Science in the 19th Century Periodical

Punch, Or the London Charivari [1st]

Introductory Essay
Volume 25  (July to December 1853)
Punch,  25 (1853), 1–2.

Mr Punch in Dublin

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Anon

Genre:

Diary, Spoof

Subjects:

Engineering

People mentioned:

William Fairbairn Fairbairn, Sir William (1789–1874) ODNB
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Punch,  25 (1853), 9.

Gardens without a Waterpot

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Anon

Genre:

News-Commentary, Drollery

Subjects:

Zoological Gardens, Amusement, Nutrition


    Supports the argument for supplying child visitors to the Zoological Society Gardens Zoological Society of London —Gardens
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with 'liquor' or milk. Urges the Zoological Society Zoological Society of London
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to furnish either a 'milch cow' or a 'cow with an iron tail'.



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Punch,  25 (1853), 13.

Spiritual Manifestations going A-Head!

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Anon

Genre:

Announcement, Spoof

Subjects:

Spiritualism, Magic, Charlatanry


    Announces the imminent arrival of the 'REV. GLENDOWER S. FIBBS', an American 'WIZARD' whose powers include proving 'the REALITY OF SORCERY and MAGIC by the OCULAR DEMONSTRATION' and who is accompanied by a 'WITCH' who can demonstrate the 'power of SORCERY over the elements' and her ability to transform herself into various animals.



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Punch,  25 (1853), 22.

Infinitesimal Logic

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Anon

Genre:

News-Commentary, Drollery

Subjects:

Homeopathy, Quackery, Gender, Faith, Proof, Induction


    Agreeing with Michael Faraday's Faraday, Michael (1791–1867) DSB
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claims regarding the 'scientific reasoning' of the 'public mind', responds to a Morning Post Morning Post and Daily Advertising Pamphlet (1772–1900+) Waterloo Directory
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report of Edward Miall's Miall, Edward (1809–81) ODNB
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conversion to 'the truth of the principles of homeopathy'. Believes anybody who has only 'the slightest glimmering of an idea of inductive proof' will be shocked at this news, and likens Miall's grounds for believing in something so absurd to those held by an 'old woman'. Insists that science, unlike homeopathy, is not a question of faith and has no converts because its 'truths are self-evident or demonstrable'.



Punch,  25 (1853), 22.

To Professor Faraday

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Anon

Genre:

Poetry, Drollery

Subjects:

Spiritualism, Observation, Expertise, Superstition, Charlatanry, Mesmerism, Magic, Homeopathy


    Subtitled 'On His Astonishment at the Extent of Popular Delusion which has been Disclosed by "Table-Turning"' (see Faraday 1853 Faraday, Michael 1853. 'On Table-Turning', The Times, 30 June 1853, p. 8
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), this poem is evidently a response to Michael Faraday's Faraday, Michael (1791–1867) DSB
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attack on public credulity, as evidenced by the craze for table-turning. Wonders why 'simple Mr. Faraday', despite his skill at 'touching chemic laws and powers' has only just noticed how many 'dunces' and incompetent observers there are in the world. Considers him an 'unsophisticated sage' for thinking that this was an age of 'enlightenment' when 'Weak Superstition' was dead. Laments the fact that 'simple Mr. Faraday' is apparently unaware of the public's belief in the claims of 'Yankee' mediums and in homeopathy, and his apparent assumption that the 'days of DR. DEE Dee, John (1527–1608) DSB
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' were past. Attacks 'Men of learning, who [...] should know better' for testifying to various miraculous events and explains that Faraday has not 'tried' experiments on 'Society's weak side' because he is 'all Philosopher and nothing of a Quack'.



Punch,  25 (1853), 22.

A Phrenological Puzzle

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Anon

Genre:

News-Commentary, Drollery

Subjects:

Phrenology, Nomenclature


    Urges Cornelius Donovan Donovan, Cornelius (c. 1820–72) DNBS
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to explain the meaning of the term 'Enlarged Benevolence'.



Punch,  25 (1853), 29.

Our Meteorological Report

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Anon

Genre:

News-Commentary, Drollery

Subjects:

Meteorology


    Responding to a regular weather report in The Times The Times (1777–1900+) Waterloo Directory
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, Punch provides meteorological observations of its own. These include such banal remarks as 'Barometer fell—to the ground and smashed'.



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Punch,  25 (1853), 34.

The Hat-Moving Trick

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Anon

Genre:

News-Commentary, Drollery

Subjects:

Spiritualism, Amusement


    Noting reports of parties being given 'for the purpose of trying the hat-moving experiment', questions the use of such events given the fact that hats are normally 'moved' at parties or 'operated upon'.



Punch,  25 (1853), 38.

Thoughts on the Savage Lions of London

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A Friend and a Brother Friend and a Brother, A
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Genre:

Poetry

Subjects:

Mesmerism, Electricity, Spiritualism, Hunting, Cultural Geography, Race, Exhibitions, Ethnography


    Putatively written by a black author, the poem dismisses the interest in 'magnetic attraction, / Electro-biology, media' and 'Rapping for Spirits', but appreciates Roualeyn G G Cumming's Cumming, Roualeyn George Gordon- (1820–66) ODNB
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display at Hyde Park Corner Hyde Park Corner
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of skins of animals from around the world. Notes how fashionable society is entertained there by 'Kafirs from Borioboola' who act out 'Their business of marriage, and murder, and war', rituals 'which, of course, we abhorr'. Insists that the highlight of the exhibition is meeting the visitors and admiring their babies. Explains the ease of finding a white baby ('for a pet') in 'the back courts of St Giles' but there is a 'penchant' for black babies 'roused' by Uncle Tom's Cabin Stowe, Harriet Beecher 1852. Uncle Tom's Cabin; or, Life Among the Lowly, Boston: John P. Jewett & Company; Cleveland, Ohio: Jewett, Proctor & Worthington
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. Comparing white and black babies, insists that the latter 'could never have vices / Like those which degrade us in civilised life', and notes the extinction of savages by 'Civilisation'.



Punch,  25 (1853), 40.

The Cabman's Best Friend

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Here you are Sir! Here you are sir
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Genre:

Letter, Spoof

Subjects:

Medical Practitioners, Quackery, Spiritualism, Homeopathy, Patronage


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Punch,  25 (1853), 44.

Natural History of Chobham

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Anon

Genre:

Illustration, Drollery

Relevant illustrations:

wdct.

Subjects:

Natural History


    Alluding to the recent formation of a military camp at Chobham, shows a military officer emptying frogs out of his boots.



Punch,  25 (1853), 48.

A Photographic Evidence

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C B, pseud.  [Edward Bradley] Bradley, Edward (pseud Cuthbert Bede) (1827–89) CBD
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Genre:

Illustration, Drollery

Relevant illustrations:

wdct.

Illustrators:

C B, pseud.  [Edward Bradley] Bradley, Edward (pseud Cuthbert Bede) (1827–89) CBD
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Spielmann, Marion Harry Alexander 1895. The History of "Punch", London: Cassell
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Subjects:

Photography, Gender, Amusement


    Shows a mother and daughter standing before a counter in an apothecary's shop. The mother complains to the proprietor about the 'Photographic Chemicals' that have stained her daughter's face.



Punch,  25 (1853), 50.

Table Turning Extraordinary

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A Black Spirit Black Spirit, A
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Genre:

Letter, Spoof

Subjects:

Spiritualism, Agriculture, Nutrition


    Records Michael Faraday's Faraday, Michael (1791–1867) DSB
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annoyance at witnessing elite members of the Royal Agricultural Society Royal Agricultural Society of England
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using the power of table-turning to transform a tub of cream into butter.



Punch,  25 (1853), 50.

Science among the Swains

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Anon

Genre:

News-Commentary, Drollery

Subjects:

Spiritualism, Agriculture, Mechanics, Invention


    Asks for 'the ghost of any good old British farmer' to rap out his opinion on the newly-invented 'Dynamometer'.



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Punch,  25 (1853), 58–59.

A New Chapter in the Romance of King Arthur

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Anon

Genre:

Poetry, Drollery

Relevant illustrations:

wdct.

Subjects:

Spiritualism, Physiology, Psychology


    Subtitle explains that the poem shows 'how the Round Table moved of its own accord, and of the terrible Adventure of the Rapping Spirits, and how SIR LANCELOT took upon him the quest of a medium'. Goes on to describe how the ladies of King Arthur's court were 'rapt in admiration' of 'Rapping Spirits' in case there was '"something wicked" mingled with a sport so dear' and notes that the sages argue '[a]gainst reason' about 'ideo-motor systems, motive wills, and vital force'. Describes how the Round Table began to rotate and dragged with it the knights and their ladies, with King Arthur sitting in the middle of the 'great Cartesian whirlwind'. (58) Later in the poem 'the ghost of [...] MERLIN' communicates by spirit-rapping and 'LINETTE' is described as 'the damsel Sauvage' who held '"mesmeriques séances" every afternoon at four'. 'Dame LYONS', a medium in King Arthur's court, explains how she had 'with her quick clairvoyant spirit seen the merry scene' involving the table and warns that 'media' cannot explain the 'mystic raps [...] for a fee'. (59) Illustration shows the Round Table in full flight, with King Arthur in the centre and his knights and ladies being dragged around the circumference.



Punch,  25 (1853), 59.

Recovery from the Cabman's Strike

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Anon

Genre:

Letter, Spoof

Subjects:

Medical Treatment, Homeopathy

People mentioned:

Thomas Holloway Holloway, Thomas (1800–83) ODNB
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Punch,  25 (1853), 60.

Petition from the Medical Profession

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Anon

Genre:

Announcement, Spoof

Subjects:

Medical Practitioners, Medical Treatment, Commerce, Class


    Addressed to 'The Right Hon. the House of Commons House of Commons
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', the petition claims that the signatories are all 'medical professionals' who make their living from selling treatments to the sick, that they are 'deeply interested in the condition of the poor', that they oppose the Sunday-opening of the Crystal Palace Crystal Palace
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, and that the expansion of parks threatens to reduce the number of working-class patients and thus business.



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Punch,  25 (1853), 61.

Wanted, a Nobleman!

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Anon

Genre:

Introduction, Drollery; Poetry, Drollery

Subjects:

Medical Treatment, Quackery, Patronage


    Responds to the death (in 1849) of the nobleman, Mason G Stratford (5th Earl of Aldborough) Stratford, Mason Gerard, 5th Earl of Aldborough (1784–1849) Cokayne 1910-59
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, who was a notorious patron of 'certain pills'. Includes a poem, 'Wanted, a Nobleman!' which seeks a nobleman who is ready to claim that a 'Popular Pill' cured him of his myriad diseases and surpassed the efforts of a litany of orthodox medical practitioners.



Punch,  25 (1853), 64.

Sunday Among the Sewers

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Anon

Genre:

News-Commentary, Drollery

Subjects:

Religious Authority, Disease, Public Health


Punch,  25 (1853), 67.

Wonders of the Deep

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Anon

Genre:

Reportage, Drollery

Subjects:

Zoological Gardens, Religious Authority


    Criticises the Zoological Society Gardens Zoological Society of London —Gardens
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for having specimens from the 'German Ocean and the Bristol Channel' but none from the 'Sees of London, Durham, Rochester, or Salisbury'.



Punch,  25 (1853), 69.

A Photographic Picture

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Cuthbert Bede, pseud.  [Edward Bradley] Bradley, Edward (pseud Cuthbert Bede) (1827–89) CBD
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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:

Cuthbert Bede, pseud.  [Edward Bradley] Bradley, Edward (pseud Cuthbert Bede) (1827–89) CBD
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Spielmann, Marion Harry Alexander 1895. The History of "Punch", London: Cassell
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Subjects:

Photography, Superstition, Military Technology, Progress


    Shows an old lady standing in front of a photographer, whose head is covered by the cloth at the back of his photographic camera. The old lady who, as the caption indicates, is 'not used to these new-fangled notions' (of photography), confuses the camera with a gun and urges the photographer not to shoot.



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Punch,  25 (1853), 72.

Uncomfortable Position of Mr Jones During a Table-Turning Experiment

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C B, pseud.  [Edward Bradley] Bradley, Edward (pseud Cuthbert Bede) (1827–89) CBD
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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:

C B, pseud.  [Edward Bradley] Bradley, Edward (pseud Cuthbert Bede) (1827–89) CBD
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Spielmann, Marion Harry Alexander 1895. The History of "Punch", London: Cassell
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Subjects:

Spiritualism


Punch,  25 (1853), 77.

The End of Quackery

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Anon

Genre:

News-Commentary, Drollery

Subjects:

Quackery, Medical Treatment, Heterodoxy, Boundary Formation


    Believes that the 'novel' system of medicine called 'Coffinism' is 'very appropriate' and applicable to 'all manner of therapeutical schemes which deviate from true medical science'. Coffinism is an allusion to the alternative medical practice of Albert I Coffin Coffin, Albert Isaiah (c. 1790/1–1866) ODNB
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.



Punch,  25 (1853), 80.

Important Meeting of the Smoke Makers

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Anon

Genre:

Illustration; Introduction, Drollery; Proceedings, Drollery

Relevant illustrations:

wdct.

Subjects:

Pollution, Public Health, Manufactories, Analytical Chemistry


    Response to the Smoke Nuisance Bill. The illustration shows six typical smoke-producers (including a chimney sweep, a naval captain, and a butcher) who wear chimneys, funnels, or other structures for channeling smoke. During the proceedings of the 'Smoke Makers', 'MR. LONGSHAFT' insists that the 'Smoke Bill was at variance with the constitution of England' because it restricted the freedom of carbon. Adds that he has sent samples of smoke to a 'German chemist' who certified that they contained substances which could be used in antiseptics, tonics, and perfumes.



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Punch,  25 (1853), 83.

Homeopathy Superseded

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Anon

Genre:

News-Commentary, Drollery

Subjects:

Homeopathy, Medical Treatment


    Ridicules an advertisement in an Edinburgh newspaper from a 'Medical Herbalist' who claims to have removed a 'Serpent from the breast of a lady labouring under Cancer'.



Punch,  25 (1853), 90.

A New Lactometer

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Anon

Genre:

News-Commentary, Drollery

Subjects:

Invention, Commerce, Nutrition


    Discusses the invention of 'a new Lactometer for testing the milk of human kindness', which consists of a 'blank sheet of paper' with a 'Government Stamp' in its corner.



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Punch,  25 (1853), 98–99.

The Great Barbarian that will eat up 'The Brother of the Moon', &c. &c. &c.

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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:

Railways, Technology, Progress, Cultural Geography


    Shows the resistance of a Chinese dignitary and troops to a steam locomotive labelled 'Progress'.



Punch,  25 (1853), 101.

Physic for Brutes

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Anon

Genre:

Notes, Drollery

Subjects:

Medical Treatment, Gender


Punch,  25 (1853), 103–04.

Mr Peterloo Brown's Examination of the Oxford Statutes  [3/3]

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Peterloo Brown Brown, Peterloo
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Genre:

Serial, Letter, Spoof

Subjects:

Education, Universities, Animal Behaviour, Zoological Gardens


    Describes the mercenary habits of the 'Ornithorhyncus—the Beast with a [College] Bill', of the University of Oxford University of Oxford
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. Thinks that 'this curious beast' would make an interesting exhibit at the Zoological Society Gardens Zoological Society of London —Gardens
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(103).



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Punch,  25 (1853), 106–07.

The House of Fame

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Anon

Genre:

Poetry

Subjects:

Societies, Palaeontology, Geology, Botany, Astronomy, Instruments, Evolution, Botany, Animal Development, Engineering, Steam-power, Cosmology, Heroism

People mentioned:

George Busk, Busk, George (1807–86) DSB
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Galileo Galilei, Galilei, Galileo (1564–1642) DSB
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René Du P Descartes Descartes, René Du Perron (1596–1650) DSB
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Publications cited:

Chambers 1844 [Chambers, Robert] 1844. Vestiges of the Natural History of Creation, London: John Churchill
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    Dedicated 'By Permission of the President and Council, to the British Association British Association for the Advancement of Science
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', the poem describes the procession of diverse participants towards the 'House of Fame' (the association's annual meeting), including people from 'every nation, / From each calling, class, or station' and 'Poets jostling grave logicians; botanists by politicians'. Describes the activities of several natural philosophers including Richard Owen Owen, Richard (1804–92) DSB
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who carries a 'fossil tusk or femur', Roderick I Murchison Murchison, Sir Roderick Impey, 1st Baronet (1792–1871) DSBODNB
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and Robert Chambers Chambers, Robert (1802–71) DSB
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who discuss 'striated rocks', the 'dying' Dominique F J Arago Arago, Dominique François Jean (1786–1853) DSB
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who sighs 'for his country's broken laws', and Alexander von Humboldt Humboldt, Alexander von (Friedrich Wilhelm Heinrich Alexander von) (1769–1859) DSB
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who divines the 'Common Cause' from his knowledge of nature. Notes John R Hind's Hind, John Russell (1823–95) DSB
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skill at determining 'Every wandering planet's station', the 'cortège' of scientific instruments passing into the meeting, Karl L Reichenbach's Reichenbach, Karl (or Carl) Ludwig ()1788–1869 DSB
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work on marsh lights, and Chambers's search for 'the geese that spring from the barnacles that grow on trees'. (106) Goes on to note engineers' protests about 'the tractive power / Of steam'. Having reached the basement of the 'House of Fame', observes several broken relics including the 'Systems of Anaximander Anaximander (610–546/5 BC) DSB
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' and fossil 'Pterodactyles'. On proceeding to the 'higher rooms' (and evidently higher forms of knowledge), it notes how 'predecessors' make way for the precession newcomers—notably Georges Cuvier Cuvier, Georges (1769–1832) DSB
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to Owen and Humphry Davy Davy, Sir Humphry, Baronet (1778–1829) DSB ODNB
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to Michael Faraday Faraday, Michael (1791–1867) DSB
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. (107)



Punch,  25 (1853), 108.

Zoological Gardens to Jardin des Plantes

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R U R
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Genre:

Introduction; Letter, Spoof

Subjects:

Zoological Gardens


    Introduces a letter from the 'Rhinoceros of our Zoological Gardens Zoological Society of London —Gardens
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' to the 'Rhinoceros of the Jardin des Plantes Jardin des Plantes, Paris
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'.



Punch,  25 (1853), 111.

To Correspondents

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Anon

Genre:

Notes

Subjects:

Medical Treatment, Health, Mathematics,


Punch,  25 (1853), 112.

Review of the Medical Line

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Anon

Genre:

News-Commentary, Drollery

Subjects:

Medical Practitioners, Disease, Public Health


    Describes the costumes of the 'Medical Staff of the Metropolis' and their preparations for dealing with disease.



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Punch,  25 (1853), 115.

A Consultation "In Articulo"

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Anon

Genre:

Poetry, Drollery

Subjects:

Medical Practitioners, Medical Treatment, Politics


    Following the worsening relations between Russia and Turkey, this poem likens the diplomatic efforts of statesmen to avert conflict to doctors administering 'the paper-pill' to 'a dying nation [Turkey]'. Observes that while the 'diplomatic doctors' disagree over the best course of treatment and treat Turkey with 'replies', the patient finally dies.



Punch,  25 (1853), 116.

The English Hippopotamus, at the Zoological Gardens, to the French Ditto, at the "Jardin des Plantes"

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The Hippopotamus (of the Zoological Gardens) Hippopotamus, The
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Genre:

Letter, Spoof

Subjects:

Zoological Gardens, Amusement, Heroism, Animal Behaviour


    Letter in which the hippopotamus at the Zoological Society Gardens Zoological Society of London —Gardens
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warns his more famous counterpart at the Jardin des Plantes, Paris Jardin des Plantes, Paris
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, about the transitoriness and disappointments of fame.



Punch,  25 (1853), 117.

Rival Reaping-Machines

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Anon

Genre:

News-Commentary, Drollery

Subjects:

Invention, Technology, Agriculture


Punch,  25 (1853), 122.

A New Zodiacal Light

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Anon

Genre:

News-Digest, Spoof

Subjects:

Astronomy, Astrology, Societies


    Reports on Professor Glimm who, at the recent meeting of the British Association for the Advancement of Science British Association for the Advancement of Science
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, outlined his plans for rearranging the signs of the zodiac 'in accordance with the spirit of the age'. His plans include retiring Sagittarius on the grounds that his 'mode of conducting the chase' is obsolete, and that his duties should be taken up by 'shooting stars'.



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Punch,  25 (1853), 126.

Iron Bars of Music

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Anon

Genre:

News-Commentary, Drollery

Subjects:

Sound, Phrenology, Crime


    Responding to an advertisement for an prison organist, notes that phrenologists stress the need to play the 'organ of tune' against that of theft.



Punch,  25 (1853), 127.

Pat's Welcome to the Reaping-Machine

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Anon

Genre:

Poetry, Drollery

Subjects:

Agriculture, Technology, Invention


    An Irish reaper addresses his beloved 'MOLLY' and complains about the grief that his labours have caused him. He hails Cyrus H McCormick McCormick, Cyrus Hall (1809–84) CBD
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and Patrick Bell Bell, Patrick (1799–1869) ODNB
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, inventors of reaping-machines, and Mr Hussey Hussey, Mr (fl. 1853) PU1/25/13/2
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. He reflects on the advances made in 'machines for sowing, and thrashing, and reaping', and speculates: 'ye'll have a machine for eating it next'.



Punch,  25 (1853), 132.

Neutrality in Plush

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Anon

Genre:

News-Commentary, Drollery

Subjects:

Steam-power, Domestic Economy, Machinery, Electricity, Spiritualism

People mentioned:

Michael Faraday Faraday, Michael (1791–1867) DSB
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    Discusses a Cambridge Chronicle Cambridge Chronicle (1744–1900+) Waterloo Directory
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advertisement for a footman 'which' can undertake gardening. Believes this is a request for a 'Garden Engine—endowed with intellectual faculties' and wonders how 'such a domestic could have been constructed'. Considers the extent to which Alfred Smee's Smee, Alfred (1818–77) ODNB
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connection between electrical action and thought could account for the machine. Suggests that 'the mysterious agency concerned in Table Turning' is 'the animating principle'.



Punch,  25 (1853), 133.

King Cholera's Procession

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Anon

Genre:

Poetry

Subjects:

Disease, Public Health, Pollution


    Written from the perspective of 'King Cholera', describes his westward journey from Russia, his anticipation of the hoards of victims, and the places where he will flourish, including the 'foetid dens', 'alleys where the sun ne'er smiled', 'yards, whose heaps of dust and bone / Breathe poison all around'. Notes that his favourite 'perfumes', 'music', and 'lieges' are 'oozing gas from opened trench', 'slow death-bell's muffled tones', and vestrymen respectively.



Punch,  25 (1853), 134.

Short and Saponaceous

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Anon

Genre:

News-Commentary, Drollery

Subjects:

Botany, Discovery, Natural History, Nationalism


    Discusses responses to the alleged discovery of a plant that contains soap within its stalk.



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Punch,  25 (1853), 137.

Vested Right

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Anon

Genre:

Poetry

Subjects:

Public Health, Pollution, Government


    Written from the perspective of 'VESTED RIGHT'. Observes: 'On Boards of Health I glide by stealth'. Describes his enjoyment of the repulsive locations in his kingdom, including Smithfield Market Smithfield Market
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, where 'odours [are] flung from [...] dung', and the graveyards which keep him in pocket.



Punch,  25 (1853), 138.

Infallible Bubbles

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Pestle Pestle
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Genre:

Letter, Spoof

Subjects:

Disease, Health, Pollution, Homeopathy, Medical Treatment


    Following the homeopathic principle of 'like cures like', suggests that 'seleniureted hydrogen', a trace gas found in the air, will provide an antidote to the chief cause of cholera—sulphuretted hydrogen.



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Punch,  25 (1853), 152.

Mahogany Possessed

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Anon

Genre:

Essay, Drollery

Subjects:

Spiritualism, Religion, Supernaturalism, Politics, Religious Authority


    Discusses Nathaniel S Godfrey's Godfrey, Nathaniel Stedman (1817–83) WBI
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and Edward Gillson's Gillson, Edward (fl. 1853) PU1/25/15/1
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claim that table-turning is caused by 'Satanic Agency' (a reference to Godfrey 1853 Godfrey, Nathaniel Stedman 1853. Table-Moving Tested, and Proved to be the Result of Satanic Agency, London: Seeleys
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and Gillson 1853 Gillson, Edward [1853]. Table-Talking: Disclosures of Satanic Wonders & Prophetic Signs: A Word for the Wise, Bath: Binns and Goodwin; London: Longman
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). Concludes from an appraisal of these investigators' experiences of the nonsense spoken by tables that '"The Devil is an Ass" is now something more than the title of a comedy [i.e. Ben Jonson's Jonson, Benjamin ('Ben Johnson') (1572–1637) ODNB
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play]'. Reports that 'our venerated Rector, the REV. DR. DRYPORT' denied 'supernatural events' and insisted that the table's identification of the Pope with Satan was caused by 'a very zealous Protestant'. Adds a description of an attempt to replicate one of Gillson's experiments with the conclusion that Emperor Nicholas I Nicholas I, Emperor of Russia (1796–1855) CBD
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of Russia was on intimate terms with the Devil.



Punch,  25 (1853), 153.

The Parochial Mudlark: A Chaunt for Churchwardens and Overseers

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Anon

Genre:

Poetry

Subjects:

Disease, Public Health


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Punch,  25 (1853), 155.

The Impertinence of Science

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Anon

Genre:

News-Commentary, Drollery

Subjects:

Astronomy, Instruments, Gender


    Responds to news of the invention of a 'Lunarium', an instrument allowing close inspection of the lunar surface and determination of its age. Regards this interest in the age of a body which is 'a lady' to be 'impertinent'.



Punch,  25 (1853), 157.

Further Particulars

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Anon

Genre:

News-Commentary, Drollery

Subjects:

Societies, Medical Practitioners


    Responds to an Athenaeum Athenaeum (1828–1900+) Waterloo Directory
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report of a medical breakfast served at the British Association for the Advancement of Science British Association for the Advancement of Science
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.



Punch,  25 (1853), 161.

The Inn-Fluenza

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Anon

Genre:

News-Commentary, Drollery

Subjects:

Disease, Narcotics


    Describes 'Inn-fluenza', Punch's thinly-veiled reference to drunkenness, whose symptoms include 'ocular delusions' and impaired taste. Hopes 'efficient means will be at once devised to stop it'.



Punch,  25 (1853), 161.

The Steam Annihilator

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Anon

Genre:

Notes, Drollery

Subjects:

Steam-power, Railways, Time, Accidents, Travel


    Criticises the notion that 'Steam annihilates both Time and Space' by pointing out that it annihilates human beings.



Punch,  25 (1853), 162.

Festivities in Southwark

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Anon

Genre:

Proceedings, Spoof

Subjects:

Public Health, Pollution, Disease, Sanitation


    Reports on a banquet held to commemorate an 'extensive bone-boiling and horse-slaughtering concern' in Southwark. Wryly observes that the food was 'decorated with chloride of lime' and notes how, during a toast to himself, the senior partner in the concern upheld the 'salubrity' of the odours given off by his business, and bade 'Success to Sulphuretted Hydrogen and Ammonia'.



Punch,  25 (1853), 164.

Meeting of the Rabbits

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Anon

Genre:

Proceedings, Spoof

Subjects:

Zoological Gardens, Animal Behaviour


    Reports on a meeting of rabbits at the Zoological Society Gardens Zoological Society of London —Gardens
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, at which the chair upholds the need for rabbits to cultivate 'a deeper trust and wider confidence in the animal world about them'. The meeting ends abruptly owing to the chair being attacked by a boa constrictor.



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Punch,  25 (1853), 168.

A Howl from the Hippopotamus

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Hippo U Hippo
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Sadi U Sadi
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Genre:

Song, Drollery

Relevant illustrations:

wdct.

Illustrators:

C B, pseud.  [Edward Bradley] Bradley, Edward (pseud Cuthbert Bede) (1827–89) CBD
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Spielmann, Marion Harry Alexander 1895. The History of "Punch", London: Cassell
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Subjects:

Animal Behaviour, Zoological Gardens, Amusement


    Written from the perspective of the hippopotamus at the Zoological Society Gardens Zoological Society of London —Gardens
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, complains about the public's 'inconstant' interest in him and their preference for 'a nasty' American anteater. Explains that he put up with people's ignorance of his existence but will not accept competition from the anteater. Compares himself favourably with his competitor and wishes he could 'make myself a Fellow [...] Of this Zoological Society Zoological Society of London
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' to send the anteater 'back to his Ants, / Or to my French rival at the Jardin des Plantes Jardin des Plantes, Paris
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'. The illustration shows black figures running away from a giant anteater wearing zoo-keeper's clothes.



Punch,  25 (1853), 173.

Parsons and Doctors

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Anon

Genre:

News-Commentary, Drollery

Subjects:

Medical Treatment, Disease, Religious Authority, Medical Practitioners, Supernaturalism, Homeopathy


    Criticises a claim made by a clergyman in The Times The Times (1777–1900+) Waterloo Directory
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that a mixture of charcoal, brandy, and opium offers a cure for cholera. The author urges the clergyman to 'confine himself to pointing the way to Heaven' and, noting that the 'gift of healing' has 'ceased to be supernaturally imparted', invites clergymen to gain medical expertise in hospitals. Warns divines who practise homeopathy to 'stick to theological mysticism'.



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Punch,  25 (1853), 175.

Infection Glebe

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Anon

Genre:

News-Commentary

Subjects:

Public Health, Disease, Death, Chemistry, Religion, Religious Authority, Supernaturalism


    Responding to the evidence of the Bishop of London (Charles J Blomfield Blomfield, Charles James (1786–1857) ODNB
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) given before the House of Lords House of Lords
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committee on the Great Extramural Cemetery Bill, imagines that 'chemists—who are ghost-seers—for ghost and gas "are all one reckonings, save the phrase is a little variations"'—would see the bishop 'praying [...] against pestilence with the cause of it steaming up all around him in the shape of sulphuretted hydrogen' from corpses.



Punch,  25 (1853), 181.

Marriage in 'Mediocre' Life

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Anon

Genre:

News-Commentary, Drollery

Subjects:

Astronomy, Class


    Discusses the marriage of a relative of William Parsons (3rd Earl of Rosse) Parsons, William, 3rd Earl of Rosse (1800–67) DSB
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, a 'scientific nobleman' who, 'on the strength of his title and his telescope, would liked to be looked upon as near relations'.



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Punch,  25 (1853), 185.

Shaving by Machinery

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Anon

Genre:

News-Commentary, Drollery

Subjects:

Invention, Technology


    Despite having had miserable experiences being shaved, expresses reservations about a 'shaving machine'. The author is particularly alarmed by the fact that the customer has to sit amidst cylinders to which are fixed 'a forest of blades'.



Punch,  25 (1853), 191.

Adieu, thou, Dreary Piles

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Anon

Genre:

News-Commentary, Drollery

Subjects:

Engineering


    Reports on the progressive decay of Westminster Bridge Westminster Bridge
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.



Punch,  25 (1853), 192.

Burglary and Bronchitis Prevented

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Anon

Genre:

Essay, Drollery

Relevant illustrations:

wdct. [2]

Illustrators:

W, pseud.  [T Harrington Wilson] Wilson, T Harrington (fl. 1853) Spielmann 1895
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Spielmann, Marion Harry Alexander 1895. The History of "Punch", London: Cassell
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Subjects:

Medical Treatment, Domestic Economy, Crime


    Describes the benefits of the 'warm climate' produced by Mr Jeffreys Jeffreys, Mr (fl. 1853) PU1/25/19/3
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'Respirator', but points out that people who wear this apparatus look so terrifying that they would frighten away burglars. Illustrations show this latter contingency, and a family sleeping whilst wearing their respirators.



Punch,  25 (1853), 192.

The Fast Men of Edinburgh

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Anon

Genre:

News-Commentary, Drollery

Subjects:

Nutrition, Disease, Superstition, Supernaturalism, Religious Authority, Religion, Sanitation, Public Health, Class


    Reports on the advocacy by Home Secretary Henry J Temple (3rd Viscount Palmerston) Temple, Henry John, 3rd Viscount Palmerston (1784–1865) ODNB
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of good diet, washing and, as a last resort, prayer, as a means of preventing cholera. Denies the power of prayer to thwart cholera but attacks the views of the Presbytery of Edinburgh Church of Scotland—Presbytery of Edinburgh
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who advocate fasting to check the disease.



Punch,  25 (1853), 194.

Paying Culprits through the Nose

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Anon

Genre:

News-Commentary, Drollery

Subjects:

Chemistry, Crime, Race, Cultural Geography, Commerce


    Discusses a report in the New York Journal of Commerce New York Journal of Commerce (1827–93) RLIN
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concerning a scheme for marking the noses of white convicts with black dye. Believes that if 'Chemistry [...] could afford' a 'cosmetic' for leaving a white mark on black convicts' noses, 'it would emancipate several millions of persons in America' who could 'obtain their freedom as easily as insolvent debtors' if they could whitewash themselves.



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Punch,  25 (1853), 197.

A Letter and an Answer

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Anon

Genre:

Poetry

Subjects:

Disease, Religion, Supernaturalism, Religious Authority, Sanitation, Nutrition, Public Health


    In the first verse, members of the Presbytery of Edinburgh Church of Scotland—Presbytery of Edinburgh
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ask the Home Secretary Henry J Temple (3rd Viscount Palmerston) Temple, Henry John, 3rd Viscount Palmerston (1784–1865) ODNB
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to 'fix a day / Whereon all men may fast and pray' for the end of the cholera epidemic. In the following verses Palmerston explains to the presbyters his strategies by which 'Miserable Sinners' can deal with the disease. He agrees that they should 'Bow down [...] to ask for grace', but urges them to 'use brush and limewash pail'. They may fast, but should 'feed those for want who fail'. He also identifies 'Plagues' as evils from God rather than the Devil, and that 'he that breaks [God's law] must endure / The penalty which works the cure'.


See also:

Anon, 'The Fast Men of Edinburgh', Punch, 25 (1853), 192


Punch,  25 (1853), 201.

What is Man?

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Anon

Genre:

News-Commentary, Drollery

Subjects:

Analytical Chemistry, Human Species, Cultural Geography


    Challenges the plausibility of a Quarterly Review Quarterly Review (1809–1900+) Waterloo Directory
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claim that 'Chemically speaking' man is composed of carbon, nitrogen, and water. Wonders, for example, how a Russian can be produced without hemp.



Punch,  25 (1853), 202.

Mrs Jane Gimlet to Mrs Judith Punch

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Jane Gimlet Gimlet, Jane
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Genre:

Letter, Spoof

Subjects:

Public Health, Nutrition, Disease, Religious Authority, Religion, Supernaturalism


    Written to represent an author of limited literary ability, describes the death of her children from asthma but believes this was due to 'bad hare in our place' rather than her own asthmatic condition (which she denies having). Ridicules the proposal to 'ave a day of fastin [...] as a purwentive to the colleher' and points out that while fasting may be a 'Christian hact', she and her family 'hace been a fastin hever so laon an donte feel no better Christens for that'.



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Punch,  25 (1853), 207.

Cheap Lightning-Postage

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Anon

Genre:

News-Commentary, Drollery

Subjects:

Telegraphy, Commerce


    Describes Mr Punch's proposed 'New General Electric Telegraph Company', a scheme for destroying existing telegraph companies and which will pay 'on the principle of large sales at low prices'.



Punch,  25 (1853), 211.

The Innkeeper Rhymer

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Anon

Genre:

Essay, Drollery; Song, Drollery

Subjects:

Zoology, Natural History, Textbooks, Taxonomy, Nomenclature


    Suggests that in 'juvenile editions of our Natural History books' innkeepers might be represented as 'a species [...] of the Ornithorynchus, or Beast with a Bill'.



Punch,  25 (1853), 212.

Sherrifs' Officers Suspended

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Anon

Genre:

News-Commentary, Drollery

Subjects:

Mechanics, Invention


    Comments on news of the invention of a perpetual motion machine.



Punch,  25 (1853), 214.

Songs of the Geological Society Geological Society of London
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View full article text

Anon

Genre:

Song, Drollery

Subjects:

Geology, Palaeontology


    'Adapted by a late President', the song describes his favourite geological regions and features including 'the west, / For there Silurian beds abound', the 'trilobites in the Bala bed', and the 'Auld, Auld Red' where there is 'mony a fish [...] Wi' heteorcercal tail'.



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Punch,  25 (1853), 221.

Remarkable Tribute of Sidereal Approbation to Mr Hind

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Anon

Genre:

News-Commentary, Drollery; Proceedings, Spoof

Subjects:

Astronomy, Discovery


    Describes reactions on earth and in the heavens to John R Hind's Hind, John Russell (1823–95) DSB
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discovery of 'another new planet'. These include 'SATURN'S' relief at the discovery of more of his 'children' (the asteroids between Mars and Jupiter) whom he had not devoured. Details the proceedings of a meeting of various constellations, nebulae, and planets to 'consider the best means of expressing their gratitude' to Hind. The meeting resolved to christen the 'newly discovered sidereal bodies [...] HIND's Night Lights'.



Punch,  25 (1853), 223.

An Albany for the Million

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Anon

Genre:

Essay

Subjects:

Public Health, Sanitation, Class, Disease, Anatomy


    Discusses the problem of rehousing the inhabitants of slums. Agrees with the proposal to put them in 'Model Lodging Houses' but insists that such a term is patronising to the lower classes and does not respect the fact that they have the 'same number of members' and the 'same passions and feelings' as the higher classes.



Punch,  25 (1853), 224.

St Cross Stingo, Otherwise Known as Guildford Demi X Ale

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Anon

Genre:

News-Commentary, Drollery

Subjects:

Homeopathy, Nutrition


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Punch,  25 (1853), 228.

The Royal Exchange Clock

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Anon

Genre:

News-Commentary

Subjects:

Time, Instruments, Technology

People mentioned:

George B Airy Airy, Sir George Biddell (1801–92) DSB ODNB
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Punch,  25 (1853), 233.

Shocking Low Church!

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Anon

Genre:

News-Commentary, Drollery

Subjects:

Religion, Class, Railways, Travel, Steam-power, Religious Authority


    Responding to a proposal to establish churches for the ragged, suggests the possibility of churches for first, second, and third-class members of society (in line with railway travel). Accordingly, envisions the adoption of 'steam-organs' and 'the substitution of locomotives for clergymen'.



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Punch,  25 (1853), 243.

Table Turning and True Piety

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Anon

Genre:

News-Commentary

Subjects:

Spiritualism, Religion, Religious Authority, Superstition, Proof


    Rejecting Robert W Dibdin's Dibdin, Robert William (fl. 1838–62) WBI
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allegations (published as Dibdin 1853 Dibdin, Robert W. 1853. Table-Turning: A Lecture by the Rev. R. W. Dibdin Delivered in the Music Hall, Stone St., on Tuesday Evening, November the 8th, 1853, London: W. H. Collingridge
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) that Punch Punch (1841–1900+) Waterloo Directory
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is an enemy of 'true piety', insists that it 'holds religion [...] inviolate' and that 'religion is not, in all people, allied with superstition, or with cant and hypocrisy'. Upholding his right to ridicule 'delusions [...] preached beneath the cover of religion', refuses to quote the blasphemous remarks that Dibdin solicited from the Devil via table-turning. Having been invited to 'admit the infallibility of MR. DIBDIN's sense as well as his good faith', points to the 'opposing testimony of Faraday Faraday, Michael (1791–1867) DSB
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' regarding table-turning (an allusion to Faraday 1853 Faraday, Michael 1853. 'On Table-Turning', The Times, 30 June 1853, p. 8
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) and that 'there has been no one satisfactory exhibition of the wonder in public'. Notes Dibdin's attack on Faraday's 'spiritual attainments'. Reports that Punch's own table-turning trials proved that the table-turners were responsible for the effect and goes on to ridicule the idea of 'evil spirit' emanating from table-turners' fingers.



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Punch,  25 (1853), 245.

[The Truth and Table-Turning]

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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:

Spiritualism, Gender


    Shows two seated women. One, who evidently lies about her age, tells the other that she does not believe in table-turning because it failed to predict her age.



Punch,  25 (1853), 245.

Agricultural Business

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Anon

Genre:

News-Commentary, Drollery

Subjects:

Agriculture, Technology, Invention, Machinery


    Discusses the potential of new inventions for milling and bruising agricultural produce.



Punch,  25 (1853), 246.

Corporation Table Talk

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Anon

Genre:

News-Commentary, Drollery; Proceedings, Drollery

Subjects:

Spiritualism, Politics


    Claims that the practice of 'table-talking' 'has been recognised by the City of London Corporation Corporation of London
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Commission' and includes the details of the interrogation with the Mansion House Mansion House
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table.



Punch,  25 (1853), 246.

Facts for Cockney Naturalists

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Anon

Genre:

Notes, Drollery

Subjects:

Natural History, Animal Behaviour


    Droll observations of the habits and habitats of various animals living in London.



Punch,  25 (1853), 253.

Phrenological Organ Music

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Anon

Genre:

News-Commentary, Drollery

Subjects:

Phrenology, Sound, Amusement, Music, Education


    Discusses an advertisement in which the 'Practical Phrenologist' Mrs Hamilton Hamilton, Mrs (fl. 1840–56) Cooter 1989
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announces her performances of 'Phrenology illustrated by Music'. Elaborates on the connections between music and phrenology, including the remark that 'Handel Händel, Georg Friedrich (1685–1759) ODNB
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[...] displayed the organ of Veneration in his Oratorios'. Recognising the difficulties of illustrating 'the whole of Phrenology by Music in one evening', advises Mrs Hamilton to do it by means of a symphony of thirty-five movements, each one consisting of music carefully chosen to represent a phrenological organ ('Self-esteem', for instance, 'would blow its own trumpet'). Contends that Mrs Hamilton's lecture 'on living heads from the audience' will be more suitable than arias on 'anatomical and physiological facts'.



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Punch,  25 (1853), 257.

The Fashionable Zoological Star

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Anon

Genre:

Essay, Drollery; Illustration, Drollery

Relevant illustrations:

wdct.

Illustrators:

W, pseud.  [Henry R Howard] Howard, Henry R (fl. 1853) Spielmann 1895
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Spielmann, Marion Harry Alexander 1895. The History of "Punch", London: Cassell
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Subjects:

Zoological Gardens, Amusement, Animal Behaviour, Race


    Discusses the attempt by the Zoological Society Gardens Zoological Society of London —Gardens
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to attract more visitors by displaying such 'Star' exhibits as the hippopotamus and 'a whole forest-full of humming birds'. Insists that the 'Star-system' will not be 'so ruinous here as at most places of entertainment', since these stars are not paid except for board and lodging. Details the appearance and behaviour of the latest attraction at the gardens: the giant anteater. The illustration shows a man entering the gardens offering 'some new laid Ants' Eggs for the Mummy-Cough-Ague Jewbeater', a reference to the Latin name of anteater, Myrmecophaga jubata.



Punch,  25 (1853), 258.

Clergymen in the Farce of 'Turning the Tables'

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Anon

Genre:

News-Commentary, Drollery

Subjects:

Spiritualism, Religion


    The narrator describes his 'experience in the practise [sic] of Spirit Rapping in connection with the Tables' and wryly points out that the 'Satanic agency' possesses cheap furniture, as shown by its tendency to groan and split its sides. Unlike the 'Clerical Table Turners', who 'seem to imagine that the Satanic agency is confined to a particular kind of furniture', believes it can inhabit a wide range of domestic hardware.



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Punch,  25 (1853), 265.

The Hanwell Cookery Book

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Anon

Genre:

Notes, Drollery; Recipe, Spoof

Subjects:

Mental Illness, Hospitals, Nutrition


    Following the 'progress' made towards the 'humane treatment of insane persons' notes that inmates now perform the indoor work in lunatic asylums and that the directors of Hanwell Lunatic Asylum County Lunatic Asylum, Hanwell
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have employed inmates in kitchens. Includes some appropriate recipes from the system of 'insane cookery' practised by inmates.



Punch,  25 (1853), 265.

Church Cannons

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Anon

Genre:

News-Commentary, Drollery

Subjects:

Military Technology, Invention, Religious Authority


    Reporting that 'DR. CHURCH Church, Dr (fl. 1853) PU1/25/27/2
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has invented some pieces of artillery' which have been successfully tested at Royal Arsenal, Woolwich Royal Arsenal, Woolwich
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, welcomes a 'CHURCH whose cannons are a hit'.



Punch,  25 (1853), 267.

A Trumpet with a Cold

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Anon

Genre:

News-Commentary, Drollery

Subjects:

Invention, Instruments, Music, Sound, Disease


    Discusses Mr Sommer's Sommer, Mr (fl. 1853) PU1/25/27/3
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claim that his 'Sommerphone' musical instrument is strongly affected by severe weather. Anticipates the possibility that musical instruments, as well as singers, will be complaining of colds.



Punch,  25 (1853), 266.

Clerical Table-Turners and Spirit-Rappers

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Anon

Genre:

News-Commentary, Drollery; Advertisement, Spoof

Subjects:

Spiritualism, Religion, Amusement


    Responding to news that 'clerical gentleman' are touring with exhibitions of 'table-turning' and 'spirit-rapping', suggests a sensationally worded programme designed to attract audiences.



Punch,  25 (1853), 267.

Catching People's Eyes

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Anon

Genre:

Introduction, Drollery; Advertisement, Spoof

Subjects:

Pollution, Sanitation, Politics


    Includes an advertisement from 'MESSRS. BORAX AND CO.' for their 'White Curdy Soft Windsor Antigrimeopolis', a product which it recommends to Henry J Temple (3rd Viscount Palmerston) Temple, Henry John, 3rd Viscount Palmerston (1784–1865) ODNB
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following his 'admirable Smoke Prevention Act'.



Punch,  25 (1853), 268.

A Hint to the Elephantine Professor at Astley's

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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:

Animal Behaviour, Amusement


    Shows three performing elephants at Astley's Royal Amphitheatre Astley's Royal Amphitheatre, Lambeth
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.



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