In a similar vein to
Anon, 'Political Zoology: The Red-Tapeworm', Punch, 28 (1855), 71 and
, Anon, 'The Red-Tapir', Punch, 30 (1856), 192, this is a 'natural historical'
description of 'the red-tape worm', a government-residing species which impedes
business and technological progress. For example, notes that the species 'is
peculiarly insidious and determined in its attacks on all new inventions or
improved business machinery' and, like 'some other of the ascarides', it
'has a tendency to multiply itself'.
Asks rhetorically: where is the medical student who does not smoke before
entering the lecture-room or who 'can refrain from "doing" beer' after the
lecture?
Shows a room in which several sisters stand around an aquarium, while on the
floor some crabs can be seen. A young boy (a brother) enters on the right
holding a long stick on the end of which is stuck a 'fine specimen of
cuttle-fish (Octopus vulgaris)'.
Shows a seashore on which three women are seen collecting zoological
specimens. Two of the women glance at two men nearby, both of whom are reading
books. The 'impertinent cousin' reads from his book a description of
'beautiful zoophites', which clearly refers to the women.
'Natural Historical' description of the 'Hop-fly', a species with a 'dark
green or brown body', which gives off a 'musty smell', lives 'about mews and
livery stables', and which, 'between midnight and the small hours will be found
motionless' near the houses where they obtain hops.
Punch, 38 (1860), [xi].
Definitions of the Day. By An Irish Citizen of the World
Discusses a report of the Swedish aristocrat,
Baron CreutzCreutz, Baron (of Sweden)
(fl. 1860)
PU1/38/1/2 CloseView the register entry >>, who
proposed that girls from the age of fifteen should be allowed to answer offers
of marriage 'of their own accord'. The proposal was opposed by
M MontgomeryMontgomery, M (of Sweden)
(fl. 1860)
PU1/38/1/2 CloseView the register entry >>, who
thought that twenty-five was the age at which women were capable of answering
this question. Points out that 'Southern plants are known to shoot up at an
age' which Creutz 'would fix for the maturity of the Swedish species of
turnip', and that if his views are correct, then 'Juliets are found in
higher latitudes' than previously supposed. Montgomery's opinion, however,
suggests that 'the Swede must be a vegetable of slowish growth' since at the
age of twenty-five, 'such produce' (women) 'has passed by four years the term
at which it becomes capable of disposing of itself'. Punch thinks that
'the truth' lies somewhere between the views of Creutz and Montgomery, and
suggests that Creutz try to sell his 'fine early Swedes' at British
agricultural exhibitions.
Discusses a familiar limerick describing how the sister of a 'Old Tailor of
Bicester' was carried away by 'a bird called a Jay'. Pondering the plausibility
of this event, remarks that at one time 'we began to reflect that the age of
miracles was past, and that for a bird called a jay—which we had seen
among our noble father's ancestral woods, and also at the
Zoological GardensZoological Society of London —Gardens
CloseView the register entry >>
[...] to carry away a maiden, would be a marvel for which even an anti-Mosaic
geologist would hardly have swallow enough'.
Complains about the apparent tendency of women railway travellers to close
the windows of carriages, an action which, as the author explains to one
'foolish woman' traveller, leads to the 'unwholesome' result of people
breathing each others' noxious exhalations. Urges the 'female mind' to
understand the benefits of 'fresh air' and the dangers of 'foul air', and
criticises the fear expressed by women 'of the effect upon the chest of slight
cold'. Advises railway directors to organise separate carriages for those who
wish to travel with 'insanitary travelling-companions'.
Disease, Meteorology, Medical Practitioners, Commerce,
Sanitation
Report of a meeting at the
Apothecaries'
HallWorshipful Society of Apothecaries of London—Apothecaries' Hall
CloseView the register entry >> of medical practitioners who consider presenting a testimonial
to the 'Clerk of the Weather' (i.e. the imaginary functionary supposed to
control the weather) for his 'management'. According to Dr Twaddler, the
weather has been so inclement as to be 'extraordinarily favourable to the [...]
legitimate profits of the profession'. Twaddler goes on to remark on the 'few
constitutions' that were 'insensible' of the rapid changes of temperature, and
stresses that he does not 'grudge a share in the spoils' to his colleagues. Mr
Honeyboy urges that the meeting should be cut short since 'time was fees' and
'they must make hay while the influenza shines upon them', an opinion which Dr
Greed later echoes. Mr D'Emulgent, however, cautions that doctors should not do
anything to increase 'prejudice against the profession', especially since
people now feel that with healthier life-styles they could do without doctors.
Mr Fitzabel agrees and advises that they should take people's money 'and be
quiet'.
Responds to the call by
William BowlesBowles, William
(1780–1869)
ODNB CloseView the register entry >>
(commander-in-chief at Portsmourth) for the 'severest measures' to be taken to
crush the 'rising spirit of insubordination in the British Navy'—his
reaction to a recent mutiny on the
HMS Princess
RoyalHMS Princess Royal CloseView the register entry >>. Ironically imagines what a fine doctor Bowles would have
made: he would doubtless have approached an 'eruptive complaint' such as
small-pox by suppressing the eruption, thus killing the patient. If, as a
doctor, Bowles had 'taken his severest measures' against the causes rather than
the symptoms of the eruption, Punch begs his pardon.
Nutrition, Disease, Medical Practitioners, Commerce
Rejoices in the 'season festive' because it leads to digestive and other
medical complaints that provide plenty of business for doctors. Hails the
'feasts most indigestive', the puddings which upset children's 'infant livers',
and the 'poisoned sweets' presented to children, and concludes by stressing
that Christmas, 'Of all the year / To doctors thou'rt the time most dear'.
Punch, 38 (1860), 13.
Punch v. Burgoyne (in the Matter of 'Line v. Volunteers')
Responds to
John F
Burgoyne'sBurgoyne, Sir John Fox, 1st Baronet
(1782–1871)
ODNB CloseView the register entry >> article in the
Cornhill
MagazineCornhill Magazine
(1860–1900+)
Waterloo
Directory CloseView the register entry >> (Burgoyne 1860[Burgoyne, John
F] 1860. 'Our Volunteers', Cornhill Magazine, 1,
77–84
CloseView the register entry >>) which compares unfavourably a member
of the proposed Rifle Volunteers with 'the regular, well set-up, well-stocked,
well-packed Linesman or Guardsman'. Challenges Burgoyne's assumption that the
'Regular Soldier' is better suited to 'wear and tear' than are volunteers,
drawing attention to the dissolute activities pursued by regular soldiers in
barracks (which hardly 'fit a man to fact heavy work, long marches, a wet back,
and an empty belly') and to the high mortality rates of linesmen and guardsmen
reported by the commission on the sanitary condition in the Army. Points out
that volunteers, by contrast, 'are the very thews and sinews of the
population', who would probably have a mortality rate lower than that of
regular soldiers.
See also:
[John F Burgoyne], 'Our Volunteers', Cornhill Magazine, 1 (1860), 77–84
Adulteration, Nutrition, Crime, Narcotics, Analytical Chemistry,
Charlatanry, Quackery, Commerce, Government
Argues that 'poisoning is as rife now as it was in the dark ages', although
it now goes by the name of adulteration, and is practised by 'a host of
BROWNS and JONESES' in 'course of ordinary
business'. Discusses an extract from an article in
The TimesThe Times
(1777–1900+)
Waterloo
Directory CloseView the register entry >>
describing how some children had been poisoned by eating Bath buns, and
deploring the fact that magistrates could not help one severely poisoned child
because 'he had not been poisoned outright'. Goes on to lament that the
confectioner had adulterated the buns with a poisonous dye (to make them appear
'extra rich') bought from a nearby chemist, who had 'a finger in the poisoned
pie', since the dye was made from yellow arsenic rather than from chromate of
lead. Echoes The Times's concern: 'who among us is safe?'. Shares the
belief of a doctor from the
Bristol School of ChemistryBristol School of Chemistry
CloseView the register entry >> that
adulterated food is responsible for many of the common 'chronic and dyspeptic'
complaints. Goes on to argue that, since quack doctors make their livings from
the latter complaints, they would oppose the 'punishment of poisonmongers'.
Accordingly points out that if the government were to put down (with 'a police
force of Poisoner-detectives') 'poisonmongery', 'quack-doctoring' would also be
eradicated. Concludes by explaining that until such a provision is made,
confectioners should be treated as 'vendors of dyspepsia' and foods as poisons.
This article was published shortly before the first Food and Drugs Act of March
1860.
Following news of dry-rot in
Buckingham
PalaceBuckingham Palace
CloseView the register entry >>, suggest that unless 'some able doctor, who is well skilled
in the cutaneous diseases of buildings, is not instantly called in', the holes
in the palace will grow so large as to make it look like a 'Doll's House'.
Discusses the trial of
M VriesVries, M
(fl. 1860)
PU1/38/2/8 CloseView the register entry >>, an individual
calling himself 'the Black Doctor', accused of murdering several French cancer
sufferers. Emphasises how the 'Tribunal of Correctional Police' 'mercilessly
dissected' Vries, accepting the claim of two medical practitioners that Vries's
remedies contained 'nothing peculiar' and noting that most of his patients had
died under his care. Points out that Vries will be sentenced to 'a heavy fine
and a long imprisonment'. Goes on to speculate what would have happened had
Vries been practising (and on trial) in England, had been a 'Hebrew' called
Hosea Habbakuk, had advertised widely, and lived by 'terrifying and plundering
any timid fool'. Proceeds to a fictional extract from the trial of Habbakuk, in
which the 'Jew quack' tries to defend the charge that he pretends to cure
diseases that he does not understand or which do not exist. Insists that
Habbakuk would be acquitted 'on a technical point' owing to his barrister's
rhetorical skills, bullying of witnesses for the prosecution, and other legal
wrangling. Concludes by advising Vries that he should have been an English
quack.
Noting the 'hot water' in which the
SS Great
EasternSS Great Eastern CloseView the register entry >> appears to have been plunged 'ever since it was first
launched', points out that engineers on board the ship are provided with free
hot water, unlike those attending 'suburban tea-gardens'.
Discusses a
Herefordshire [i.e.
Hereford] TimesHereford Times
(1832–1900+)
Waterloo
Directory CloseView the register entry >> article concerning a case, dating from 1806,
of a horse which had a violent aversion to paper, but 'not the slightest fear
of objects that would terrify most horses'. The report adds that attempts to
cure the horse were unsuccessful. Believes the story is fabulous and meant to
be allegorical.
Punch, 38 (1860), 31.
A Welcome to Winter. By a Poet who Belongs to the Medical
Profession
Similar to
Anon, 'A Chant for Christmas. By a Poet who Belongs to the Medical
Profession', Punch, 38 (1860), 13, rejoices in the beneficial effect of
seasonal conditions on doctors' income. Hails the arrival of such inclement
weather conditions as hail, snow, and rain so that people, 'despite their
thickest coats [...] may get sore throats'. Relishes winter as the season in
which 'ague, asthma, cough and cramp' breed, calls on Boreas to 'lay the halest
mortals low', and urges bronchitis, influenza, and other maladies to appear,
'for fevers are to doctors food' as well as 'meat and raiment'.
Insists that a phrenologist has correctly analysed the head of
Queen VictoriaVictoria, Queen of the United Kingdom of Great
Britain and Ireland, and Empress of India
(1819–1901)
ODNB CloseView the register entry >>
(on the Postage-Stamp) as being 'sadly deficient' in the 'bump of
adhesiveness'.
Medical Practitioners, Medical Treatment, Politics, War
An account of the 'prescription' offered by 'DOCTOR
LOUIS NAPOLEONNapoleon III, Emperor of France (originally
Louis Napoléon (Charles Louis Napoléon Bonaparte))
(1808–73)
CBD CloseView the register entry >>' to
Pope Pius IXPius IX, Pope
(1792–1878)
CBD CloseView the register entry >>. This
'bitter pill' is suggested following Napoleon's observation that the pope's
'constitution' has been greatly upset and weakened—an allusion to the
recent Franco-Sardinian war against Austria for occupying several northern
Italian provinces, and the victorious Napoleon's promise to unify Italy.
Napoleon goes on to warn the pope of the threat of revolution and offers him
free medical advice: 'to take the mild form of emetic which I venture to
prescribe, and throw up the things [the 'revolted provinces'] which so long
have been disturbing you'.
Medical Treatment, Medical Practitioners, Hospitals, Gender
This highly laudatory review opens by noting that the theme on which the
book's author,
Florence
NightingaleNightingale, Florence
(1820–1910)
ODNB CloseView the register entry >>, sings 'has less of music than of melancholy' but that
this still 'melodious' theme is of reducing the 'sad suffering' of the sick
room and assisting its occupants. Punch urges that Nightingale be
listened to for the 'sweetness' of her tone and her practical suggestions, one
of which is to reduce the amount of 'unnecessary noise' created near the
sick—an argument which Punch supports with examples of the harmful
effects of loud talking to, and walking near, the sick. (34) Goes on to note
Nightingale's denouncement of the irritating noise of new fashions (especially
crinoline and silk), and her call for nurses to 'dress for the part'.
Punch fully supports this argument, insisting that if a patient were
'driven to distraction, and to death perhaps' by the noise of a nurse's stays
and crinoline, it would hope that the relatives would 'issue a commission of
inquiry'. Punch is even more sanguine about Nightingale's claim that
since women's dress 'is daily more and more unfitting them for any "mission",
or usefulness at all [....] A man is now a more handy and far less
objectionable being in a sick room than a woman'. Punch greatly
appreciates Nightingale for attacking 'woman's folly and her uselessness', and
thinks her book should be bought by all fathers and libraries.
The first letter of the article, 'O', consitutes the sun in the adjacent
illustration showing a witch riding a giant shoe which is driven by steam-power
and rolls on wheels.
Comments on the claim in a recent 'Meteorological article' on the 'mean'
quantity of rainfall during the preceding January. Considering Punch's
rheumatic afflictions, characterizes the quantity as 'copious' rather than
'mean'.
Responds to an article in
The TimesThe Times
(1777–1900+)
Waterloo
Directory CloseView the register entry >>
describing a German journalist's derision at a proposal by some English
capitalists to extinguish Mount Vesuvius. Accordingly, the author summarises
several bogus projects by which English money 'will be usefully employed' and
where 'highly profitable work' can be found. These projects include, setting
the Thames on fire in order to 'deodorise and render it salubrious', a touring
exhibition of the actual summit of Mont Blanc, importing 'all the gold-fields
bodily to England, so as to save the cost of working them so away from home',
inducing the sun to shine at night and thus dispensing with burning gas,
extracting pea soup from the London fog, and importing Niagara Falls. Concludes
by denying the German journalist's claim that the Vesuvius scheme is an English
one.
Observes that an article on paper manufacturing in
The TimesThe Times
(1777–1900+)
Waterloo
Directory CloseView the register entry >> drew
attention to the dearth of rags in Britain, but points out that such materials
will soon be in demand owing to the damaging effects of the 'ever-increasing
Income Tax' on people's prospects.
Government, Politics, Commerce, Medical Treatment, Quackery
Written from the perspective of John Bull, considers the Liberal
administration's 'tenpenny Income-Tax' to be its 'biggest and bitterest pill',
but points out that he would 'rather swallow that, than put my self in the
hands of those quacks [....] Who puff themselves in the papers and their own
trumpets blow, / As proprietors of the Conservative
Pill—MESSRS.
DERBYStanley, Edward George Geoffrey Smith, 14th
Earl of Derby
(1799–1869)
ODNB CloseView the register entry >>,
DIZZYDisraeli, Benjamin, 1st Earl of Beaconsfield
(1804–81)
ODNB CloseView the register entry >> AND
CO.'
Government, Commerce, Medical Practitioners, Medical
Treatment
Depicts the Chancellor of the Exchequer,
William E
GladstoneGladstone, William Ewart
(1809–98)
ODNB CloseView the register entry >>, presenting a large pill marked 'Increased Income Tax' to
John Bull, who is depicted as a sick man clad in a dressing gown with his feet
in a bowl of water. 'DR.
GL–DST–NE' urges John Bull to 'swallow it at once,
and it will relieve your chest [i.e. the
TreasuryTreasury
CloseView the register entry >>]'.
Astronomy, Discovery, Medical Practitioners, Matter Theory, Chemistry,
Language
Following a report in a newspaper of a 'grand dinner' given by the 'medical
profession' to
E M
LescarbaultLescarbault, E M
(fl. 1860)
Crowe 1998 CloseView the register entry >>, 'the discoverer of a new planet between Mercury and the
Sun', the author doubts the truth of this story because medical practitioners
are unlikely to honour astronomical discovery, and 'prescribe physic
irrespective of the influence of the stars' although they do use the mineral
mercury. Assuming that 'planet' has been mistaken for 'pill', speculates on the
possibility that sun may symbolize gold, and suggests that Lescarbault's 'pill'
may be a medicinal compound containing mercury, gold, and other substances.
Concludes by comparing the number of new pills unfavourably with the number of
astronomical discoveries.
Shows a young woman standing in front of two children. After learning that
the woman is the new family nurse, one child informs her that he 'can only be
managed with kindness' so should 'get some sponge cakes and oranges at
once'.
Shows a photographer and a 'Clerical Old Gentleman' standing outside the
photographer's studio. The photographer urges: 'C'rrect Likeness warranted
at this Establishment, Sir; Frame and Glass included, and Brandy and Water
always on the Table!'.
Government, Politics, Medical Treatment, Quakery, Disease,
Health
A response to the new Reform Bill which
Lord John
RussellRussell, Lord John, 1st Earl Russell
(1792–1878)
ODNB CloseView the register entry >> had introduced into
ParliamentHouses of Parliament
CloseView the register entry >> on 1 March. The spoof
advertisement is from Dr John Russell, 'Graduate of the
University of EdinburghUniversity of Edinburgh
CloseView the register entry >>, original
co-patentee of that celebrated remedy
GREYGrey, Charles, 1st Baron Grey, 1st Viscount Howick,
and 2nd Earl Grey
(1764–1845)
ODNB CloseView the register entry >> AND
CO.'S Specific'. It puffs 'the new PURIFYING REFORM PILL',
offering 'A MILD CONSTITUTIONAL ALTERNATIVE', which repairs, invigorates and
exonerates without causing the 'dreadful shocks of the constitution' following
the 'desperate measures' used by 'inexperienced Practitioners'. Denies claims
made by 'interested Parties' that it is inert, pointing to the 'innocuous
nature of its components' which do not mean 'confinement, or change of diet of
regimen'. The advertiser warns against 'Unprincipled Quacks and Pretenders'
whose 'Nostrums', if taken by the public, 'would undermine and destroy' the
constitution. Adds that the label of the medicine, 'PALMERSTONTemple, Henry John, 3rd Viscount Palmerston
(1784–1865)
ODNB CloseView the register entry >>, RUSSELL
AND CO.', has a government stamp which cannot be
forged.
Adulteration, Nutrition, Pharmaceuticals, Cultural Geography
Discusses an extract from an article in the
Morning
PostMorning Post and Daily Advertising Pamphlet
(1772–1900+)
Waterloo Directory
CloseView the register entry >> on the 'vinous element' of Britain's free trade treaty
with France, which observes that few English brewers based in Paris or native
French brewers have been able to make proper bitter beer. Suggests that French
pharmacists would not experience difficulty in making bitter, because, like the
'respectable British chemist and druggist', they would use 'materia
medica' to complete the task. However, warns of the dangers of confusing
the processes for making beer and for making medicines.
In the wake of the Anglo-French treaty on free trade, this song is sung
'by that eminent Comedian, LOUIS
NAPOLEONNapoleon III, Emperor of France (originally
Louis Napoléon (Charles Louis Napoléon Bonaparte))
(1808–73)
CBD CloseView the register entry >>, on the great theatre of Europe',
in which the French leader refers to the canal scheme of
Ferdinand, vicomte de LessepsLesseps, Ferdinand, vicomte de
(1805–94)
CBD CloseView the register entry >>, that he
must 'keep afloat / Without risking too much in so leaky a boat'
Claims that a medical student, having read
Ruskin 1859Ruskin, John
1859. The Two Paths: Being Lectures on Art and its Applications to
Decoration and Manufacture, Delivered in 1858–9, London: Smith,
Elder, and Co.
CloseView the register entry >>, has confessed
that he too could not choose between 'two paths'—'whether to turn
allo-path or homeo-path'.
Medical Practitioners, Mental Illness, Medical Treatment,
Education
Discusses an advertisement in
The TimesThe Times
(1777–1900+)
Waterloo
Directory CloseView the register entry >> from
a surgeon wishing to 'meet with an idiotic or imbecile patient'. Puzzled by
this advertisement since it believes most medical men have problems convincing
patients why they should follow 'the diet and regimen prescribed in compliance
with natural laws', and that they regard most patients as 'idiots and
imbeciles'.
Military Technology, Politics, Invention, Measurement,
Government
Responds to
Lord John
Russell'sRussell, Lord John, 1st Earl Russell
(1792–1878)
ODNB CloseView the register entry >> introduction of the Reform Bill into the
House of
CommonsHouse of Commons
CloseView the register entry >> on 1 March, proposing a £6 qualification for the
franchise for towns. The poem explores the unprecedented scope of the measure
as if it were a new piece of artillery. Noting that these are the days of
'social and mechanical' wonders, considers Russell's 'long range electoral' to
be an invention that supersedes
Charles W
Lancaster'sLancaster, Charles William
(1820–78)
ODNB CloseView the register entry >> gun,
William G
Armstrong'sArmstrong, Sir William George, Baron
Armstrong of Cragside
(1810–1900)
ODNB CloseView the register entry >> improvement on Lancaster's weapon, and
Joseph
Whitworth'sWhitworth, Sir Joseph, 1st Baronet
(1803–87)
ODNB CloseView the register entry >> precision instruments and gun with double the range of
Armstrong's. Punch compares this development of increasingly long-range
instruments to the extension of the range of 'franchise canons', beginning with
the days of
Charles Grey (2nd Earl
Grey)Grey, Charles, 1st Baron Grey, 1st Viscount Howick,
and 2nd Earl Grey
(1764–1845)
ODNB CloseView the register entry >>, when Russell was only allowed to 'let the gun off', to the
present when Russell is trying to 'out-do all that's been since projected',
including the Chartists' 'five-barrelled gun' and
Benjamin
Disraeli'sDisraeli, Benjamin, 1st Earl of Beaconsfield
(1804–81)
ODNB CloseView the register entry >> 'late ten-pound brass cannon', whose firing 'floored the
firing-party'. Draws attention to the fact that, although the gun appears so
'trifling', it has enormous 'propelling power'; its cost will not be paid for
by the government (but the public). Believes the gun will eventually 'make
startling practice' and launch its shot well beyond 'the far-off post marked
"Household Suffrage"', to the pole of 'Universal Suffrage'. Concludes, however,
by wondering whether 'such practice' will be achieved by such a long-range
invention.
Shows
Lord John
RussellRussell, Lord John, 1st Earl Russell
(1792–1878)
ODNB CloseView the register entry >> as an artillery officer igniting a cannon marked 'REFORM
BILL'. Playing on the different meanings of the word 'pounds', the political
'range' of the gun is clearly being tested, as it points into a bay containing
flags marked '6 pounds Suffrage', 'Household Suffrage', and 'Universal
Suffrage'.
Reports on
Pope Pius IX'sPius IX, Pope
(1792–1878)
CBD CloseView the register entry >>
alleged sale of his relics, peepshows, miracles, 'and other valuable effects',
including 'the Winking Picture of Rimini' and the 'Blood of Januarius'. Points
out that all these items 'will be furnished with a table of instructions,
showing how to do the trick', and that the pope will be accompanying the sale
with lessons in 'holy juggling' and making sure that miracles, including the
liquefaction of the blood of
St
JanuariusJanuarius, Saint (or San Gennaro)
(d. c. 305)
CBD CloseView the register entry >>, proceed 'smoothly, and that the dodge be kept in the
dark'. Goes on to claim that the 'hair-shirt of St. Filthius' is to be sold,
and while 'the odour of sanctity will be perceived to cling to it', it was
washed to prevent infection.
Politics, War, Government, Cultural Geography, Education
Reporting on a
House of LordsHouse of Lords
CloseView the register entry >>
debate on the government's proposal to reform the
ArmyArmy
CloseView the register entry >> purchase system, criticises
the argument of
George C Bingham (3rd
Earl of Lucan)Bingham, George Charles, 3rd Earl of Lucan
(1800–88)
ODNB CloseView the register entry >> against making army officers more 'scientific' like
their foreign counterparts. Urges that 'it is precisely the scientific
fellows', rather than the 'gloriously brave and loyal LUCANS,
that we want, as our officers and men are much too precious articles to be
wasted in obedience to the orders of unscientific parties'. (135)
Announcing the recently published correspondence of
Alexander
von HumboldtHumboldt, Alexander von (Friedrich Wilhelm
Heinrich Alexander von)
(1769–1859)
DSB CloseView the register entry >> (Humboldt 1860Humboldt,
Alexander von 1860. Briefe von Alexander von Humboldt an
Varnhagen von Ense aus den jahren 1827 bis 1858: Nebst Auszügen aus
Varnhagen's Tagebüchern, und Briefen von Varnhagen und Andern an
Humboldt, Leipzig: F.A. Brockhaus
CloseView the register entry >>), discusses a letter from
Prince AlbertAlbert [Prince Albert of Saxe-Coburg and Gotha],
prince consort, consort of Queen Victoria
(1819–61)
ODNB CloseView the register entry >> to
Humboldt which praises his
KosmosHumboldt,
Alexander von 1845–62. Kosmos: Entwurf einer physischen
Weltbeschreibung, 5 vols, Stuttgart; Tübingen: Cotta
CloseView the register entry >> but
also appears to have misquoted the natural philosopher as claiming that heaven
consisted of circling 'star-terraces' instead of 'star-carpets'. Thinks
Humboldt was unreasonable in taking offence at the prince's mistake because
both 'metaphors are of the same order as the word "livery" used for
foliage'.
Notes the discussion in the
House of LordsHouse of Lords
CloseView the register entry >>
of harbours in which it appeared that 'scientific people consider many of those
recessed, upon which we have laid out large sums, as Ship-traps'
(138–39).
Claims that directors of an omnibus company have provided drivers and
conductors with copies of
Nightingale 1859Nightingale,
Florence 1859. Notes on Nursing: What it is, and What it is
Not, London: Harrison
CloseView the register entry >> in
order to sustain competition with rival firms.
Medical Practitioners, Medical Treatment, Class, Morality,
Commerce
Characterising poor law guardians as 'guardians of the pockets of the
rate-payers against the poor', praises them for their 'economical dealings with
Medical Officers' who, in keeping with their notorious reputation of being
leeches, are now seeking greater financial reward from those who regulate
workhouse expenditure. Assessing the rate of pay of poor law medical officers
for twenty-eight day's duration, considers such a rate to be 'too much',
especially considering the extortionate fees charged by physicians for only
five minutes' advice. Presents a table of the salaries of poor law doctors
illustrating the large salaries which they enjoy. Suggests that medical
officers' fee should be commensurate with that of the executioner
Jack KetchKetch, John ('Jack')
(d. 1686)
ODNB CloseView the register entry >>, and points
out that their real task is to 'help paupers out of existence'. Concludes that
medical officers who forget their own interests and cure paupers instead of
dispatching them, will 'take that eccentric line at their own cost', and since
their salaries 'were never meant to pay them', their calls for increased wages
should be ridiculed.
Discusses an abstract of a report of a lecture given at the
Museum of Practical GeologyMuseum of Practical Geology, Jermyn Street CloseView the register entry >> by
Richard OwenOwen, Richard
(1804–92)
DSB CloseView the register entry >>, 'the
British
CUVIERCuvier, Georges
(1769–1832)
DSB CloseView the register entry >>'. Draws attention to
Owen's apparent proof 'beyond controversy' that the British lion existed in
'former times' and that the British unicorn really existed. Thinks this claim
will make geology less of a 'melancholy material science' and may lead to
'discoveries demonstrative of the truths of heraldry', including the existence
of wyverns and griffins. Argues that the 'remains of the pterodactyle' will
confirm nursery tales and legends.
Following an article in the
Calcutta
EnglishmanCalcutta Englishman
(1820–1900+)
Waterloo
Directory CloseView the register entry >>, notes striking similarities between the Indian
'Kookees' tribe and 'Cookies' (cooks): they are both pests, they have similar
'propensities and passions' (as indicated by their phrenological 'bumps'), they
are both destructive (they break objects) and cruel (either by organising
violent raids or by slow poisoning and bad cookery), and they both have
'plundering propensities'.
Electricity, Manufactories, Spiritualism, Government
Reports on a 'Debate in Committee on the Bill for the Compulsory Sale of
Silver Plate and the Sale of Albata Substitutes' and the rejection of
Obadiah
Elkington'sElkington, Sir Obadiah
(fl. 1860)
PU1/38/16/1 CloseView the register entry >> amendment that electro-plate should substitute for
Albata (159). Also claims that 'DR. KAHN'
(possibly an allusion to
Joseph KahnKahn, Joseph
(fl. 1857)
Altick 1978 CloseView the register entry >>)
successfully moved for the appointment of a committee 'to inquire into the
present system of Spirit-Rapping, with a view to its being rendered available
for Diplomatic purposes'.
Following an announcement for a work entitled Homeopathic Treatment of
Indigestion, argues that indigestion is a disease that homeopathy can cure
since, following the principle of like curing like when given in infinitesimal
doses, 'the minutest possible doses of mock-turtle' fed to an alderman will
relieve indigestion.
Insists that Roman Catholics share with 'Mesmerists, Spirit-Rappers, and
Astrologers', the tendency to be 'terribly offended by any ridicule of their
persuasions'. Contrasts this response to that of 'men of science', in
particular the chemist, who does not become 'angry with a shallow public for
laughing at any discovery which he may happen to publish', and the astronomer
who does not become vexed when 'the marvels of the heavens which he discovers
are received with smiles'.
Gender, Invention, Military Technology, Telegraphy, Commerce
Condemns 'you men' for only 'studying and scheming to promote your
creature comforts', such as 'Big Ships' (a reference to the
SS Great
EasternSS Great Eastern CloseView the register entry >>), 'breech-loaders', and
ArmstrongArmstrong, Sir William George, Baron
Armstrong of Cragside
(1810–1900)
ODNB CloseView the register entry >> guns, but not inventing anything
for women. Proceeds to criticise men's invention of the
London District Telegraph
CompanyLondon District Telegraph Company
CloseView the register entry >> as a means of sending messages 'to yourselves', and
because sending messages is expensive and really a way of 'killing time'.
Thinks men's promises that the 'wires will be open to the ladies' is a 'paltry'
excuse, because this assumes women want to send telegrams. Observes that the
district telegraph is clearly not meant for women because its stations are not
located where they congregate—i.e. in financial institutions rather than
shops.
Quackery, Medical Treatment, Commerce, Expertise, Professionalization,
Boundary Formation, Periodicals
Identifying Mr Punch as the 'Censor of the Age, the Public, and the Press',
notes the letters that he has received from fellow fathers urging him to
prevent advertisements from quacks. Condemning the fact that such advertisers
falsely proclaim themselves to be 'qualified practitioners', explains that,
since 'advertising is forbidden by the rules of the medical profession',
advertising quacks are not regarded as 'professional men'. Points out that
since quacks do not cure and true medical practice results in healing, quacks
certainly do not qualify as medical practitioners. Although the author
recognises that these statements are 'stale', he believes that they need to be
repeated for those who 'have not quite put faith in them'—in particular
the 'unenlightened classes' and 'rustics' who fall prey to quacks. Surmises
that since newspapers get paid to advertise quacks, they are unlikely to take
notice of this plea. Appeals to those who are offended by medical
advertisements to stop buying the offending periodicals.
Comprises a spoof conversation between a healthy man, Robustus Jones, and
his invalid friend, Invalidus Smith. Written to convey his congested sinuses
and cough, Smith's utterances reveal his alarming range of seasonal and other
afflictions including 'violelt cold il by head', toothache, tic doloreux and
'brolchitis'. He details more of his symptoms and complains about the
unseasonable coldness of the weather, dismissing
Charles
Kingsley'sKingsley, Charles
(1819–75)
ODNB CloseView the register entry >> statement (upheld by Smith) that 'Nor' Easters [...]
breed brave men' and the accuracy of quotes (taken from
James Thomson'sThomson, James
(1700–48)
ODNB CloseView the register entry >>SeasonsThomson,
James 1730. The Seasons, London: J. Millan and A.
Millar
CloseView the register entry >>)
portraying spring's 'Etherial mildness'. Smith finally invites Jones home for a
fortifying meal, but Jones protests that he cannot taste anything.
Reports that the 'celebrated Metallurgist',
John PercyPercy, John
(1817–89)
ODNB CloseView the register entry >>, has been
analysing part of the cracked bell 'Big Ben' in the
Palace of
WestminsterPalace of Westminster
CloseView the register entry >>, but 'declines to infer of what other parts of him may
be made, a decision creditable alike of the learned philosopher's judgment in
metals and in men' (189).
Argues that
Henry J Temple (3rd
Viscount Palmerston)Temple, Henry John, 3rd Viscount Palmerston
(1784–1865)
ODNB CloseView the register entry >> recently fell asleep in the
House of
CommonsHouse of Commons
CloseView the register entry >>, although during this state of slumber he managed to make
some inept remarks in favour of an expensive inquiry into alleged 'corrupt
practices at Berwick during the last election'. Evidently Palmerston did not
fall asleep but he was deluded and had he been awake he would have seen the
error of his ways. Struck by the fact that the House of Commons accepted 'this
remarkable case of political somnambulism [...] without hesitation'. Concludes
by remarking that the 'sleeping PREMIER' is another of 'those
curious cases of gregarious sympathy, and subjection of multitudes to the
control of a single mind, of which so many have been described by writers on
psychology'.
Invites
Charles
BabbageBabbage, Charles
(1792–1871)
DSB CloseView the register entry >> to 'ask his calculating machine' to work out whether the
hurdy-gurdy, 'an instrument of torture inflicted on Europe by Savoy', will make
more noise, 'now that
LOUIS
NAPOLEONNapoleon III, Emperor of France (originally
Louis Napoléon (Charles Louis Napoléon Bonaparte))
(1808–73)
CBD CloseView the register entry >>, by his recent little turn of annexation,
has converted it into a French organ'. This is a reference to Napoleon's recent
annexation of the Italian states of Savoy and Nice for France.
Ornithology, Animal Behaviour, Human Species, Politics
Publications cited:
Coleman 1860Coleman, William
Stephens 1860. British Butterflies: Figures and Descriptions of
Every Native Species, with an Account of Butterfly Development, Structure,
Habits, Localities, Mode of Capture and Preservation [...] London: G.
Routledge
CloseView the register entry >>
Nutrition, Adulteration, Health, Railways, Medical Treatment,
Nationalism, Cultural Geography
Discusses the remarks made in the
House of
CommonsHouse of Commons
CloseView the register entry >> by the statesman
Charles BuxtonBuxton, Charles
(1822–71)
ODNB CloseView the register entry >>
who denied that London brewers were hostile to the beer improvement bill and
that they felt competition with French wine and porter might 'check
adulteration'. Punch thinks these are strong grounds for supporting the
bill. Criticises Buxton for failing to distinguish 'getting drunk on beer, and
getting drunk upon cheap claret', the former being a 'light matter, and with
Englishmen a national and natural propensity', the latter being a 'most
unnatural offence' and a 'deed of the blackest dye'. Responding to
Samuel M Peto'sPeto, Sir Samuel Morton
(1809–89)
ODNB CloseView the register entry >>
claim that wine-drinking labourers abroad are less susceptible to intoxication,
points out that it would be difficult to 'persuade an English workman to give
up English beer'. The illustration shows a male figure wearing a beer barrel
and sitting next to a large vessel labelled 'Doctors Stuff'. The figure
complains that the more he's doctored the worse he gets.
After upholding the robustness of the 'Wood-Walls of Old England'—the
apparently robust planks used by the
Royal
NavyRoyal Navy
CloseView the register entry >>—points out that such material is infested with 'Dry-rot
and decay, sap and fungus'. Therefore repeats a lament for the 'decayed Wooden
Walls' of 'Old England'. Identifies 'Greed' as the 'burrowing worm' that laid
its eggs 'in ships' stuff and ships' store'.
Written in the style of a boastful Yankee, responds to an extract from an
article in the
New York
HeraldNew York Herald
(1887–1900+)
British Library Catalogue CloseView the register entry >> which claims that the United States of America is now
rich enough to 'do without' John Bull's money and can 'whip him in a matter of
muscle' as well as inventions, including steamboats, india-rubber shoes, city
railways, sewing-machines, the electric telegraph, and reading machines. The
writer agrees, emphasising that 'In steam en-gines and goloshes we air no small
snakes, and we beat you ind and ind in any game you're up to [...] or any other
skientific sort o' time-slaughter'. Admits that while 'Our steamers air
first-chop [...] they du bust up', but boasts that unlike the English
'we don't turn our young women into sewing machines'.
Medical Practitioners, Morality, Medical Treatment
Discusses a statement in an article in the
Salisbury and Winchester
JournalSalisbury and Winchester Journal
(1775–1900+)
British Library
Newspaper Catalogue CloseView the register entry >> which presents an example of the 'gross excess of
duty' exercised by poor law medical officers. Holds that such medical
practitioners should not treat workhouse patients with 'the same amount of
attendance and physic' as respectable people, and points out that poor law
guardians 'desire to impress on the mind of every medical officer' the maxim
'Above all things no zeal'.
Gleaning from 'elementary works on Chemistry' that rotten wood emits light
in the dark, anticipates that the decaying British gun-boats will shine on a
moonless night.
Medical Practitioners, Medical Treatment, Politics, War
Observes that when 'Doctors of Physic fall out' over the treatment for a
'sick man' and both declare that 't'others treatment' will prove fatal, 'the
patient comes round / By the Vis medicatrix Naturae'. Likens this
situation to that of
John P
HennessyHennessy, Sir John Pope
(1834–91)
ODNB CloseView the register entry >>, who blames the 'grim death' gripping Italy on Piedmont,
while others think it 'a case of manslaughter / 'Gainst BOMBA
[King Ferdinand
IIFerdinand II, King of the Two Sicilies
(1810–59)
CBD CloseView the register entry >> of the Two Sicilies] and old PIO
NONO [Pope
Pius IXPius IX, Pope
(1792–1878)
CBD CloseView the register entry >>]'. As a 'friend of the patient', Mr Punch advises England to
'kick both doctors down-stairs, / And to nature hand o'er the sick man'.
Discusses a letter to the
Morning
PostMorning Post and Daily Advertising Pamphlet
(1772–1900+)
Waterloo Directory
CloseView the register entry >> in which the author complains about the difficulty of
tackling questions in the 'English and Mathematical Papers' of military
examinations, papers which he thinks are 'much better adapted for a
CambridgeUniversity of Cambridge
CloseView the register entry >> or
OxfordUniversity of Oxford
CloseView the register entry >> examination' than for
school-leavers. Argues that the 'English and Mathematical Papers' in question
appear to be equally well adapted to puzzle Oxford and Cambridge students as
'youths of seventeen or eighteen'. Concludes by urging the military authorities
to recognise that plucky blockheads such as the author of the letter can be
brave and that there should be 'regiments of "Heavies"' who have poor command
of spelling and grammar.
Hospitals, Medical Treatment, Disease, Government, Commerce,
Class
Discusses the dire financial situation of the
Brompton
HospitalBrompton Hospital, Frimley CloseView the register entry >>, the
Royal Orthopaedic HospitalRoyal Orthopoedic Hospital
CloseView the register entry >>, and
St Mary's
HospitalSt Mary's Hospital
CloseView the register entry >>, whose serious debts were announced at the 'Anniversary
Festivals' of the hospitals, and which suggested the need to suspend some of
the medical facilities. Urges the Chancellor of the Exchequer,
William E
GladstoneGladstone, William Ewart
(1809–98)
ODNB CloseView the register entry >>, not to view the 'decay' of hospitals and consequent
misery of the sick with 'indifference'. After arguing that Gladstone's
'Tenpenny Income-Tax' has not stopped the 'superior classes' from leading
decadent lifestyles, suggests that the same burden might be ruining the
hospitals.
Animal Behaviour, Education, Human Development, Instinct,
Expertise
Describing
John S Rarey'sRarey, John Solomon
(1828–66)
WBI CloseView the register entry >>
gentle system of horse-taming, points out that according to Rarey's teaching
method, 'horses have quick instincts and highly nervous temperaments; and if we
would train them to be tractable and docile, we must train ourselves to treat
them with suitable respect'. Emphasises that in order to make the horses
obedient, we should befriend them. Adds that Rarey's system 'is improving to
the man as well as to the beast, and many a human "savage" might be permanently
bettered by it'. Concludes by arguing that a 'school for man- and woman-taming'
would be a 'national advantage'.
Announces that Mr Punch has been completely converted to the 'Spirit Rapping
Persuasion' (rather than being a 'half-hearted' spiritualist) after reading the
Spiritual
MagazineSpiritual Magazine
(1860–77)
Waterloo
Directory CloseView the register entry >>. Reveals that the conversion followed an article in
the latter periodical attacking Mr Punch's picture of the spirit hand which
allegedly helped
Emperor
Napoleon IIINapoleon III, Emperor of France (originally
Louis Napoléon (Charles Louis Napoléon Bonaparte))
(1808–73)
CBD CloseView the register entry >> of France perform the action of 'Taking a Sight'.
Explains that the editor of the Spiritual Magazine could only have
obtained the highly confidential information concerning Mr Punch's picture, had
he been given it by a ghost. Proceeds to describe Mr Punch's belief in several
other spiritualistic phenomena and concludes by noting his intention to employ
ghosts as contributors to
PunchPunch
(1841–1900+)
Waterloo
Directory CloseView the register entry >>.
Having noted his enjoyment of eating, the author asks why he suffers 'So
much from gout, and bile, and indigestion'. Compares those who 'gorge their
brains with erudition' with himself, who has 'o'oerworked' his 'organs of
nutrition'.
Describes the use of chain mail and the changing size and shape of shields
during the reigns of
King Richard IRichard I, King of England, Duke of Normandy and of Aquitaine,
and Count of Anjou ('Richard Coeur de Lion')
(1157–99)
ODNB CloseView the register entry >>
and
King JohnJohn, King of England, and Lord of Ireland,
Duke of Normandy and of Aquitaine, and Count of Anjou
(1167–1216)
ODNB CloseView the register entry >>. Goes on to
explain the apparently gargantuan size of the spears, swords, and others
weapons used in this period (illustrated with a depiction of an aristocratic
warrior carrying a huge sword). Concludes with a description of the
'arbaleste', a 'kind of crossbow made for discharging from the breast'.
Attacks plans to build a 'Female School of Art and Design' at the
South
Kensington MuseumSouth Kensington Museum
CloseView the register entry >>, not least because the author thinks that women
are 'sufficiently artful and designing by nature'. Speculating on the artefacts
likely to be displayed at the proposed school, questions 'whether the show of
attractive apparatus and machinery will include hoops and crinoline, in which
ridiculous incumbrances those incrementitious adjuncts to natural grace and
symmetry have culminated'.
Announces that owing to 'the Zodiac being taken up for repairs, there will
be no Summer or Autumn this year', and that winter will begin on 1 July and
terminate 'some time next year'.
Discusses an extract from
Timbs 1859Timbs, John 1859.
Curiosities of Science, Past and Present: A Book for the Old and Young
(Things Not Generally Known Familiarly Explained), London: Kent &
Co.
CloseView the register entry >> in which the author
reports
Charles G B
Daubeny'sDaubeny, Charles Giles Bridle
(1795–1867)
DSB CloseView the register entry >> claim that fungi poisonous to one person do not affect
another. Warns that all fungi are in a state of putrefaction and thus act as
ferments when introduced into the human body. Concludes by noting that it is
not just fungi that may be poisonous to one and not another: 'Liberty agrees
with Britons [...] but it operates as a poison' on others.