    Discusses solutions to the problem of the 'disgusting state' of the Serpentine as if it were a patient undergoing a medical examination.



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Punch,  22 (1852), 251.

The Landlord's Electro-Biology

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Anon

Genre:

Essay, Drollery

Subjects:

Mesmerism, Electricity, Psychology, Belief


    Argues that electrobiology is not novel since the landlords of taverns have long used similar practices: when dealing with complaints about the quality of wine, they invite customers to focus on the 'bees wing' in the glass and expatiate on the history of the wine to convince customers that what they have is 'an excellent glass of port'.



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Punch,  22 (1852), 253.

Flower Shows and Shower Flows!

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Anon

Genre:

News-Commentary, Drollery

Subjects:

Botany, Societies, Zoological Gardens


    Reports on Anthony Waterer's Waterer, Anthony (fl. 1852) PU1/22/25/1
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display of American plants at the Botanic Society Royal Botanic Society of London
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, a display attended, ironically enough, by a shower. Observes that the Zoological Society Gardens Zoological Society of London —Gardens
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should have staged a rival show of raining 'cats and dogs'.



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