Science in the 19th Century Periodical

Punch, Or the London Charivari [1st]

Introductory Essay
Volume 38  (January to June 1860)
Punch,  38 (1860), [v–viiii].

Introduction

Anon

Genre:

Regular Feature, Notes, Reportage



Notes

Subjects:

Steamships

Institutions mentioned:

SS Great Eastern SS Great Eastern
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Punch,  38 (1860), [i].

Punch's Almanack. 1860

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Swain Sc Swain, Joseph (1820–1909) ODNB
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Spielmann, Marion Harry Alexander 1895. The History of "Punch", London: Cassell
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Genre:

Notes; Illustration, Drollery

Relevant illustrations:

wdct.

Illustrators:

Swain Sc Swain, Joseph (1820–1909) ODNB
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Spielmann, Marion Harry Alexander 1895. The History of "Punch", London: Cassell
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Subjects:

Natural History, Physiognomy, Astronomy, Physiology, Exploration, Mathematics | Palaeontology, Animal Husbandry

People mentioned:

Carl Linnaeus, Linnaeus (or von Linné), Carl (1707–78) DSB
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Johnann K Lavater, Lavater, Johann Kaspar (1741–1801) CBD
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Nicholas Copernicus, Copernicus, Nicholas (1473–1543) DSB
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William Harvey, Harvey, William (1578–1657) DSB
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Georges Cuvier, Cuvier, Georges (1769–1832) DSB
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Auguste Comte, Comte, Isidore Auguste Marie François Xavier (Auguste) (1798–1857) DSB
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James Cook, Cook, James (1728–79) DSB
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Gottfried W Leibniz Leibniz, Gottfried Wilhelm (1646–1716) DSB
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    The top right-hand corner of the illustration includes a picture of a dinosaur labelled 'Cattle Show Prize'.



Punch,  38 (1860), [iii].

A Natural Philosopher

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Anon

Genre:

Notes, Drollery

Subjects:

Natural Philosophy, Physics, Force


    'A candidate for the Public Service, being asked to exemplify the correlation of physical forces instanced a blue pill and a black dose'.



Punch,  38 (1860), [iii].

Heartless Hoax

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Anon

Genre:

Notes, Drollery

Subjects:

Zoological Gardens


Punch,  38 (1860), [iii].

Mr Punch's Entomological Recreations: Tape-Worms

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Anon

Genre:

Notes, Drollery

Subjects:

Natural History, Animal Behaviour, Government, Invention, Progress


    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'.



Punch,  38 (1860), [iv].

Where are They?

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Anon

Genre:

Notes, Drollery

Subjects:

Medical Practitioners, Education


    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?



Punch,  38 (1860), [vi].

Valuable Addition to the Aquarium

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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:

Natural History, Collecting, Gender


    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)'.



Punch,  38 (1860), [vii].

Classicality for the Month

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Anon

Genre:

Notes, Drollery

Subjects:

Time, Ancient Authorities, Astronomy


    Mr Punch attempts to credit 'PROFESSOR' Sosigenes Sosigenes (fl. 1st century BC) DSB
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, the 'Astronomer Royal' to Julius Caesar Caesar, Julius (Gaius Julius) (100–44 BC) ODNB
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, with the invention of the Julian reforms to the calendar and for setting 'the almanack by the sun'.



Punch,  38 (1860), [viii].

Sea-Side Studies!

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Swain Sc Swain, Joseph (1820–1909) 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:

Swain Sc Swain, Joseph (1820–1909) ODNB
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Spielmann, Marion Harry Alexander 1895. The History of "Punch", London: Cassell
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Subjects:

Collecting, Natural History, Gender, Reading


    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.



Punch,  38 (1860), [viii].

Homeopathy

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Anon

Genre:

Notes, Drollery

Subjects:

Homeopathy, Vulcanology


Punch,  38 (1860), [ix].

Homeopathy in the Larder

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Anon

Genre:

Notes, Drollery

Subjects:

Homeopathy, Nutrition


Punch,  38 (1860), [ix].

Icthyology

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Anon

Genre:

Notes, Drollery

Subjects:

Zoology


Punch,  38 (1860), [x].

Professional Nursery Rhyme: Medical Man  [7/9]Anon, 'Professional Nursery Rhyme: Medical Man', Punch, 38 (1860), [x]

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Anon

Genre:

Serial, Song, Drollery

Subjects:

Medical Practitioners, Medical Treatment


Punch,  38 (1860), [x].

Astronomical

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Anon

Genre:

Notes, Drollery

Subjects:

Astronomy, Instruments, Comparative Philology


Punch,  38 (1860), [x].

The Language of Birds

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Anon

Genre:

Notes, Drollery

Subjects:

Ornithology, Animal Behaviour


Punch,  38 (1860), [x].

Botany and Entomology

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Anon

Genre:

Notes, Drollery

Subjects:

Botany, Entomology, Language


Punch,  38 (1860), [xi].

Mr Punch's Entomological Recreations: Peculiar Habits of the Hop-Fly

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Anon

Genre:

Notes, Drollery

Subjects:

Entomology, Human Species


    '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

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Anon

Genre:

Notes, Drollery

Subjects:

Telegraphy, Cultural Geography


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Punch,  38 (1860), 1.

All the World's Twelfth-Night

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Anon

Genre:

Introduction, Drollery; Diary, Spoof

Subjects:

Mesmerism


Punch,  38 (1860), 3.

Late and Early Swedes

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Anon

Genre:

News-Commentary, Drollery

Subjects:

Horticulture, Human Species, Development, Gender


    Discusses a report of the Swedish aristocrat, Baron Creutz Creutz, Baron (of Sweden) (fl. 1860) PU1/38/1/2
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, 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 Montgomery Montgomery, M (of Sweden) (fl. 1860) PU1/38/1/2
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, 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.



Punch,  38 (1860), 4.

The Bard of Bicester

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Anon

Genre:

Essay, Drollery

Subjects:

Zoology, Comparative Philology, Miracle, Geology


    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 Gardens Zoological Society of London —Gardens
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[...] to carry away a maiden, would be a marvel for which even an anti-Mosaic geologist would hardly have swallow enough'.



Punch,  38 (1860), 9.

Ladies' Trains

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Oxygen Oxygen
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Genre:

Letter, Spoof

Subjects:

Railways, Health, Sanitation, Disease, Gender


    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'.



Punch,  38 (1860), 10.

Death of a Valuable Member of Society

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Anon

Genre:

News-Commentary, Drollery

Subjects:

Zoology, Amusement, Politics


    Discusses the political consequences of the death of the 'Talking Fish'.



Punch,  38 (1860), 10.

Important Medical Meeting

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Anon

Genre:

Proceedings, Spoof

Subjects:

Disease, Meteorology, Medical Practitioners, Commerce, Sanitation


    Report of a meeting at the Apothecaries' Hall Worshipful Society of Apothecaries of London—Apothecaries' Hall
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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'.



Punch,  38 (1860), 11.

The Treatment of the Navy

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Anon

Genre:

News-Commentary, Drollery

Subjects:

Medical Practitioners, Medical Treatment, Disease, Analogy

Institutions mentioned:

Admiralty Admiralty
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    Responds to the call by William Bowles Bowles, William (1780–1869) ODNB
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(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 Royal HMS Princess Royal
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. 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.



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Punch,  38 (1860), 13.

A Chant for Christmas. By a Poet who Belongs to the Medical Profession

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Anon

Genre:

Song, Drollery

Subjects:

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')

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Anon

Genre:

News-Commentary

Subjects:

War, Sanitation,

Institutions mentioned:

Army Army
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    Responds to John F Burgoyne's Burgoyne, Sir John Fox, 1st Baronet (1782–1871) ODNB
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article in the Cornhill Magazine Cornhill Magazine (1860–1900+) Waterloo Directory
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(Burgoyne 1860 [Burgoyne, John F] 1860. 'Our Volunteers', Cornhill Magazine, 1, 77–84
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) 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


Punch,  38 (1860), 14.

A New Family Paper

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Anon

Genre:

News-Commentary, Drollery

Subjects:

Physiognomy, Photography

Publications cited:

Photographic Advertiser Photographic Advertiser (cited 1860) PU1/38/2/3
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Punch,  38 (1860), 15.

A Rising Corps

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Anon

Genre:

News-Commentary, Drollery

Subjects:

Music, Scientific Practitioners


    Responding to news of Giuseppe Garibaldi's Garibaldi, Giuseppe (1807–82) CBD
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formation of a 'Regiment of boys', asks why the Italian patriot did not 'organise a corps out of those that infest the streets of London, and appoint MR. BABBAGE Babbage, Charles (1792–1871) DSB
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his recruiting-sergeant?'



Punch,  38 (1860), 15.

Comic Chronology. A Table Showing the Antiquity of Jokes

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Anon

Genre:

Notes, Drollery

Subjects:

Medical Treatment, Mathematics

People mentioned:

Archimedes, Archimedes (c. 287–212 BC) DSB
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Euclid Euclid (fl. 295 BC) DSB
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Punch,  38 (1860), 19.

A Put Down for the Poisonmongers

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Anon

Genre:

News-Commentary

Subjects:

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 Times The Times (1777–1900+) Waterloo Directory
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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 Chemistry Bristol School of Chemistry
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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.



Punch,  38 (1860), 20.

So Much for Buckingham Palace!

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Anon

Genre:

News-Commentary, Drollery

Subjects:

Medical Treatment, Disease


    Following news of dry-rot in Buckingham Palace Buckingham Palace
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, 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'.



Punch,  38 (1860), 21.

The Black Quack and His White Brother

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Anon

Genre:

News-Commentary

Subjects:

Quackery, Charlatanry, Crime, Disease, Medical Treatment, Race

People mentioned:

Hippocrates of Cos Hippocrates of Cos (460–370 BC) DSB
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Institutions mentioned:

University of Leiden University of Leiden
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    Discusses the trial of M Vries Vries, M (fl. 1860) PU1/38/2/8
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, 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.



Punch,  38 (1860), 21.

Fancies Written by the Firelight

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Anon

Genre:

Essay, Drollery

Subjects:

Heat, Amusement


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Punch,  38 (1860), 25.

Its Native Element

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Anon

Genre:

News-Commentary

Subjects:

Steamships, Commerce, Energy, Engineers


    Noting the 'hot water' in which the SS Great Eastern SS Great Eastern
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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'.



Punch,  38 (1860), 29.

Saddling the Right Horse

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Anon

Genre:

News-Commentary, Drollery

Subjects:

Animal Behaviour, Psychology, Medical Treatment


    Discusses a Herefordshire [i.e. Hereford] Times Hereford Times (1832–1900+) Waterloo Directory
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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

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Anon

Genre:

Poetry, Drollery

Subjects:

Medical Practitioners, Disease, Meteorology


    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'.



Punch,  38 (1860), 32.

Phrenology Right for Once

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Anon

Genre:

News-Commentary, Drollery

Subjects:

Phrenology, Physiology, Commerce


    Insists that a phrenologist has correctly analysed the head of Queen Victoria Victoria, Queen of the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Ireland, and Empress of India (1819–1901) ODNB
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(on the Postage-Stamp) as being 'sadly deficient' in the 'bump of adhesiveness'.



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Punch,  38 (1860), 33.

A Pill for the Pope

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Anon

Genre:

Reportage, Spoof

Subjects:

Medical Practitioners, Medical Treatment, Politics, War


    An account of the 'prescription' offered by 'DOCTOR LOUIS NAPOLEON Napoleon III, Emperor of France (originally Louis Napoléon (Charles Louis Napoléon Bonaparte)) (1808–73) CBD
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' to Pope Pius IX Pius IX, Pope (1792–1878) CBD
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. 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'.



Punch,  38 (1860), 34–35.

Nightingale's Notes

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Anon

Genre:

Review

Publications reviewed:

Nightingale 1859 Nightingale, Florence 1859. Notes on Nursing: What it is, and What it is Not, London: Harrison
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Subjects:

Medical Treatment, Medical Practitioners, Hospitals, Gender


    This highly laudatory review opens by noting that the theme on which the book's author, Florence Nightingale Nightingale, Florence (1820–1910) ODNB
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, 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.



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Punch,  38 (1860), 46.

A Word in the Swell Vocabulary

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Anon

Genre:

News-Commentary, Drollery

Subjects:

Transport, Engineering


    Discusses a report in the Morning Post Morning Post and Daily Advertising Pamphlet (1772–1900+) Waterloo Directory
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concerning the construction of the Suez Canal Suez Canal
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.



Punch,  38 (1860), 49.

Pam and the Jackdaw

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Anon

Genre:

Illustration, Caricature

Relevant illustrations:

wdct.

Subjects:

Telegraphy, Politics


    Depicts Benjamin Disraeli Disraeli, Benjamin, 1st Earl of Beaconsfield (1804–81) ODNB
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as a jackdaw sitting on a telegraph wire which stretches into the distance. Below him stands Henry J Temple (3rd Viscount Palmerston) Temple, Henry John, 3rd Viscount Palmerston (1784–1865) ODNB
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who, armed with a musket labelled 'Fact', tells the 'Jackdaw': '"Telegram, Indeed! I'll Telegram You" (Floors Him)'.



Punch,  38 (1860), 52.

Inspector-General Dr Russell

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Anon

Genre:

News-Commentary, Drollery

Subjects:

Military Technology, Controversy

People mentioned:

William G Armstrong Armstrong, Sir William George, Baron Armstrong of Cragside (1810–1900) ODNB
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    Discusses the claim by William H Russell Russell, Sir William Howard (1820–1907) ODNB
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, in his Army and Navy Gazette Army and Navy Gazette (1860–1900+) Waterloo Directory
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, that the wooden carriages for the Armstrong guns being hoisted onto the HMS Himalaya HMS Himalaya
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were rotten, a claim contradicted by the Morning Post Morning Post and Daily Advertising Pamphlet (1772–1900+) Waterloo Directory
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.



Punch,  38 (1860), 54.

A Cooke's Head on a Charger

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Anon

Genre:

News-Commentary, Drollery

Relevant illustrations:

wdct.

Illustrators:

[Trident], pseud.  [H 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:

Steam-power, Transport, Magic


    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.



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Punch,  38 (1860), 58, 61.

Punch's Essence of Parliament

View full article text

Anon

Genre:

Regular Feature, Reportage, Drollery

Subjects:

Medical Practitioners, Charlatanry, Government


Punch,  38 (1860), 63.

Ask the Clerk of the Weather

View full article text

Anon

Genre:

News-Commentary, Drollery

Subjects:

Meteorology, Measurement, Language


    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'.



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Punch,  38 (1860), 71.

Facts for Foreigners

View full article text

Anon

Genre:

News-Commentary, Drollery

Subjects:

Commerce, Engineering, Technology, Vulcanism


    Responds to an article in The Times The Times (1777–1900+) Waterloo Directory
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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.



Punch,  38 (1860), 72.

Question for the Admiralty Admiralty
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View full article text

Anon

Genre:

Notes, Drollery

Subjects:

Steamships, Engineering, Energy, Domestic Economy


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Punch,  38 (1860), 76.

The Prospects of Paper

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Anon

Genre:

News-Commentary

Subjects:

Manufactories, Industry, Commerce


    Observes that an article on paper manufacturing in The Times The Times (1777–1900+) Waterloo Directory
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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.



Punch,  38 (1860), 78.

The Bitter Pill, or the Least of Two Evils

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Anon

Genre:

Poetry, Drollery

Subjects:

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. DERBY Stanley, Edward George Geoffrey Smith, 14th Earl of Derby (1799–1869) ODNB
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, DIZZY Disraeli, Benjamin, 1st Earl of Beaconsfield (1804–81) ODNB
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AND CO.'



Punch,  38 (1860), [79].

The Gladstone Pill

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Anon

Genre:

Illustration, Caricature

Relevant illustrations:

wdct.

Subjects:

Government, Commerce, Medical Practitioners, Medical Treatment


    Depicts the Chancellor of the Exchequer, William E Gladstone Gladstone, William Ewart (1809–98) ODNB
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, 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 Treasury Treasury
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]'.



Punch,  38 (1860), 84.

Physic and Astronomy

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Anon

Genre:

News-Commentary, Drollery

Subjects:

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 Lescarbault Lescarbault, E M (fl. 1860) Crowe 1998
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, '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.



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Punch,  38 (1860), 88.

A Word to the Wise

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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:

Medical Practitioners, Human Development


    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'.



Punch,  38 (1860), 88.

Wonders of Machinery

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Anon

Genre:

News-Commentary, Drollery

Subjects:

Publishing, Invention, Progress, Manufactories, Lecturing


    Discusses Frederick C Calvert's Calvert, Frederick Crace (1819–73) ODNB
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recent Royal Institution Royal Institution of Great Britain
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lecture on calico printing (a version of which was published as Calvert 1858–62 Calvert, Frederick Crace 1858–62. 'On the Influence of Science on the Art of Calico-Printing', Proceedings of the Royal Institution of Great Britain, 3, 201–205
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). Draws attention to Calvert's claim that this form of printing is so dominant in England that 'the number of yards of printed calico exported would reach twice around the Globe'. Noting how Ariel in William Shakespeare's Shakespeare, William (1564–1616) ODNB
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Tempest could put a 'girdle around the earth in forty minutes', believes Manchester cotton machinery could perform the same task with calico in six months.



Punch,  38 (1860), 92.

The Latest Photographic Dodge

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Anon

Genre:

Illustration, Drollery

Relevant illustrations:

wdct.

Subjects:

Photography, Charlatanry


    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!'.



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Punch,  38 (1860), 98.

Parliamentary Patent Medicine

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Anon

Genre:

Announcement, Spoof

Subjects:

Government, Politics, Medical Treatment, Quakery, Disease, Health


    A response to the new Reform Bill which Lord John Russell Russell, Lord John, 1st Earl Russell (1792–1878) ODNB
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had introduced into Parliament Houses of Parliament
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on 1 March. The spoof advertisement is from Dr John Russell, 'Graduate of the University of Edinburgh University of Edinburgh
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, original co-patentee of that celebrated remedy GREY Grey, Charles, 1st Baron Grey, 1st Viscount Howick, and 2nd Earl Grey (1764–1845) ODNB
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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, 'PALMERSTON Temple, Henry John, 3rd Viscount Palmerston (1784–1865) ODNB
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, RUSSELL AND CO.', has a government stamp which cannot be forged.



Punch,  38 (1860), 98.

Progress of Artillery

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Anon

Genre:

Reportage, Drollery

Subjects:

Military Technology, Progress

People mentioned:

Joseph Whitworth Whitworth, Sir Joseph, 1st Baronet (1803–87) ODNB
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    Reports that the Whitworth 80-pound gun can, under the most 'favourable circumstances', only 'snuff a candle at the distance of ten miles'.



Punch,  38 (1860), 103.

Bitter Beer and Sour Wine

View full article text

Anon

Genre:

News-Commentary, Drollery

Subjects:

Adulteration, Nutrition, Pharmaceuticals, Cultural Geography


    Discusses an extract from an article in the Morning Post Morning Post and Daily Advertising Pamphlet (1772–1900+) Waterloo Directory
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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.



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Punch,  38 (1860), 107.

La Haute Politique de L'Industrie

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Anon

Genre:

Song, Drollery

Subjects:

Transport, Engineering


    In the wake of the Anglo-French treaty on free trade, this song is sung 'by that eminent Comedian, LOUIS NAPOLEON Napoleon III, Emperor of France (originally Louis Napoléon (Charles Louis Napoléon Bonaparte)) (1808–73) CBD
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, on the great theatre of Europe', in which the French leader refers to the canal scheme of Ferdinand, vicomte de Lesseps Lesseps, Ferdinand, vicomte de (1805–94) CBD
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, that he must 'keep afloat / Without risking too much in so leaky a boat'



Punch,  38 (1860), 115.

'The Two Paths'

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Anon

Genre:

Notes, Drollery

Subjects:

Medical Treatment, Language, Homeopathy


    Claims that a medical student, having read Ruskin 1859 Ruskin, 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.
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, has confessed that he too could not choose between 'two paths'—'whether to turn allo-path or homeo-path'.



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Punch,  38 (1860), 117.

Physicians and Fools

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Anon

Genre:

News-Commentary

Subjects:

Medical Practitioners, Mental Illness, Medical Treatment, Education


    Discusses an advertisement in The Times The Times (1777–1900+) Waterloo Directory
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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'.



Punch,  38 (1860), 120.

The New Russell Six-Pounder

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Anon

Genre:

Poetry, Drollery

Subjects:

Military Technology, Politics, Invention, Measurement, Government


    Responds to Lord John Russell's Russell, Lord John, 1st Earl Russell (1792–1878) ODNB
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introduction of the Reform Bill into the House of Commons House of Commons
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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's Lancaster, Charles William (1820–78) ODNB
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gun, William G Armstrong's Armstrong, Sir William George, Baron Armstrong of Cragside (1810–1900) ODNB
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improvement on Lancaster's weapon, and Joseph Whitworth's Whitworth, Sir Joseph, 1st Baronet (1803–87) ODNB
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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
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, 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's Disraeli, Benjamin, 1st Earl of Beaconsfield (1804–81) ODNB
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'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.



Punch,  38 (1860), [121].

The New Russell Six-Pounder

View full article text

Anon

Genre:

Illustration, Drollery

Relevant illustrations:

wdct.

Subjects:

Military Technology, Politics, Government


    Shows Lord John Russell Russell, Lord John, 1st Earl Russell (1792–1878) ODNB
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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'.



Punch,  38 (1860), 123.

The Pope Selling Off

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Anon

Genre:

Reportage, Spoof

Subjects:

Religion, Miracle, Supernaturalism, Charlatanry, Sanitation, Disease, Belief


    Reports on Pope Pius IX's Pius IX, Pope (1792–1878) CBD
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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 Januarius Januarius, Saint (or San Gennaro) (d. c. 305) CBD
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, 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.



Punch,  38 (1860), 124.

A Sunny Afternoon in Venice

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Anon

Genre:

Travelogue, Drollery

Subjects:

Physical Geography, Menageries

Institutions mentioned:

Burford's Panorama, Burford's Panorama, Leicester Square
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Wombwell's menagerie Wombwell's Menagerie
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Punch,  38 (1860), 133.

A Disagreeable Wife

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Anon

Genre:

Notes, Drollery

Subjects:

Military Technology, Politics

People mentioned:

Joseph Whitworth Whitworth, Sir Joseph, 1st Baronet (1803–87) ODNB
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Punch,  38 (1860), 134–35.

Punch's Essence of Parliament

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Anon

Genre:

Regular Feature, Reportage, Drollery

Subjects:

Politics, War, Government, Cultural Geography, Education


    Reporting on a House of Lords House of Lords
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debate on the government's proposal to reform the Army Army
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purchase system, criticises the argument of George C Bingham (3rd Earl of Lucan) Bingham, George Charles, 3rd Earl of Lucan (1800–88) ODNB
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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)



Punch,  38 (1860), 135.

Odious Comparisons

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Anon

Genre:

News-Commentary, Drollery

Subjects:

Astronomy, Language


    Announcing the recently published correspondence of Alexander von Humboldt Humboldt, Alexander von (Friedrich Wilhelm Heinrich Alexander von) (1769–1859) DSB
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(Humboldt 1860 Humboldt, 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
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), discusses a letter from Prince Albert Albert [Prince Albert of Saxe-Coburg and Gotha], prince consort, consort of Queen Victoria (1819–61) ODNB
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to Humboldt which praises his Kosmos Humboldt, Alexander von 1845–62. Kosmos: Entwurf einer physischen Weltbeschreibung, 5 vols, Stuttgart; Tübingen: Cotta
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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'.



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Punch,  38 (1860), 138–39.

Punch's Essence of Parliament

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Anon

Genre:

Regular Feature, Reportage, Drollery

Subjects:

Transport, Government


    Notes the discussion in the House of Lords House of Lords
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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).



Punch,  38 (1860), 139.

A Great Gun and a Little One

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Anon

Genre:

Notes, Drollery

Subjects:

Military Technology, Politics, Government


    Thinks the main difference between William G Armstrong's Armstrong, Sir William George, Baron Armstrong of Cragside (1810–1900) ODNB
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'twelve-pounder' and Lord John Russell's Russell, Lord John, 1st Earl Russell (1792–1878) ODNB
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'six-pounder' is that, although 'the first is not a Whit-worth [a reference to gun manufacturer Joseph Whitworth Whitworth, Sir Joseph, 1st Baronet (1803–87) ODNB
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] / The second is not Worth-a-whit'.



Punch,  38 (1860), 140.

Patients on Wheels

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Anon

Genre:

Reportage, Spoof

Subjects:

Transport, Accidents, Medical Treatment


    Claims that directors of an omnibus company have provided drivers and conductors with copies of Nightingale 1859 Nightingale, Florence 1859. Notes on Nursing: What it is, and What it is Not, London: Harrison
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in order to sustain competition with rival firms.



Punch,  38 (1860), 145.

Pillgrinders for Paupers

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Anon

Genre:

Essay

Subjects:

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 Ketch Ketch, John ('Jack') (d. 1686) ODNB
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, 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.



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Punch,  38 (1860), 147.

Geology and Romance

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Anon

Genre:

News-Commentary, Drollery

Subjects:

Palaeontology, Comparative Philology, Lecturing, Belief


    Discusses an abstract of a report of a lecture given at the Museum of Practical Geology Museum of Practical Geology, Jermyn Street
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by Richard Owen Owen, Richard (1804–92) DSB
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, 'the British CUVIER Cuvier, Georges (1769–1832) DSB
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'. 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.



Punch,  38 (1860), 147.

Results of Medical Registration

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Anon

Genre:

News-Commentary, Drollery

Subjects:

Medical Practitioners, Government


Punch,  38 (1860), 149.

The Kookees and the Cookies

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Anon

Genre:

News-Commentary, Drollery

Subjects:

Phrenology, Adulteration, Narcotics, Nutrition, Disease


    Following an article in the Calcutta Englishman Calcutta Englishman (1820–1900+) Waterloo Directory
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, 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'.



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Punch,  38 (1860), 159–60.

Punch's Essence of Parliament

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Anon

Genre:

Regular Feature, Reportage, Drollery

Subjects:

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's Elkington, Sir Obadiah (fl. 1860) PU1/38/16/1
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amendment that electro-plate should substitute for Albata (159). Also claims that 'DR. KAHN' (possibly an allusion to Joseph Kahn Kahn, Joseph (fl. 1857) Altick 1978
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) 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'.



Punch,  38 (1860), 166–67.

How to Make a Home Happy. A Domestic Duologue

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Anon

Genre:

Drama, Drollery

Subjects:

Medical Practitioners, Health, Commerce


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Punch,  38 (1860), 169.

Something in Homeopathy

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Anon

Genre:

Announcement, Review

Subjects:

Homeopathy, Nutrition


    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.



Punch,  38 (1860), 176.

Infallible Arguments

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Anon

Genre:

News-Commentary, Drollery

Subjects:

Religious Authority, Astrology, Mesmerism, Spiritualism, Scientific Practitioners, Chemistry, Astronomy

Publications cited:

Tablet Tablet (1840–1900+) Waterloo Directory
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    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'.



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Punch,  38 (1860), 179.

Lost Naval Mutton

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Anon

Genre:

Notes, Drollery

Subjects:

Military Technology, Steamships

Institutions mentioned:

Royal Navy Royal Navy
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Punch,  38 (1860), 179–80.

Punch's Essence of Parliament

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Anon

Genre:

Regular Feature, Reportage, Drollery

Subjects:

Museums, Natural History, Government, Politics


    Reporting on a 'long Museum debate' in the House of Commons House of Commons
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, disagrees with the view of Henry J Temple (3rd Viscount Palmerston) Temple, Henry John, 3rd Viscount Palmerston (1784–1865) ODNB
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that the best way to organise the British Museum British Museum
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would be to 'clear out all the stuffed creatures and the rest of Natural History, and so leave room for articles of human manufacture'. Mr Punch thinks the 'study of natural history' is much more interesting than the latter.



Punch,  38 (1860), 181.

A Lady's Letter

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Sophonisba Smith Smith, Sophonisba
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Genre:

Letter, Spoof

Subjects:

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 Eastern SS Great Eastern
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), 'breech-loaders', and Armstrong Armstrong, Sir William George, Baron Armstrong of Cragside (1810–1900) ODNB
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guns, but not inventing anything for women. Proceeds to criticise men's invention of the London District Telegraph Company London District Telegraph Company
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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.



Punch,  38 (1860), 187.

A Queerer for the Quacks

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Anon

Genre:

News-Commentary, Drollery

Subjects:

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.



Punch,  38 (1860), 188.

Seasonable Conversation

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Anon

Genre:

Dialogue, Spoof

Subjects:

Disease, Health, Meteorology


    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's Kingsley, Charles (1819–75) ODNB
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statement (upheld by Smith) that 'Nor' Easters [...] breed brave men' and the accuracy of quotes (taken from James Thomson's Thomson, James (1700–48) ODNB
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Seasons Thomson, James 1730. The Seasons, London: J. Millan and A. Millar
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) portraying spring's 'Etherial mildness'. Smith finally invites Jones home for a fortifying meal, but Jones protests that he cannot taste anything.



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Punch,  38 (1860), 189–90.

Punch's Essence of Parliament

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Anon

Genre:

Regular Feature, Reportage, Drollery

Subjects:

Metallurgy, Instruments, Time, Government


    Reports that the 'celebrated Metallurgist', John Percy Percy, John (1817–89) ODNB
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, has been analysing part of the cracked bell 'Big Ben' in the Palace of Westminster Palace of Westminster
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, 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).



Punch,  38 (1860), 190.

The Tiverton Somnambulist

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Anon

Genre:

News-Commentary, Drollery

Subjects:

Psychology, Government, Politics


    Argues that Henry J Temple (3rd Viscount Palmerston) Temple, Henry John, 3rd Viscount Palmerston (1784–1865) ODNB
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recently fell asleep in the House of Commons House of Commons
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, 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'.



Punch,  38 (1860), 191.

The Great Guns of the Day

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Anon

Genre:

Poetry, Drollery

Subjects:

Military Technology, Politics, Government


    As in Anon, 'The New Russell Six-Pounder', Punch, 38 (1860), 120, this plays on the analogy between the range of new armaments and that of Lord John Russell's Russell, Lord John, 1st Earl Russell (1792–1878) ODNB
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Reform Bill. Notes that while William G Armstrong's Armstrong, Sir William George, Baron Armstrong of Cragside (1810–1900) ODNB
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'twelve-pounder' will outreach Joseph Whitworth's Whitworth, Sir Joseph, 1st Baronet (1803–87) ODNB
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'three-pounder', the range of 'Russell's six-pounder' (a reference to the £6 qualification for the franchise in towns) 'Bids fair to be the longest and lowest of all'.



Punch,  38 (1860), 197.

Interesting to Nervous and Irritable Persons!

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Anon

Genre:

Notes, Drollery

Subjects:

Mathematics, Technology, Environmentalism, Music, Sound


    Invites Charles Babbage Babbage, Charles (1792–1871) DSB
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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 NAPOLEON Napoleon III, Emperor of France (originally Louis Napoléon (Charles Louis Napoléon Bonaparte)) (1808–73) CBD
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, 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.



Punch,  38 (1860), 197.

No News

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Anon

Genre:

Notes, Drollery

Subjects:

Ornithology, Animal Behaviour, Human Species, Politics

Publications cited:

Coleman 1860 Coleman, 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
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Punch,  38 (1860), 201.

A Brewer in Support of the Beer-Improvement Bill

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Anon

Genre:

News-Commentary; Illustration, Drollery

Relevant illustrations:

wdct.

Subjects:

Nutrition, Adulteration, Health, Railways, Medical Treatment, Nationalism, Cultural Geography


    Discusses the remarks made in the House of Commons House of Commons
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by the statesman Charles Buxton Buxton, Charles (1822–71) ODNB
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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's Peto, Sir Samuel Morton (1809–89) ODNB
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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.



Punch,  38 (1860), 201.

Legislation for Little Folks

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Anon

Genre:

News-Commentary

Subjects:

Manufactories, Industrial Chemistry, Human Development, Disease


Punch,  38 (1860), 202, 204.

Punch's Essence of Parliament

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Anon

Genre:

Regular Feature, Reportage, Drollery

Subjects:

Human Development, Industrial Chemistry, Manufactories, Government


Punch,  38 (1860), 207.

A Horrible Compound

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Anon

Genre:

News-Commentary, Drollery

Subjects:

Chemistry, Analogy, Government


Punch,  38 (1860), 207.

'The Worm in Old England's Wooden Walls'

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Anon

Genre:

Poetry

Subjects:

Military Technology, Disease, Commerce


    After upholding the robustness of the 'Wood-Walls of Old England'—the apparently robust planks used by the Royal Navy Royal Navy
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—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'.



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Punch,  38 (1860), 209–10.

Punch's Essence of Parliament

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Anon

Genre:

Regular Feature, Reportage, Drollery

Subjects:

Military Technology, Steamships, Manufactories, Government


Punch,  38 (1860), 210.

England 'Chawed Up'

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Jonathan Marcellus Josh Goliah Gong Gong, Jonathan Marcellus Josh Goliah
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Genre:

Letter, Spoof

Subjects:

Industry, Technology, Nationalism, Cultural Geography, Progress, Steamships, Railways, Telegraphy, Machinery, Manufactories, Gender, Race, Commerce


    Written in the style of a boastful Yankee, responds to an extract from an article in the New York Herald New York Herald (1887–1900+) British Library Catalogue
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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'.



Punch,  38 (1860), 215.

Officiousness of Poor-Law Medical Officers

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Anon

Genre:

News-Commentary

Subjects:

Medical Practitioners, Morality, Medical Treatment


    Discusses a statement in an article in the Salisbury and Winchester Journal Salisbury and Winchester Journal (1775–1900+) British Library Newspaper Catalogue
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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'.



Punch,  38 (1860), 215.

The Splendour of Our Navy Royal Navy
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View full article text

Anon

Genre:

News-Commentary, Drollery

Subjects:

Disease, Military Technology, Light, Chemistry


    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.



Punch,  38 (1860), 216.

When Doctors Differ

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Anon

Genre:

Poetry, Drollery

Subjects:

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 Hennessy Hennessy, Sir John Pope (1834–91) ODNB
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, who blames the 'grim death' gripping Italy on Piedmont, while others think it 'a case of manslaughter / 'Gainst BOMBA [King Ferdinand II Ferdinand II, King of the Two Sicilies (1810–59) CBD
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of the Two Sicilies] and old PIO NONO [Pope Pius IX Pius IX, Pope (1792–1878) CBD
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]'. 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'.



Punch,  38 (1860), 220.

The Royal Academy Royal Academy of Arts
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View full article text

Jack Easel Easel, Jack
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Genre:

Letter, Spoof

Subjects:

Mathematics, Exploration

People mentioned:

Francis L McClintock McClintock, Sir Francis Leopold (1819–1907) ODNB
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Punch,  38 (1860), 221.

A Plucky Young Fellow

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Anon

Genre:

News-Commentary, Drollery

Subjects:

Education, Mathematics, Universities


    Discusses a letter to the Morning Post Morning Post and Daily Advertising Pamphlet (1772–1900+) Waterloo Directory
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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 Cambridge University of Cambridge
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or Oxford University of Oxford
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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.



Punch,  38 (1860), 227.

The Tax on Hospitals

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Punch Punch
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Genre:

Letter, Spoof

Subjects:

Hospitals, Medical Treatment, Disease, Government, Commerce, Class


    Discusses the dire financial situation of the Brompton Hospital Brompton Hospital, Frimley
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, the Royal Orthopaedic Hospital Royal Orthopoedic Hospital
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, and St Mary's Hospital St Mary's Hospital
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, 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 Gladstone Gladstone, William Ewart (1809–98) ODNB
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, 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.



Punch,  38 (1860), 227.

Fire-Water

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Anon

Genre:

News-Commentary, Drollery

Subjects:

Heat, Chemistry, Politics


    Discusses an extract from an article in the Daily Telegraph Daily Telegraph (1856–1900+) Waterloo Directory
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claiming that the waters of the overflowing river Theiss might 'kindle the already smouldering fires of revolution' in Hungary. Urges Michael Faraday Faraday, Michael (1791–1867) DSB
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to direct his attention to this and the Royal Institution Royal Institution of Great Britain
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to obtain bottles of the 'extraordinary liquid'.



Punch,  38 (1860), 228.

A Good School for Bad Tamers

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Anon

Genre:

Essay, Drollery

Subjects:

Animal Behaviour, Education, Human Development, Instinct, Expertise


    Describing John S Rarey's Rarey, John Solomon (1828–66) WBI
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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'.



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Punch,  38 (1860), 231.

Mr Punch a Spirit-Rapper

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Anon

Genre:

Essay, Drollery

Subjects:

Spiritualism, Supernaturalism, Miracle, Politics, Periodicals


    Announces that Mr Punch has been completely converted to the 'Spirit Rapping Persuasion' (rather than being a 'half-hearted' spiritualist) after reading the Spiritual Magazine Spiritual Magazine (1860–77) Waterloo Directory
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. 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 III Napoleon III, Emperor of France (originally Louis Napoléon (Charles Louis Napoléon Bonaparte)) (1808–73) CBD
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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 Punch Punch (1841–1900+) Waterloo Directory
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.



Punch,  38 (1860), 231.

Lines in a Season of Sickness. By a Good Liver

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Anon

Genre:

Poetry

Subjects:

Nutrition, Disease, Health


    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'.



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Punch,  38 (1860), 240.

Punch's Book of British Costumes. Chapter XIX—Contains More About the Knights in the Days of Richard the First and John  [19/42]Anon, 'Punch's Book of British Costumes. Chapter XXIII—All About Arms and Armour', Punch, 39 (1860), 28–29
Anon, 'Punch's Book of British Costumes. Chapter XXIV—The Reigns of Edward the First and Edward the Second', Punch, 39 (1860), 38–39
Anon, 'Punch's Book of British Costumes: Chapter XXVII—Three Words More About the Reign of King Edward the Third', Punch, 39 (1860), 68–69
Anon, 'Punch's Book of British Costumes. Chapter XXXIV—The Time of Henry the Sixth', Punch, 39 (1860), 168
Anon, 'Punch's Book of British Costumes: Chapter XL—Should be Read by all Tragedians Before they Dress for Richard III', Punch, 39 (1860), 238–39
Anon, 'Punch's Book of British Costumes: Chapter XLI—Bids Adieu to Henry the Seventh and Au Revior to Henry the Fourth', Punch, 39 (1860), 248–49

Close

View full article text

Anon

Genre:

Serial, Essay, Drollery

Relevant illustrations:

wdct.

Subjects:

Military Technology


    Describes the use of chain mail and the changing size and shape of shields during the reigns of King Richard I Richard I, King of England, Duke of Normandy and of Aquitaine, and Count of Anjou ('Richard Coeur de Lion') (1157–99) ODNB
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and King John John, King of England, and Lord of Ireland, Duke of Normandy and of Aquitaine, and Count of Anjou (1167–1216) ODNB
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. 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'.



Punch,  38 (1860), 241.

School for Sirens

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Asper, Sweetbriars, Surley, June 1860 Asper
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Genre:

Letter, Spoof

Subjects:

Gender, Education, Physiology, Display


    Attacks plans to build a 'Female School of Art and Design' at the South Kensington Museum South Kensington Museum
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, 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'.



Punch,  38 (1860), 241.

A Subject for a Sea-Song

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Anon

Genre:

News-Commentary, Drollery

Subjects:

Monstrosities, Spiritualism


    Notes from the Northern Ensign Northern Ensign (1850–1900+) BUCOP
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that Captain William Taylor (probably William N Taylor Taylor, William Norton (1798–1888) WBI
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) has reported seeing the 'Sea Serpent'. Considers the monster's consumption of parts of Taylor's vessel to be better than spiritualism.



Punch,  38 (1860), 241.

Spiritualist Séances

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Anon

Genre:

Reportage, Drollery

Subjects:

Spiritualism, Supernaturalism

Publications cited:

Hume 1840 Hume, David [1840?]. An Essay on Miracles, London: J. Watson
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Punch,  38 (1860), 248.

Clerk of the Weather Office

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Phoebus Apollo Apollo, Phoebus
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Genre:

Advertisement, Spoof

Subjects:

Meteorology, Astronomy


    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'.



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Punch,  38 (1860), 255.

One Nation's Meat Another's Poison

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Anon

Genre:

News-Commentary, Drollery

Subjects:

Putrefaction, Physiology, Nutrition, Narcotics, Politics


    Discusses an extract from Timbs 1859 Timbs, John 1859. Curiosities of Science, Past and Present: A Book for the Old and Young (Things Not Generally Known Familiarly Explained), London: Kent & Co.
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in which the author reports Charles G B Daubeny's Daubeny, Charles Giles Bridle (1795–1867) DSB
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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.



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