Science in the 19th Century Periodical

Punch, Or the London Charivari [1st]

Introductory Essay
Volume 32  (January to June 1857)
Punch,  32 (1857), [iii]–iv.

Preface

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Anon

Genre:

Introduction, Drollery

Relevant illustrations:

wdct. [3]

Subjects:

Astronomy, Superstition, Prognostication, Progress, Astrology, Telegraphy, Engineering, Steamships


    Describes the arrival in England of 'His Serene Highness', the 'COMET [...] accompanied by an odour of burned-out planets'. The comet informs Mr Punch that he has arrived to fulfil the fact that he 'was prophesised' and therefore did not want to 'disgrace SCIENCE which has been so fortunate in all her predictions of late years'. Mr Punch agrees, wryly noting the 'auguries' in which science has been 'happy', including the failure to predict George Stephenson's Stephenson, George (1781–1848) ODNB
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long-distance locomotive, 'Steam across the Atlantic', the failures of the Atlantic telegraph, and the SS Great Eastern SS Great Eastern
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. (iii) Illustrations show a comet with the head of Mr Punch, and another comet dressed in clothes arriving at and leaving Mr Punch's study.



Punch,  32 (1857), [ii].

Consequences of Progress

Anon

Genre:

Notes, Drollery

Subjects:

Telegraphy, Railways, Progress


Punch,  32 (1857), [iii].

Recreations in Natural History

Anon

Genre:

Regular Feature, Anecdote, Spoof

Subjects:

Botany, Natural History, Politics

Institutions mentioned:

Royal Horticultural Society—Gardens Royal Horticultural Society—Gardens, Chiswick
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    Discusses the 'Speaking Tree of Siam', a tree which allegedly speaks in contemptuous tones and in a Siamese dialect, noting that attention has recently been directed to the subject in consequence of the Anglo-Siamese Treaty of 1855.



Punch,  32 (1857), [iii].

Quite Natural

Anon

Genre:

Notes, Drollery

Subjects:

Natural History, Science Communication


Punch,  32 (1857), [iv].

Recreations in Natural History

Anon

Genre:

Regular Feature, Anecdote, Spoof

Subjects:

Hunting, Animal Behaviour


    Describes the techniques used by whalers to defend themselves against provoked whales, and some of the disastrous consequences of their actions.



Punch,  32 (1857), [v].

[Royal Visit to the Zoological Gardens]

Anon

Genre:

Notes, Drollery

Subjects:

Zoological Gardens

People mentioned:

David W Mitchell Mitchell, David William (1813–59) WBI
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Institutions mentioned:

Zoological Society—Gardens Zoological Society of London —Gardens
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Punch,  32 (1857), [vii].

The Worst of Half-Words

Anon

Genre:

Notes, Drollery

Subjects:

Nutrition, Botany


    Discusses the experiments of a 'mycologist' investigating the claim that 'Many of the British fungi [...] are good to eat'.



Punch,  32 (1857), [viii].

Recreations in Natural History

Anon

Genre:

Regular Feature, Anecdote, Spoof

Subjects:

Animal Behaviour, Narcotics


    Describes the behaviour of an owl which allegedly supplied tobacco to a shepherd with whom it had developed a relationship.



Punch,  32 (1857), [ix].

Recreations in Natural History

Anon

Genre:

Regular Feature, Anecdote, Spoof

Subjects:

Natural History, Animal Behaviour, Sound, Nutrition, Navigation


    Discusses the alleged singing power of bees and their apparent use of glow-worms as navigational aids.



Punch,  32 (1857), [x].

Astrology for Astrologers

Anon

Genre:

Notes, Drollery

Subjects:

Astrology, Charlatanry


Punch,  32 (1857), [x].

Recreations in Natural History

Anon

Genre:

Regular Feature, Reportage, Spoof

Subjects:

Exploration, Ethnology, Religion, Race, Publishing


    A spoof report of a paper read by a missionary, Brother Erky Swunks, to the Aborigines Protection Society Aborigines Protection Society
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about a visit to a South American tribe. The paper includes Swunks's description of the primitive clothes and of the French-style gestures of the tribe, and relates the violent response of the tribe to his distribution of religious tracts.



Punch,  32 (1857), [xi].

Allowable Swearing

Anon

Genre:

Notes, Drollery

Subjects:

Mining


    'The best thing that Miner can take when he goes down into a pit is to take his Davy', a reference to Humphry Davy's Davy, Sir Humphry, Baronet (1778–1829) DSB ODNB
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lamp.



Punch,  32 (1857), [xi].

Proverb by an Entomologist

Anon

Genre:

Notes, Drollery

Subjects:

Entomology, Animal Behaviour


    'Honey for the bee; whacks for the wasp'.



Punch,  32 (1857), [xi].

Homeopathy for the Healthy

Anon

Genre:

Notes, Drollery

Subjects:

Homeopathy, Health, Medical Treatment


    'If you have nothing the matter with you take infinitesimally less than nothing'.



Punch,  32 (1857), [xi].

Happiness in the Sick-Room

Anon

Genre:

Notes, Drollery

Subjects:

Medical Practitioners, Health, Disease, Commerce


    Notes that only doctors 'live in the constant enjoyment of bad health'.



Punch,  32 (1857), [xii].

St Florence, or St Nightingale

Anon

Genre:

Notes

Subjects:

Medical Practitioners, Heroism

People mentioned:

Florence Nightingale Nightingale, Florence (1820–1910) ODNB
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Punch,  32 (1857), 1.

Vol XXXII

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Anon

Genre:

Illustration

Relevant illustrations:

wdct.

Subjects:

Alchemy, Chemistry, Magic


    Shows a figure kneeling before a large bright disk labelled 'Vol. XXXII' and nearby, Mr Punch is seen nearby, dressed as a magician. Surrounding the kneeling figure lie the material artefacts of an alchemist's laboratory including a furnace and retort.



Punch,  32 (1857), 8.

Dentistry without a Danger

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Anon

Genre:

Notes

Subjects:

Surgery, Education, Quackery, Boundary Formation, Commerce


    Relishes the imminent foundation of a College of Dentistry College of Dentistry
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'with a view to the distinction of the respectable members of the profession from the quacks'. Believes this will allow the 'toothless' to be saved from the 'fangs of extortionate advertisers'.



Punch,  32 (1857), 9.

Our Filth and Our Felons

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Anon

Genre:

Poetry

Subjects:

Sanitation, Public Health, Disease, Morality, Reading, Crime


    Responding to the definition of 'dirt' suggested by Henry J Temple (3rd Viscount Palmerston) Temple, Henry John, 3rd Viscount Palmerston (1784–1865) ODNB
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as 'nothing but matter in the wrong place', contemplates the possibility that poisonous matter in one place might be 'food' in another and points out that Palmerston's idea also applies to 'moral filth'. In the same way that 'sanitary doctors' argue that material filth is best used on the fields that 'crave' sewage, argues that 'tracts' crave 'moral filth'. Just as 'Fever-seeds' may turn into food, why may not 'felons' prove themselves 'brothers'?



Punch,  32 (1857), 10.

The Surgeon to his Henchman

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Anon

Genre:

Poetry, Drollery

Subjects:

Medical Practitioners, Commerce, Pharmaceuticals, Medical Treatment, Nutrition


    Having urged his 'staunch Assistant' to 'prepare to Pound' drugs, the narrator observes that he and his fellow surgeons can exploit the boom in the number of illnesses caused by the gluttony of the Christmas period. Gives precise details of the treatments for specific complaints and urges his assistant to make ready his other surgical and pharmaceutical resources.



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Punch,  32 (1857), 13.

The Latest from America (In Anticipation of the Electric Telegraph.)

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Anon

Genre:

Reportage, Spoof

Subjects:

Agriculture, Animal Husbandry, Invention, Telegraphy, Technology


    A series of spoof news reports of extraordinary events that reflect Punch's anticipation of false messages via the soon to be completed submarine telegraph linking Britain and America. Reports on a New Hampshire miller who claims to have discovered a 'new motive power for turning his mill' by adding cognac to water, an 'Irish Oculist' who had developed a theory of the origins of potato disease and developed 'POTATO EYE SNUFF' as a result, and David W Mitchell Mitchell, David William (1813–59) WBI
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who is trying to 'domesticate the famous breed of Kilkenny Cats'.



Punch,  32 (1857), 13.

American Journalism in a New Line

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Anon

Genre:

Poetry, Drollery

Subjects:

Telegraphy, Charlatanry, Music


    Hopes the 'Telegraph wire, / About to be laid down, will not form a lyre / On which to strike discord 'twixt the Old World and New', but expects the false messages on the line will beleaguer the residents in that latter place.



Punch,  32 (1857), 18.

Rather an Expensive Message

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Anon

Genre:

Notes, Drollery

Subjects:

Telegraphy, Commerce, Language


    Speculates on the cost that the 'Submarine Telegraph Company' (i.e. the Atlantic Telegraph Company Atlantic Telegraph Company
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) will charge the President of the United States, Franklin Pierce Pierce, Franklin (1804–69) CBD
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, for using the transatlantic telegraph. Warns the president that 'there is nothing like a Telegraph Office for testing the value of words'.



Punch,  32 (1857), 20.

Old Mr Wiggles Tries His New Sewing Machine, And Finds His Garments Throw Out Buttons In a Very Indiscriminate Manner

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Anon

Genre:

Illustration, Drollery

Relevant illustrations:

wdct.

Subjects:

Invention, Machinery, Domestic Economy


    Shows a man standing in front of a table on which rests his sewing machine. In one hand he holds a pair of trousers covered with buttons.



Punch,  32 (1857), 20.

A Board on its Beam Ends

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Anon

Genre:

News-Commentary

Subjects:

Public Health, Sanitation, Progress


    Discusses news that creditors have seized the drainage and water-supply operations of the insolvent Rotherham Board of Health Rotherham Board of Health
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. Doubts whether the contractors that the board hired to maintain drainage operations relished this task. Concludes by stressing that it is better for the board to be going too fast than too slow with its drainage operations.



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Punch,  32 (1857), 22.

The Dyspeptic of the Home Office

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Anon

Genre:

News-Commentary

Subjects:

Disease, Mental Illness, Medical Treatment, Crime, Politics, Government


    Presents a case for believing that the Home Secretary, George Grey Grey, Sir George (1799–1882) ODNB
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, is suffering from dyspepsia. Points out that Grey exhibits many of the symptoms of this complaint including the inability of 'saying No when [the stomach] is distended' and being eccentric in his decisions about criminals. Following the 'atrocious injustice and cruelty' suffered by a man wrongly convicted of forgery, suggests that Grey take a 'blue-pill' to cure 'one of those hallucinations which often attend disorder of the liver in particular'.



Punch,  32 (1857), 27.

The Most Difficult Problem of All

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Anon

Genre:

Reportage, Spoof

Subjects:

Mathematics, Amusement


    Reports on a poor husband who has been trying to 'Square the Circle of a Lady's dress'—his wife's milliner's bills.



Punch,  32 (1857), 30.

Colt Above the Clouds

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Anon

Genre:

Reportage, Spoof

Subjects:

Astronomy, Military Technology, Analogy


    Reports that planets are like shooting-stars because they are both 'revolvers'.



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Punch,  32 (1857), 39.

The Great Clock Case

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Anon

Genre:

News-Commentary

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:

Time, Technology, Menageries, Animal Behaviour


    Discusses the observation of a correspondent in The Times The Times (1777–1900+) Waterloo Directory
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that the 'wooden outside case' of the great clock of St Paul's Cathedral St Paul's Cathedral
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was like Wombwell's menagerie Wombwell's Menagerie
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. The illustration shows animals frolicking at a menagerie, notably a swan balancing on its beak a rod on which a lizard perches.



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Punch,  32 (1857), 41.

The Jackanapes' Development Society

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Anon

Genre:

Essay, Drollery

Subjects:

Domestic Economy, Animal Behaviour, Acclimatization


    Reflects on 'the greatest of all domestic troubles'—domestic servants—and announces that the 'Jackanapes' Development Society' has been formed to provide 'Efficient substitutes for men and maid-servants'. Observes that dogs would make ideal servants were they to possess hands, but then explains the 'several varieties of the monkey tribe, particularly the ourang-outang, the ape, and the chimpanzee' that might be trained to 'render them fully equal to the performance of any menial function'. Notes that the society aims to 'acclimate and educate apes' for domestic service. Discusses some of the advantages of simian servants, notably their smart appearance in livery, their inability to answer back, their ability to 'remain in the parlour', their fondness for the young, and the fact that when they are 'past work' they can be shot rather than given financial support.



Punch,  32 (1857), 47.

A Good Spec

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Anon

Genre:

News-Commentary, Drollery

Subjects:

Medical Treatment, Disease, Light, Technology


    Discusses a report in Notes and Queries Notes and Queries (1849–1900+) Waterloo Directory
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revealing the number of Frenchmen exempted from military service on the grounds of myopia. Suggests that England manufactures and exports a large number of spectacles to France.



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Punch,  32 (1857), 60.

A Tubular Bridge of Fashions

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Anon

Genre:

Notes, Drollery

Subjects:

Invention, Technology, Telegraphy, Engineering, Amusement


    Discusses some possible uses of the 'innumerable air-tubes' used in crinoline-inflated petticoats, once the latter have gone out of fashion. Suggests using them for holding the electric telegraph wires, for building life-preservers, and for a speaking-tube between London and Paris.



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Punch,  32 (1857), 63.

Hoop and Jupe

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Anon

Genre:

Poetry, Drollery

Subjects:

Mathematics, Patronage, Government


    Imagines an argument between an 'ancient brocade; / From the days of QUEEN ANNE' and a 'ball-dress with jupe en tube' inside a Duchess's wardrobe. The ancient brocade criticises the taste of its target, rather than the cost, because in its time 'we'd no BABBAGE'—an allusion to the large government grant awarded to Charles Babbage Babbage, Charles (1792–1871) DSB
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for his calculating engine.



Punch,  32 (1857), 65.

Descend, Ye Nine!

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Anon

Genre:

Illustration, Caricature

Relevant illustrations:

wdct.

Illustrators:

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

Medical Practitioners, Politics


    Shows 'SURGEON PAM' (Prime Minister Henry J Temple (3rd Viscount Palmerston) Temple, Henry John, 3rd Viscount Palmerston (1784–1865) ODNB
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) telling 'Lewis' (Chancellor of the Exchequer George C Lewis Lewis, Sir George Cornewall, 2nd Baronet (1806–63) ODNB
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, represented as a figure holding a cat-o' nine-tails marked 'Income Tax'), to stop flogging John Bull, whose pulse is being taken by the surgeon.



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Punch,  32 (1857), 78.

Punch's Complete Tradesman: No. I  [1/5]Anon, 'Punch's Complete Tradesman: No. II', Punch, 32 (1857), 97
Anon, 'Punch's Complete Tradesman: No. III', Punch, 32 (1857), 117
Anon, 'Punch's Complete Tradesman: No. IV', Punch, 32 (1857), 138
Anon, 'Punch's Complete Tradesman: No. V', Punch, 32 (1857), 143

Close

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Anon

Genre:

Serial, Dialogue, Spoof

Subjects:

Adulteration, Crime, Commerce, Analytical Chemistry


    Introduces a series of dialogues composed 'with the aid of the Ingenious Doctor of Medicine, ARTHUR HILL HASSALL Hassall, Arthur Hill (1817–94) ODNB
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'. The first dialogue features 'MR. RANCID, the Butterman', 'PATTS, his Apprentice', and 'SCRAPE, the Boy', and describes the education of Patts by Mr Rancid in adulteration techniques. Having heard Patts give a satisfactory definition of butter, Rancid urges that 'it is needful to make, out of a pound of the original article, as much more than a pound as we can', and proceeds to explain how to adulterate butter with such substances as water, salt, and starch.



Punch,  32 (1857), 79.

Linendrapers' Anatomy

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Anon

Genre:

News-Commentary, Drollery

Subjects:

Public Health, Pollution


    Describing the possible unhealthy environment of linendrapers' shops, expresses concern at a Manchester Guardian Manchester Guardian (1821–63+) Newspaper Press Directory
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advertisement for a 'DISSECTING CLERK' in a drapery establishment, a feature which it suggests might be due to an unhealthy environment.



Punch,  32 (1857), 80.

The Surgeon's Wind

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Anon

Genre:

Poetry, Drollery

Subjects:

Medical Treatment, Surgery, Accidents, Disease, Commerce


    Cynically describes how a surgeon relishes the business generated by people being blown onto 'hard flagstones'. Compares his trade favourably with that enjoyed by other medical men from 'Zymotic diseases' prevalent in the autumn. Concludes by emphasising that 'When the North-Easter whistles shrill, / It makes me think on the little bill / To many a patient that I shall send'.



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Punch,  32 (1857), 82.

The Circle of Fashion

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Anon

Genre:

Reportage, Spoof

Subjects:

Mathematics, Amusement


    Reports on a new commission set up to 'take the exact measurement of the Circle of Fashion', and adds that a prize will be awarded to the 'clever mathematician' for reaching this goal, and that several old 'Calculating Boys' are 'hard at work upon the problem'.



Punch,  32 (1857), 89.

Comicalities of the Sectarian Press

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Anon

Genre:

News-Commentary, Drollery

Subjects:

Religious Authority, Magnetism, Supernaturalism, Spiritualism, Physiology, Telegraphy, Electricity, Superstition, Cruelty, Crime, Providence


    Responds to a decree in the Roman Catholic periodical, the Weekly Register Catholic Standard (1849–55) Weekly Register (1855–1900+) Waterloo Directory
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, of the '"Holy Inquisition", against the abuses of "Magnetism"'. Notes that the latter term seems to indicate animal magnetism, in particular 'the alleged phenomena of somnambulism and clairvoyance', since these phenomena involve using physical means to produce 'non natural' effects. Wonders if 'natural means could produce any other than natural effects' and observes that the 'non-natural' effects of mesmeric passes are caused by 'metaphysical volition', not the actual passes. Questioning the definition of 'non-natural effects', points out that 'There was a time when the Inquisition would have deemed the agency of the electric telegraph preternatural; would perhaps have roasted MR. WHEATSTONE Wheatstone, Charles (1802–75) DSB
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alive, and probably dug up and calcined the bones of OERSTED Oersted, Hans Christian (1777–1851) DSB
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'.

    Discusses a review in the same periodical of a work on natural history that legitimates cruelty to animals by appealing to the creator's decree that all animals are under man's dominion. Observes that this latter circumstance does not render the apparently illegitimate 'Protestant sympathy for the sufferings of brutes morbid'.



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Punch,  32 (1857), 91.

Doctors Differing

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Anon

Genre:

Notes, Drollery

Subjects:

Medical Practitioners, Prognostication, Religious Authority


    Notes that 'One Doctor says that Puseyism is to Popery as Cow-pox is to Small-pox. Another, on the contrary, says that it is as Typhus Mitior to Typhus Gravior'.



Punch,  32 (1857), 91–92.

Punch's Essence of Parliament

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Anon

Genre:

Regular Feature, Reportage, Drollery

Subjects:

Exploration, Heroism, Government, Patronage


    Reports on Charles Wood's Wood, Charles, 1st Viscount Halifax (1800–85) ODNB
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announcement that the government has decided against sending a new expedition in search of John Franklin Franklin, Sir John (1786–1847) ODNB
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, 'believing that it would be useless'. Thinks it is 'impossible to believe' that Franklin will be found, but 'almost as impossible to disbelieve' that the location where he and his 'brave companions' perished would not be found'. (91)



Punch,  32 (1857), 93.

Feline Intelligence

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Anon

Genre:

News-Commentary, Drollery

Subjects:

Animal Behaviour, Physiognomy, Time, Language

Institutions mentioned:

Zoological Society—Gardens, Zoological Society of London —Gardens
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Wombwell's menagerie Wombwell's Menagerie
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    Discusses an advertisement in The Times The Times (1777–1900+) Waterloo Directory
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for a lost cat, but questions the advertiser's assumption that the cat's age can be determined from its physical features.



Punch,  32 (1857), 94.

The Expected Comet

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Anon

Genre:

Poetry, Drollery

Subjects:

Astronomy, Prognostication, Superstition, Astrology, Charlatanry, Death, Eschatology


    Addressed to the divine and writer on biblical prophecy, John Cumming Cumming, John (1807–81) ODNB
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, this article describes some of the effects of the 'prognostication' of the comet. For example, notes how it will 'spread consternation, / And with prostration, / Old women swoon', how astrologers will declare that the comet 'will blow us into air, / Fouling this planet', that it will end the world 'so very soon', and that it will lead to ice which will be a 'boon [...] When the flies are humming on a sultry afternoon'.



Punch,  32 (1857), 97.

Punch's Complete Tradesman: No. II  [2/5]Anon, 'Punch's Complete Tradesman: No. I', Punch, 32 (1857), 78
Anon, 'Punch's Complete Tradesman: No. III', Punch, 32 (1857), 117
Anon, 'Punch's Complete Tradesman: No. IV', Punch, 32 (1857), 138
Anon, 'Punch's Complete Tradesman: No. V', Punch, 32 (1857), 143

Close

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Anon

Genre:

Serial, Dialogue, Spoof

Relevant illustrations:

wdct.

Subjects:

Adulteration, Narcotics, Disease, Crime, Commerce


    Involves a dialogue between Mr Grig, 'of the Italian Warehouse', his wife and children, and the 'Shopman'. Mr Grig explains how he colours sprats with 'red earth full of iron' and sells them as anchovies, and stresses the beneficial effects of iron on the human body. He also evades his son's observation that another adulterating substance used by him—Venetian red—contains a toxic substance, red lead. The illustration shows a tradesman mixing sprats with Venetian red in a mortar marked 'Anchovy Paste'.



Punch,  32 (1857), 97.

Analysis of Our Collective Wisdom

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Anon

Genre:

News-Commentary, Drollery

Subjects:

Adulteration, Analytical Chemistry

People mentioned:

Arthur H Hassall Hassall, Arthur Hill (1817–94) ODNB
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Punch,  32 (1857), 107.

Physic and its Faces

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Anon

Genre:

Review, Drollery

Relevant illustrations:

wdct.

Subjects:

Medical Treatment, Physiognomy, Photography, Statistics, Photography


    Discusses a new pamphlet, Physic and its Phases Dickson, Samuel [Alciphron, "The Modern Athenian", pseud.] 1857. Physic and its Phases; or, The Rule of Night and the Reign of Wrong, London: Simpkin, Marshall & Co.
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. Suggests that the author re-title the work 'Physic and its Faces', given the different contortions of the face produced when swallowing different types of medicine. Upholding the need to preserve the 'line of beauty' of the face, reveals that it prefers 'drinking a black draught' in solitude. Believing in 'Laveterism' (a reference to the work of Johann K Lavater Lavater, Johann Kaspar (1741–1801) CBD
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) and having 'some degree of faith in physiognomy', thinks doctors can learn something from the faces of patients swallowing medicines. Suggests producing a statistical survey and photographically illustrated works mapping the various distortions of the face when taking a given pill. Announces itself ready to have its features photographed 'in the cause of science' and suggests that the 'contemplation of our frightful faces might lead us by degrees to take physic without making them'. The illustration, which forms part of the initial letter of the text, shows a sickly Mr Punch sitting in a chair and being greeted by a box of pills and a black bottle labelled 'The Draught'.



Punch,  32 (1857), 109.

Mary Ann's Notions

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Mary Ann Mary Ann
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Genre:

Serial, Letter, Spoof

Relevant illustrations:

wdct.

Subjects:

Education, Lecturing, Physics, Electricity, Heat, Magnetism, Gender, Patronage, Narcotics, Health


    Mary Ann tells Mr Punch about her visit to the Royal Institution Royal Institution of Great Britain
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, where she and her friends saw the 'dear' Michael Faraday Faraday, Michael (1791–1867) DSB
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give a lecture in the presence of Prince Albert Albert [Prince Albert of Saxe-Coburg and Gotha], prince consort, consort of Queen Victoria (1819–61) ODNB
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. Describes the appearance and response of the Prince but complains about having been seated at the back of the lecture theatre in front of 'rows of old gentlemen, mostly with bald heads'. Considers the lecture 'lovely', and describes Faraday as somebody 'far more light and active than many a smoky stupid all-round collar-man that I know'. Intersperses her remarks on Faraday with warnings to Mr Punch about the dangerous medical consequences of smoking. Explains that governesses are not to bother children with discussions of gravitation because 'it is all Conservation of Forces', a concept that she attempts to support by confused reports of Faraday's experiments on heat, magnetism, and electricity. Concludes this description by noting 'what idiots men are to go on repeating gravitation [...] just because SIR ISAAC NEWTON Newton, Sir Isaac (1642–1727) DSB
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saw an apple fall out of a tree'. Goes on to explain Faraday's demonstration of the 'gold-leaf' experiment in electrostatics and notes how after the lecture, Faraday pleasurably conversed with the 'ladies' and showed them 'several little experiments' in electricity. Praises Faraday as 'a really great man, diving into the wonderful secrets of nature', but chastises other 'great men and statesmen' for not bothering to turn up to his lectures. The letter includes footnotes in which Punch objects to a 'silly little girl' taking liberties with Faraday's 'name or his teaching' and for not understanding 'one single link in DR. FARADAY's argument'. The illustration shows several fashionably dressed young women observing a suave Faraday experimenting with a gold-leaf electroscope on the bench of the Royal Institution.



Punch,  32 (1857), 110.

Poisoned Tea

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Anon

Genre:

News-Commentary

Subjects:

Prognostication, Adulteration,


    Urging the 'British public' to look to its teapots, argues that the Chinese are a 'far-seeing people' who 'anticipated ARISTOTLE Aristotle (384–322 BC) DSB
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', and 'had nameless BACONS Bacon, Francis, 1st Viscount St Alban (1561–1626) DSB ODNB
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[...] ages before the time of the Novum Organon Bacon, Francis 1620. Instauratio magna, London: Joannem Billium typographum regium
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', because they 'foresaw the coming atrocities to be inflicted upon them by the barbarian English', and accordingly 'poisoned a few thousand chests of tea shipped for the English market'.



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Punch,  32 (1857), 112.

Chinese Chronology ('Cording to COCKER and COBDEN)

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Anon

Genre:

Extract, Essay, Spoof

Subjects:

Cultural Geography, Progress, Vaccination, Anaesthesia, Invention, Military Technology, Mathematics, Physiology, Exploration, Aeronautics, Mapping, Medical Treatment, Photography


    Following the British bombardment of Canton (the latest phase in Britain's Opium War with China), Punch lists spoof extracts from a glorious 'History of China' to be written by Richard Cobden Cobden, Richard (1804–65) ODNB
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, a staunch opponent of the aggressive policy towards the Chinese of Prime Minister Henry J Temple (3rd Viscount Palmerston) Temple, Henry John, 3rd Viscount Palmerston (1784–1865) ODNB
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. The list reveals that 'some of our greatest discoveries and inventions were known amongst the Chinese long before Europe had emerged from the swaddling-clothes of her first childhood', and includes such items as 'Vaccination rigorously enforced' in 4999 B.C., 'Quadrature of the Circle satisfactorily proved' in 1658 B.C., 'The Circulation of the Blood and Penny Newspapers discovered' in 1287 B.C., and 'The Face of Nature photographed in all its features by Chinese artists' in 1202 B.C.



Punch,  32 (1857), 117.

Punch's Complete Tradesman: No. III  [3/5]Anon, 'Punch's Complete Tradesman: No. I', Punch, 32 (1857), 78
Anon, 'Punch's Complete Tradesman: No. II', Punch, 32 (1857), 97
Anon, 'Punch's Complete Tradesman: No. IV', Punch, 32 (1857), 138
Anon, 'Punch's Complete Tradesman: No. V', Punch, 32 (1857), 143

Close

View full article text

Anon

Genre:

Serial, Dialogue, Spoof

Subjects:

Adulteration, Analytical Chemistry, Narcotics, Crime, Commerce


    Consists of a dialogue between 'MR. BITTERS, Publican', 'MR. CRADLE, who is going to Australia', and 'MR. HOCUS, Brewer's Druggist'. Mr Hocus explains how he adulterates bitter and stout with such substances as water, treacle, sulphate of iron, and capiscum. Adds that 'another article that strengthens beer very much', which the 'regular chemists call [...] by the foolish name of Cocculus Indicus', and which they regard as 'downright poison', has been renamed 'multum' and is added to beer that is then sold for a profit.



Punch,  32 (1857), 118.

Fashion and its Victims

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Anon

Genre:

News-Commentary, Drollery

Subjects:

Physics, Dynamics, Astronomy, Amusement

People mentioned:

Archimedes Archimedes (c. 287–212 BC) DSB
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    Notes that crinoline dresses are becoming so large that at a recent soiree they took up so much space that 'it was impossible for any laws of motion to be acted on' and that 'all the travelled stars of the evening became fixed ones'.



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Punch,  32 (1857), 123.

The Alderman's Own Book

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Anon

Genre:

Essay, Drollery

Subjects:

Medical Treatment

Publications cited:

Moore 1856 Moore, Alfred William [1856]. Corpulency; i.e. Fat or Embonpoint in Excess. Letters to the Medical Times, by A. W. Moore, Explaining Briefly His Newly Discovered Diet System to Reduce Weight and Benefit the Health, London: printed for the author
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Punch,  32 (1857), 127.

Sick Cows of London

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Anon

Genre:

News-Commentary, Drollery

Subjects:

Animal Behaviour, Disease


    Notes the Lancet's Lancet (1823–1900+) Waterloo Directory
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report of an epidemic among the cows of London but also the 'non-medical opinion' which ascribes the disease to dropsy, which the cows caught from 'immoderate use of the pump'.



Punch,  32 (1857), 128.

A Pill for the Medical Profession

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Galen Bones M.R.C.S. L.A.C. Bones, Galen
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Genre:

Letter, Spoof

Subjects:

Medical Treatment, Medical Practitioners, Politics, Professionalization


    Urges Mr Punch to ask Prime Minister Henry J Temple (3rd Viscount Palmerston) Temple, Henry John, 3rd Viscount Palmerston (1784–1865) ODNB
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to support a new medical bill because it aims to quash quackery. Argues that any medical bill that does not prevent quackery and 'druggists' counter-practices' will only protect the 'superior and educated classes', while leaving the 'poor and ignorant to prescribe quack remedies for their own complaints' or to receive treatment from quacks. Presumes that the bill will contain a 'registration clause', but criticises the cost of registration and urges Mr Punch to ask Palmerston to reject the bill if it is prohibitive on the lives of 'poor doctors'. Concludes by suggesting that the medical profession look after itself and 'go the whole hog of Free Trade in physic'.



Punch,  32 (1857), 129.

A Barebones Parliament Again

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Anon

Genre:

News-Commentary, Drollery

Subjects:

Religious Authority, Telegraphy, Railways, Medical Practitioners, Medical Treatment


    Attacking the Sabbatarian proposals of John T Baylee Baylee, John Tyrrell (d. 1859) WBI
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and his allies, suggests that the 'election cries' of these 'hypocrites' would include 'No Railways', 'No Electric Telegraphs', and 'No Medical Attendance'.



Punch,  32 (1857), 130.

A Moral Lesson from the Nursery

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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:

Human Species, Matter Theory, Amusement


    Shows two boys sitting on their beds in a nursery. Having heard Arthur remark that 'we are only made of dust', Freddy urges that they take more care how they 'pitch into each other' lest they crumble to pieces.



Punch,  32 (1857), 130.

An-Atomy of a Majority

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Anon

Genre:

Introduction, Drollery; Poetry, Drollery

Subjects:

Physics, Matter Theory, Politics, Government, Analogy


    Notes the disgust of several statesmen including Richard Cobden Cobden, Richard (1804–65) ODNB
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, Benjamin Disraeli Disraeli, Benjamin, 1st Earl of Beaconsfield (1804–81) ODNB
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, and William E Gladstone Gladstone, William Ewart (1809–98) ODNB
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that their 'fortuitous concourse of atoms' over the 'Chinese triumph should be called a Coalition'. Suggests a poem that statesmen might have penned about the general election, a 'paraphrase of a well-known passage', that develops the notion that the coalition over China was like a 'chaos' of atoms combining under 'some law occult'.



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Punch,  32 (1857), 131.

Bomba's Ferdinand II, King of the Two Sicilies (1810–59) CBD
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Revenge

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Anon

Genre:

Reportage

Subjects:

Invention, Crime


    Reports on the invention by an Italian policeman of a new torturing apparatus that gags victims by choking them.



Punch,  32 (1857), 134.

A Child Going A-Begging

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Anon

Genre:

News-Commentary, Drollery

Subjects:

Phrenology


Punch,  32 (1857), 134.

Court Circular from the Nursery

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Anon

Genre:

News-Commentary, Drollery

Subjects:

Zoological Gardens

Institutions mentioned:

Zoological Society—Gardens Zoological Society of London —Gardens
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Punch,  32 (1857), 138.

Punch's Complete Tradesman: No. IV  [4/5]Anon, 'Punch's Complete Tradesman: No. I', Punch, 32 (1857), 78
Anon, 'Punch's Complete Tradesman: No. II', Punch, 32 (1857), 97
Anon, 'Punch's Complete Tradesman: No. III', Punch, 32 (1857), 117
Anon, 'Punch's Complete Tradesman: No. V', Punch, 32 (1857), 143

Close

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Anon

Genre:

Serial, Dialogue, Spoof

Subjects:

Adulteration, Nutrition, Invention, Technolgy, Crime, Commerce


    Consists of a dialogue between 'LACTEA, the Milkmaid of the Poets', and 'AQUARIA, the Milkmaid of Society', who tells Lactea that 'the milk thou sellest is not pure' and that her school knowledge of the composition of milk is sadly wrong. At Lactea's request, Aquaria lists the substances with which she adulterates milk including water, treacle, and tragacanth. Lactea urges that 'milk should be the most nutritious of food' and claims that she has foreseen the invention by M. Donne Donne, M (fl. 1857) PU1/32/14/4
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of a Lactoscope, or Milk-tester.



Punch,  32 (1857), 140.

The Bilky Way

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Anon

Genre:

News-Commentary

Subjects:

Animal Behaviour, Disease


    Following the previous story about the diseased cows of London (see Anon, 'Sick Cows of London', Punch, 32 (1857), 127), reports that the government has 'taken measures to prevent further mischief' and suggests that the 'taking up so many streets has disturbed the wells'.



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Punch,  32 (1857), 141.

Heavy Bodies

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Anon

Genre:

News-Commentary, Drollery

Subjects:

Astronomy, Physics, Gravity, Measurement, Government


    Responding to news that Jacques Babinet Babinet, Jacques (1794–1872) DSB
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has calculated the weight of the earth to be 'six mille milliards de milliards de tonnes', observes that the 'parliament about to assemble will be not less heavy than the earth itself' because of 'the inordinate number of ciphers it will contain'.



Punch,  32 (1857), 143.

Punch's Complete Tradesman: No. V  [5/5]Anon, 'Punch's Complete Tradesman: No. I', Punch, 32 (1857), 78
Anon, 'Punch's Complete Tradesman: No. II', Punch, 32 (1857), 97
Anon, 'Punch's Complete Tradesman: No. III', Punch, 32 (1857), 117
Anon, 'Punch's Complete Tradesman: No. IV', Punch, 32 (1857), 138

Close

View full article text

Anon

Genre:

Serial, Dialogue, Spoof

Subjects:

Adulteration, Narcotics, Crime, Commerce, Chemistry, Pharmaceuticals


    Consists of a spoof dialogue between 'Mr. CROTON, the Chemist', who stands in his shop, and his apprentices, Mr Potash and Mr Glycyrrhizen. Opens with Croton reflecting on the fact that his firm has survived a trial for adulteration, and who then, with the help of Potash, explains to the Welsh novice assistant Glycyrrhizen, how opium is adulterated. Croton chastises Potash for using the word 'cooked' instead of 'vitiated' to describe the result of adulteration but gives Potash the chance to explain to the Welsh apprentice 'more of the secrets of the trade'.



Punch,  32 (1857), 144.

Arcades Ambo—Bambo and Baiona

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Anon

Genre:

News-Commentary, Drollery

Subjects:

Crime, Invention


    Reports on the invention of a new torture weapon that is being used in the Neapolitan state dungeons.



Punch,  32 (1857), 144.

Dentistry for the Million

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Anon

Genre:

Notes, Drollery

Subjects:

Medical Treatment, Commerce


Punch,  32 (1857), 148.

An Atomic Theory

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Anon

Genre:

News-Commentary, Drollery

Subjects:

Physics, Matter Theory, Government, Politics, Analogy, Microscopy


    Thinks that owing to 'the number of nobodies that are returned' to Parliament Houses of Parliament
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, the next session may be like a 'fortuitous concourse of atoms', while the size of the atoms will require Queen Victoria Victoria, Queen of the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Ireland, and Empress of India (1819–1901) ODNB
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to use a microscope to open the parliamentary session.



Punch,  32 (1857), 149.

London in the Wash

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Anon

Genre:

News-Commentary

Subjects:

Education, Physical Geography, Government


    Thinks the Geographical Society Geographical Society of London
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should invite members of the Civil Service Commission Civil Service Commission
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to attend its meetings owing to the low standard of answers to geography questions in the Civil Service Civil Service
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examination.



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Punch,  32 (1857), 154.

The New Saloon Omnibus—A Grumble

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A Blade on the Knife Board Blade on the Knife Board, A
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Genre:

Notes, Drollery

Subjects:

Transport, Animal Behaviour


    Attacks decisions to remove the 'knife-board' and other inconveniences from omnibuses but believes the improvements in omnibuses are 'like the improvements' to what Richard Owen Owen, Richard (1804–92) DSB
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calls 'fellow creatures'—'they've been so long promised that we shall go on for ever and ever without 'em'.



Punch,  32 (1857), 157.

The Oldest Error in the World

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Anon

Genre:

Notes, Drollery

Subjects:

Invention, Military Technology, Adulteration


    Criticises historians' claim that the Chinese invented gunpowder and asserts that the historians mean 'Gunpowder Tea'—a reference to the adulterated tea exported from China to England.



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Punch,  32 (1857), 161.

Is Eating Salmon Injurious?

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Anon

Genre:

News-Commentary, Drollery

Relevant illustrations:

wdct.

Subjects:

Nutrition, Disease, Health, Menageries


    Discusses an Old Woman's Magazine Old Woman's Magazine (cited 1857) PU1/32/17/1
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article linking excessive salmon-eating in men of a 'nervous excitable temperament' to headaches. Agrees with the argument and resolves to 'counteract this largely-spreading evil'. The illustration shows a man sleeping after a heavy meal which he has consumed in his menagerie.



Punch,  32 (1857), 163.

The Mud-Fishes

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Anon

Genre:

Reportage, Drollery

Subjects:

Zoology, Exhibitions, Animal Development


    Reports on the apparent escape then discovery of the mudfish on display in the aquarium in the Crystal Palace Crystal Palace
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. Adds that, when discovered, the fish had doubled in size and consumed many of the fish in its new habitat in the fountain in the north part of the palace.



Punch,  32 (1857), 163.

Song and Glee of Merry England

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Anon

Genre:

Song, Drollery

Subjects:

Narcotics, Health, Disease


    In the first part, 'Glee', the dangers of smoking are considered and the particular danger of smoking in a chimney is noted.



Punch,  32 (1857), 167.

The Horse on the Table

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Anon

Genre:

News-Commentary, Drollery

Subjects:

Nutrition


    Discusses a Morning Post Morning Post and Daily Advertising Pamphlet (1772–1900+) Waterloo Directory
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report of the horse meat dishes eaten by Isidore Geoffroy Saint-Hilaire Geoffroy Saint-Hilaire, Isidore (1805–61) DSB
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and 'his disciples' at a recent banquet. Those present included a 'DR. YVAN' (probably Melchior H Yvan Yvan, Melchior Honoré ([1803–06]–73) WBI
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), who is said to have eaten meat from all types of domestic and wild animals. Notes that this 'horse meal' was an experimental one but expects its readers would prefer to see its horse 'running with speed than with gravy'.



Punch,  32 (1857), 167.

Cocks and Bulls of the Calendar

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Anon

Genre:

News-Commentary, Drollery

Subjects:

Supernaturalism, Miracle, Medical Treatment, Mesmerism, Religion


    Responds to a Univers Tribune Catholique, La (1832) Univers (Religiuex, Politique, Philosophique, Scientifique et Litteraire) (1833–60) Bibliotheque Nationale
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report of the allegedly miraculous healing powers of St Joseph de Cupertin Cupertin, Joseph de (fl. 1857) PU1/32/17/5
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. Claims that he 'appears to have beaten the most miraculous of mesmeric patients into fits', healed without using physic, shown an ability to 'peep into the minds of people', and levitated on the 'slightest thought of heaven'.



Punch,  32 (1857), 169.

The Mud-Fish

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An Indignant Tory Footman Indignant Tory Footman, An
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Genre:

Poetry, Drollery

Subjects:

Zoology, Animal Behaviour, Taxonomy, Analogy, Class


    Opens with an extract from a news report of the mudfish at the Crystal Palace Crystal Palace
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that escaped to a fountain in the palace, where it grew very stout on fish. The poem regards the 'golden fishes' in Joseph Paxton's Paxton, Sir Joseph (1803–65) ODNB
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'marble dishes' as the 'Hupper Classes', and the 'nasty Mud-fish' as one of the 'Lower Horders'. Goes on to describe how the mudfish devoured 'all his betters [...] till he gets enormous, / Just as would them low reformers'. Concludes by urging: 'Don't give low folks too much freedom' and 'Keep the Mud-fish in their places'.



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Punch,  32 (1857), 172.

Bad News for Donkeys

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Anon

Genre:

News-Commentary, Drollery

Subjects:

Animal Development, Nutrition


    Noting the 'fruitful' discussion among naturalists 'from CUVIER Cuvier, Georges (1769–1832) DSB
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to SAM WELLER' concerning a donkey's age, observes that all 'informed authorities' agree on its extraordinary length. Warns 'friends of the ass' of an article in the Union Union (1857–62) BUCOP
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announcing the formation of a society for eating the flesh of young asses, an institution which will shorten the lives of donkeys.



Punch,  32 (1857), 177.

The Queen's Speech to Ladies

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Anon

Genre:

Introduction, Drollery; Address, Spoof

Subjects:

Astronomy, Amusement, Skill


    During her speech Queen Victoria Victoria, Queen of the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Ireland, and Empress of India (1819–1901) ODNB
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praises theatre manager Benjamin Lumley Lumley, Benjamin (1811/12–75) ODNB
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, 'whose talent for discovering the stars of the ballet rivals the skill of AIRY Airy, Sir George Biddell (1801–92) DSB ODNB
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or ARAGO Arago, Dominique François Jean (1786–1853) DSB
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in ransacking the firmament'.



Punch,  32 (1857), 179.

Southwark and the Baltic

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Anon

Genre:

News-Commentary, Drollery; 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:

Navigation, Instruments

People mentioned:

Charles Napier Napier, Sir Charles (1786–1860) ODNB
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Institutions mentioned:

Royal Navy Royal Navy
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    Shows a pig dressed as a naval officer holding a sextant.



Punch,  32 (1857), 189.

Opposition Forces

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Anon

Genre:

Reportage, Spoof

Subjects:

Force, Physics, Electromagnetism, Electricity, Magnetism, Light, Electrochemistry, Heat, Chemistry, Politics


    Claims that following Michael Faraday's Faraday, Michael (1791–1867) DSB
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lecture on the conservation of forces, Benjamin Disraeli Disraeli, Benjamin, 1st Earl of Beaconsfield (1804–81) ODNB
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will be giving a lecture 'On the Conservatism of Weakness'.



Punch,  32 (1857), 190.

Dancing Mad

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Anon

Genre:

Review-Essay, Drollery

Publications reviewed:

Wilkinson 1857 Wilkinson, James John Garth 1857. The Homoeopathic Principle Applied to Insanity: A Proposal to Treat Lunacy by Spiritualism, London: [n. pub.]
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Subjects:

Mental Illness, Spiritualism, Homeopathy, Hospitals, Medical Treatment, Analogy


    Notes that the work 'propounds a scheme for the cure of Insanity, on the principle that like cures like, by subjecting the lunatic to spiritual agency'. Puzzles over how such a cure is effected and the 'idea of infinitesimal doses of spiritualism'. Draws attention to an article in the Quarterly Review Quarterly Review (1809–1900+) Waterloo Directory
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about the use of dancing to cure insanity and, noting that 'no sane man ever dances', wonders whether dancing, like spiritualism, may work 'on the principle of like cures like?'.



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Punch,  32 (1857), 199.

Explosion of a Modern Miracle

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Anon

Genre:

News-Commentary, Drollery

Subjects:

Supernaturalism, Miracle, Religious Authority, Superstition, Belief


    Discusses the exposure of an alleged sighting of the Virgin Mary on 'the hill of La Salette' and ridicules a report concerning the alleged power of water from this hill to cure 'all the evils of the body'. Concludes by urging the world to remember the 'miraculous discernment' evinced by Mr Punch 'nearly five years ago, in seeing through and elucidating that device of priestcraft'.



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Punch,  32 (1857), 207.

The Doctors in Danger

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Anon

Genre:

News-Commentary, Drollery

Subjects:

Medical Practitioners, Medical Treatment, Professionalization, Politics, Government, Commerce


    Notes the introduction into Parliament Houses of Parliament
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of Thomas E Headlam's Headlam, Thomas Emerson (1813–75) ODNB
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medical bill and the rival measure of Francis R Charteris (Lord Elcho) Charteris (formerly Charteris-Wemyss-Douglas), Francis Richard, 8th Earl of Wemyss and 3rd Baron Wemyss (formerly styled 'Lord Elcho') (1818–1914) Cokayne 1910–59
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. Urges doctors to 'be on the alert' lest these bills force them to pay a 'monstrous' registration fee. Regards the 'circulation of the profession' to be in a 'low state' and that such a penalty might cause a 'fatal collapse' in the profession.



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Punch,  32 (1857), 212.

What Locksley Hall Said Before He Passed His Oxford Responsions (vulgò SMALLS)

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Anon

Genre:

Poetry

Subjects:

Education, Mathematics


    Describes the agonies caused by learning Euclid Euclid (fl. 295 BC) DSB
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ian geometry and other mathematical topics.



Punch,  32 (1857), 219.

A Real Blessing for Pedestrians

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Anon

Genre:

Reportage, Drollery

Subjects:

Invention, Domestic Economy


    Reports on an advertisement for a 'Self-Breaking Perambulator', which is recommended to mothers who use nursemaids to wheel their children around.



Punch,  32 (1857), 220.

A Jolly Gardner's Garden

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Anon

Genre:

News-Commentary, Drollery

Subjects:

Horticulture, Agriculture, Narcotics


    Discusses a report in the Glasgow Mail Glasgow Mail (1857) PU1/32/21/3
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of an 'old gentleman' who is experimenting on 'irrigating garden plants with whiskey'. Notes that the outcome of the experiment is not reported but anticipates that whisky will produce 'the effect of seediness' in the vegetable economy as in the animal economy. Playing on a similarity between the effects of alcohol on humans and the features of plants, expects that plants might not be able to 'grow straight' and might be 'seized with a shakiness'.



Punch,  32 (1857), 221.

Our Own Vivandière

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Anon

Genre:

Letter; News-Commentary; Illustration

Relevant illustrations:

wdct.

Subjects:

Medical Practitioners, Hospitals, Periodicals, Patronage, Reading, Gender

Publications cited:

Illustrated London News Illustrated London News (1842–1900+) Waterloo Directory
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    Introduces a letter concerning 'MOTHER SEACOLE' (the merchant trader Mary Seacole Seacole, Mary Jane (1805–1881) ODNB
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) who expresses a 'mother's affection' for Punch owing to the fact that 'as she walked through the wards of the hospital at Spring Hill [...] the sufferers would plead for a glimpse of Punch', several copies of which were 'old and worn and frayed by many a strong hand brought low by the Russian bullet or pestilence'. The letter adds that Mother Seacole 'believes there will yet be work for her to do somewhere. Perhaps in China, perhaps some other distant country there may be women's work to do'. Punch contends that both the British army and the public 'will be disgraced if MOTHER SEACOLE, by reason of declining circumstances, should have to ascend into a garret' and asks England to help her, both by lending hands and giving money. The illustration shows a woman, holding up a copy of Punch and standing by the bedside of a wounded soldier.



Punch,  32 (1857), 222.

Humboldt Honoured!

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Anon

Genre:

News-Commentary

Subjects:

Scientific Practitioners, Patronage

Publications cited:

Humboldt 1845–62 Humboldt, Alexander von 1845–62. Kosmos: Entwurf einer physischen Weltbeschreibung, 5 vols, Stuttgart; Tübingen: Cotta
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    Reports on Emperor Napoleon III's Napoleon III, Emperor of France (originally Louis Napoléon (Charles Louis Napoléon Bonaparte)) (1808–73) CBD
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decoration of Alexander von Humboldt Humboldt, Alexander von (Friedrich Wilhelm Heinrich Alexander von) (1769–1859) DSB
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with the medal of the Grand Officer of the Legion of Honour.



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Punch,  32 (1857), 231.

Medicine Under the Maine Law

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Anon

Genre:

Letter, Spoof

Subjects:

Narcotics, Pharmaceuticals, Medical Practitioners, Government


    A spoof letter informs Mr Punch of the use of wine in medicine, a claim supported by reference to the use of the term 'Vin:' in prescriptions. Gives some of the technical descriptions of such drinks as wine and sherry. Inquires whether, given the identity between alcoholic beverages and medicine, the legislature should allow the American temperance reformer Neal Dow Dow, Neal (1804ndash;97) CBD
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to prohibit the sale of wine, beer, and spirits by a Maine liquor law. Questions who would be allowed to prescribe liquor if its sale were placed under the same terms as medicines. Describes some of the shortcomings of empowering only qualified medical practitioners to prescribe liquor, pointing out that druggists' shops would have to be conveniently located 'where negus might be "put up", and punch compounded', and where the dose administered 'would be adapted rather to the desire than to the constitution of the invalid'. Complains about this further restriction on the liquor trade and anticipates the merging of the businesses of the druggist and the publican, the pharmaceutical establishment and the gin-palace, the 'Medical Hall Worshipful Society of Apothecaries of London—Apothecaries' Hall
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' and public house.



Punch,  32 (1857), 231.

Exeter Hall in Parliament

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Anon

Genre:

Notes, Drollery

Subjects:

Zoological Gardens, Religious Authority

People mentioned:

David W Mitchell Mitchell, David William (1813–59) WBI
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Institutions mentioned:

Zoological Society—Gardens Zoological Society of London —Gardens
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Punch,  32 (1857), 232.

Logarithms—Loggerheads

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Anon

Genre:

Notes, Drollery

Subjects:

Mathematics

People mentioned:

John Napier Napier, John (1550–1617) DSB
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Punch,  32 (1857), 236, 239.

The Great Ship

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Anon

Genre:

Reportage, Spoof

Subjects:

Steamships, Amusement


    Describes some of the arrangements on board the SS Great Eastern SS Great Eastern
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which, as Punch points out, is 'now lying like a red whale in MR. SCOTT RUSSELL'S Russell, John Scott (1808–82) ODNB
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yard at Millwall'.



Punch,  32 (1857), 239.

The Natural History of Mormonites

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Anon

Genre:

Notes, Drollery

Subjects:

Human Development, Taxonomy, Animal Behaviour, Zoology, Race


    Claims that 'The Mormonites are a set of brutes little superior to the Baboon, and they may be ranked under the denomination of Orang-Utahng'.



Punch,  32 (1857), 240.

The Social Tread-Mill: No. 7  [7/12]Anon, 'The Social Treadmill: No. 11', Punch, 33 (1857), 31

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Anon

Genre:

Serial, Reminiscences, Spoof

Subjects:

Electricity, Manufactories


Punch,  32 (1857), 242.

To the Sons of the Sun

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Anon

Genre:

News-Commentary

Subjects:

Photography, Patents, Invention, Patronage, Engineers, Heroism


    Reports on the death of Frederick S Archer Archer, Frederick Scott (1813–57) ODNB
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, the 'inventor of Collodion', whose failure to patent the invention has left his family 'unportioned, to the battle of life'. Draws on an analogy between the process of developing collodion prints and that of donating money (for example, how the deposition of silver can 'light up' faces in a dark chamber) to support its plea for photographers to 'sacrifice, according to your means, in memory of the benefactor who gave you the deity for a household god'.



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Punch,  32 (1857), 244.

Effects of the Comet's Shock

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Anon

Genre:

Reportage, Spoof

Relevant illustrations:

wdct.

Subjects:

Astronomy, Extra-Terrestrial Life, Controversy, Quackery, Commerce


    Noting the impact of the 'Great Comet' on the earth, lists some of the beneficial effects of the event 'upon great numbers of persons'. These effects include William Whewell's Whewell, William (1794–1866) DSB
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visit to David Brewster Brewster, Sir David (1781–1868) DSB ODNB
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. On arriving, Whewell 'sent up [...] a hope that whether other worlds contained matter or not, Sir David would come and take a friendly smoke with him'. Brewster allegedly ran down the stairs, dragged Whewell up to a 'whiskey toddy' and then 'drank confusion to the solar system, and everything else that set sensible men squabbling'. The effects of the comet also include the decision of Morison Morison, James (1770–1840) ODNB
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pill vendors to burn their stock and hang themselves. The illustration shows an old figure, whose head consists of the globe of the earth, crouching down to smell flowers. Above him flies a mace with a hat stuck to one spike—a spoof representation of a comet.



Punch,  32 (1857), 252.

Objects at the Drawing Room

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Anon

Genre:

News-Commentary, Drollery

Subjects:

Mathematics, Schools, Education

Institutions mentioned:

Royal Mathematical School Royal Mathematical School
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Punch,  32 (1857), 252.

Superfluous Talent

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Anon

Genre:

News-Commentary

Subjects:

Mathematics, Education, Government


    Challenges the statement in a parliamentary blue book on Civil Service Civil Service
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examinations that letter-carriers need to distinguish themselves in knowledge of logarithms. Insists that a letter-carrier should be one who 'carries his letters in a bag', not one 'who can carry letters in his head'.



Punch,  32 (1857), 254.

Follow Suit

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Anon

Genre:

News-Commentary, Drollery

Subjects:

Medical Practitioners


    Ridicules an advertisement from an assistant surgeon in a militia regiment who seeks to appoint a successor on the condition that this person is 'duly qualified' and will 'purchase the advertiser's uniform'.



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Punch,  32 (1857), 255.

A Short Way With a Lunatic

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Anon

Genre:

News-Commentary, Drollery

Subjects:

Mental Illness, Medical Practitioners, Hospitals, Commerce


    Discusses an advertisement granting 'twenty per cent annually on the receipts' to 'any Medical Man recommending a quiet Patient of either Sex, to a First-Class asylum'. Thinks that this amount of money being 'screwed out of the lunatic's board and lodging' would probably shorten his life considerably. Observes that the keeper of the asylum should have an interest in 'prolonging the existence of his unfortunate charge' and could 'easily cheat the medical man out of the guaranteed twenty per cent'.



Punch,  32 (1857), 257.

An Old Friend Decapitated

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Anon

Genre:

Reportage, Spoof

Subjects:

Monstrosities, Zoology, Superstition


    Reports that the decapitation of the sea serpent in Algoa Bay has meant that it can 'only figure, henceforward, as a mere tail' and that 'Algoa Bay' has been suggested as its 'Natal ground'.



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