Science in the 19th Century Periodical

Punch, Or the London Charivari [1st]

Introductory Essay
Volume 29  (July to December 1855)
Punch,  29 (1855), iii–iv.

Preface

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Anon

Genre:

Introduction

Subjects:

Electricity, Politics, Scientific Practitioners

People mentioned:

Benjamin Franklin Franklin, Benjamin (1706–90) DSB
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Punch,  29 (1855), 1–2.

Punch's Essence of Parliament

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Anon

Genre:

Regular Feature, Notes, Drollery

Subjects:

Politics, Medical Treatment, Government


    Notes the speeches of Henry J Temple (3rd Viscount Palmerston) Temple, Henry John, 3rd Viscount Palmerston (1784–1865) ODNB
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on the government's position on the bill concerning the General Board of Health General Board of Health
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(1).



Punch,  29 (1855), 11.

Too Literal by Half

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Charles S Keene Keene, Charles Samuel (1823–91) ODNB
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Genre:

Illustration, Drollery

Relevant illustrations:

wdct.

Illustrators:

C K, pseud.  [Charles S Keene] Keene, Charles Samuel (1823–91) ODNB
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Spielmann, Marion Harry Alexander 1895. The History of "Punch", London: Cassell
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Subjects:

Adulteration, Nutrition


    Shows a waiter standing near a 'Matter-of-fact old gentleman' sitting in a '"cheap" chop-house'. The gentleman's answer to the waiter's question 'Whataveyeradsir?' consists of a list of all the gruesome ingredients with which his meal was adulterated.



Punch,  29 (1855), 11.

Lord Hahnemann Hahnemann, Christian Friedrich Samuel (1755–1843) DSB
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Stiggins

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Anon

Genre:

Notes, Drollery

Subjects:

Homeopathy, Quackery, Medical Treatment, Politics


    Explains that the reason why the statesman Lord Robert Grosvenor Grosvenor, Lord Robert, 1st Baron Ebury (1801–93) ODNB
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is a 'Homeopathist and Sabbatarian' is because 'he patronises infinitesimal globules' whose inertness allows him to use them on a Sunday.



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Punch,  29 (1855), 14.

Chair! Chair!

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Anon

Genre:

News-Commentary, Drollery

Subjects:

Societies, Botany


    Discusses a notice issued by James de C Sowerby Sowerby, James de Carle (1787–1871) ODNB
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of the Royal Botanic Society of London Royal Botanic Society of London
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expressing the society's policy on the occupation of academic chairs.



Punch,  29 (1855), 15.

It will never Answer

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Anon

Genre:

Essay

Subjects:

Military Technology, Invention, Patronage, Charlatanry, Photography


    Discusses government scepticism towards the secret military invention of Thomas Cochrane (10th Earl of Dundonald) Cochrane, Thomas, 10th Earl of Dundonald (1775–1860) ODNB
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, who suggested using poisonous gases against the enemy. Argues that while the invention 'may be a mistake', it may be a 'fact', but that it is an invention that governments would 'continue to resist [...] as long as they had a shadow of an excuse for their opposition'. Accuses 'Unjust people' of disbelieving 'everything in advance of their own ideas' and wants to know more about Dundonald's plan before uniting 'with these gentlemen of "common sense", in sneering at an invention which is capable of destroying Cronstadt'.



Punch,  29 (1855), 16.

Latest by Telegraph

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Anon

Genre:

News-Commentary, Drollery

Subjects:

Telegraphy, Progress


    Discusses an advertisement in The Times The Times (1777–1900+) Waterloo Directory
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reporting the transmission of a box by the telegraph. Upholds the 'quick transmission of packages' to be a 'desiderata of the age' but, having been puzzled by the meaning of the advertisement, notes that the transmission of a box by telegraph 'is surely quite enough to startle the scientific world'.



Punch,  29 (1855), 19.

Jack and Lady Nancy: A Vulgar Song by a Common Seaman

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Anon

Genre:

Song, Drollery

Subjects:

Military Technology, War


Punch,  29 (1855), 19.

A Proposal to Lord Dundonald

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Punch Punch
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Genre:

Letter, Spoof

Subjects:

Military Technology, Government, Patronage, War, Invention


    Addressed to Thomas Cochrane (10th Earl of Dundonald) Cochrane, Thomas, 10th Earl of Dundonald (1775–1860) ODNB
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, this letter discusses his argument that the 'facts' of his 'plan' (to use poisonous gas against the enemy), despite government scepticism, 'admit of no doubt', and his refusal to divulge such facts until the government rejects the most speedy method of ending the Crimean war. Questions Dundonald's objections to divulging his plan to the government (which might result in the government yielding to public support for the invention) and asks whether he would explain it 'to a commission of scientific men'.



Punch,  29 (1855), 21.

Gross Attempt at Imposition on Medical Men

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Anon

Genre:

News-Commentary

Subjects:

Medical Practitioners, Commerce, Education, Quackery, Surgery

People mentioned:

John Abernethy, Abernethy, John (1764–1831) ODNB
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Thomas Holloway Holloway, Thomas (1800–83) ODNB
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    Attacks a parliamentary bill brought in by 'Messrs. Headlam Headlam, Thomas Emerson (1813–75) ODNB
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, Brady Brady, John (1812–87) Stenton 1976WBI
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, and Craufurd Craufurd, Edward Henry John (1816–1887) WBI
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' that will levy a tax of £10 on all those in 'lawful' medical practice. Notes that failure to submit to this 'spoilation' will result in disqualification. Sarcastically notes how the poor law union medical officer, a professional who gains a pittance for seeing 'thousands' of patients, 'will bless HEADLAM and his confederates', and points out that taxing 'pauper' medical practitioners will be like trying to subtract 'one from nought'. Explains that the tax has been designed to raise money for 'greasing' a 'Medical Council' organized by the Royal College of Physicians Royal College of Physicians
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and the Royal College of Surgeons Royal College of Surgeons
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. Challenges the new council's proposal to include 'classics' in student examinations by pointing out that John Hunter Hunter, John (1728–93) DSB
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was 'unclassical', and ridicules proposals to set a 'statutable age' for physicians and to distinguish between 'the science of "Surgery" and that of "Medicine"'. Urges Headlam to spend his energies on suppressing patent medicines rather than 'harassing and plaguing medical men with fines'.



Punch,  29 (1855), 22.

Infallible Cure for a Short Sight

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Anon

Genre:

Notes, Drollery

Subjects:

Disease, Medical Treatment, Light


    Claims that the 'sudden acquisition of a large fortune' provides such a cure since it 'will bring a person [...] prominently forward' who had 'previously been for years quite invisible to the naked eye'.



Punch,  29 (1855), 22.

A Homeopathic Sunday

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Anon

Genre:

News-Commentary, Drollery

Subjects:

Homeopathy, Religion, Religious Authority, Amusement


    Identifying the Sabbatarian statesman Lord Robert Grosvenor Grosvenor, Lord Robert, 1st Baron Ebury (1801–93) ODNB
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as a homeopath, explains how he would dish out 'infinitesimal' amounts of pleasurable activities and large amounts of 'abstinence and privation' and 'religious scruples'.



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Punch,  29 (1855), 26.

A Philosopher Afloat

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Anon

Genre:

News-Commentary, Drollery

Subjects:

Pollution, Analytical Chemistry, Public Health, Sanitation, Disease, Accidents


    Announces the publication of Michael Faraday's Faraday, Michael (1791–1867) DSB
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'CHEMICAL work of small size and great importance'—a reference to Faraday 1855 Faraday, Michael 1855. 'The State of the Thames', The Times, 9 July 1855, p. 8
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. Explains that the work reveals Faraday's 'views of the composition' of the Thames and the philosopher's experiments for gauging its quality. Rejoices in the fact that Faraday has thereby 'enabled the public to form a correct idea' of the river's constituents, not least because his work may save more lives from river pestilence than Humphry Davy's Davy, Sir Humphry, Baronet (1778–1829) DSB ODNB
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safety-lamp reduced fatalities in mines.



Punch,  29 (1855), [27].

Faraday Giving His Card to Father Thames

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Anon

Genre:

Illustration, Drollery

Relevant illustrations:

wdct.

Subjects:

Pollution, Analytical Chemistry, Scientific Practitioners, Public Health, Sanitation, Disease


    Subtitled 'And we hope the Dirty Fellow will consult the learned Professor', shows Michael Faraday Faraday, Michael (1791–1867) DSB
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leaning over the side of boat on the Thames. With one hand he hold his nose and with the other, he extends a white card (Faraday's device for gauging water pollution) to a filthy looking old man ('Father Thames') who is surrounded by gruesome objects floating on the surface of the water.



Punch,  29 (1855), 31.

The Cochin-China Correspondence

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Mary Millefleurs U Millefleurs, Mary
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Caroline Broomblossom U Broomblossom, Caroline
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Genre:

Introduction; Letter, Spoof

Subjects:

Ornithology, Natural History, Natural Law


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Punch,  29 (1855), 33.

Why Abuse the Thames?

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Anon

Genre:

Notes

Subjects:

Pollution, Sanitation, Public Health


    Blames the public for pouring filth into the Thames and then abusing the river for being dirty.



Punch,  29 (1855), 40.

Airy and Literary

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Anon

Genre:

Poetry, Drollery

Subjects:

Pneumatics, Invention, Progress, Commerce


    Responds to a proposal to propel bags of letters from the General Post Office General Post Office
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through underground tubes by atmospheric pressure (a system promoted by George B Airy Airy, Sir George Biddell (1801–92) DSB ODNB
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). Suggests that these tubes would lie next to the pipes conveying the gas 'by whose light we're enabled to read 'em'. Considers that Virgil's Virgil (Publius Vergilius Maro) (70–19 BC) CBD
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'Jactata per æquora ventis' anticipated the new propulsion system. Invites two of the four winds, Notus and Eurus, to 'lend a favouring gale' on 'Foreign Post nights' and to 'provide a Monsoon for each Overland Mail'. Exploits similarities between the terms for representing the new system and the terms for describing social customs. For example, observes that while the 'Wintry Wind' may now be 'an ill-wind to blow nobody good', 'the Zephyrs and ROWLAND Hill, Sir Rowland (1795–1879) ODNB
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' will make 'blowing' a letter between lovers 'as easy as blowing a kiss'. Concludes by noting that 'It is just the invention to prosper by puffing'.



Punch,  29 (1855), 41.

Who is a Traveller?

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Anon

Genre:

News-Commentary, Drollery; Proceedings, Spoof

Subjects:

Ornithology, Animal Behaviour, Natural History, Religious Authority, Religion, Monstrosities


    Introduces 'evidence given by the London magistracy before the Sunday Beer Act Committee'. The witnesses include 'Bow Street' who denies the 'Chairman's' claim that swallows are travellers', but agrees that bees are travellers and should be stopped from singing on Sundays. Later, 'Worship Street' argues in favour of the sea serpent being regarded as a traveller.



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Punch,  29 (1855), 44.

The Complaint of Chemistry (To Mr Punch)

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Chemistry Chemistry
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Genre:

Letter, Spoof

Subjects:

Chemistry, Gender, Taxonomy, Nationalism, Race, Military Technology, War, Government

Institutions mentioned:

Royal Navy Royal Navy
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    The writer informs Mr Punch that she 'is a young female, being a science of recent origin' but explains that she is 'a case of beauty in distress' because she is being employed by the Russian Government—'an odious and brutal tyrant and his thralls'—against the allies ('the champions of liberty, to whose assistance I would devote myself'). Lists the various chemical compounds which she believes will be used to arm 'savages with thunderbolts', and attacks 'that horrid man' Mortiz H von Jacobi Jacobi, Moritz Hermann von (1801–74) DSB
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for using her and her 'sister, MECHANICS' against the Baltic fleet. Pleads with the British Government to let Michael Faraday Faraday, Michael (1791–1867) DSB
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exploit her 'tremendous powers of destruction' against the common enemy'.



Punch,  29 (1855), 45.

What to Eat, Drink and Avoid

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Anon

Genre:

News-Commentary

Subjects:

Adulteration, Nutrition, Narcotics, Pharmaceuticals, Analytical Chemistry, Crime

People mentioned:

Robert D Thomson Thomson, Robert Dundas (1810–64) ODNB
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Institutions mentioned:

St Thomas's Hospital St Thomas's Hospital
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    Analyses some of the alarming evidence of adulteration taken before a House of Commons House of Commons
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committee. This includes dilute prussic acid, bread filled with 'animal matter', flour mixed with chalk, and sausages adulterated with horses tongues. The author considers this a good argument for becoming a vegetarian.



Punch,  29 (1855), [47].

The Use of Adulteration

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

Illustration, Satire

Relevant illustrations:

wdct.

Illustrators:

J, 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:

Adulteration, Nutrition, Pharmaceuticals, Commerce, Crime


    Shows a young girl standing in front of a counter in an apothecary's shop. Behind the counter stands the proprietor with sacks of substances to adulterate food (e.g. red lead and sand). On behalf of her mother, the girl asks the proprietor for some tea for killing rats and chocolate for eradicating black beadles.



Punch,  29 (1855), 49.

Cleansed of his Errors

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Anon

Genre:

News-Commentary, Drollery

Subjects:

Hydropathy, Medical Treatment, Quackery


    Reports on an 'aquatic enthusiast' who has grown so tired with his existence at 'a hydropathic establishment' that he 'renounces the Path-os and the Bath-os that are usually laid on'.



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Punch,  29 (1855), 53.

By the Margins of Thames' Dirty Waters

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Anon

Genre:

Song, Drollery

Subjects:

Pollution, Public Health, Disease, Sanitation


    Describes 'a youth who was sick night and day' owing to his 'pestilent quarters' on the riverside. On asking for the 'vile river' to be cleansed, the authorities could only answer 'Ur-ah-oh-ugh!'. The youth later complains of his illness and, preferring to drown than die of typhus, contemplates throwing himself in the river. However, he chooses to move 'apartments instead'.



Punch,  29 (1855), 54.

Mrs Grundy on the Adulteration of Food

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Anon

Genre:

Poetry, Drollery

Subjects:

Adulteration, Nutrition, Disease, Charlatanry, Crime


    Mrs Grundy expresses bewilderment at 'The roguery that's in the world, the frauds in every trade and business' and lists the foul ways in which her foods and beverages have been adulterated.



Punch,  29 (1855), 59.

My Lords and the Laboratory

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Anon

Genre:

News-Commentary, Drollery

Subjects:

Military Technology, War, Chemistry, Government, Laboratories


Punch,  29 (1855), 60.

The Chemistry of the Cannon

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Anon

Genre:

News-Commentary,

Subjects:

Military Technology, Chemistry, War, Invention, Government, Patronage

Institutions mentioned:

Royal Navy, Royal Navy
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Army Army
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    Opens with Mr Punch's request to the government to reveal the cost of 'applying the resources of chemical and mechanical science' against the Russians in the Crimean War. Believes the expenditure is 'ridiculously small', not least because of articles in The Times The Times (1777–1900+) Waterloo Directory
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revealing how the Board of Ordnance Board of Ordnance
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neglected the invention of powerful weapons by Mr Scott Scott, Mr (fl. 1855) PU1/29/6/4
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and Bashley Britten Britten, Bashley (fl. 1855) PU1/29/6/4
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. Complains that while the government wastes money on fruitless experiments on large ships, they grudge 'the outlay of a little money' on an artillery experiment. Adds to this list of neglected military inventions the gunpowder of Alexander Parkes Parkes, Alexander (1813–90) ODNB
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and the secret plan of Thomas Cochrane (10th Earl of Dundonald) Cochrane, Thomas, 10th Earl of Dundonald (1775–1860) ODNB
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. Questions the government's reluctance to patronise Dundonald's plan. Draws attention to Benjamin W Richardson's Richardson, Benjamin Ward (1828–96) DSB
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warning that the publication of Capt. Disney's Disney, Capt (fl. 1855) PU1/29/6/4
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military invention will make it available to the enemy, and surmises that the government has refused to patronise military inventions because the Russians have not used such inventions against the British fleet.



Punch,  29 (1855), 61.

Nineteen Fortunes for Threepence

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Anon

Genre:

Introduction; Notes, Drollery

Subjects:

Commerce, Invention, Patents, Quackery, Medical Treatment, Charlatanry


    Introduces a list of nineteen dubious ways of 'earning an income, all for the price of three-pence'. These include raising money for patenting an 'impossible invention', and selling a 'pill, paste, or liquor' that purports to 'cure everything'.



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Punch,  29 (1855), 64.

The Working Man's Guide to the British Museum

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Anon

Genre:

Essay, Drollery

Subjects:

Museums, Pollution, Public Health, Natural History, Palaeontology

Institutions mentioned:

Zoological Society—Gardens Zoological Society of London —Gardens
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    Laments the quantity of carbonic acid gas and steam given off by visitors to the British Museum British Museum
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, an atmospheric problem that threatens to destroy their enjoyment of the specimens of natural history and palaeontology.



Punch,  29 (1855), 65.

A Disgraceful Abettor of Intemperance

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Anon

Genre:

News-Commentary, Drollery

Subjects:

Pollution, Health, Disease, Exhibitions, Hydropathy, Temperance


    Reports that several 'confirmed Teetotallers' have started drinking wine after glimpsing the 'horrors of water' at the Royal Polytechnic Institution Royal Polytechnic Institution
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exhibition. Concludes that 'the cause of Temperance runs the danger of being drowned in a ditch' owing to the scarcity of drinkable water. Adds that Father Thames himself will grow so disgusted with the 'abominable filth in which he is condemned to wallow' that he too will 'take to drinking'.



Punch,  29 (1855), 65.

Monsters will Never Cease

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Anon

Genre:

News-Commentary, Drollery

Subjects:

Monstrosities, Natural History


    Discusses the characteristics of the 'Sea Devil', a 'very odd fish' boasting a mouth so large that it can 'swallow anything or everything' submitted to its notice and 'a man with ease'.



Punch,  29 (1855), 70.

Why She Could Not Smile, Dear Mother

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Anon

Genre:

Poetry, Drollery

Subjects:

Medical Treatment, Disease


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Punch,  29 (1855), 76.

The Dangers of Playing at War

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Anon

Genre:

Essay

Subjects:

Zoological Gardens, Display, War, Amusement


    Assesses the display of the siege of Sebastopol being staged at the Surrey Zoological Gardens Surrey Literary, Scientific and Zoological Institution—Gardens
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.



Punch,  29 (1855), 79.

Adulteration of Government

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Anon

Genre:

Essay, Drollery

Subjects:

Adulteration, Pharmaceuticals, Medical Treatment, Analytical Chemistry, Politics, Government, Disease, Health, Religion


    Describes the political activities of Lord John Russell Russell, Lord John, 1st Earl Russell (1792–1878) ODNB
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, Benjamin Disraeli Disraeli, Benjamin, 1st Earl of Beaconsfield (1804–81) ODNB
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, and John A Roebuck Roebuck, John Arthur (1802–79) ODNB
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as if they were experts analysing the adulteration of 'political drugs'. Explains that Russell found that most political articles were 'as free from deleterious matter as they could be', although he found the specimen marked 'Reform Bill' extremely difficult to analyse. Russell recommends 'a little adulteration' with 'Whig's Paradise', which 'went down wonderfully with the multitude'. Believing in the purity of Whig principles, Russell opposes the election agent, James Coppock Coppock, James (1798–1857) ODNB
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, 'whose wonderful laboratory at the Reform Club for the manufacture of votes' had shown the existence of 'tin' patronage. Goes on to explain Disraeli's expertise in the 'manufacture of retorts' and his conviction 'that Whig Government was a regular drug' that was so pernicious that it needed 'a strong infusion of Tory politics'. Disraeli's 'careful analyses' also reveal a 'Drab' constituent in the 'Peace Party' called 'GLADSTONE Gladstone, William Ewart (1809–98) ODNB
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' which itself contains large quantities of 'Jesuit's Bark' but not 'a single grain of sense', and which creates feelings of nausea. Proceeds to discuss Roebuck, whose analysis of 'Parliamentary Loaves and Fishes' from both parties, reveals them to be poisonous to the 'Body Politic', and who urges the need for the 'plainest political food'.



Punch,  29 (1855), 79.

How to Stir Up a Nation

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Anon

Genre:

Notes, Drollery

Subjects:

Chemistry, Nutrition


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Punch,  29 (1855), 84–85.

The Rime of Ancient Alderman

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Anon

Genre:

Poetry, Drollery

Subjects:

Pollution, Microscopy, Disease


Punch,  29 (1855), 91.

An Entirely New Hospital

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Anon

Genre:

News-Commentary

Subjects:

Hospitals, Medical Practitioners, Heroism, Patronage, Government, Homeopathy, Surgery, Medical Treatment, Quackery

People mentioned:

John Hunter, Hunter, John (1728–93) DSB
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John Abernethy, Abernethy, John (1764–1831) ODNB
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Christian F S Hahnemann Hahnemann, Christian Friedrich Samuel (1755–1843) DSB
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    Praises the 'NIGHTINGALE Nightingale, Florence (1820–1910) ODNB
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testimonial' reported in The Times The Times (1777–1900+) Waterloo Directory
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—a reference to Herbert 1855 Herbert, Elisabeth 1855. 'Miss Nightingale', The Times, 23 August 1855, p. 7
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and H 1855 H 1855. 'Miss Nightingale', The Times, 23 August 1855, p. 7
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. Contrasts the fact that it will be 'served by unpaid nurses' to the greed of railway company rogues and clerics. Believes that the foundation of the hospital will reward 'virtue'. Strongly supports the need for a military hospital, but fears that the only hospital that will gain support from the government will be a homeopathic one. Reports that the hospital will be served by one medical officer instead of a physician, surgeon, and apothecary, and continuing the homeopathic theme, sarcastically suggests that this officer should be a 'Patent Medicine Vendor', supplying patients with a wide variety of pills and ointments. Concludes with a cynical dig at the government's patronage of quack medicines.



Punch,  29 (1855), 94.

The Peace Projectile Company

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Anon

Genre:

Advertisement, Spoof

Subjects:

Military Technology, Invention, War, Commerce, Government


    Noting the formation of this company under the new 'principle of Limited Liability', upholds the success with which 'intelligent capitalists would pursue the arts of war'. Claims that the object of the company is to 'to test the merits of inventions calculated to bring the [Crimean] War to a conclusion by the / DESTRUCTION OF HER MAJESTY'S ENEMIES' and that it will do so irrespective of the government's attitude. Stresses that one of the 'immediate proceedings' of the company will be to investigate the secretive plan of Thomas Cochrane (10th Earl of Dundonald) Cochrane, Thomas, 10th Earl of Dundonald (1775–1860) ODNB
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.



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Punch,  29 (1855), 100.

A Complaint from the Paddle-Box

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A Captain in the Above-Bridge Service Captain in the Above-Bridge Service, A
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Genre:

Song, Drollery

Subjects:

Steamships, Pollution, Disease, Public Health, Analytical Chemistry, Government


    Complains that, as a steamship captain on the Thames, he lives on 'liquefied manure' which makes him ill. Laments the garbage, out-pourings from bone-mills, 'gaseous filth from gas-works', and dead cats and dogs, that fill the river, but expects that Parliament Houses of Parliament
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will not 'listen to the advice from FARADAY Faraday, Michael (1791–1867) DSB
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' on cleansing the river.



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Punch,  29 1855, 103.

Mrs Durden's Annual Troubles

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Anon

Genre:

Poetry, Drollery

Relevant illustrations:

wdct.

Subjects:

Entomology, Natural History, Disease, Domestic Economy, Nomenclature


    Details her complaints about 'the usual torment of the season, / Them nasty good-for-nothing flies. Rejects 'what you call your Recreations / In Natural History' and questions the 'use of Latin terms for good-for-nothing moths and millers'. Describes the domestic places that the 'plaguy things' have chosen as their homes including the larder, 'behind the grate', and in fruit. The illustration shows a large female figure about to club a snail with her parasol.



Punch,  29 (1855), 105.

The Adulterator's Alphabet

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An Apprentice of the Laurel Apprentice of the Laurel, A
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Genre:

Catechism, Spoof

Subjects:

Adulteration, Pharmaceuticals, Medical Treatment, Narcotics, Astrology, Quackery, Charlatanry, Crime


    List of twenty-six descriptions concerning the wide range of practices associated with adulteration, quackery, and charlatanry, one for each letter of the alphabet. The list includes 'D is the Druggist—the Lancet Lancet (1823–1900+) Waterloo Directory
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explains / How he poisons each drug, / and increases your pains', 'N is the Nurse who your suffering insults— / Who gives GODFREY to babies and plunders adults', and 'Z's ZADKIEL [Richard J Morrison Morrison, Richard James ('Zadkiel') (1795–1874) ODNB
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], the quack who, with "Venus" and "Mars", / Diddles Zanies, by lying reports from the stars'.



Punch,  29 (1855), 105.

A Gent's View of a New Discovery

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Anon

Genre:

Notes, Drollery

Subjects:

Metallurgy, Industry, Commerce


Punch,  29 (1855), 106.

A Lansdowne to the Rescue!

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Anon

Genre:

News-Commentary, Drollery

Subjects:

Patronage, Government


Punch,  29 (1855), 111.

Testimonials Wanted

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Anon

Genre:

News-Commentary, Drollery

Subjects:

Invention, Aeronautics, Amusement

People mentioned:

Johannes Regiomontanus Regiomontanus, Johannes (1436–76) DSB
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Punch,  29 (1855), 112.

Suicide by Statute

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Anon

Genre:

News-Commentary

Subjects:

Public Health, Disease, Sanitation, Crime


    Claims that one of the clauses in the new Health of Towns Act seems to legitimate suicide: that for a place declared to be 'injurious to health' it is 'unlawful to live in it'. Wonders whether 'all persons whose existence is declared unlawful' will be executed.



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Punch,  29 (1855), 114.

The Cant of Squaretoes

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Anon

Genre:

News-Commentary, Drollery

Subjects:

Scientific Practitioners, Engineers, Heroism, Methodology, Imagination, Philosphy, Reasoning, Rationalism, Charlatanry


    Responds to a Liverpool Standard Liverpool Standard (1832–56) Waterloo Directory
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article identifying Michael Faraday Faraday, Michael (1791–1867) DSB
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, Isambard K Brunel Brunel, Isambard Kingdom (1806–59) ODNB
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, George Stephenson Stephenson, George (1781–1848) ODNB
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, and 'other masters of science' as some of the few remaining 'great men' who have allowed 'the materialism of hard facts' to displace 'the imaginative faculties'. Points out that William Shakespeare Shakespeare, William (1564–1616) ODNB
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is an example of 'superhuman wisdom' and, like Francis Bacon (1st Viscount St Alban) Bacon, Francis, 1st Viscount St Alban (1561–1626) DSB ODNB
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, possessed rare qualities. Argues that Bacon's philosophy is 'precisely the basis on which modern science is cultivated' and suggests that it is 'a considerable advantage' that 'the materialism of fact' has superseded the 'imaginative faculties', because searching for truth with the latter method is foolish. Attributes the apparent deficiency in 'great men' to the paucity of 'solemn prosers and pompous mouthers'.



Punch,  29 (1855), 119.

A Card.—St James's Park

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Anon

Genre:

Essay, Drollery

Subjects:

Natural History, Observation, Animal Behaviour, Amusement


    Mr Punch invites his 'brother citizens and Fellow Englishmen to indulge in a little philosophic and scientific contemplation' of the geese and ducks in St James's Park St James's Park
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.



Punch,  29 (1855), 121.

True Dignity

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Anon

Genre:

News-Commentary, Drollery

Subjects:

Heroism, Telegraphy, Government, Class


    Reports that the British ambassador in Paris, Henry R C Wellesley (2nd Baron Cowley) Wellesley, Henry Richard Charles, 1st Earl Cowley and 2nd Baron Cowley (1804–1884) ODNB
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, when invited to dine at a banquet in honour of 'the English men of science forming part of the English jury' for the Exposition Universelle de Paris Exposition Universelle (1855), Paris
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, allegedly 'caused it to be made known [...] that it was not his custom to dine with low people'. Ironically adds that science ought to know its place and compares the telegraph unfavourably to a blue riband.



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Punch,  29 (1855), 124.

Cure for Hot Coppers

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Anon

Genre:

News-Commentary, Drollery

Subjects:

Medical Treatment, Societies, Chemistry, Domestic Economy


    Discusses Arthur H Hassall's Hassall, Arthur Hill (1817–94) ODNB
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claim made at the British Association for the Advancement of Science British Association for the Advancement of Science
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that the fluid from 'street-oysters' consists largely of sulphuric acid and water and is correspondingly a good scourer for copper kettles.



Punch,  29 (1855), 124.

A Washed Duke

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Anon

Genre:

News-Commentary, Drollery

Subjects:

Societies, Scientific Practitioners, Sanitation

People mentioned:

George D Campbell (8th Duke of Argyll) Campbell, George Douglas, 8th Duke of Argyll (1823–1900) ODNB
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Institutions mentioned:

British Association for the Advancement of Science British Association for the Advancement of Science
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Punch,  29 (1855), 130.

Quicksilver Martyrs

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Anon

Genre:

News-Commentary, Drollery

Subjects:

Meteorology, Instruments, Crime, Comparative Philology, Cultural Geography


    Discusses charges that Greek corn merchants have been tampering with a barometer in 'one of our large towns'. Having noted that 'the Greeks always paid great homage to Mercury, because he was the God of thieves', wishes the merchants had insisted that their tampering was a form of 'religious worship'.



Punch,  29 (1855), 130.

A Letter for Doctor Pettigrew

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Anon

Genre:

News-Commentary, Drollery

Subjects:

Zoology, Experiment


    Discusses an 'experiment' to send a 'live lizard' through the post to Thomas J Pettigrew Pettigrew, Thomas Joseph (1791–1865) ODNB
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.



Punch,  29 (1855), 131.

Capture of the Great American Water-Snake

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Anon

Genre:

News-Commentary, Drollery; Reportage, Spoof

Subjects:

Monstrosities, Hunting, Zoology, Natural History, Comparative Philology, Charlatanry, Superstition


    Discusses reports of the capture of the 'Great American Water-Snake' in a lake near New York and analyses the snake's characteristics. Relates that the snake's power of 'heavy, short puffs' gives it the ability to write its own advertisements from Barnum's American Museum Barnum's American Museum, New York
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. Reports that one eminent 'naturalist of the day' has pronounced the beast to be 'a huge specimen of monstrous sea calf, resulting from a cock-and-a-bull and a nightmare'.



Punch,  29 (1855), 132.

Knighthood of the Steam-Bath

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Anon

Genre:

News-Commentary, Drollery

Subjects:

Sanitation, Technology, Invention


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Punch,  29 (1855), 139.

Proofs that Parliament is Up (With a Sub-Editor's Compliments)

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Anon

Genre:

Reportage, Spoof

Subjects:

Meteorology, Electricity, Animal Behaviour, Archaeology, Superstition


    Presents descriptions of seven deliberately absurd reports from various English locales including news that some people in Gloucestershire attribute the decline in lightning strikes on a church steeple to the erection of a lightning conductor, the prediction of severe winter weather from the flight of birds over the Salisbury Plain, and the excavation, near Petersham, of a knife marked 'R. O. G. E. R.' which was attributed to Roger Bacon Bacon, Roger (c. 1219–c. 1292) DSB
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.



Punch,  29 (1855), 139.

The Lowest Scale of Borrowing

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Anon

Genre:

Drama, Drollery

Subjects:

Medical Treatment, Quackery, Commerce


Punch,  29 (1855), 140.

'I'll Lend Thee a Wind'

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Anon

Genre:

News-Commentary, Drollery

Subjects:

Meteorology, Societies, Commerce

People mentioned:

George D Campbell (8th Duke of Argyll) Campbell, George Douglas, 8th Duke of Argyll (1823–1900) ODNB
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    Concludes from the title of Robert Fitzroy's Fitzroy, Robert (1805–65) DSB
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paper delivered before the British Association for the Advancement of Science British Association for the Advancement of Science
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(a version of which was published in Fitzroy 1856 Fitzroy, Robert 1856. 'Wind-charts of the Atlantic, compiled from Maury's Pilot Charts', Report of the Twenty-Fifth Meeting of the British Association for the Advancement of Science; Held at Glasgow in September 1855, Reports on the State of Science, 39–40
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), that the Board of Trade Board of Trade
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'directs the Movements of the Wind', and notes the effect of this on insurance. Believes that such a power will enable Britain to give a' heavy blow as well as a great discouragement to all competition'.



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Punch,  29 (1855), 141.

Sweetly Pretty

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Anon

Genre:

Notes, Drollery

Subjects:

Light, Instruments, Amusement


Punch,  29 (1855), 145.

Improvement of the Railway Whistle

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Anon

Genre:

News-Commentary, Drollery

Subjects:

Railways, Invention, Sound, Accidents


    Discusses a new railway whistle which promises to replace the 'railway discord and railway din' of the old steam-whistle with 'railway harmony and railway melody'. Adds that the whistle is capable of playing tunes appropriate to given situations.



Punch,  29 (1855), 149.

The Romance of Euclid

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Anon

Genre:

News-Commentary, Drollery

Subjects:

Mathematics, Scientific Practitioners, Mental Illness


    Questions the plausibility of a news report that James J Sylvester Sylvester, James Joseph (1814–97) DSB
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, professor of mathematics at the Royal Military Academy, Woolwich Royal Military Academy, Woolwich
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, has 'passionate love' for mathematics, not least because it would mean that the mathematician would be 'jealous of every other clever individual who pays attention to the alleged object of his affection', and would involve him in 'writing odes to Problem 1' in Euclid Euclid (fl. 295 BC) DSB
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.



Punch,  29 (1855), 151.

Dropping a Line

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Anon

Genre:

News-Commentary, Drollery

Subjects:

Telegraphy, Accidents, Technology


    Responds to news that an electric telegraph laid between England and America has sunk so far 'that nobody can get it up again'.



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Punch,  29 (1855), 155.

The Attitude of Prussia

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Anon

Genre:

News-Commentary, Drollery

Subjects:

Zoology, Cultural Geography, Animal Behaviour, Analogy, Taxonomy


    Responding to claims that Prussia is 'like a noble animal of the forest' waiting to 'spring on the first' who 'irritates her', likens the country to 'something between a mad dog and a donkey at bray' and insists that the best 'zoological representative for Prussia' is the 'beast'.



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Punch,  29 (1855), 163.

Advertisement

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Anon

Genre:

Advertisement, Spoof

Subjects:

Railways, Accidents, Time


    Informs 'RAILWAY DIRECTORS, FATHERS OF FAMILIES, AND THE PUBLIC IN GENERAL' of a 'most amusing game of chance' for Christmas time—'Railway Accident'. Explains that one player of the game starts his train according to a timetable while the starting time of other players is regulated by 'the cast of dice'. Adds that the 'great amusement of the game consists in each train endeavouring either to overtake or come into collision with the trains of other players'.



Punch,  29 (1855), 165.

The Voice of the Country on Baby-Shows

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Anon

Genre:

Poetry, Drollery

Relevant illustrations:

wdct.

Subjects:

Display, Zoological Gardens, Human Development


    Reflects on the staging of baby shows 'in Lunnun', and compares them with cattle shows. Lamenting the appearance of baby shows 'Among the wild beasties at Bartlemy Fair', anticipates a similar event being held at Surrey Zoological Gardens Surrey Literary, Scientific and Zoological Institution—Gardens
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. Considers such displays to be degrading to mothers and babies. The illustration shows a baby inside a cage with a female lion.



Punch,  29 (1855), 165.

A Main Reason for Maine Law

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Anon

Genre:

News-Commentary, Drollery

Subjects:

Narcotics, Adulteration, Nutrition, Analytical Chemistry, Disease, Commerce


    Discusses an extract from Waring's Practical Therapeutics Waring, Edward John 1854. A Manual of Practical Therapeutics, Considered Chiefly with Reference to Articles of the Materia Medica, London: Smith, Elder and Co.
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describing the intoxicating properties of Cocculus Indicus. Regards the adulteration of porter with the latter is a 'dead swindle', and, because it can lead to the death of one's customers, which would be commercially 'suicidal'. Resolves to avoid drinking Cocculus Indicus and to take legal action against those landlords who do not produce their 'chemical diplomas' on request.



Punch,  29 (1855), 170.

A School for Tigers in the East

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Anon

Genre:

News-Commentary

Subjects:

Animal Behaviour, Hunting


    Responding to alarming news that the population of Singapore is being rapidly diminshed by tigers, suggests that one solution to the problem is to 'enter into an arrangement with the brute-slayer at the top of the Haymarket'—a reference to the museum of the celebrated lion hunter, Roualeyn G G Cumming Cumming, Roualeyn George Gordon- (1820–66) ODNB
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. Concludes by regarding such news reports as a 'little romance'.



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Punch,  29 (1855), 176.

A Lion-Hunter's Museum

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Anon

Genre:

Essay, Drollery; Extract, Reportage, Spoof

Subjects:

Hunting, Museums, Exhibitions, Ethnology


    Describes the ways in which 'The celebrated Lion-hunter of Belgravia, MRS. NIMROD' lured and hunted literary lions 'all over the Metropolis', exhibiting those she caught at gatherings of 'three or four hundred fashionable people'. Reports that she intends to open a museum of the 'trophies and curiosities' she has collected during her hunting career, in competition with Roualeyn G G Cumming's Cumming, Roualeyn George Gordon- (1820–66) ODNB
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museum in the Haymarket. Lists items from the catalogue of the museum, which include 'The iron ring that fell from the nose of one of the Ojibbeway chiefs'.



Punch,  29 (1855), 176.

The New Cerberus of Downing Street

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Anon

Genre:

News-Commentary, Drollery

Subjects:

Comparative Philology, Monstrosities, Politics


    Compares the Cerberus to William E Gladstone's Gladstone, William Ewart (1809–98) ODNB
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speeches— a beast with three heads.



Punch,  29 (1855), 178.

All But Trapped

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Anon

Genre:

Illustration, Caricature

Relevant illustrations:

wdct.

Subjects:

Hunting, Politics, War


    Shows the Russian bear, wearing a crown and boots, being trapped by British troops.



Punch,  29 (1855), 181.

Fielding on Field-Marshalls

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Anon

Genre:

News-Commentary

Subjects:

Natural Law, Providence, Anatomy, Human Development, Government

Institutions mentioned:

Army Army
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    Discusses a passage from Henry Fielding's Fielding, Henry (1707–54) ODNB
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Joseph Andrews Fielding, Henry 1742. The History of the Adventures of Joseph Andrews, and of Mr. Abraham Adams: Written in Imitation of the Manner of Cervantes, Author of Don Quixote, London: A. Millar
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, in which the novelist insists that nature 'takes a provident care' of people inasmuch as it gives 'thick skulls' to those meant for violent 'encounters' and skulls with cavities for those '"designed to exercise" rational talents'. Thinks this passage describes the heads of the army that served in the Crimea.



Punch,  29 (1855), 184.

King Clicquot's Horse

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Anon

Genre:

News-Commentary, Drollery

Subjects:

Animal Behaviour, Politics


    Responds to an article in The Times The Times (1777–1900+) Waterloo Directory
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claiming that the horse of King Frederick William IV Frederick William IV, King of Prussia (1795–1861) CBD CBE
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of Prussia canters on one leg. Following the claim of George L Leclerc, comte de Buffon Buffon, Georges-Louis Leclerc, comte de (1707–88) DSB
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that 'Style is the man', insists that the king's horse is the man since the horse follows the king's policy of going 'his own way upon one leg'.



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Punch,  29 (1855), 187.

Neapolitan Magnanimity

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Anon

Genre:

News-Commentary, Drollery

Subjects:

Heroism, Scientific Practitioners


    Unsurpised that the city of Naples has blocked a proposal to erect of statue of Macedonio Melloni Melloni, Macedonio (1798–1854) DSB
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because 'The Lion preys not on the dead: it is only the Hyæna that outrages the grave'.



Punch,  29 (1855), 187.

Startling Announcement

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Anon

Genre:

News-Commentary, Drollery

Subjects:

Monstrosities, Specimen Trading, Commerce


    Responding to an announcement of the sale of 'Royal Beasts' in Windsor Great Park Windsor Great Park
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, expresses concern that the announcement will give the impression of live lions roaming Windsor Park, or the sale of the corpses of dead monarchs.



Punch,  29 (1855), 192.

An Apology for Baker's Bread

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A Dentist Dentist, A
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Genre:

Letter, Spoof

Subjects:

Adulteration, Medical Practitioners, Charlatanry, Commerce


    Addressed to the 'Editor of Punch', argues that bakers have been unduly attacked for 'putting a little alum in their bread'. Explaining how alum attacks the lime of teeth and thus creates employment for himself and 'other members of my profession'. He expresses his thanks to confectioners whose tendency to leave small stones in plum buns results in cracked teeth and therefore more business.



Punch,  29 (1855), 192.

Eclipse of the Moon, November 9th, 1855

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Anon

Genre:

Illustration, Caricature

Subjects:

Astronomy, Race


    Shows the eclipse of the moon (bearing the face of the retiring Lord Mayor of London, Francis G Moon Moon, Sir Francis Graham (1796–1871) ODNB
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) by the face (caricatured in profile) of the new Jewish Lord Mayor, David Salomons Salomons, Sir David, 1st Baronet (1797–73) ODNB
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.



Punch,  29 (1855), 193.

Natural Indignation

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Anon

Genre:

News-Commentary, Drollery

Subjects:

Specimen Trading, Commerce, Human Development, Zoological Gardens, Gender


    Notes that at the sale of beasts at the Surrey Zoological Gardens Surrey Literary, Scientific and Zoological Institution—Gardens
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, husbands of the women who displayed their babies at the baby show, tried unsuccessfully to sell off their partners in the auction catalogue.



Punch,  29 (1855), 193.

'Where Ignorance is Bliss—'

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Anon

Genre:

Notes, Drollery

Subjects:

Surgery, Commerce


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Punch,  29 (1855), 196.

A Voice from the Clock

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Anon

Genre:

Reportage, Spoof

Subjects:

Time, Instruments


    Discusses the appeal of the clock at Somerset House Somerset House
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'against the injustice' of being made to chime a time different from that indicated by its hands.



Punch,  29 (1855), 204.

Sale at the Zoological Gardens

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Anon

Genre:

News-Commentary, Drollery

Subjects:

Zoological Gardens, Specimen Trading, Commerce, Amusement, Animal Behaviour


    Startled to learn of the sale of animals at the Surrey Zoological Gardens Surrey Literary, Scientific and Zoological Institution—Gardens
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, a move reflecting the 'superior attraction' of the garden's musical concerts. Discusses possible problems with auctioning animals and resolves to 'keep an eye on the sale', but to 'remain at a respectful distance from the various lots' which may react violently to those in the auction room.



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Punch,  29 (1855), 206.

Encouragement of Native Talent

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Anon

Genre:

News-Commentary

Subjects:

Industry, Scientific Practitioners, Patronage, Government, Cultural Geography, Nationalism, Heroism


    Reports that following the French government's decoration of British scientists at the Exposition Universelle de Paris Exposition Universelle (1855), Paris
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(including the rank of 'Commander' for Michael Faraday Faraday, Michael (1791–1867) DSB
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), the British government is considering conferring on Faraday the Order of the Bath to give the impression that it does 'encourage Science'.



Punch,  29 (1855), 206.

Definitions

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A Disappointed Man Disappointed Man, A
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Genre:

Notes, Drollery

Subjects:

Medical Practitioners, Medical Treatment


    Defines a doctor as 'One who kills us to-day to prevent us dying tomorrow'.



Punch,  29 (1855), 212.

The Lordling's Lecture Mania

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Anon

Genre:

Introduction; Address, Spoof

Subjects:

Entomology, Ancient Authorities, Religion, Wonder, Government, Politics, Animal Behaviour


    Introduces a spoof lecture on entomology given by Lord Fitz-Mountebank to the Young Men's Mutual Instruction Society. The lecture opens by defining entomology as 'talk about insects' and proceeds to discuss the contributions of Aristotle Aristotle (384–322 BC) DSB
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, Pliny Pliny (Gaius Plinius Secundus) (c. 23–79) DSB
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, and the ancient Egyptians to the subject. Notes how the Egyptians worshipped beetles and upholds the beauties of the spider's web (which he likens to 'the arts of diplomacy') and the ant's nest. Draws out social and political lessons from the behaviour of various insects, including the claim that the snail and the slug were reminiscent of 'parliamentary proceedings'. Concludes by insisting that 'No station [...] could exempt any man from the attacks of insects' and by hoping that the each of the Russians involved in the Crimean War would find himself with 'a flea in his ear'.



Punch,  29 (1855), 214.

The 'Spread' of Vegetarianism

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Anon

Genre:

News-Commentary, Drollery

Subjects:

Nutrition, Government


    Criticises 'the Vegetarians' for toasting Queen Victoria Victoria, Queen of the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Ireland, and Empress of India (1819–1901) ODNB
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with iced water at a meeting in Birmingham. Ridicules the claims that some gentleman attending the meeting had spent a considerable number of years 'advocating Vegetarian principles', and expresses 'surprise and admiration' for an alderman (whose greed is a favourite subject of Punch satire) who claimed to have lived on vegetables for forty years. Declares that it does not 'grudge' the vegetarians 'their abstinence from animal food', but suggests that they popularise their movement with lectures and vocal entertainments.



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Punch,  29 (1855), 218–219.

Guy Fawkes' Day in Vienna

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Anon

Genre:

News-Commentary

Subjects:

Religious Authority, Religion, Education


    Responds to the decision by Emperor Franz Joseph I Franz Joseph I, Emperor of Austria, King of Hungary (1830–1916) CBD
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of Austria to allow Roman Catholic bishops to 'superintend the education of the youth in all public and private schools' and to have 'the power to forbid any teaching in any study which they may consider contrary to the Papal Church'. Wonders where the 'pernicious teaching' of Galileo Galilei Galilei, Galileo (1564–1642) DSB
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and Isaac Newton Newton, Sir Isaac (1642–1727) DSB
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would be 'if that authority had universally and always been enjoyed by the Roman prelates which was formerly conceded to them' by the emperor. (218)



Punch,  29 (1855), 221.

They Manage These Things Better in France

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Anon

Genre:

Poetry, Drollery

Subjects:

Nationalism, Invention, Cultural Geography


    Draws unfavourable comparisons between French and English attitudes towards railway management and invention. Compares the foreign railways, which are 'Check'd and cow'd by Government's power', with the British lines, which are the subject of 'unrestrain'd competition' and which 'Too often result in a smash' for 'travellers' and shareholders' ventures'. Adds that 'JOHN BULL's every town is a centre / Of inventions most useful to man', but laments the fate of 'JOHN's greatest inventor, / Unless he can patent his plan!'. Contrasts the fact that awards such as titles and ribands are for 'rank, or for wealth, or for war', but that 'great ones of science are martyrs / Who have still worn the cross , not the star', and that 'art and science are zeroes' in John Bull's court.



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Punch,  29 (1855), 225.

Florence Nightingale

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Anon

Genre:

Poetry

Subjects:

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

Institutions mentioned:

Army


    Noting the public's over-zealous taste for worshipping heroes, advises against scorning 'a truly glorious name' simply because 'so many wreaths before unworthiest shrines are hung'. Insists that although people 'Oft find false gods', 'Deep and true England's heart has glow'd in this great woman's [Florence Nightingale Nightingale, Florence (1820–1910) ODNB
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]' holy cause. Champions her cause, which is described as stepping 'calm and humble to the front' despite disease, despair, carnage, and an English army taking 'its path, slowly, to an inglorious grave'. Comparing her to a Christian martyr, the author notes how she 'face to face with pain and death, bore bravely a worse battle's brunt / Than any soldier of all there'. Regards her 'little lamp' as 'hope's beacon light' and praises the 'young—gentle—ladies of the land' who assisted her and who fell 'like balm on passion wrung from festering wound', and who calmed the 'fierce thought in the brain'. Concludes by noting the 'Order out of Chaos' and the 'Hope [...] kindled from Despair' wrought by Nightingale and 'her sisters', and likens this transformation to 'Some holy influence bringing guards of Heaven, where, till they came, was Hell'. Doubts that the public can 'raise' a 'trophy' to meet the 'need' of this act.



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Punch,  29 (1855), 243.

John Bull to Jonathan

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Anon

Genre:

Poetry, Drollery

Subjects:

Progress, Nationalism, Telegraphy, Steamships, Technology


    Reflects on the changes that have occurred since the American War of Independence, including the fact that when 'that first war broke out [...] No wires girt the earth, no steam the ocean spann'd'.



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Punch,  29 (1855), 245.

The Enemy at Berlin

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Punch Punch
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Genre:

Letter, Spoof

Subjects:

Telegraphy, Charlatanry, Race, Religion, Error, Commerce, War


    Addressed to the Lord Mayor of London, David Salomons Salomons, Sir David, 1st Baronet (1797–73) ODNB
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, discusses a telegraphic communication from Berlin regarding a loan to the Russians organized by the leading banking house, Mendelssohn & Co. Mendelssohn & Co, Berlin, bankers
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Reflecting that, like Salomons, the Mendelssohns are Jewish, observes that they would be a disgrace to the Jewish community should the report prove accurate. Notes that the 'Electric-Telegraph sometimes tells fibs', but asserts that, if the communication is true, 'the indignation and the power' of Salomons should be raised against the firm.



Punch,  29 (1855), 247.

[Mr Cantelo's Egg-Hatching Machine]

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Anon

Genre:

Notes, Drollery

Subjects:

Nutrition, Invention


    Reports that one 'indignant Poulterer' has denounced Mr Cantelo's Cantelo, Mr (fl. 1848) PU1/14/1/2
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egg-hatching machine as 'A piece of most detestable chickenlerie'.



Punch,  29 (1855), 251.

A Learned Fly

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Anon

Genre:

Notes, Drollery

Subjects:

Entomology, Animal Behaviour, Animal Development


    Discusses a story of a saint who 'trained a favourite fly with so much success' that the insect could work as an efficient book marker, and suggests 'Literary Police Regulations' for flies moving across a page.



Punch,  29 (1855), 253.

Our Own Railway in Trouble

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Anon

Genre:

Essay, Drollery

Subjects:

Railways, Accidents, Commerce


    Reports on the latest events in the sad history of Punch's spoof 'Kensington Railway'. Notes that the railway came into collision with 'a goods train on the Great Western Great Western Railway Company
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' and blames this on the fact that the railway has been idle for too long and 'playing tricks with one of its engines'. Laments the lack of business between the railway's termini at Wormwood Scrubs and Warwick Square and the fact that the railway officials do not even have market gardening to occupy them. Proposes to alleviate the situation by carrying 'the unhappy Railway by a bridge across the Great Western' and thus to 'extend the concern so as to make it available, as it might be, for very valuable traffic'.



Punch,  29 (1855), 153.

The Contamination of Iron

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Anon

Genre:

News-Commentary

Subjects:

Railways, Steam-power, Animal Behaviour, Commerce, Charlatanry


    Draws comparisons between horses and railways. Regards both as 'Temples of Dishonesty' and insists that 'as railways have superseded horses' so 'the roguery of the one should in time supplant the roguery' of the other. Adds that 'as a steam-engine goes much faster than a racer, it was only to be expected that railways, in the race of dishonesty, would certainly run considerably a-head of horses'.



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