Science in the 19th Century Periodical

Punch, Or the London Charivari [1st]

Introductory Essay
Volume 28  (January to June 1855)
Punch,  28 (1855), [ii].

Notes for February

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Anon

Genre:

Notes, Drollery

Subjects:

Navigation, Instruments, Practice


Punch,  28 (1855), [ii].

How to Tell the Position of the Planets by the Wind

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Anon

Genre:

Notes, Drollery

Subjects:

Astronomy, Measurement, Meteorology


Punch,  28 (1855), [iii].

Fact In Mesmerism

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Anon

Genre:

Notes, Drollery

Subjects:

Mesmerism, Animal Magnetism, Medical Practitioners, Charlatanry


Punch,  28 (1855), [iii].

What's His Name

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Anon

Genre:

Notes, Drollery

Subjects:

Engineers, Invention


Punch,  28 (1855), [iii].

The Right Ascension of the Planets

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Anon

Genre:

Notes, Drollery

Subjects:

Astronomy, Meteorology, Instruments


Punch,  28 (1855), [v].

Biographies for the Million

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Anon

Genre:

Notes, Drollery

Subjects:

Exploration, Scientific Practitioners, Astronomy, Instruments

People mentioned:

James C Ross Ross, Sir James Clark (1800–62) DSB
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Punch,  28 (1855), [v].

Questions to Which we Pause for a Reply

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Anon

Genre:

Notes, Drollery

Subjects:

Astronomy


Punch,  28 (1855), [v].

Comparative Ornithology

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Anon

Genre:

Notes, Drollery

Subjects:

Ornithology, Animal Species


Punch,  28 (1855), [v].

Domestic Science

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Anon

Genre:

Notes, Drollery

Subjects:

Chemistry, Domestic Economy


Punch,  28 (1855), [viii].

The Modern Megatherium

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Anon

Genre:

Notes, Drollery

Subjects:

Palaeontology, Government


Punch,  28 (1855), [viii].

A Visit to the Antediluvian Reptiles at Sydenham—Master Tom Strongly Objects to Having His Mind Improved

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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:

Palaeontology, Education, Exhibitions


    Shows a elderly man taking a decidedly discontented boy through the antediluvian reptiles at the Crystal Palace Crystal Palace
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.



Punch,  28 (1855), [x].

A Philosopher in Botany

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Anon

Genre:

Notes, Drollery

Subjects:

Botany, Scientific Practitioners

People mentioned:

Pliny Pliny (Gaius Plinius Secundus) (c. 23–79) DSB
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Punch,  28 (1855), [xi].

Honour for Hydropathy

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Anon

Genre:

Notes, Drollery

Subjects:

Medical Treatment, Quackery


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Punch,  28 (1855), 2.

No More Pills Nor Any Other Medicine: Punch for 1855

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Anon

Genre:

Advertisement, Spoof

Subjects:

Medical Treatment, Mental Illness, Psychology


    Advertises a cure for a wide range of mental and physical complaints from 'poverty of ideas' and 'bad temper', to 'baldness (of invention)' and 'nervousness in travelling'. Claims it can 'restore the highest jocular energy to the most enfeebled intellect'.



Punch,  28 (1855), 2.

Away with the Blunderbuss!

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Anon

Genre:

Announcement, Spoof

Subjects:

Military Technology, Invention, War


    Describes the 'wooden pistol' which has been constructed 'thanks to the roguery of Muscovite contractors'. Complains that the 'British dragoon is armed with a weapon about as useless as a pistol of wood'—a carbine which is notoriously inaccurate.



Punch,  28 (1855), 3.

The Russian Eagle

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Anon

Genre:

Essay, Drollery

Subjects:

Ornithology, Natural History, Politics, Cultural Geography, Animal Behaviour

People mentioned:

Georges L Leclerc (comte de Buffon) Buffon, Georges-Louis Leclerc, comte de (1707–88) DSB
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    Details the appearance and habits of the Russian eagle which, unsurprisingly, emerges in a most unflattering light. For example, it is described as a 'nondescript creature, uniting the voracity of the vulture with the malice of the magpie, and the thievery of the raven', a bird which 'from its devotional attitude [...] may be strictly called a bird of pray'. In its diet it 'is thought to exhibit a trait of the vampire' since it sucks 'the life-blood of the country which it broods over'.



Punch,  28 (1855), 4.

Balloons for Warfare

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Anon

Genre:

Essay, Drollery

Subjects:

Military Technology, Aeronautics, War, Invention, Technology


    Discusses a proposal to finish off the Crimean war by conducting reconnaissance and making signals from balloons.



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Punch,  28 (1855), 12.

(Sewer)age Before Honesty

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Anon

Genre:

Poetry, Drollery

Subjects:

Public Health, Sanitation


Punch,  28 (1855), 14.

Peace and Plenty at Manchester

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Anon

Genre:

News-Commentary, Drollery

Subjects:

Amusement, Invention


    Describes the wooden dove of Johannes Regiomontanus Regiomontanus, Johannes (1436–76) DSB
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'that flew out to meet MAXIMILLIAN Maximillian I, Holy Roman Emperor (1459–1519) CBD
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'.



Punch,  28 (1855), 17.

The Attachment of the Female Russian Bear to her Young

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Anon

Genre:

News-Commentary, Drollery

Subjects:

Natural History, Politics, Animal Behaviour


    Claims that the female bear's 'maternal tenderness' is shown by news that Emperor Nicholas I Nicholas I, Emperor of Russia (1796–1855) CBD
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of Russia has recalled his sons to attend his sickly wife. Believes this story shows that 'Even Nicholas himself appears to have some affection for his own cubs'.



Punch,  28 (1855), 19.

Questionable Delicacy

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Anon

Genre:

News-Commentary, Drollery

Subjects:

Telegraphy, Technology, Error


    Claims that a clerk refused a position at the Electric Telegraph Company Electric Telegraph Company
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because it came with 'unlimited li(e)-ability'.



Punch,  28 (1855), 19.

What's in the Wind?

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Anon

Genre:

News-Commentary, Drollery

Subjects:

Public Health, Engineering, Domestic Economy


    Discusses a new process for ventilating rooms that promises to give the 'science of ventilation an upward movement' and to dispel the 'ill-winds' that surrounded this problem.



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Punch,  28 (1855), 23.

To Those Whom it May Concern

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Anon

Genre:

Poetry

Subjects:

Military Technology, War, Religious Authority, Superstition, Education


Punch,  28 (1855), 30.

The Contributions of Nicholas to the Paris Exhibition

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Anon

Genre:

Essay, Drollery

Subjects:

Exhibitions, War, Anatomy, Disease, Commerce


    Anticipating the end of the Crimean war before the opening of the Exposition Universelle de Paris Exposition Universelle (1855), Paris
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, suggests that the contributions of Emperor Nicholas I Nicholas I, Emperor of Russia (1796–1855) CBD
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of Russia to the 'arts and sciences' will be exhibits on the 'arts of killing and destroying and the sciences of delusion and priestcraft'. Suggests examples of these exhibits including 'Anatomical wax models, explanatory of army surgery, and expressive of various forms of disease', and 'Articles of furniture, showing the effects of bombardment'.



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Punch,  28 (1855), 32.

The Spirit of Yankee Journalism

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Anon

Genre:

Essay, Spoof

Subjects:

War, Politics, Engineering, Railways, Engineers, Scientific Practitioners, Political Economy, Medical Practitioners


    Anticipates that Emperor Nicholas I Nicholas I, Emperor of Russia (1796–1855) CBD
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of Russia will be using American iron to build his projected railway and American oak to build steamships. Notes that despite the wastage of war, it 'opens out a field to our physicians, engineers, mechanics, and manufacturers'.



Punch,  28 (1855), 34.

Yelping Curs

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Anon

Genre:

News-Commentary

Subjects:

Medical Practitioners, Religion, Religious Authority, War, Controversy


    Discusses evangelical reaction to Florence Nightingale's Nightingale, Florence (1820–1910) ODNB
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alleged preaching of Roman Catholic doctrines to the wounded soldiers in the Crimea. Hopes that 'in the approbation of HER SOVEREIGN Victoria, Queen of the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Ireland, and Empress of India (1819–1901) ODNB
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, the affectionate gratitude of the army, and the regard of all true Englishmen, MISS NIGHTINGALE will be able to find some consolation for the dislike of sectarians'.



Punch,  28 (1855), 37.

Serious Objections to Miss Nightingale

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Anon

Genre:

News-Commentary, Polemic

Subjects:

Medical Practitioners, Religion, Religious Authority, Heroism


    Defends Florence Nightingale Nightingale, Florence (1820–1910) ODNB
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from an accusation of impiety in the Standard Standard (1827–60) Evening Standard (1860–1900+) Waterloo Directory
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.



Punch,  28 (1855), 39.

Metaphysics for Murphy

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Anon

Genre:

Notes, Drollery

Subjects:

Race, Cultural Geography, Mesmerism, Animal Magnetism, Spiritualism


    Notes an Irish mesmerist's definition of 'prophetic clairvoyance' as a 'memory of circumstances which have not yet happened'.



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Punch,  28 (1855), 48.

The Difference Between Miss Nightingale Nightingale, Florence (1820–1910) ODNB
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and Her Detractors

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Anon

Genre:

Notes

Subjects:

Medical Practitioners, Heroism, Religious Authority


Punch,  28 (1855), 50.

The Effects of a Hearty Dinner After Visiting the Antediluvian Department at the Crystal Palace

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[Trident], 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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Genre:

Illustration, Drollery

Relevant illustrations:

wdct.

Illustrators:

[Trident], 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:

Palaeontology, Exhibitions


    Shows a figure asleep in a bed around which stand numerous exhibits from the Crystal Palace Crystal Palace
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including antediluvian monsters (one of which is being ridden by an ancient Egyptian).



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Punch,  28 (1855), 59.

Common Things for the Commissariat

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Anon

Genre:

News-Commentary, Polemic

Subjects:

Nutrition, Health, War


    Criticises the War Office War Office
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for supplying soldiers in the Crimea with such inappropriate rations as green coffee berries.



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Punch,  28 (1855), 61.

[Forward March of the Age]

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Anon

Genre:

Illustration, Drollery

Relevant illustrations:

wdct.

Subjects:

Education, Progress, Class


    Depicts two navvies commenting on a well-dressed gentlemen passing by. One navvy remarks: 'Ah Bill! It shows the forrard March of the Age. Fust, the Brute force of such as 'im; and then the likes of us to do it Scientific, and show the Might of Intellect'.



Punch,  28 (1855), 61.

Scutari

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Anon

Genre:

Poetry

Subjects:

Medical Practitioners, Heroism, Gender


    An implicit eulogy on Florence Nightingale Nightingale, Florence (1820–1910) ODNB
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, describing her in such radiant terms as 'one bright star' holding a 'blessed path', a 'woman, fragile, pale, and tall' whose 'saintly work' moves 'Through miles of pallets, thickly laid / With sickness in its foulest guise. And pain, in forms to have dismayed, / Man's science-hardened eyes'.



Punch,  28 (1855), 67.

Progress in Waxworks

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Anon

Genre:

News-Commentary, Drollery

Subjects:

Exhibitions, Physiognomy, Human Species, Physiology, Education, Crime, Amusement

People mentioned:

Johann K Lavater Lavater, Johann Kaspar (1741–1801) CBD
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    Notes that Madame Tussaud's Waxworks Madame Tussaud's Waxworks
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has changed from being a 'Chamber of Horrors' to a 'Chamber of Comparative Physiology', thus reflecting the popular taste for the scientific rather than the horrible.



Punch,  28 (1855), 68.

Invaluable Hints to Nurses and Nursemaids

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Anon

Genre:

Poetry, Drollery

Subjects:

Human Development, Medical Practitioners, Medical Treatment, Charlatanry, Crime


    Suggests some decidedly harsh measures for controlling infants' behaviour including pinching and 'whopping' noisy babies and giving babies cheap 'poppy syrup' to send them to sleep. Cynically notes that if the baby's 'little hearse / Weeping neighbours soon set eyes on, / Who'll suppose, with such a nurse' that baby 'died of taking pison'.



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Punch,  28 (1855), 71.

Political Zoology: The Red-Tapeworm

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Anon

Genre:

Essay, Spoof

Subjects:

Zoology, Natural History, Animal Behaviour, Politics, Government


    A detailed 'zoological' description of 'TæNIA OFFICIALIS—the Red-Tapeworm' which is described as a 'one of the entozoa which infest the body-politic, and is perhaps the most pernicious of them all'. Particularly common in 'every department of State', its characteristics include 'a strong attachment to place', the power of 'being cut up almost indefinitely without apparently being worse for the operation', and 'an almost total absence of energy'.



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Punch,  28 (1855), 81.

Noble Animal Food

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Anon

Genre:

News-Commentary, Drollery

Subjects:

Nutrition, Medical Practitioners


    Reports on Isidore Geoffroy Saint-Hilaire's Geoffroy Saint-Hilaire, Isidore (1805–61) DSB
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lecture in which the naturalist recommended 'the use of horseflesh for food'. Notes that Geoffroy's examples of cultures which thrived on such food could have included London medical students and present-day Germans, and that if horseflesh replaces beef as the staple diet of the English then the 'staple will become stable'.



Punch,  28 (1855), 84.

Advertisement for the Admiralty Admiralty
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Anon

Genre:

Advertisement, Spoof

Subjects:

Medical Practitioners, Surgery, War, Status

Institutions mentioned:

Royal Navy Royal Navy
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    Seeks assistant surgeons for naval hospitals who are reminded that although the pay is poor they will be able to acquire 'professional development in the COCK-PIT' and be treated as mere 'MIDSHIPMEN'.



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Punch,  28 (1855), 93.

Physiology for the Horse Guards Army—Commander-in-Chief's Office (Horse Guards)
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Anon

Genre:

News-Commentary, Drollery

Subjects:

Adulteration, Analytical Chemistry, Physiology, War


    Responding to a Lancet Lancet (1823–1900+) Waterloo Directory
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report showing that food is adulterated with 'organised structures', challenges Arthur H Hassall Hassall, Arthur Hill (1817–94) ODNB
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to 'detect any trace of organisation in the British Army Army
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'.



Punch,  28 (1855), 94.

Justice for the Doctor!

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Anon

Genre:

News-Commentary, Polemic

Subjects:

Medical Practitioners, Surgery, War, Government, Patronage, Class, Status


    Responds to a letter in The Times The Times (1777–1900+) Waterloo Directory
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which reveals that medical students at St Bartholomew's Hospital St Bartholomew's Hospital
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blame Admiralty Admiralty
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regulations for the 'want of sufficient medical aid in the Naval service Royal Navy
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' and refuse to enter the Navy until the situation improves. Praises the students' position and insists that the Government 'must either do them justice or do without them'. Ridicules the view that hospital surgeons can easily recover their private practices after war service, and that they only deserve minimum financial compensation for this setback because they are aristocratic snobs.



Punch,  28 (1855), 99.

Potichomania: Pathologically Treated by Dr Punch

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Anon

Genre:

Essay, Drollery

Subjects:

Medical Treatment, Mental Illness, Gender, Domestic Economy


    Discusses the attempt by a 'mental physician to the State', Dr Punch, to check the disease of potichomania, a craze for imitating oriental porcelain vessels, 'to which the female mind alone is subject'. Notes that the symptoms include 'the weak propensity among young ladies to transmogrify good glass into bad porcelain' and the corresponding 'accidental smashing' of 'claret jugs and wine decanters'. Concludes by reporting that Dr Punch's suggested treatment is 'a course of wholesome ridicule, by which the patient may be laughed out of her insanity'.



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Punch,  28 (1855), 107–08.

'Under Consideration': A Tragi-Comedy in Three Acts

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Anon

Genre:

Drama, Spoof

Subjects:

Invention, Government, Engineers, Military Technology, Steam-power, Electricity


    The first act opens in a waiting room of a 'Public Office' near Whitehall in which sit several people including a 'MAN WITH A GRIEVANCE', who is still waiting for 'compensation or parliamentary enquiry', and 'a MONOMANIACAL INVENTOR, with a universally unacknowledged substitute for the steam engine', who hopes Mr Buffer will listen to his claims for a 'galvanic propeller'. Later a 'Gaunt Stranger' from America appears and seeks to offer to 'the old Country' his 'American Breech-loading Carbine', which he proceeds to explain in great detail. (107)



Punch,  28 (1855), 108.

Thrashing by Steam

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Anon

Genre:

News-Commentary, Drollery

Subjects:

Agriculture, Steam-power, Military Technology, War

People mentioned:

Jacob Perkins Perkins, Jacob (1766–1849) CBD
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    Discusses a meeting of the Sprotborough Farmers' Club Sprotborough Farmers' Club
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on the 'best method of thrashing grain', which was judged to be a 'fixed steam-engine'.



Punch,  28 (1855), 109.

Bear-Mourning for Nicholas

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Anon

Genre:

Letter, Spoof

Subjects:

War, Politics, Zoological Gardens


    Introduces a letter 'about to be issued from the Lord Chamberlain's Office' which orders David W Mitchell Mitchell, David William (1813–59) WBI
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, Secretary of the Zoological Gardens Zoological Society of London —Gardens
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, to 'place his bears in decent mourning' (for the death of Emperor Nicholas I Nicholas I, Emperor of Russia (1796–1855) CBD
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of Russia) while the Russian bear is 'to be fed on black puddings'.



Punch,  28 (1855), 110.

'Guesses at Truth' in the Dark

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Anon

Genre:

News-Commentary, Drollery

Subjects:

Astrology, Charlatanry, Prognostication


    Ridicules two apparently correct predictions made by the publishers of the Prophetic Messenger Prophetic Messenger (1821–39) Raphael's Prophetic Almanac (1840–1900+) BUCOP
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of Robert C Smith Smith, Robert Cross ('Raphael') (1795–1832) ODNB
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('Raphael'). Attacks the predictions for being so vague that they are bound to be fulfilled and insists that no Raphael is needed to make these predictions. Offers a dozen 'samples of our prophesying talent' which it feels are 'weak enough to print'. These include 'March: A gentleman's hat is blown off on Waterloo Bridge' and 'December: A little boy is taken ill the day after Christmas Day, and the Doctor has to be sent for in a hurry'.



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Punch,  28 (1855), 113.

More Plagues than Prophets

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Anon

Genre:

News-Commentary, Drollery

Subjects:

Medical Practitioners, Astrology, Government, Politics, Mesmerism


    Responding to news that a 'learned doctor' (Augustus B Granville Granville, Augustus Bozzi (1783–1872) ODNB
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) claims to have foretold the death of Emperor Nicholas I Nicholas I, Emperor of Russia (1796–1855) CBD
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of Russia, discusses rival claimants to this prediction, including the astrological almanac writers Richard J Morrison Morrison, Richard James ('Zadkiel') (1795–1874) ODNB
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and Francis Moore Moore, Francis (1657–1714?) ODNB
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. Notes that Henry J Temple (3rd Viscount Palmerston) Temple, Henry John, 3rd Viscount Palmerston (1784–1865) ODNB
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failed to act upon Granville's advice concerning the czar, but thinks Palmerston's actions are justified because this would lead to the undesirable result of 'the nation being steered according to the second sight of anyone professing the gift', and 'prophets' whose advice is too vague to indicate appropriate action.



Punch,  28 (1855), 117.

The Heads of the Army Army
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Anon

Genre:

News-Commentary, Drollery

Subjects:

Phrenology, War


Punch,  28 (1855), 119.

The Great Devonshire Mystery

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Anon

Genre:

News-Commentary, Drollery

Subjects:

Monstrosities, Natural History, Zoology

People mentioned:

Georges Cuvier Cuvier, Georges (1769–1832) DSB
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    Discusses the possible identity of a 'Thing' that has left mysterious hoof-like traces, indicating that the monster has but one leg, in Devonshire. Assesses speculations that the monster is a kangaroo, a badger, a rat, a wading bird, and a toad. Believes 'most of those who have written upon the subject seem to have studied their zoology out of THEODORE HOOK's Hook, Theodore Edward (1788–1841) ODNB
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author—BUFFOON [i.e. Georges L Leclerc, comte de Buffon Buffon, Georges-Louis Leclerc, comte de (1707–88) DSB
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], the Great French Natural'.



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Punch,  28 (1855), 121–22.

Punch's Essence of Parliament

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Anon

Genre:

Regular Feature, News-Commentary, Drollery

Relevant illustrations:

wdct.

Subjects:

Medical Practitioners, Government, War


    The illustration shows a figure, clad in a tartan suit and tam-o'-shanter, reading a document and falling backwards in shock. The caption reads 'Dr. Andrew Smith Smith, Sir Andrew (1797–1872) ODNB
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[the Director General of the Army Medical Department Army Medical Department
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] as he Appeared when Requested to Spend Money'. (122)



Punch,  28 (1855), 124.

A Yankee Attempt to Claw 'Punch'

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Anon

Genre:

News-Commentary, Drollery

Subjects:

Invention, Electricity, Domestic Economy


    Reports on the arrival from America in Mr Punch's office of a lobster's claw and a newspaper advertisement for 'Medusa Fluid and Galvanic Hair Dye'. Adds that the fluid and the dye are 'alarming failures'.



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Punch,  28 (1855), 133.

A Grand National Picture

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Anon

Genre:

News-Commentary, Drollery

Subjects:

Medical Practitioners, War, Charlatanry

Institutions mentioned:

Army Army
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    Describes a picture representing 'Gulliver and the Lilliputians', which contains such ironic depicitions as 'the efficient ANDREW SMITH Smith, Sir Andrew (1797–1872) ODNB
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' and 'the rational MENZIES Menzies, Dr (fl. 1855) PU1/28/14/1
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', an allusion to the ineptitude of these medical practitioners in tending the Crimean wounded.



Punch,  28 (1855), 133.

Lord Aberdeen and his Travels

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Anon

Genre:

News-Commentary, Drollery

Subjects:

Medical Practitioners, Hospitals, War, Government

People mentioned:

Florence Nightingale Nightingale, Florence (1820–1910) ODNB
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    Discusses the visit 'to the East' of George H Gordon (4th Earl of Aberdeen) Gordon, George Hamilton-, 4th Earl of Aberdeen (1784–1860) ODNB
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, and speculates that he will 'be set down to making lint' in Scutari which Punch regards as appropriate since 'his policy has made a sufficient number of wounds'.



Punch,  28 (1855), 134.

Anecdote from Sydenham Sydenham, Thomas (1624–89) DSB
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Anon

Genre:

News-Commentary, Drollery

Subjects:

Medical Treatment, Quackery, Exhibitions, Commerce, Display


    Discusses the visit to the Crystal Palace Crystal Palace
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of the well-known advertiser of a 'miraculous Ointment' that can allegedly cure everything. Claims that the advertiser wanted his named prefixed to the word 'SALVE!', which appears above the threshold of the Pompeian House.



Punch,  28 (1855), 137.

Common Things for High Officials: Medicines and How not to Stow Them

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Anon

Genre:

Essay

Relevant illustrations:

wdct.

Subjects:

Medical Treatment, Disease, Narcotics, War, Government, Charlatanry, Accidents

Institutions mentioned:

Army Army
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    Compares the abundance of drugs in England, where 'diseases are common', with their paucity in the Crimea, 'where diseases are very common'. Blames 'certain authorities' for being ignorant of the 'nature of these common things [medicines]', for disposing of medicines and for wasting an immense amount of money by purchasing them. Describes the various methods of storing medicines and the dangers of spilling and wasting expensive ones, and warns of the dangers of transporting medicines in a ship—notably, the possibility of drugs being crushed and the explosive consequences of medicinal oils colliding with ordnance. The illustration shows medicine bottles running away from a flying cannon ball.



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Punch,  28 (1855), 142.

Ballad of the Boar

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Anon

Genre:

Ballad, Drollery

Relevant illustrations:

wdct.

Subjects:

Animal Behaviour, Zoological Gardens


    Begins with an extract from a Dublin newspaper describing the escape of a wild boar from the Zoological Gardens, Dublin Zoological Gardens, Dublin
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. The ballad, written to represent an author of limited literacy, describes the pursuit of the boar. The illustration shows the boar, dressed in a tailcoat, being chased by several men.



Punch,  28 (1855), 142.

Physic for Infantry

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Anon

Genre:

News-Commentary, Drollery

Subjects:

Medical Treatment, Medical Practitioners, War, Disease, Quackery

Institutions mentioned:

Army Army
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    Responds to an article in The Times The Times (1777–1900+) Waterloo Directory
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reporting that Andrew Smith Smith, Sir Andrew (1797–1872) ODNB
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has sent the troops in the Crimea a consignment of Joseph Dalby's Dalby, Joseph (fl. 1760) WBI
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'Carminative'— a 'jocose' remedy for dysentery. Ridicules this action, recommending that if Dalby's 'Carminative' should fail, then Smith ought to send the troops such quack remedies as 'DAFFY's Daffy, Thomas (1616/7–1680) ODNB
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Elixir' or 'HARDS Hård, Johan Albrekt (1810–54) WBI
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' Farinaceous Food'.



Punch,  28 (1855), 144, 147.

The Queen's Visit to the Crimean Imbeciles

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Anon

Genre:

News-Commentary, Spoof

Subjects:

Medical Treatment, War, Government, Politics, Hospitals, Mental Illness, Nutrition, Charlatanry


    Reports on Queen Victoria's Victoria, Queen of the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Ireland, and Empress of India (1819–1901) ODNB
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alleged visit to the 'Crimean Imbeciles', 'unfortunates' who inhabit many 'public offices' but especially the Army Medical Department Army Medical Department
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. Describes one 'serious case' attended by the Queen—Andrew Smith Smith, Sir Andrew (1797–1872) ODNB
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, who 'labours under the general paralysis of the active powers' and who has been 'shattered' after intense criticism from John A Roebuck's Roebuck, John Arthur (1802–79) ODNB
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select committee, The Times The Times (1777–1900+) Waterloo Directory
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, and the General Board of Health General Board of Health
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. Notes that Smith's 'imbecility has taken the form of a fixed idea, that the hospitals at Scutari are all they ought to be'. Goes on to describe the next 'imbecile' attended by the Queen, Dr Menzies Menzies, Dr (fl. 1855) PU1/28/14/1
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, who was 'quite incapable of comprehending his own duties, or the value of money—especially in comparison with human life'. (144) On visiting the 'Imbeciles of the Commisariat Treasury—Commissariat Branch
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', the Queen observed aged 'sufferers' who were quite incapable of 'feeding the Army Army
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'. The 'COMMANDER-IN-CHIEF' of the Army, Henry Hardinge (1st Viscount Hardinge) Hardinge, Sir Henry, 1st Viscount Hardinge of Lahore (1785–1856) ODNB
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, has a 'ward to himself'. His 'memory for recent events has long been utterly gone' and he complains that the clocks with which he plays are 'too fast'. Finally, the Queen visited Royal Navy Royal Navy
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officers Edward Boxer Boxer, Edward (1784–1855) ODNB
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and Capt. Christie Christie, Capt. (fl.1855) PU1/28/15/3
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, whose language was 'foul and offensive'. Concludes by noting the Queen's 'entire dissatisfaction with all the arrangements in relation to the War up to the present time'.



Punch,  28 (1855), [145].

The Queen Visiting the Imbeciles of the Crimea

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[John Leech] Leech, John (1817–64) ODNB
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Genre:

Illustration, Satire

Relevant illustrations:

wdct.

Illustrators:

John Leech Leech, John (1817–64) ODNB
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Subjects:

Medical Treatment, War, Government, Hospitals, Nutrition, Charlatanry


    Shows Queen Victoria standing before three pathetic looking effigies. One, labelled 'Medical Department' Army Medical Department
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, consists of a bottle of medicine supported on wooden legs and crutches, with a balding, bespectacled head (probably a representation of the Director-General, Andrew Smith Smith, Sir Andrew (1797–1872) ODNB
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). Standing next to this is a figure with a pig's head dressed in the costume of a Royal Navy officer and bearing the label 'Routine'. The third effigy, labelled 'Commissariat ', has a turnip for a head, a box of 'Green Coffee' for its neck, and a set of shelves for a torso. These caricatures highligh the incompetence of the Army Army
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, the Royal Navy Royal Navy
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, and the Treasury Commissariat Branch Treasury—Commissariat Branch
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in providing adequate medical and food supplies for the Crimean troops.



Punch,  28 (1855), 148.

Finishers of Martial Law

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Anon

Genre:

News-Commentary, Drollery

Subjects:

Medical Practitioners, Surgery, Charlatanry, War, Status


    Responds to a letter in the Medical Times Medical Times (1839–51) Medical Times and Gazette (1851–85) Waterloo Directory
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describing the role an assistant surgeon in a regimental hospital in ensuring that a convicted army private is 'marked with the letter D' (i.e. branded 'Deserter') before being committed to jail. Claims that medical officers in the Army Army
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perform the 'operations' of William Calcraft Calcraft, William (1800–79) ODNB
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, the celebrated executioner. Thinks army surgeons in the Crimea bear the same relation 'to the Provost-Marshall which Mr C[alcraft] bears to the Sheriffs of London and Middlesex'.



Punch,  28 (1855), 149.

The Old Men's Improvement Society

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Anon

Genre:

News-Commentary, Drollery

Subjects:

Education, Societies, Instruments, War, Government, Electricity, Instruments


    Following the success of 'associations of young men for the cultivation of each other's minds', reports on the extension of the educational experiment to 'elderly men in the higher ranks'. An 'Old Men's Mutual Improvement Society' is to be founded with the specific intention of applying 'common sense to the conduct of civil and military affairs', an ironic reference to the ineptitude of elderly statesmen and military personnel in the management of the Crimean War. Reports that members of the society will visit the Royal Polytechnic Institution Royal Polytechnic Institution
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and similar institutions, and enjoy access to such scientific instruments as an electrical machine and a galvanic battery.



Punch,  28 (1855), 150.

The Character of Aurora

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A Late Riser Late Riser, A
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Genre:

Address, Drollery

Subjects:

Meteorology, Astronomy


    Questions the 'character' of the aurora, on account of 'her' theft of dew, her deposition on mountains of 'gold' stolen from banks, and the 'fine, glowing, malicious pleasure she takes in always breaking the Day'.



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Punch,  28 (1855), 152.

A Lady's Postscript

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Anon

Genre:

Letter, Spoof

Subjects:

Photography, Amusement, War


Punch,  28 (1855), 153.

Unpleasant Puff

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Anon

Genre:

News-Commentary, Drollery

Subjects:

Medical Practitioners, Medical Treatment, Commerce


    Questions the legitimacy of calling a medical preparation 'FLORENCE NIGHTINGALE'S BOUQUET', given Florence Nightingale's Nightingale, Florence (1820–1910) ODNB
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association with 'Chloride of Lime'.



Punch,  28 (1855), 157.

Genuine Scottish Prudence

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Anon

Genre:

News-Commentary, Drollery

Subjects:

Medical Practitioners, Medical Treatment, War, Charlatanry, Mesmerism


    Claims that Andrew Smith Smith, Sir Andrew (1797–1872) ODNB
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has been exhibiting the 'rare' Scottish faculty of economy, as shown by his letters to the Army Commander-in-Chief's Office (Horse Guards) Army—Commander-in-Chief's Office (Horse Guards)
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containing 'suggestions for the clothing of troops and the transport of the wounded', which would have spared the lives of many troops. Adds that these letters are evidence of 'second-sight'.



Punch,  28 (1855), 160.

A Melancholy Laugh

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Anon

Genre:

News-Commentary, Drollery

Subjects:

Disease, Crime, Taxonomy, Expertise, Medical Practitioners, Charlatanry

People mentioned:

William Cullen Cullen, William (1710–90) DSB
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    Responding to news that a medical witness (Dr Baller Baller, Dr (fl. 1855) PU1/28/16/4
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) failed to distinguish between melancholia and melancholy, suggests a proper scientific definition of melancholia, as distinguished from melancholy.



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Punch,  28 (1855), 163.

Poor Law Medical Economy

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Anon

Genre:

Proceedings, Spoof

Subjects:

Medical Treatment, Medical Practitioners, Class, Industry, Commerce, Homeopathy, Quackery, Political Economy


    A spoof report of a meeting of poor law medical officers, held at the 'Malthus Malthus, Thomas Robert (1766–1834) DSB
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Arms', at which members discussed how pauper patients could enjoy greater medical relief. The chairman, Mr Nightbell, concludes from a report in the Standard Standard (1827–60) Evening Standard (1860–1900+) Waterloo Directory
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and a calculation of expenditure on medical treatments and shoe leather, that the salary of one poor law medical officer, Frederick Smith Garlick, is desperately low. The suggestion of reducing a medical officer's expenditure by regulating the 'system of diet' of the poor is dismissed as having been tried before in the poor law unions. Mr Probin cautiously suggests using homeopathic remedies to reduce costs, a resolution that is seconded by Mr Scruples, who is forced to consider the application of homeopathy to 'Poor Law practice by the homeopathic amount of his salary'.



Punch,  28 (1855), 167.

Theatre Royal, Old Bailey

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Anon

Genre:

News-Commentary, Drollery; Advertisement, Spoof

Subjects:

Medical Practitioners, Mental Illness


    Following the large public attendance at a recent Old Bailey Old Bailey Sessions Court
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trial, Punch expects the Old Bailey to provide a programme of events 'after the fashion of that issued by the Directors of the Royal Italian Opera Royal Italian Opera, Covent Garden
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'. Gives a specimen programme which includes 'the celebrated / PROFESSOR TAYLOR OF Taylor, Alfred Swaine (1806–80) ODNB
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GUY'S HOSPITAL Guy's Hospital
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/ And as the now very popular Farce of the / Plea of Insanity / is likely to have a very considerable run, the Managers will no doubt have frequently the pleasure of announcing the names of / DR. FORBES WINSLOW Winslow, Forbes Benignus (1810–74) ODNB
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, DR. CONOLLY Conolly, John (1794–1866) ODNB
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and DR. SUTHERLAND Sutherland, John (1808–91) ODNB
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'.



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Punch,  28 (1855), 172–73.

'The Steamer that None Stowed'

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Anon

Genre:

Poetry, Drollery

Subjects:

Steamships, Medical Treatment, Accidents, Transport


    Subtitled 'A Versified Version of the Report of the Commissioners appointed to inquire into the irregularities in the Transport of Stores, &c., to the East', laments the way in which 'Medical Stores' held on steamships are 'ground to paste' (172).



Punch,  28 (1855), 173.

Lord Raglan's Almanacs

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Anon

Genre:

News-Commentary, Drollery

Subjects:

Telegraphy, War, Meteorology

Institutions mentioned:

Army Army
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    Following the establishment of a telegraph to the Crimea, expects that the despatches sent from the battlefield by Fitzroy J H Somerset (1st Baron Raglan) Somerset, Lord Fitzroy James Henry, 1st Baron Raglan (1788–1855) ODNB
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, already famous for their meteorological detail, will be 'so au courant with the atmospheric changes that the columns of the papers may as well be arranged in the form of barometers to be filled up' according to the news from the Crimea.



Punch,  28 (1855), 178.

King Clicquot's Disposition

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Anon

Genre:

News-Commentary, Drollery

Subjects:

Spiritualism, Mesmerism, Animal Magnetism


    Responding to news that King FrederickWilliam IV Frederick William IV, King of Prussia (1795–1861) CBD CBE
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of Prussia 'will be found eventually to evince a disposition for drawing the sword', claims that not being a 'table-turner' or an 'electro-biologist' Punch cannot prophesy what the king will do, except show 'a disposition for drawing the cork'.



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Punch,  28 (1855), 186.

The Den down upon Layard

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Anon

Genre:

Poetry, Drollery

Subjects:

Zoological Gardens, Human Development, Morality, Animal Behaviour

Institutions mentioned:

Surrey Zoological Gardens Surrey Literary, Scientific and Zoological Institution—Gardens
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Punch,  28 (1855), 191.

Wasps or Bees?

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Anon

Genre:

News-Commentary

Subjects:

Entomology, Analogy, Education, Animal Behaviour, Crime, Politics


    Discusses the claim by Sydney Turner Turner, Sydney (1814–79) ODNB
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, the Chaplain and Governor of the Philanthropic Farm School who boasted that most of his pupils 'had been substantially moralized—that instead of being wasps, they had become bees'. Discussing the development of 'working and singing' bees, upholds the claim that 'wasps are [...] changeable into bees', but points out that not all bees are 'provident, temperate, industrious'. Observes that bees can get drunk and that 'such are some bees, and such are many men'. Hopes that Turner is right when he insists that wasps 'fed upon wholesome invigorating tasks' can turn into working bees. Expresses pessimism about the efficacy of parliamentary bills for eradicating 'the human wasp' and 'providing for the better production of human bees' by education, and fears that the human 'wasps will be allowed to swarm'.



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Punch,  28 (1855), 194.

A Song of Spring

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A Surgeon Surgeon, A
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Genre:

Poetry, Satire

Subjects:

Surgery, Medical Treatment, Disease, Commerce


    Observes that, despite the appearance of leaves on the trees, 'The wind in the East' is still 'at eve [i.e. cool]'. Notes the folly of the 'Lovely woman' who removes her winter clothing too soon and has to take 'Lots of draughts for colds and coughs', and also those who venture into the still damp weather in 'thin shoes'. Laments that there are those who catch chills because they 'venture out' in 'this treacherous season' and explains that the 'man of reason / Stays within, and takes a pill'.



Punch,  28 (1855), 201.

Some American Curs

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Anon

Genre:

News-Commentary, Drollery

Subjects:

Race, Cultural Geography, Natural History


    Noting the variety of reptiles to be found in America, describes the characteristics of 'an American Breed of curs'—the '"STATES" MAN'—notably, its whining and howling at England for interfering in American affairs and in other political issues.



Punch,  28 (1855), 201.

The Last Stage of Puffing

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Anon

Genre:

News-Commentary, Drollery

Subjects:

Medical Treatment, Quackery


    Shows how extracts from William Shakespeare's Shakespeare, William (1564–1616) ODNB
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plays—including Macbeth's speech to the physician in the fifth act of Macbeth, and a speech in the third act of King John—might be used to sell quack medicines.



Punch,  28 (1855), 202.

The Sea-Serpent within Hail

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Anon

Genre:

News-Commentary, Drollery

Subjects:

Monstrosities, Meteorology


    Discusses reports in the Morning Post Morning Post and Daily Advertising Pamphlet (1772–1900+) Waterloo Directory
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that the sea serpent has reappeared off the Cape of Delaware and that gigantic hailstones have fallen in Corning. Observes that the hailstones would have killed the serpent had it been in Corning.



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Punch,  28 (1855), 209.

Scientific Definition by a Young Wife

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Anon

Genre:

Notes, Drollery

Subjects:

Gender, Botany, Domestic Economy


    Defines 'ECONOMIC BOTANY' as buying 'three bad geraniums' with a husband's worn or unsightly clothes.



Punch,  28 (1855), 211.

Ode to Lord Dundonald

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Anon

Genre:

Poetry

Subjects:

Military Technology, War, Disease


    Ponders the secret plan of Thomas Cochrane (10th Earl of Dundonald) Cochrane, Thomas, 10th Earl of Dundonald (1775–1860) ODNB
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to destroy the Russians and begs to know more about it. Describes the enemy as a 'Ferocious, cruel, wretched race / Of slaves' who 'compel us all to bear / Their own vile Tyrant's yoke', and notes that 'our sole concern' is now to 'quell the pest' and 'bane the vermin best'. Claims that by 'destroying' the Russians, 'Life [...] we save' and 'fewer tears will gush', and that whatever Dundonald's plan—'poison fumes, or liquid fire'—it should be revealed.



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Punch,  28 (1855), 213.

The Order of the Hot Air Bath

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Anon

Genre:

Poetry, Drollery

Subjects:

Domestic Economy, Sanitation, Analytical Chemistry

People mentioned:

Michael Faraday Faraday, Michael (1791–1867) DSB
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Punch,  28 (1855), 219.

Sebastopol in Surrey

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Anon

Genre:

Announcement, Spoof

Subjects:

Zoological Gardens, War


    Reports that 'a capital view of Sebastopol' is to be had from the Zoological Society Gardens Surrey Literary, Scientific and Zoological Institution—Gardens
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, which will be 'nightly assaulted' under the supervision of George H Gordon (4th Earl of Aberdeen) Gordon, George Hamilton-, 4th Earl of Aberdeen (1784–1860) ODNB
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.



Punch,  28 (1855), 220.

Universal Maine Law

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Anon

Genre:

News-Commentary

Subjects:

Narcotics, Nutrition, Health, Disease, Gender, Temperance


    Responds to an article in The Times The Times (1777–1900+) Waterloo Directory
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describing a meeting of the 'United Kingdom Association for the total Suppression of the Traffic in Intoxicating Liquors throughout the United Kingdom'. Observes that if intoxicating liquors are to be banned in the interests of public morality, then so should 'stimulating foods'. Argues that 'Gluttony is equally a vice with drunkenness' since men 'are probably guilty of more deliberate evils' owing to 'cramming and stuffing'. Concludes by noting that 'There are other intoxicating things' which should be banned if liquor sales are to be stopped, including honours and titles.



Punch,  28 (1855), 221.

Medals for the Millions—The Cloud of Bees

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Anon

Genre:

Essay

Subjects:

Nationalism, Engineers, Engineering, Heroism


    Discusses the advantages and disadvantages of decorating the 'millions' with 'an Order of our own': the 'Cloud of Bees'. Explains that 'the bees, even in the Garden of Eden, were shop-keepers, and would prettily enough represent the counter-industry and counter-sympathies of the English'. Points out that since 'genius cannot—like medals—be struck at the Mint', then 'Men's own works are their best Orders'. Asserts that the Britannia Bridge Britannia Bridge, Menai Straits
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, Menai Straits, stands as the medal for Robert Stephenson Stephenson, Robert (1803–59) ODNB
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.



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Punch,  28 (1855), 229.

A Nightingale in the Camp

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Anon

Genre:

Poetry

Subjects:

Medical Practitioners, Hospitals, Heroism, War, Disease, Gender


    A eulogy to Florence Nightingale Nightingale, Florence (1820–1910) ODNB
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. Upholds her as the most 'heroic host' that stood before the troops in Sebastopol and as an 'English maiden' who is 'our bravest and our best'. Agrees that men and dogs are brave and that their valour stems from 'simple want of heed', but points out that 'courage, in a woman's heart, is bravery indeed'. Identifies the 'great spirit' burning within her 'little breast' as that which 'dared the fever and the pest', and describes the honours, prayers, and blessing bestowed upon her by inhabitants of the military camp. Pondering her examination of the 'Enemy's stronghold', believes that her name and memory will 'live longer' than others and that she will be compared to Joan of Arc Joan of Arc (Jeanne d'Arc), Saint ('The Maid of Orleans') (c. 1412–31) CBD
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.



Punch,  28 (1855), 230.

Rabelais Rabelais, François (1494?–1553?) CBD
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in the Crimea
  [1/6]

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Anon

Genre:

Serial, Notes, Satire

Subjects:

War, Disease, Medical Treatment, Sanitation, Public Health, Nutrition, Government


    Subtitled 'How HER MAJESTY's Commissariat Treasury—Commissariat Branch
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were employed in the Island of Routine', satirises in Rabelasian style, the incompetence of the Commissariat in providing adequate supplies for the troops in the Crimea. The activities of the commissariat include purifying water with mud, cleansing sick rooms without chloride of lime, giving the sick 'no medicine', keeping feet warm 'by selling boots without soles', making 'all things out of nothing, and nothing out of all things', and worshipping 'a huge beast named ROUTINE'.



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Punch,  28 (1855), 240.

Where does the Rain come From?

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Anon

Genre:

Essay, Drollery

Subjects:

Meteorology, Disease, Superstition


    Speculates on the cause of a recent heavy downpour, including an exploration of Vauxhall Gardens Royal Gardens, Vauxhall
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, the opening of which Punch associated with wet weather. Asks Peter Laurie Laurie, Sir Peter (1778–1861) ODNB
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, a magistrate and deputy-lieutentant for the city of Westminster and county of Middlesex, to 'exercise his magisterial authority in "putting down" the rain' and expresses concern that the weather is causing the death of goslings from 'premature rheumatism'.



Punch,  28 (1855), 241.

The Musical Apologist

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Anon

Genre:

News-Commentary, Drollery

Subjects:

Music, Disease


    Responding to the fact that 'our celebrated vocalists are in the habit of not singing when advertised, almost as often as they do sing when announced', relishes the idea of a musical work 'on the pathology of the operatic singer, with an exposition' of the diseases suffered by singers. Notes that these diseases include 'Bronchitis Derbyitis' and 'Influenza Ascotica'.



Punch,  28 (1855), 242.

Rabelais in the Crimea  [2/6]

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Anon

Genre:

Serial, Notes, Satire

Subjects:

War, Sanitation, Public Health, Disease, Government

Institutions mentioned:

Army Army
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    Continuing the satire on the government's incompetence in failing to provide adequate medical supplies and sanitation for the troops in the Crimea, describes the discovery, near the 'Island of Tools', of 'a wonderful apparatus for converting clean water into foul', which was promoted as a device that 'did much for the public health'.



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Punch,  28 (1855), 256.

The Too Faithful Tablotype

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John Leech Leech, John (1817–64) ODNB
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Genre:

Illustration, Drollery

Relevant illustrations:

wdct.

Illustrators:

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

Photography, Technology, Gender

People mentioned:

William H F Talbot Talbot, William Henry Fox (1800–77) DSB
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    Shows two women inspecting a Talbotype whilst standing before a photographer and his photographic equipment. One of the women regards the Talbotype as the 'very image' of the other woman, but the latter thinks it has given her an 'enormous' nose and insists on seeing the plate.



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