Mesmerism, Spiritualism, Psychology, Mental Illness, Physiology, War
Describing Mr Punch's 'clairvoyance' as 'natural lucidity', claims that he knew long before war broke out between England and Russia that the 'disordered intellect' of Emperor Nicholas INicholas I, Emperor of Russia
(1796–1855)
CBD CloseView the register entry >> was caused by 'internal evils', specifically a 'bilious disorder'.
Exhibitions, Ethnology, Display, Natural History, Human Species, Race
Noting the possibility that the 'Science of Races' is concerned with horse racing, explains that ethnology is 'the science of the human race in particular'. Describes the displays of various human races at the Crystal PalaceCrystal Palace
CloseView the register entry >>, including the East Indians, the Malays, the peoples of Sumatra, New Guinea, the Dyaks of Borneo, and the North American Indians. Each description includes remarks on physical appearance (including fashion).
Describes the invention by 'An American genius' of a simple machine for enabling 'young men to sow their wild oats'. Explains that 'It is simply a hand machine' which automatically stamps promissory notes signed by the operator, and processes the note over a certain period, at the end of which the operator is expected to retrieve his note. The processed note will follow the operator until he provides 'actual payment'.
Quoting Lee 1854Lee, Robert 1854.
The Last Days of Alexander, and the First Days of Nicholas (Emperors of
Russia), London: R. Bentley
CloseView the register entry >>, notes the alarming number of deaths in Circassia, Persia, Poland, and Turkey, during various periods of the nineteenth century. Stresses that Emperor Nicholas INicholas I, Emperor of Russia
(1796–1855)
CBD CloseView the register entry >>, not disease, was the cause of these fatalities.
War, Chemistry, Electricity, Politics, Internationalism, Force
Set in the 'Royal Study' of the 'Sans Souci', it features the Prussian 'KING CLIQUOT' (i.e. King Frederick William IVFrederick William IV, King of Prussia
(1795–1861)
CBD
CBE CloseView the register entry >> of Prussia) and his two councillors, and concerns their discussion of their relationship with Russia. The first councillor urges Clicquot to 'Make common cause' with 'Austria and the Western Powers' and 'lead the Intellect, / The Science, and the Morals, and the Art'. Having heard Clicquot liken Prussia and Russia to 'Antagonistic forces', the second councillor points out that in nature 'force should with opposing force combine' and illustrates his point with examples from chemistry (for example, acids and alkalis) and electricity. Clicquot adds that since 'acid with alkali makes a neutral salt, / And that suggests a neutral policy'.
Shows an 'Amiable Experimentalist' and his friends at a dinner table in a room on whose walls hang pictures of fungi. He provides his friends with a botanical description of the mushrooms they are eating and they look on in consternation.
Ridicules the text on seven cards of 'The knaves who pretend to read the stars for the fools' with which Mr Punch has been favoured. The analysis of the first card from an 'Astral Professor' derides the practitioner's notion of 'vegetable astronomy' and notes his apparent links with quack medicine. Ridicules the fact that the astrologer on the fourth card 'not only reads the skies, but makes machines for protecting you against their influence [umbrellas]'. The fifth card is from an astrologer who pretentiously claims to be 'the only Professor in the Midland Counties who holds a Diploma from the British Scientific Association' (an allusion to the British Association for the Advancement of ScienceBritish Association for the Advancement of Science
CloseView the register entry >>). Regards the seventh card, which appears to be an astrological 'prediction of the fortune of a young lady of rank', as 'rubbish and vulgarity'. Laments the fact that people 'are actually found to pay' for astrological forecasting and links this to low educational standards.
Presents summaries of a series of lectures to be presented 'By a Strong-Minded Woman—with a strong Chemical Turn'. The lectures have less to do with technical aspects of chemistry than domestic problems and include such topics as 'The ODOURS (including musk and patchouli) we love best, and the SMELLS we dislike most, especially that filthy tobacco-smoke'.
Responding to news of a new vegetarian and teetotal 'Eating House', notes the vegetarian ban on fish and dairy produce and reports on a visit to the 'Eating House' where the menu consisted of such items as grass, vegetable marrow, kidney-beans, and other traditional 'meat' dishes in which the meat was replaced by vegetables.
Railways, Engineering, Engineers, Human Species, Steam-power, Machinery
Responding to the alarming news that engine drivers on the London and North-Western Railway CompanyLondon and North-Western Railway Company
CloseView the register entry >> are sleeping on duty, suggests that the directors of the company will discuss the possibility of constructing a 'Steam-Engineman' which will consist of an 'iron mechanism [...] animated by steam'. Draws attention to the advantages of such employees, notably the fact that 'they will never turn out for any increase of wages' or 'ever get tipsy'.
Agreeing with the Quarterly Review'sQuarterly Review
(1809–1900+)
Waterloo
Directory CloseView the register entry >> judgement that the electric telegraph 'has yet to come into general use' (a reference to Wynter 1854Wynter, Andrew
1854. 'The Electric Telegraph', Quarterly Review, 95,
118–64
CloseView the register entry >>), argues that the chief problem with the instrument is that the 'officials entrusted' with it try to 'discourage the transmission of messages'. Explains that the 'pedantic precision' of officials and the extortionate cost of sending messages make the system 'a non-conductor to the wires'. Imagines the experience of Mr Brown, who is so irritated by the pedantry and cost of sending a telegraphic message that he storms out of the telegraphic office.
Military Technology, War, Medical Treatment, Narcotics
Responding to news that 'the Government has been engaged in trying antinomial balls' for military use, concludes that this is 'calculated to give all within the sphere of [the ball's] destruction a regular sickener [a reference to the poisonous nature of antimony]'.
Argues that the Electric Telegraph Company'sElectric Telegraph Company
CloseView the register entry >> employment of women will give 'the gentler sex [...] full scope to their love of rapid talking' and enable them to 'talk as quick as lightning'.
Public Health, Sanitation, Medical Practitioners, Expertise
Likens the omission of Mr WalkerWalker, Mr
(fl. 1854)
PU1/27/8/3 CloseView the register entry >>, a man of 'vast and unacknowledged' public services, from the new Board of HealthBoard of Health
CloseView the register entry >> to leaving the Prince of Denmark out of Hamlet. Admits that the present head of the board, Benjamin HallHall, Sir Benjamin, 1st Baron Llanover
(1802–67)
ODNB CloseView the register entry >>, is 'well versed' in all the scientific and medical knowledge needed for sanitary reform, but thinks 'two heads are better than one'. Agrees that the Board of Health should not be run by a physician since 'the medical faculty is not the faculty of common sense' and because 'the Art of Cure is a different thing from the Science of Prevention'.
Describes the visit of the 'odd fellows' of the 'British Archaeological Society' (a reference to the British Archaeological AssociationBritish Archaeological Association
CloseView the register entry >>) to Chepstow, where they visited a wine merchant's premises believed to rest on the remains of an ancient priory. Notes that the archaeologists subsequently denied this claim. Describes a poorly attended and soporific meeting of the society in which Thomas WakemanWakeman, Thomas
(fl. 1854)
Wakeman 1854 CloseView the register entry >> spoke on the Roman walls of Chepstow (possibly an allusion to Wakeman 1854Wakeman,
Thomas 1854. 'Observations on the Town and Castle of Chepstow',
Journal of the British Archaeological Association, 10
249–57
CloseView the register entry >>).
Describes the evils of 'KING SMOKE', including his veiling of sunlight and overlaying the 'toilet' of 'many a maiden'. Notes that although 'The chemist applied all his learning [...] their fuel men kept half-burning / Whence still the dark fumes arose'. The illustration shows a black figure who wears a smoking chimney pot for a hat and who smokes a pipe fuelled by a coal gas stove.
Medical Practitioners, Disease, Periodicals, Controversy, Expertise
Complains about the nauseating and contradictory 'prescriptions for cholera' that doctors publish in the newspapers. Concludes that, while the recommendation to 'let well alone' is valuable, 'it is still more desirable to "let ill alone", if a sick man is subject to be poisoned by one or more of the numerous concoctions suggested in the newspapers by the medical practitioner'.
Report of Punch's 'snug little suburban line' that illustrates the small-scale nature of the operation. For example, it boasts that its rolling stock includes a 'garden roller', that it had lost a 'moral engine which the Company once possessed in the support of a now apathetic press', and that its boiler 'is not yet out of hot water, nor likely to be for some time to come'.
Gas Chemistry, Meteorology, Electricity, Education, Religion
Asks the author of an English Journal of EducationEnglish Journal of Education
(1843–64)
Waterloo
Directory CloseView the register entry >> article on the unholy 'atmosphere' outside the home on Sunday, to explain 'the composition of that atmosphere which is capable of hailing a day otherwise than for hailing for twenty-four hours' and which is made up of chemical compounds other than those out of which it is known to be composed. Also asks the author to explain 'how the atmosphere desecrates the day by hailing it with Punch'. This is probably a response to Anon 1854Anon. 1854. 'On the Sunday of Public Schools', English
Journal of Education, 8, 300–02
CloseView the register entry >>.
Considering the fact that teetotallers will be controlling the Surrey Zoological GardensSurrey Literary, Scientific and Zoological Institution—Gardens
CloseView the register entry >>, wonders what they will have in place of the 'volcanos' which, Punch speculates, will be considered inappropriate because they are the 'aggregate result of repeated drops of the "crater" [the ancient Greek vessel for holding wine]'.
Responding to an article in the New York TribuneNew York Tribune
(1881–87)
British Library Catalogue CloseView the register entry >> on female physicians, speculates on the costume worn by such practitioners. Argues that there is 'no great absurdity in the notion of female physicians' because all physicians are 'fee-male' and, owing to their 'softer and more musical' voices women can deal with difficult cases 'as effectually as a man can'. Thinks the Ladies' CollegeLadies' College, Bedford Square CloseView the register entry >> should grant medical degrees and points out that there is no law against women being apprenticed to general practitioners.
Discusses the visit of Edward G G S Stanley (14th Earl of Derby)Stanley, Edward George Geoffrey Smith, 14th
Earl of Derby
(1799–1869)
ODNB CloseView the register entry >> to the Liverpool meeting of the British Association for the Advancement of ScienceBritish Association for the Advancement of Science
CloseView the register entry >>. Stanley apparently 'presented himself as a specimen of nobleman ignorance' which prompted Richard OwenOwen, Richard
(1804–92)
DSB CloseView the register entry >> to note the 'moral qualities that, when put forth under a coronet, may exert an extraordinary fascination upon mankind in general'. Owen proceeded to show the monetary 'secretions' of the 'specimen before him [Stanley]' that could 'have a most noble influence upon all surrounding bodies'. Describes how Stanley and members of the association joined in song, which prompted members to declare the ignorance of a 'true nobleman' preferable to the 'bothering knowledge of a bundle of professors'.
Noting the preparation of a directory of stars by the British Association for the Advancement of ScienceBritish Association for the Advancement of Science
CloseView the register entry >>, warns that the reliability of the work is reduced by the observation of 'Northern circumpolar stars' at Oxford, which Punch thinks is a reference to 'the gathering of contributors to Blackwood's MagazineEdinburgh Monthly Magazine
(1817)
Blackwood's Edinburgh Magazine
(1817–1900+)
Waterloo
Directory CloseView the register entry >>'. With this 'truth', reports that the British Association has asked each star to 'furnish all the necessary information respecting himself', including 'Names and Titles in any Scientific or Learned Bodies [including Arabian and Roman names]', and 'Medical or Surgical Offices held by him [information required by the astrologer 'Zadkiel'Morrison, Richard James ('Zadkiel')
(1795–1874)
ODNB CloseView the register entry >>]'. Points out that addresses for double stars and nebulae 'need only be filled up by one of the firm'.
Pollution, Public Health, Microscopy, Mapping, Measurement, Light
Discusses news that a scientific correspondent in The TimesThe Times
(1777–1900+)
Waterloo
Directory CloseView the register entry >> claims to be able to map bad smells. Concludes that this will show that 'every odour will have its shape' and will confuse 'the celebrated dispute between the eyes and the nose in regard to the spectacles'.
Represents 'ACUTE and OBTUSE SWELLS' discussing Richard Owen'sOwen, Richard
(1804–92)
DSB CloseView the register entry >> paper on 'Anthwopomawfus Apes' at the meeting of the British Association for the Advancement of ScienceBritish Association for the Advancement of Science
CloseView the register entry >>, a version of which later appeared as Owen 1855Owen, Richard
1855. 'On the Anthropoid Apes', Report of the Twenty-Fourth Meeting of the
British Association for the Advancement of Science; Held at Liverpool in
September 1854, Notices and Abstracts of Miscellaneous Contributions to the
Sections, 111–13
CloseView the register entry >>. Acute explains to Obtuse that an anthropomorphous ape is one that resembles man insofar as it has such gentlemanly features as a 'exquisitely arranged' moustache, and a 'fautless' tie. Acute tries to convince Obtuse that the ape to which Owen was probably referring was one that wears a red jacket, drinks claret, gambles, amuses itself backstage in a theatre, and chatters about its pastimes. The complacent Acute and the incredulous Obtuse conclude that they must be the species of ape discussed by Owen.
Notes that with falling temperatures, the 'prevailing epidemic' of cholera has declined and thus reduced the fears of the 'Boards of Guardians and Parochial, and Municipal authorities'. Observes that while the necessity for such sanitary measures as drain building will abate, 'the ensusing season is the proper time for abating nuisances', while ratepayers believe there is time for the latter task 'another day'.
Criticises the 'fibs' and 'falsehoods' transmitted by the electric telegraph and the broken promise that the invention 'was going to diffuse / Truth o'er the world' and link nations in peace. Laments the tardiness of telegraphic communication and describes the 'rage' of the 'calm philosopher' and the 'quiet sage' who see 'Fair Science thus abused'.
Reports on a phrenologist who wants Mr Punch to inform young ladies of 'the absurdity of wearing their hair a l'Impératrice, indiscriminately, and without reference to the shape of the forehead'. By 'aping' the French empress, he insists, ladies 'only show the poverty of their Imitation, and their sad deficiency in Wit'—the two phrenological organs that, owing to the arrangement of her hair, the Empress appears to possess in enlarged size.
Does not think that the 'haste' of the 'sleepless Tatar', the 'steamboat's prow', 'the train-sped mails', and the 'Electric fires, along the wires', can 'match the speed, wherewith at need, hope, fear, and love combined, / In their strong flight, to the scene of fight, will sweep the unresting mind [waiting for news of the Crimean War]'. Can almost 'curse the skill perverse, that so far having gone, / To Conquer space and time efface, halts ere its work is done'.
Disease, Medical Treatment, Religious Authority, Quackery, Faith, Supernaturalism
Responds to news that the Cardinal Vicar of Rome, Costantino PatriziPatrizi, Costantino
(d. 1876)
WBI CloseView the register entry >>, has directed that 'dried anatomical preparations' of saints be 'exposed to the adoration of the faithful' in order to avert cholera. Contends that faith was behind the use of 'Mummy' in the 'materia medica' and is in operation in the cardinal's cure.
Addressed 'To the Shade of COBBETTCobbett, William
(1763–1835)
ODNB CloseView the register entry >>', announces the existence, in London, of a 'COLLEGE OF DOMESTIC ECONOMY [...] for the INSTRUCTION OF LADIES, as well as of Female Servants'. Points out that pupils do not learn such scientific subjects as 'Geography, Astronomy, and the Use of Globes', but the 'COOKING OF VICTUALS'. Thoroughly recommends the institution, not least because it fulfils Mr Punch's idea that 'every wife is, or ought to be the SERVANT of her husband'.
Sanitation, Public Health, Government, Cultural Geography, Pollution
Compares improvements in Parisian buildings and sanitation with the opposition to such measures in London. Attacks the Corporation of London'sCorporation of London
CloseView the register entry >> 'Vested Interests' in preserving the status quo and notes how proposals to install proper drains, to clean the smoke from the air, and to build wider streets are met with gruff and repeated barks of 'Centralisation!'.
Notes that while 'Everybody has a passing acquaintance with the Plesiosaurus, the Megatherium, and so forth', this species 'is only to be found at Castle HedinghamHedingham Castle, Essex CloseView the register entry >>' and resembles a Tory squire, who once 'talked to the agricultural interest' and who strongly upholds the Protestant foundations of 'true conservatism'. Believes the power of the jaw in this species is greater than the power of the swing of the megalosaurus's tail.
Medical Practitioners, Surgery, War, Government, Nationalism, Status, Cultural Geography
Institutions mentioned:
Army
Reports that 'whether our forces have, or have not, been provided with sufficient surgical aid in the Crimea', French troops have adequate medical treatment and that is due to the French surgeons, who are encouraged by respect and awards from the state. Criticises the comparatively low status of English surgeons, and attacks the government for considering the surgical profession to be 'as dignified as that of a tea-dealer'.
Engages with David BrewsterBrewster, Sir David
(1781–1868)
DSB
ODNB CloseView the register entry >> and William Whewell'sWhewell, William
(1794–1866)
DSB CloseView the register entry >> conflict over extra-terrestrial life. Represents Brewster as denying that 'Nature makes worlds for mere lanterns, or fuel' and claiming that 'all planets are swarming with life'. Whewell replies by calling his opponent an 'old Cock' and 'Creation's whole cluster / 'S as empty as you and your volume, Sir D.' The poem ends with Brewster inviting Whewell to 'sleep on it' and Whewell suggesting that Brewster have his head shaved.
Surgery, Quackery, Commerce, Medical Practitioners, Status
Analyses two advertisements—one for a gentleman assistant to a surgeon and the other for a youth to assist in surgery—that suggest that 'Medicine is evidently looking down'. Draws attention to the poor remuneration and considerable work-load required by these positions, and worries that 'if medical assistants are paid at the rate of common mechanics, and engaged to perform the services of pages and tigers, we shall soon have our prescriptions dispensed by boys broken out with buttons'.
Describing the inhospitable character of winter weather, considers the 'poor unhappy souls / Homeless in the cold who wander' and the 'icy plains / Where for Science martyrs lay dying, FRANKLINFranklin, Sir John
(1786–1847)
ODNB CloseView the register entry >> and his crew are lying'.
Responds to news that the proprietors of the Royal Polytechnic InstitutionRoyal Polytechnic Institution
CloseView the register entry >> are 'about to introduce dramatic readings and singsongs' into their normal diet of 'scientific education'. Discusses William Shakespeare'sShakespeare, William
(1564–1616)
ODNB CloseView the register entry >> likely knowledge of chemistry, and suggests ways of combining science and drama. For example, it recommends that 'scenes of thrilling interest might easily be got up with the voltaic battery' and that 'MR. PEPPERPepper, John Henry
(1821–1900)
ODNB CloseView the register entry >> might make the reading of various compounds quite simple, and if he could not reach the sublime, might at least achieve a sublimate'. The illustration shows two thespians exploring the powers of a large electrical machine.
Makes some suggestions for the forthcoming Lord Mayor's Show, many of which play on the astronomical connotations of name of the new mayor, Francis G MoonMoon, Sir Francis Graham
(1796–1871)
ODNB CloseView the register entry >>. For example, suggests that the 'streets should be converted into a novel kind of milky way', and that the 'Remembrancer shall carry a large stick of Lunar Caustic' rather than a mace.
Human Development, Exhibitions, Measurement, Physics, Domestic Economy
Responding to news of obese babies winning prizes at an Ohio baby show, suggests that the award of prizes should depend on specific gravity as well as weight. Having explained the meaning of specific gravity, insists that 'Not crying and freedom from catarrhal symptoms' be considered in judging competitors.
Asks Justus von LiebigLiebig, Justus von
(1803–73)
DSB CloseView the register entry >>, a 'Scientific Sir' who has analysed and is partial to 'ALLSOP's Pale Ale', whether the price increase of the beverage is necessary. Notes that brewers Samuel Allsop and SonsAllsop (Samuel) and Sons, brewers CloseView the register entry >> have raised the price because of the failure of the hops crop, but Punch wants Liebig to state exactly the quantity of hops in the beverage.
War, Medical Practitioners, Gender, Medical Treatment, Disease, Hospitals, Heroism
Playing on the ornithological connotation of Florence Nightingale'sNightingale, Florence
(1820–1910)
ODNB CloseView the register entry >> name, invites wounded soldiers in the Crimea to listen to the 'tale of the tender NIGHTINGALE' whose charm will ease their pain and who 'sings' medical treatments, including 'bandages and lint; salve and cerate without a stint', and 'fever's thirst allayed, and the bed you've tumbled, made'. The illustration shows Nightingale attending a wounded solider.
Medical Practitioners, Medical Treatment, War, Gender
Reports on a meeting of 'a large number of young ladies' who, emulating the example of Florence NightingaleNightingale, Florence
(1820–1910)
ODNB CloseView the register entry >>, considered the 'question of proceeding to the Crimea, in the capacity of Nurses'. The ladies, whose names are typically based on well known dances (following the ornithological connotations of Nightingale's name), express much enthusiasm about going to the Crimea. (193) Later in the proceedings, 'DOWAGER LADY STRONGI'TH'HEAD' advised 'a day's experience at Saint Bartholomew's HospitalSt Bartholomew's Hospital
CloseView the register entry >>' but urged that it is the government's business to provide nurses for military hospitals. The illustration shows a nightingale with Florence Nightingale's face, perched near the bed of wounded solider. (194)
Describes an encounter between Emperor Nicholas INicholas I, Emperor of Russia
(1796–1855)
CBD CloseView the register entry >> of Russia and 'The CHOLERA' which identifies the Russian emperor as 'my Brother in the FIEND' and 'fellow CURSE'. The disease tells Nicholas that his mission is to 'torment, to ruin, and to kill' more humans and points out that Nicholas will be much easier to cure than himself, the cure for Nicholas being the combined forces of England, France, and Germany. The cholera leaves announcing his imminent trip to Sebastopol, where he intends to 'carry on the work thou didst begin in Turkey there'.
A lengthy discourse between Porrex, 'A Young Sage', and Ferrex, 'A Young Swell', concerning George B Airy'sAiry, Sir George Biddell
(1801–92)
DSB
ODNB CloseView the register entry >> attempt to 'weigh the Earth' down a coal-pit. Ferrex jokingly suggests that Airy 'As an Astronomer should know / a Shorter course. In his own Zodiac / Hang Libra, or the Scales. Let him take them, / And go his weighs'. Porrex explains that Airy wants to explore the dependence of density on depth but Ferrex insists that the astronomer could have done this by examining buckets raised from coal pits. Following Ferrex's insistence that Airy should stick to astronomy, albeit in the coal-pit, Porrex explains how Airy used pendulums and electric clocks to ascertain 'the fact of density's / Increase'.
Exhibitions, Public Health, Disease, Pollution, Government
Describes a proposal by the directors of the Crystal PalaceCrystal Palace
CloseView the register entry >> to construct, inside the palace, a model of the courts of 'our lower London and provincial city districts'. Noting that this is intended to raise awareness of such poor living conditions, describes the ways in which it is proposed to represent the filthy gutters and noxious atmospheres of the courts. To ensure that the model court accurately represents the 'perfect mismanagement' and the 'unhealthy state' of the courts, it will be run by 'parish authorities' and the Board of HealthBoard of Health
CloseView the register entry >>.
Discusses an alarming report in The TimesThe Times
(1777–1900+)
Waterloo
Directory CloseView the register entry >> that the alarmingly low number of assistant-surgeons in the Black Sea fleet is due to the exclusion of such personnel from the officers' mess. Warns that the low status accorded assistant-surgeons will only encourage incompetent practitioners.
Discusses some of the advantages of living in London, which turn out to be disadvantages. These include water drawn from the Thames, a river acting as 'the largest Sewer in the World', and clocks that never agree with each other. The illustration shows Mr Punch in Elizabethan costume standing over sewage pipes beneath a street.
Periodicals, Universities, Societies, Mathematics, Language
Reports that the former editor of the Morning AdvertiserMorning Advertiser
(1792–1900+)
Waterloo Directory
CloseView the register entry >> has 'accepted the appointment of Regius Professor of Penny-a-lineism', a post created by the efforts of the Cambridge Philosophical SocietyCambridge Philosophical Society
CloseView the register entry >>, which appears to have been subscribing to newspapers more than philosophical publications. Suggests questions that the professor will set for examination and these display the overlap between the discourses of journalism and those of academic subjects. For example, the second question asks the student to 'extract the roots' of the '"most enormous gooseberry" [...] and show that they are "inversely" as the TimesThe Times
(1777–1900+)
Waterloo
Directory CloseView the register entry >>, and directly at the "square" of the Printing House'.
Includes a scene in a railway carriage in which two travellers are discussing the 'very sad' business of the Russian war and the much-delayed latest news from the battlefield. One traveller, Jones, claims that 'The Electric Telegraph is truly called / "A great invention"—for it doth invent some novel fiction nearly every day'.
Discusses Christ's Hospital'sChrist's Hospital
CloseView the register entry >> attempt to expel 'DR JACOBJacob, George Andrew
(1807–96)
WBI CloseView the register entry >> from the Head Mastership of the Bluecoat School, for having, in preaching them a sermon from the pulpit, pointed out to [the Hospital Committeemen] certain defects in the management of that Institution, which it was their duty to attend'. Thinks that the 'failure of these high-minded men in this generous attempt, is to be regretted by all Beadledom'.
Responds to a proposal in The TimesThe Times
(1777–1900+)
Waterloo
Directory CloseView the register entry >> that Sebastopol should be battered with Perkins's steam-gun. Insists that while the proposal might seem 'perfectly absurd', it is no less preposterous than steamboats or railroads which were also greeted with derision when 'first started'. Considers the claim of the son of Jacob PerkinsPerkins, Jacob
(1766–1849)
CBD CloseView the register entry >> that iron balls weighing a ton can be fired five miles from one of Isambard K Brunel'sBrunel, Isambard Kingdom
(1806–59)
ODNB CloseView the register entry >> ships. Having ridiculed the idea of a gun loaded with steam rather than powder, points out the 'we do try some things which we are by no means sure will answer'. Assesses the risk of Perkins's proposal against the number of lives saved, and concludes that the proposal is only amusing because it has not been tried.
Introduces the report of a post mortem examination held on an effigy of John BrightBright, John
(1811–89)
ODNB CloseView the register entry >> which was burnt on Guy Fawkes' Night. The observations in the report allude to Bright's political shortcomings: for example, 'The chest presented an almost total absence of heart', the liver was of a 'remarkable' white colour, and the 'head contained an average proportion of brain, but it had been all converted into lignine or woody fibre'.
Controversy, Heat, Human Species, Military Technology, War, Politics
Claims there exists 'ample proof' that spontaneous combustion 'often happens in warehouses', whether or not it occurs in the human body. Quotes in evidence a report in The TimesThe Times
(1777–1900+)
Waterloo
Directory CloseView the register entry >>, which describes an attempt to burn down a Manchester warehouse with oily cotton. Believes the crime was caused by 'Russian agency' or arsonists hired by Emperor Nicholas INicholas I, Emperor of Russia
(1796–1855)
CBD CloseView the register entry >> of Russia.
Describes the properties of 'a certain sort of Fungus' popularly known as 'German Tinder' which catches fire so easily 'that 'twas used to strike a light, / Ere the time of CongreveCongreve, Sir William
(1772–1828)
ODNB CloseView the register entry >> matches'. Wishes 'another German thing / Were as quick of inflammation', because then the German nation could be fired up to join the British against the Russians.
Discusses a report in the Sydney HeraldSydney Herald
(1831–42)
Sydney Morning Herald
(1842–1900+)
RLIN CloseView the register entry >> of the 'first Railway in Australia', which suffered a troublesome birth when the locomotive only started moving after considerable pushing from porters, policemen, and others. Hopes that 'the Australians will get up their steam a little better than they did on the inauguration of their first Railway', but notes that a recent report would suggest otherwise.
Nutrition, Adulteration, Chemistry, Medical Treatment, Physiology, Pharmaceuticals
Responds to a Morning PostMorning Post and Daily Advertising Pamphlet
(1772–1900+)
Waterloo Directory
CloseView the register entry >> report of 'an assemblage of medical and scientific gentlemen' who discussed legislation on 'rubbish' admitted to the human body. Explains how the consumer is cheated out of the real nutrients supposed to be contained in food and that instead he is subjected to heavily adulterated bread, cream, grains of Paradise, honey, and peppermint lozenges. Concludes by noting that 'it does not appear that the meeting succeeded in devising any adequate punishment for the adulteration of diet and medicine' and suggests that offenders be punished by subjecting them to their own adulterated food.
Discusses a recent legal case concerning the Cambridge Philosophical SocietyCambridge Philosophical Society
CloseView the register entry >> and its subscription to newspapers. Upholds the philosophical content of newspapers and their consequent suitability for consumption by members of the Cambridge Philosophical Society. Points out that, conversely, 'the so-called philosophical journals contain news', such as the discovery of a new star or a 'new method of preparing monoditetrethylomethylopropylamylamonium'.
Penned at Sebastopol, notes the 'deep debt of gratitude' that the author hopes will one day be paid 'by the army and the country' to 'the Officers of the Medical Service'. Describes the 'heroism' of assistant-surgeon Thompson of the 44th regiment who was killed after performing gallant service to the wounded. The author's pseudonym is an allusion to the field marshall in charge of British forces in the Crimea, Fitzroy J H Somerset (1st Baron Raglan)Somerset, Lord Fitzroy James Henry, 1st
Baron Raglan
(1788–1855)
ODNB CloseView the register entry >>.
Medical Treatment, War, Disease, Mental Illness, Pharmaceuticals, Homeopathy, Quackery
Consists of spoof letters from tradesmen trying to sell their goods to wounded troops in the Crimea. Under the title 'Blessing to the Nervous', Dr Millis Mozely offers to send a cure for 'nervous or mental disease' and puffs his work on 'Nervous and mental Complaints'; and under the title of 'No Wooden Legs Wanted', Professor Galloway offers to send troops 'a waggon-load of my PILLS [...] and an equal quantity of my OINTMENT'. Inevitably, Galloway notes that he can supply a testimonial from Mason G Stratford (5th Earl of Aldborough)Stratford, Mason Gerard, 5th Earl of Aldborough
(1784–1849)
Cokayne 1910-59 CloseView the register entry >>, the notorious patron of homeopathy.
Criticises government ministers for thinking that Sebastopol can be 'reduced by homeopathic doses'. Attacks George H Gordon (4th Earl of Aberdeen)Gordon, George Hamilton-, 4th Earl of Aberdeen
(1784–1860)
ODNB CloseView the register entry >> for attempting to fight the Crimean war using infinitesimal amounts of gunpowder rather than by using 'the regular old practice'.
Notes the likely effect on the length of the 'Messages' of the United States President (Franklin PiercePierce, Franklin
(1804–69)
CBD CloseView the register entry >>) were he to transmit them by the electric telegraph.