Science in the 19th Century Periodical

Punch, Or the London Charivari [1st]

Introductory Essay
Volume 48  (January to June 1865)
Punch,  48 (1865), [v]–[vii].

Introduction

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Anon

Genre:

Notes, Drollery

Subjects:

Spiritualism, Imposture, Zoological Gardens, Zoology, Telegraphy, Government, Medical Practitioners, Quackery, Politics


    Summarises forthcoming articles on the exposure of the mediums William H H Davenport Davenport, William Henry Harrison (1841–77) WBI
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and Ira E Davenport Davenport, Ira Erastus (1839–1911) WBI
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(Anon, 'The Davenports Undone', Punch, 48 (1865), 74), the porpoise at the Zoological Society Gardens Zoological Society of London —Gardens
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(, His Late Keeper, 'Elegy on the Porpoise', Punch, 48 (1865), 84 and , Anon, 'Porculus Marinus Loquitur', Punch, 48 (1865), 85), Charles Wood's Wood, Charles, 1st Viscount Halifax (1800–85) ODNB
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irritation with the telegraph (, Anon, 'The Torture of the Telegraph', Punch, 48 (1865), 108, 111), and the opposition of the 'medical profession' to Robert W Grosvenor Grosvenor, Robert Wellesley, 2nd Baron Ebury (1834–1918) WBI
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(, Anon, 'War-Song of the Westminster Doctor', Punch, 48 (1865), 260) ([vii]).



Punch,  48 (1865), [i].

Aquarius

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Anon

Genre:

Notes, Drollery

Subjects:

Scientific Practitioners

People mentioned:

Carl Linnaeus, Linnaeus (or von Linné), Carl (1707–78) DSB
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Benjamin Franklin, Franklin, Benjamin (1706–90) DSB
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James Watt Watt, James (1736–1819) DSB
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Punch,  48 (1865), [i].

The Boast of the Board of Works

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Anon

Genre:

Notes, Drollery

Subjects:

Pollution, Public Health


Punch,  48 (1865), [iii].

Aries

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Anon

Genre:

Notes, Drollery

Subjects:

Scientific Practitioners, Chemistry

People mentioned:

Joseph Priestley Priestley, Joseph (1733–1804) DSB
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Punch,  48 (1865), [iii].

Pisciculture

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Anon

Genre:

Illustration, Drollery

Relevant illustrations:

wdct.

Subjects:

Technology, Invention, Mechanics, Hunting


    Shows a man turning a large crank which adjusts the height of a 'New Patent Traction Crane', on the end of which swings a large weight shaped like a fishing bob. The caption reveals that the figure believes he is fishing for a 'Silurus Glanis'.



Punch,  48 (1865), [iv].

Song of Mars

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Anon

Genre:

Poetry, Drollery

Subjects:

Astronomy


Punch,  48 (1865), [iv].

Medical Discovery

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Anon

Genre:

Reportage, Drollery

Subjects:

Homeopathy, Medical Treatment


Punch,  48 (1865), [v].

Gemini

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Anon

Genre:

Notes, Drollery

Subjects:

Scientific Practitioners, Natural History, Taxonomy

People mentioned:

Georges Cuvier Cuvier, Georges (1769–1832) DSB
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Punch,  48 (1865), [vi].

Probable Results of the Acclimatisation Society Acclimatisation Society, New South Wales
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—The Streets

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D M Du Maurier, George Louis Palmella Busson (1834–96) 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:

D M Du Maurier, George Louis Palmella Busson (1834–96) ODNB
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Spielmann, Marion Harry Alexander 1895. The History of "Punch", London: Cassell
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Subjects:

Zoology, Animal Development, Animal Behaviour, Futurism, Climatology, Environmentalism, Transport


    This anticipates the results of acclimatising exotic species of animals to the British climate. It shows a busy street in London on which crowd numerous exotic species being used as forms of transport. For example, in the foreground a zebra pulls a cart and a man is walking a kangaroo as if it were a dog; in the background two giraffes pull a coach and several people sit on the back of a giant elephant (whose posterior is marked 'Bank 3d') as if it were an omnibus.



Punch,  48 (1865), [vii].

Probable Results of the Acclimatisation Society Acclimatisation Society, New South Wales
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—The Serpentine

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Anon

Genre:

Illustration, Drollery

Relevant illustrations:

wdct.

Illustrators:

D M Du Maurier, George Louis Palmella Busson (1834–96) ODNB
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Spielmann, Marion Harry Alexander 1895. The History of "Punch", London: Cassell
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Subjects:

Zoology, Animal Development, Animal Behaviour, Futurism, Climatology, Environmentalism


    Similar to George L P B Du Maurier, 'Probable Results of the Acclimatisation Society—The Streets', Punch, 48 (1865), [vi], this shows the results of acclimatising exotic species to the British climate. It shows a crowded scene near the Serpentine Serpentine, lake, Hyde Park
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and several family groups relaxing with animals that appear to have been released from the Zoological Society Gardens Zoological Society of London —Gardens
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. For example, in the foreground young children sit on top of and near such fierce creatures as a tiger, lion, and a crocodile, while in a tree above a family group sits a large snake and a toucan.



Punch,  48 (1865), [viii].

How to Calculate the Variations in the Barrow-Meter

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Anon

Genre:

Notes, Drollery

Subjects:

Pneumatics, Instruments, Nutrition, Measurement


Punch,  48 (1865), [ix].

Song of Georgium Sidus

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Anon

Genre:

Poetry, Drollery

Subjects:

Commerce, Astronomy

People mentioned:

William Herschel Herschel, Sir William (1738–1822) DSB ODNB
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Punch,  48 (1865), [x].

Libra

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Anon

Genre:

Notes, Drollery

Subjects:

Philosophy, Sociology

People mentioned:

Auguste Comte Comte, Isidore Auguste Marie François Xavier (Auguste) (1798–1857) DSB
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Punch,  48 (1865), [x].

Quotation Wanted

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Anon

Genre:

Notes, Drollery

Subjects:

Medical Treatment

Publications cited:

Burton 1621 [Burton, Robert] 1621. The Anatomy of Melancholy: What it is. With all the Kindes, Causes, Symptomes, Prognostickes, and Severall Cures of it. In Three Maine Partitions with their Severall Sections, Members, and Subsections. Philosophically, Medicinally, Historically, Opened and Cut up. By Democritus Junior. With a Satyricall Preface, Conducing to the Following Discourse, Oxford: H. Cripps
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Punch,  48 (1865), [x].

The Most Potent Locomotive Engine

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Anon

Genre:

Notes, Drollery

Subjects:

Railways, Steam-power, Politics


Punch,  48 (1865), [xi].

Remarkable Invention, &c.

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Anon

Genre:

Notes, Drollery

Subjects:

Industry, Commerce, Medical Treatment, Military Technology


Punch,  48 (1865), [xi].

[A Volunteer on the Holes in the Lunar Orb]

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Anon

Genre:

Notes, Drollery

Subjects:

Astronomy


Punch,  48 (1865), [xii].

Homeopathic Diet

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Anon

Genre:

Notes, Drollery

Subjects:

Homeopathy, Medical Treatment, Disease


Punch,  48 (1865), [xii].

Middle Class Examinations

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Anon

Genre:

Reportage, Spoof

Subjects:

Education, Class, Aeronautics, Comparative Philology, Mathematics


Punch,  48 (1865), [xii].

Sagittarius

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Anon

Genre:

Notes, Drollery

Subjects:

Scientific Practitioners, Mathematics, Natural Philosophy

People mentioned:

Gottfried W Leibniz Leibniz, Gottfried Wilhelm (1646–1716) DSB
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Punch,  48 (1865), 3.

Important Scientific Announcement

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Anon

Genre:

Announcement, Drollery

Subjects:

Matter Theory


Punch,  48 (1865), 6, 9.

Mr Punch's Non Possumus

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Anon

Genre:

Poetry, Drollery

Subjects:

Religious Authority, Progress, Reason


    Subtitled 'Being a respectful Comment on the POPE'S Encyclical and its Appendix', this poem criticises the religious dogmatism displayed by the latest edict of Pope Pius IX Pius IX, Pope (1792–1878) CBD
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. In answer to such demands as renouncing 'the faiths we've learnt to view / As keystones of our freedom' and deeming '[the Pope's] dogmas above reason [...] His lore than science wiser', Punch turns the Pope's style of answer back on him with: 'Non possumus'. (6)



Punch,  48 (1865), [7].

The Pope's Mad Bull

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J T Tenniel, Sir John (1820–1914) 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 T Tenniel, Sir John (1820–1914) ODNB
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Spielmann, Marion Harry Alexander 1895. The History of "Punch", London: Cassell
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Subjects:

Religious Authority, Progress, Reason


    Following Anon, 'Mr Punch's Non Possumus', Punch, 48 (1865), 6, 9, this responds to Pope Pius IX's Pius IX, Pope (1792–1878) CBD
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latest 'Encyclical' and 'Appendix', which subordinated science and common sense to papal authority. Shows a large bull (being also a papal edict) with its head on the ground near a brick wall and its legs dangling in the air. The bull has crashed against the wall containing bricks marked 'Science', 'Common Sense', 'Toleration', and 'Progress'—aspects of culture which Pius IX opposes.



Punch,  48 (1865), 9.

A Proclamation

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Punch Punch
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Genre:

Announcement, Spoof

Subjects:

Periodicals, Publishing, Language, Zoology, Zoological Gardens, Extinction, Chemistry, Methodology

Institutions mentioned:

Wombwell's menagerie Wombwell's Menagerie
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    Calls on writers and statesmen to stop using, for 'public edification, enlightenment, amusement, or instruction [...] several persons, creatures, and things' which are judged to be 'exhausted, threadbare, stale, and hackneyed', and which are specified in an annexed list. This includes 'The British Lion', which it is claimed will be gratefully accepted by the Zoological Society Gardens Zoological Society of London —Gardens
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, and the 'Couleur de Rose', which is 'Very much faded' and is being replaced by an alternative to be identified by the Royal Society of Chemistry Royal Society of Chemistry
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and others. The phrase of Francis Bacon (1st Viscount St Alban) Bacon, Francis, 1st Viscount St Alban (1561–1626) DSB ODNB
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, 'Knowledge is Power', is judged to be 'quite reasty, having been served up to every Mechanics' Institute in the three Kingdoms'.



Punch,  48 (1865), 12.

Seasonable Statistics

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Seraphina Simper Simper, Seraphina
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Genre:

Letter, Spoof

Subjects:

Statistics, Mathematics, Amusement, Gender


    Noting the large weight of mistletoe sold in Britain over the Christmas period, the author ponders the question 'how many young ladies on the average are caught beneath a ton of mistletoe'? and the proportion of kisses to weight of mistletoe. Urges Charles Babbage Babbage, Charles (1792–1871) DSB
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'or some other great calculator' 'to solve this interesting problem'. The writer points out that while she does not 'know what experiments I may make', she thinks 'some of your young lady readers' could collect 'statistics on the subject'.



Punch,  48 (1865), 12.

The Pre-Adamite Period

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Anon

Genre:

Notes, Drollery

Subjects:

Palaeontology, Evolution


    'Lizard Point to the Isle of Man'.



Punch,  48 (1865), 12.

Alleged High Treason at Stockbridge

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Anon

Genre:

News-Commentary, Drollery

Subjects:

Ornithology, Cruelty, Environmentalism, Crime


    Discusses an extract from an article in The Times The Times (1777–1900+) Waterloo Directory
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reporting that anglers in Stockbridge destroyed several kingfishers, an act that Punch thinks should be punished by hanging.



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Punch,  48 (1865), 13.

A Too Common Case of Distress

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Brown Johnson, M.D., F.R.C.S. Johnson, Brown (MD, FRCS)
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Genre:

Letter, Spoof

Subjects:

Disease, Medical Practitioners, Medical Treatment, Nutrition, Class


    The author describes his attendance on a wealthy patient, whose symptoms are given in elaborate detail, but which turn out to be a simple case of festive gorging. Concludes by suggesting that 'those of us whose circumstances preclude over-indulgence in eating and drinking [... should] go forth among the mansions of the luxurious classes' and teach the virtues of moderation.



Punch,  48 (1865), 15.

Mr Punch's Handy-Book of the Stage. Chap. VI—The Light Comedian  [7/13]Anon, 'Mr Punch's Book of the Stage. Chap. XI—The Manager Who Does Not Act', Punch, 48 (1865), 71–72

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Anon

Genre:

Serial, Essay, Drollery

Subjects:

Amusement, Palaeontology, Geology, Skill


    Gives advice on how to perform as a 'light comedian', advice which explains that slapping friends on the shoulder and poking elderly persons in their ribs are 'valuable relics of a former state of manners, which have been happily preserved for us in the matrix of stage-tradition, as the icthyosauri and pterodactyls in the lias and oolite of the geologist'. Suggests that comedians deal with these 'fossilised manners' 'as reverently as PROFESSOR OWEN Owen, Richard (1804–92) DSB
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would handle a fossil of the Stonesfield slate, or an Elephant's tusk from the Norwich mud'.



Punch,  48 (1865), 21.

Advertising Atrocities

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Anon

Genre:

News-Commentary, Drollery

Subjects:

Quackery, Medical Treatment, Commerce, Environmentalism


    Discussing a report of the defacement, by advertisements, of 'spots visited for their natural beauty' in Canada, claims that the 'names of pill-mongers are painted on the Pyramids', and anticipates that the dome of St Peter's St Peter's, Rome
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will be 'placarded by quacks'.



Punch,  48 (1865), 21.

'Wanted, A White Slave—Cheap'

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Anon

Genre:

News-Commentary, Drollery

Subjects:

Education, Human Development, Mathematics, Physical Geography


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Punch,  48 (1865), 23.

A Bird in the Hat

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Smelfungus Smelfungus
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Genre:

Letter, Spoof

Subjects:

Amusement, Ornithology


Punch,  48 (1865), 23.

Buonaparte's Gull

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Anon

Genre:

News-Commentary, Drollery

Subjects:

Ornithology, Hunting, Politics


    Discusses a report in The Times The Times (1777–1900+) Waterloo Directory
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of a 'Buonaparte' gull that has been shot at Falmouth. Delighted that the bird is so rare in the British Isles, and believes the 'two Irish specimens' are 'no doubt, Fenian or Ultra-montane' and that their rarity is 'more remarkable' given the vast number of 'Buonaparte's gulls', who have 'occassionally been shot, particularly on the 2nd December, 1851'—a reference to the bloody quashing of a popular rebellion by Emperor Napoleon III Napoleon III, Emperor of France (originally Louis Napoléon (Charles Louis Napoléon Bonaparte)) (1808–73) CBD
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of France.



Punch,  48 (1865), 23.

A Derivation

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Anon

Genre:

Reportage, Spoof

Subjects:

Chemistry, Language, Gender


    Reports that Mr Punch informed 'a charming young lady philosopher' that aniline was 'derived from anile', the meaning being 'that when people grow anile, they ought to dye'.



Punch,  48 (1865), 29.

Publication Received for Review

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Anon

Genre:

Announcement, Drollery

Subjects:

Medical Treatment, Publishing

Publications cited:

Pass 1846 Pass, Horatio 1846. A Treatise on Artificial Teeth and Palates: With Advice to Parents; And Observations on the Effects of a Residence in Tropical Climates on the Teeth of Europeans, London: John Churchill
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Punch,  48 (1865), 30.

Chimpanzees and Cherubs

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Simia Satyrus Satyrus, Simia
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Genre:

Letter, Spoof

Subjects:

Amusement, Human Development, Animal Behaviour, Cruelty


    Responds to a letter in The Times The Times (1777–1900+) Waterloo Directory
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condemning the unhealthy 'practice of exhibiting infants on the stage in pantomimes and burlesques'. Argues that monkeys could be substituted for infants, suggesting that 'an arrangement be made with the Zoological Society Zoological Society of London
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on the one hand, and the Italians who educate PROFESSOR HUXLEY's Huxley, Thomas Henry (1825–95) DSB
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distant relatives, on the other'. Noting that this might not be thwarted by the 'Act for the Prevention of Cruelty of Animals', suggests that with 'cosmetic stucco', an ape could be converted into 'a full-grown angel'. Concludes by insisting that 'whatever you may think of "Man's place in Nature" [a reference to Huxley 1863 Huxley, Thomas Henry 1863. Evidence as to Man's Place in Nature, London: Williams and Norgate
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], you will no doubt allow that the place of a child in a pantomime had much better be filled by one of the Simiae'.



Punch,  48 (1865), 30.

Journalism

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Anon

Genre:

News-Commentary, Drollery

Subjects:

Meteorology, Prognostication

People mentioned:

Robert Fitzroy Fitzroy, Robert (1805–65) DSB
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Punch,  48 (1865), 32.

Meteorological

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Anon

Genre:

Notes, Drollery

Subjects:

Meteorology, Language, Instruments


    Suggests that Robert Fitzroy Fitzroy, Robert (1805–65) DSB
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is 'like a careful riddle-maker' because he devotes much of his time to 'a cone-and-drum'—references to the cone-shaped storm warning signal, and the drum used to record meteorological phenomena.



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Punch,  48 (1865), 33.

Homeopathy in the Workhouse

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Anon

Genre:

Essay

Subjects:

Industry, Medical Practitioners, Medical Treatment, Crime, Patronage


    Condemns the guardians of poor law unions for failing to provide adequate resources for medical men attending workhouses. Notes the 'homeopathic' (i.e. miniscule) pay given to a Holborn Poor Law Union Holborn Poor Law Union
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medical man and the 'homeopathic' (i.e. miniscule) amounts of medicine with which he is supposed to treat paupers. Expressing no surprise that deaths occur through inadequate treatment, insists that the poor law guardians rather than the doctors should be charged with 'manslaughter', and defends the doctors' ability to discern genuine cases of illness among paupers. Concludes by arguing that 'humanity demands that good treatment be procured' and that this requires 'good pay'.



Punch,  48 (1865), 34.

The Best Place for Mr Babbage Babbage, Charles (1792–1871) DSB
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Anon

Genre:

Notes, Drollery

Subjects:

Scientific Practitioners, Music, Environmentalism


Punch,  48 (1865), 35.

An Experiment in Longevity

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Old Parr Old Parr
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Genre:

Letter, Spoof

Subjects:

Human Development, Time, Health, Natural Law, Domestic Economy

People mentioned:

Thomas Parr Parr, Thomas ('Old Parr') (d. 1635) ODNB
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    Noting the 'great deal' of recent discussion about man's longevity, the writer offers himself as somebody who should be used for testing the claims, and describes his constitution, diet, and lifestyle, stressing that he subsists 'by the exercise of my intellectual faculties in a way calculated to please others rather than myself', and believes from 'statistics' that 'matrimony would prolong my existence'. Suggests that with a 'public subscription' he could gain 'an income sufficient for the purposes of physiological science and my own' and see whether longevity can be secured by 'living [...] in strict obedience to the natural laws of health'.



Punch,  48 (1865), 35.

The Pleasures of the Porpoise

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Martha Martha
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Genre:

Letter, Spoof

Subjects:

Zoology, Zoological Gardens, Nutrition, Animal Behaviour, Religion


    Apparently written by a women of limited literary ability, who responds to a letter in The Times The Times (1777–1900+) Waterloo Directory
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from Francis T Buckland Buckland, Francis Trevelyan (1826–80) ODNB
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. She insists 'ow I hinvies' the porpoise, especially because of its diet of sprats and eels and its habitation in the Zoological Society Gardens Zoological Society of London —Gardens
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. Believes the porpoise's tendency to seize fish and jerk them down 'head foremost' is very 'cristian'.



Punch,  48 (1865), 35.

A Pleasant Situation

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Anon

Genre:

News-Commentary, Drollery

Subjects:

Education, Human Development, Physical Geography, Astronomy, Botany


Punch,  48 (1865), 39.

(Advertisement) No More Taxes Nor Any Other Medicine

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Anon

Genre:

Advertisement, Spoof

Subjects:

Medical Treatment, Politics, Disease

People mentioned:

John Bright Bright, John (1811–89) ODNB
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    Puffs the 'FRANCHISE PILL' of 'DR. JOHN BRIGHT', 'Fellow of Birmingham University'. Notes that this 'inestimable medicament' is the product of 'twenty years of researches in America' and offers a 'Certain cure for all Disorders, physical, mental, moral, social, and political'. The advertisement includes a long list of such disorders, including 'Taxes', 'Corns', 'Tooth-ache', 'Smoky Chimneys', 'Circumlocution', 'Puseyism Pusey, Edward Bouverie (1800–82) ODNB
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', 'Davenport Brothers' (William H H Davenport Davenport, William Henry Harrison (1841–77) WBI
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and Ira E Davenport Davenport, Ira Erastus (1839–1911) WBI
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), 'Sensation Novels', 'Earthquakes', 'Mumps', and 'Black-balling'.



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Punch,  48 (1865), [47].

Dr Bright Bright, John (1811–89) ODNB
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and His Patient

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J T Tenniel, Sir John (1820–1914) ODNB
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Spielmann, Marion Harry Alexander 1895. The History of "Punch", London: Cassell
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Genre:

Illustration, Caricature

Relevant illustrations:

wdct.

Illustrators:

J T Tenniel, Sir John (1820–1914) ODNB
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Spielmann, Marion Harry Alexander 1895. The History of "Punch", London: Cassell
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Subjects:

Politics, Medical Practitioners, Medical Treatment


    Shows John Bright (the 'Doctor') as a somewhat pompous looking doctor standing near, and in conversation with, a rough-looking carpenter (the 'Patient') carrying the tools of his trade. The doctor quizzes the patient about his livelihood and on hearing that he earns enough money and food, and is not 'hurt' by the taxes, replies that 'we must change all that. We must go in for reform'. This latter refers to Bright's zealous campaign for parliamentary reform.



Punch,  48 (1865), 52.

What's a Napple?

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Anon

Genre:

Letter, Spoof

Subjects:

Agriculture, Taxonomy, Natural History, Mental Illness, Materialism, Mathematics


    Perplexed by the decision of Dorchester magistrates 'that apples are no agricultural produce' or 'produced from trees that grow in cultured ground'. Following a claim by 'An American philosopher' that 'madness was a mineral', the author suggests that the apple might be an animal and thinks that Dorchester magistrates remind her of 'the 5th Proposition of Euclid Euclid (fl. 295 BC) DSB
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'—the 'Pons Asinorum' or 'Asses' Bridge'.



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Punch,  48 (1865), 54.

'Cakes, Leeks, Puddings, and Potatoes'

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Anon

Genre:

Introduction, Drollery; Extract, Spoof

Subjects:

Cultural Geography, Education


    Presenting extracts from the statements of George Heriot Heriot, George (fl. 1865) PU1/48/6/1
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concerning the 'inhabitants of the English province called Scotland', the author notes Heriot's claim that Hugh Miller Miller, Hugh (1802–56) DSB
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says 'There is an order of English mind to which Scotland has not attained'.



Punch,  48 (1865), 54.

A Dream of the Future. Gas has Been Turned on in China (Translation of Correspondence)

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Anon

Genre:

Letter, Spoof

Subjects:

Gas Chemistry, Technology, Commerce, Comparative Philology, Cultural Geography, Progress


    Comprises correspondence between 'His Celestial and Imperial Highness, Brother to the Sun and Moon Twin to the Twinkling Stars, Cousin of the Comet', and 'T. Jones, Secretary of the Hi Ski Hi Gas Company of Pekin'. The former is told that the reason why his gas supply has been 'discontinued' is because he has failed to pay 'certain moneys', and he subsequently threatens to behead Jones. Although Jones asked the gas company to continue the gas supply, the 'Highness' demands the heads of all connected with it, threats which prompt the 'escape' of the company.



Punch,  48 (1865), 56.

Pretty Near the Mark

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Anon

Genre:

Reportage, Spoof

Subjects:

Spiritualism, Imposture

People mentioned:

William H H Davenport, Davenport, William Henry Harrison (1841–77) WBI
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Ira E Davenport Davenport, Ira Erastus (1839–1911) WBI
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Punch,  48 (1865), 59.

Poem Before Parliament

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Anon

Genre:

Poetry, Drollery

Subjects:

Politics, Spiritualism, Imposture


    Anticipates the activities of leading statesmen in the new session of Parliament Houses of Parliament
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, including the expectation that Henry G Grey (3rd Earl Grey) Grey, Henry George, 3rd Earl Grey (formerly styled 'Viscount Howick') (1802–94) ODNB
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will try to 'prove that all others / are DAVENPORT Brothers [William H H Davenport Davenport, William Henry Harrison (1841–77) WBI
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and Ira E Davenport Davenport, Ira Erastus (1839–1911) WBI
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], / And he's not a quack, but a seer'.



Punch,  48 (1865), 60.

Perfidious English

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Anon

Genre:

News-Commentary, Drollery

Subjects:

Language, Cultural Geography, Scientific Practitioners, Astronomy, Chemistry


    Ridiculing an extract from the Le Monde Artiste Monde Artiste, Le (1862–1900+) Bibliotheque Nationale
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, which describes the title of 'barronet' being conferred upon 'the Poet Lanwent Alfred Temysson Tennyson, Alfred, 1st Baron Tennyson (1809–92) ODNB
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', develops this typographically inept and ill-informed style by suggesting other claims that might be made by the newspaper. These include the question: 'Would they hold FERADAY's Faraday, Michael (1791–1867) DSB
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telescope firmer, or make steadier the crucible of M. AIRY Airy, Sir George Biddell (1801–92) DSB ODNB
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?'.



Punch,  48 (1865), 60.

The Zoological Shakespeare

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A Keeper in the Gardens Keeper in the Gardens, A
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Genre:

Letter, Spoof

Subjects:

Zoological Gardens, Zoology


    Suggests that from the wording of a scene in his Henry IV, part II, that William Shakespeare Shakespeare, William (1564–1616) ODNB
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may have been 'a keeper at the Zoological Gardens Zoological Society of London —Gardens
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'.



Punch,  48 (1865), 61.

A Line from Churchill

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Anon

Genre:

Catechism, Spoof

Subjects:

Mathematics, Universities, Education, Human Development


    Subtitled 'At the service of any Mamma, whose Son is returning from Cambridge University of Cambridge
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high in the Mathematical Tripos' this states: 'The Mother eyes the "Wrangler" with a smile'.



Punch,  48 (1865), 61.

Recognition

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Anon

Genre:

Notes, Drollery

Subjects:

Spiritualism, Politics, Cultural Geography, War, Imposture


    Compares the Confederates to William H H Davenport Davenport, William Henry Harrison (1841–77) WBI
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and Ira E Davenport Davenport, Ira Erastus (1839–1911) WBI
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, a claim that Punch thinks will not 'anger' the Union forces.



Punch,  48 (1865), 62.

Earning His Certificate

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

Illustration, Drollery

Relevant illustrations:

wdct.

Illustrators:

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

Medical Practitioners, Disease, Narcotics, Patronage


    Shows an elderly 'Family Doctor' sitting near his patient, a 'Country Gentleman', in a large study. After declining a glass of port on the grounds that it causes gout, the doctor is invited by the gentleman to 'stay and dine' with a glass of 'Thirty-Four', a move prompted by the gentleman's imminent jury service.



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Punch,  48 (1865), 63–64.

Punch's Essence of Parliament

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Anon

Genre:

Regular Feature—Proceedings, Drollery; Poetry

Subjects:

Politics, Government, Invention, Patents, Quackery, Railways, Accidents, Commerce


    Includes an 'Idyll of the Queen Victoria, Queen of the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Ireland, and Empress of India (1819–1901) ODNB
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', which represents and discusses the Queen's speech at the start of the new session of Parliament Houses of Parliament
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. Asks for the Queen's help in 'useful legislation', including the need to 'mend' the situation regarding 'The patient, thoughtful sage, whose painful toil / Strikes out some grand invention' and 'is left / At the no-mercy of a Patent law / By which the shallow greedy quack's enriched'. (63) Later Punch reverts to its usual interpretation of parliamentary proceedings, which includes a report of the government's decision not to 'legislate about Railway accidents', Thomas Milner-Gibson Milner-Gibson, Thomas (1806–84) ODNB
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making the apparently contradictory remarks that there were 'few railway accidents' in 1864, but £174,000 was paid in damages for injury arising from accidents (64).



Punch,  48 (1865), 65.

A Civil (Engineering) Query

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Anon

Genre:

Reportage, Drollery

Subjects:

Invention, Technology, Industry


    Wonders whether Mr Harrison's Harrison, Mr (fl. 1865) PU1/48/7/2
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invention of 'Weaving by Compressed Air' is 'what has so long been "looming in the future"'.



Punch,  48 (1865), 65.

Flower of Trade Slang

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Philosopher Philosopher
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Genre:

Letter, Spoof

Subjects:

Agriculture, Narcotics


Punch,  48 (1865), 65.

Nautical

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Anon

Genre:

Notes, Drollery

Subjects:

Steamships, Military Technology, Nationalism


Punch,  48 (1865), 71–72.

Mr Punch's Book of the Stage. Chap. XI—The Manager Who Does Not Act  [12/13]Anon, 'Mr Punch's Handy-Book of the Stage. Chap. VI—The Light Comedian', Punch, 48 (1865), 15

Close

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Anon

Genre:

Serial, Essay, Drollery

Subjects:

Light, Supernaturalism, Amusement, Invention

People mentioned:

John H Pepper Pepper, John Henry (1821–1900) ODNB
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^^ Back to the top of this issue

Punch,  48 (1865), 73–74.

Punch's Essence of Parliament

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Anon

Genre:

Regular Feature, Proceedings, Drollery

Subjects:

Pollution, Engineering, Public Health, Medical Practitioners, Physiology, Heat, Railways, Politics, Government


    Praises John Thwaites Thwaites, Sir John (1815–1870) ODNB
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for his imminent completion of 'the Drains', a feat that will turn the 'breezes of London' into 'balmy breezes'. Notes that the 'Doctor in Roderick Random Smollett, Tobias George 1748. The Adventures of Roderick Random, London: J. Osborn
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, who resolved to distil a certain liquid from tinder, by means of animal heat, was a practical philosopher compared to Mr. Punch', were the latter to 'seek to obtain any Essence out of such tinder-like Parliament as that of the past week'. (73) Reports on a new government inquiry 'into the costs of Railway Conveyance' and the reading of bills about new railways. (74)



Punch,  48 (1865), 74.

The Davenports Undone

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Anon

Genre:

Poetry, Drollery

Subjects:

Spiritualism, Imposture

People mentioned:

William H H Davenport, Davenport, William Henry Harrison (1841–77) WBI
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Ira E Davenport, Davenport, Ira Erastus (1839–1911) WBI
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Jesse B Ferguson Ferguson, Jesse Babcock (fl. 1864) Fodor 1934
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Punch,  48 (1865), 75.

Preternatural Voracity

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Anon

Genre:

News-Commentary, Drollery

Subjects:

Mental Illness, Nutrition, Supernaturalism, Spiritualism, Gender


    Discusses a report from the Hospital of Incurables, Naples Ospedale Gli Incurabili (Saint Maria del Popolo), Naples
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, of a woman with an enormous appetite who acts 'like a mad woman' when her diet is reduced. Insists that while such periodicals as The Times The Times (1777–1900+) Waterloo Directory
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and the Morning Post Morning Post and Daily Advertising Pamphlet (1772–1900+) Waterloo Directory
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are sceptical of her feat, the Spiritual Magazine Spiritual Magazine (1860–77) Waterloo Directory
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will attribute it to the same agency that they believe to be responsible for the manifestations of William H H Davenport Davenport, William Henry Harrison (1841–77) WBI
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and Ira E Davenport Davenport, Ira Erastus (1839–1911) WBI
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.



Punch,  48 (1865), 76.

The Great Whaling Expedition

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Benny the Bo'sen Benny the Bo'sen
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Genre:

Poetry, Drollery

Relevant illustrations:

wdct. [2]

Illustrators:

D M Du Maurier, George Louis Palmella Busson (1834–96) ODNB
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Spielmann, Marion Harry Alexander 1895. The History of "Punch", London: Cassell
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Subjects:

Hunting, Exploration


    Describes an expedition 'in the Northern Sea [...] to catch a Whale', a task which the explorers seek to accomplish with a variety of weapons including 'cutlasses, pikes, marlin-spikes [...] hammers, knives, and brads'. They crept up on the 'brute' which 'Asleep on the deep lay', and shouted for joy when the whale quivered after being harpooned 'by the score'. Despite the crew's bravado about catching the whale, it escaped from the rope tethering it to the boat. The illustrations show scenes from the voyage, including a rowing boat progressing through icy wastes inhabited by polar bears and the boat crew attempting to harpoon the whale.



Punch,  48 (1865), 78.

Geese in the Parks

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Anon

Genre:

News-Commentary, Drollery

Subjects:

Animal Behaviour


    Discusses a report describing the number of 'geese' (people) who have fallen into various lakes while attempting to traverse their frozen surfaces. Thinks those 'geese' who bathed in the freezing cold water were not as 'silly' as the 'geese' who fell through the ice and unintentionally bathed in the water.



Punch,  48 (1865), 82.

Astronomical Notes for 1865  [1/2]Anon, 'Astronomical Notes for 1865.', Punch, 48 (1865), 93

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Astronomical Plebeian Astronomical Plebeian
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Genre:

Serial, Reportage, Spoof

Subjects:

Astronomy, Prognostication, Politics


    After predicting the 'customary Solar and Lunar disturbances', this report lists the expected 'eclipses' in society, including the eclipse of the 'Present Parliament' by another one.



Punch,  48 (1865), 84.

Elegy on the Porpoise

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His Late Keeper His Late Keeper
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Genre:

Poetry

Subjects:

Zoology, Zoological Gardens, Death


    Describes the death of the porpoise exhibited at the Zoological Society Gardens Zoological Society of London —Gardens
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, a death caused by freezing and the fact that 'They didn't enclose him / A deep enough place in'.



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Punch,  48 (1865), 85.

Porculus Marinus Loquitur

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Anon

Genre:

Poetry, Drollery

Subjects:

Zoology, Zoological Gardens, Hunting, Scientific Practitioners


    Written from the perspective of the recently deceased porpoise at the Zoological Society Gardens Zoological Society of London —Gardens
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, who asks a number of questions concerning the person responsible for its fate since it left the 'briny wave'. Asks, for example, 'Who dug me a freshwater grave, / And popped me into it' and 'Who cut me open'. The concluding words, 'F—k B—d', reveal that the accused is Francis T Buckland Buckland, Francis Trevelyan (1826–80) ODNB
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.



Punch,  48 (1865), 85.

Literary Intelligence

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Anon

Genre:

Reportage, Spoof

Subjects:

Universities, Education, Palaeontology, Reading, Natural Theology, Religion


    Notes that a 'Cambridge University of Cambridge
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undergraduate is informed that 'Pale-on-tology' has nothing to do with the works of the author of Evidences of Christianity Paley, William 1794. A View of the Evidences of Christianity, London: R. Faulder
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', i.e. William Paley Paley, William (1743–1805) DSB
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.



Punch,  48 (1865), 85—86.

Punch's Essence of Parliament

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Anon

Genre:

Regular Feature, Proceedings, Drollery

Subjects:

Environmentalism, Politics, Government


    Reports on a 'smart debate' on the 'business' of John P Spencer's Spencer, John Poyntz, 5th Earl Spencer (1835–1910) ODNB
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proposal 'to limit, civilise, and rail in' Wimbledon Common Wimbledon Common
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, a move that did not meet the expected 'universal adulation'. (85)



Punch,  48 (1865), 87.

Wonderful Instinct of the Giraffe

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D M Du Maurier, George Louis Palmella Busson (1834–96) 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:

D M Du Maurier, George Louis Palmella Busson (1834–96) ODNB
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Spielmann, Marion Harry Alexander 1895. The History of "Punch", London: Cassell
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Subjects:

Instinct, Animal Behaviour, Zoological Gardens, Photography, Meteorology


    Shows several giraffes crossing a snow-covered courtyard at a zoological gardens. Two of the giraffes have curled their necks into scarves thus, as the caption explains, escaping from 'diphtheria during the winter'. On the right, a photographer is seen attempting to capture this phenomenon.



Punch,  48 (1865), 88.

Art v. Nature

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Anon

Genre:

Illustration, Drollery

Relevant illustrations:

wdct.

Subjects:

Photography, Aesthetics, Gender


    Shows a woman in a photographer's studio, waiting to have her photograph taken. She argues that the position she has adopted will suffice because 'it's natural and easy', but the photographer retorts that while such a position 'may do in ordinary life [...] in photography it's out of the question entirely'.



Punch,  48 (1865), 88.

A Very Im(pertinent) Dockyard Query

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Anon

Genre:

News-Commentary, Drollery

Subjects:

Engineering, Steam-power

Institutions mentioned:

Admiralty Admiralty
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Punch,  48 (1865), 88.

The Secrets of the Prison House

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Anon

Genre:

News-Commentary, Drollery

Subjects:

Mental Illness, Hospitals, Skill, Textbooks


    Discusses news that Dr Brown Brown, Dr (fl. 1865) PU1/48/9/7
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, the principal of the Bloomingdale Lunatic Asylum, New York Bloomingdale Lunatic Asylum, New York
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, stated that a number of 'College text-books' including Alder's German and English Dictionary were written by people of 'insane mind'. Punch adds that while Mr Punch 'did not know that any of the New York editors were under restraint as lunatics, he has long thought that more than one of them ought to be'.



Punch,  48 (1865), 88.

A Warning to Young Ladies

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Anon

Genre:

Notes, Drollery

Subjects:

Medical Practitioners, Human Species


    'Never set your heart on a Doctor. He can only love by fits and starts'.



Punch,  48 (1865), 91.

Reformatory Rigour

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Mawkish Sentiment Mawkish Sentiment
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Genre:

Letter, Spoof

Subjects:

Crime, Psychology


Punch,  48 (1865), 92–93.

The Warning of Wandsworth Common

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Anon

Genre:

Poetry, Drollery

Subjects:

Environmentalism, Natural History, Amusement, Progress, Engineering, Railways


    Begins by describing a midnight scene on 'West Hill, Wandsworth', where the only sound to be heard is the 'yell and scream of the whistling steam, / As the darkling trains roared by', but also, ''Twixt whistle's yell [...] a voice of woe' that turns out to be the 'Spirit of Wandsworth Common' calling 'The Spirit of Wimbledon Wimbledon Common
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'. In reply, the latter complains that he has not been able to sleep owing to 'Bold invaders, plotters sly', while the Spirit of Wandsworth grumbles that having fallen asleep he allowed himself to be 'scarred and bared to shame' by 'foemen' 'In the shade of SPENCER's Spencer, John Poyntz, 5th Earl Spencer (1835–1910) ODNB
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name'. The Spirit of Wandsworth proceeds to describe how he used to be 'Robed in green' and that once there was no 'Freer, fairer' common than he. However, he laments the fact that his vegetation is now in shreds and that instead of being the site on which children can play, he is due to be ruined with a 'Hideous Cockney-villa' and a prison. (92) Concludes with the Spirit of Wandsworth Common warning his fellow spirit that, while Spencer's aims are noble, 'Better than e'en Spencer's guard, / Is his guard that guards himself' (i.e. that Wimbledon Common should protect itself). (93)



Punch,  48 (1865), 93.

Astronomical Notes for 1865.  [2/2]Astronomical Plebeian, 'Astronomical Notes for 1865', Punch, 48 (1865), 82

Close

View full article text

Anon

Genre:

Serial, Reportage, Spoof

Subjects:

Astronomy, Prognostication, Politics, Aeronautics


    Describes imminent and fabulous social, cultural, and political events as if they were astronomical. For example, 'Aries and Taurus have engaged Henry T Coxwell's Coxwell, Henry (Tracey) (1819–1900) ODNB
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balloon to bring them to the Cattle Show Smithfield Club—Cattle Show
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'.



Punch,  48 (1865), 94.

Interesting Information (From the 'Hanwell Mercury')

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Anon

Genre:

Extract, Reportage, Spoof

Subjects:

Astronomy, Periodicals, Hospitals, Medical Treatment


    Taken from a periodical whose title evokes Hanwell Lunatic Asylum County Lunatic Asylum, Hanwell
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, these extracts are appropriately bizarre, including news that 'The planet Venus, now so conspicuous an object in the heavens, has put forth a tail' which 'may account for the fact that the Moon has been making faces'.



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Punch,  48 (1865), 96–97.

Punch's Essence of Parliament

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Anon

Genre:

Regular Feature, Proceedings, Drollery

Subjects:

Cultural Geography, Industry, Light, Exploration, Astronomy, Metrology, Pollution, Agriculture, Museums, Religious Authority, Steamships, Military Technology, Politics, Government


    Reporting on the 'debate on the condition of Ireland', Punch notes that Ireland's 'climate made her properly a pasture country', which suggests that 'until we can make her a manufacturing nation—the priests will hinder this—if they can, the Irish must emigrate'. It warns that Mr Punch can see 'all the little games' played by 'Parliament men' in this debate and 'In proof that he does, he hereby lights up this business with his Magnesium Wire, even as PIAZZI SMYTH Smyth, Charles Piazzi (1819–1900) DSB
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has just done unto the interior of the Pyramid'. Proceeds to note the debate on sewage and the recent discovery of its great value as fertiliser, although this conversion process remains a mystery. Later describes the 'grand Museum British Museum
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debate', and notes that it fully 'expects to see a general onslaught upon the stuffed collection', expressing dislike of stuffed giraffes, especially when live ones can be seen. Also discusses the 'Gun debate' in which Henry J Baillie Baillie, Henry James (1804–85) WBI
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called unsuccessfully for an inquiry into the armaments on Royal Navy Royal Navy
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ships. The debate also touched on the means of rifling guns and the 'awful expense of repairing ships'. (96)



Punch,  48 (1865), 97.

Gas Companies, Beware

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Anon

Genre:

News-Commentary, Drollery

Subjects:

Exploration, Light, Heat, Instruments, Measurement, Technology, Commerce, Charlatanry


    Notes Charles P Smyth's Smyth, Charles Piazzi (1819–1900) DSB
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recent illumination of the Great Pyramid of Giza Great Pyramid of Giza, Egypt
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'with the Magnesium flame', but considers that magnesium lighting poses a threat to those despotic gas company directors and shareholders responsible for 'bad gas', 'dear gas', and 'dribbled gas'. Warns that 'before long, your meter will not be the common meter it is now; your piping times are coming to a close', and so advises gas companies to 'Be abundant, be brilliant, be cheap' and to 'satisfy our Equitable demands, and make our houses light-houses'. Concludes by warning them of a 'great Magnesium ribbon conspiracy' which will make gas 'an exploded antiquity'.



Punch,  48 (1865), 98, 101.

The King of Prussia Crying

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Anon

Genre:

News-Commentary, Drollery

Subjects:

Hospitals, War, Medical Treatment


Punch,  48 (1865), 102.

Fair Play and the Davenports

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Anon

Genre:

News-Commentary, Drollery

Subjects:

Spiritualism, Imposture, Proof


    Notes that D Palmer Palmer, D (fl. 1865) Fodor 1934
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and William H Fay Fay, William H (fl. 1865) Fodor 1934
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, the 'touters' of William H H Davenport Davenport, William Henry Harrison (1841–77) WBI
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and Ira E Davenport Davenport, Ira Erastus (1839–1911) WBI
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, are 'not to be silenced by failure and exposure', and that Palmer demands that their powers be assessed by a 'jury of twelve'.



Punch,  48 (1865), 103.

The King of the Lumbagees

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Benny the Bo'sen Benny the Bo'sen
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Genre:

Poetry, Drollery

Subjects:

Exploration, Race, Cultural Geography


Punch,  48 (1865), 105–06.

Punch's Essence of Parliament

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Anon

Genre:

Regular Feature, Proceedings, Drollery

Subjects:

Hospitals, Railways, Steamships, Military Technology, Engineering, War, Pollution, Environmentalism, Manufactories, Politics, Government


    Notes the debate in the House of Lords House of Lords
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on the 'new military hospitals, said to be constructed on the "glass and glare" principle', and later discusses a debate on 'Railway Mismanagement', a problem that Punch thinks should be put before a 'British Jury'. Proceeds to an extended discussion of 'Navy Royal Navy
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Estimates' in which Clarence E Paget Paget, Lord Clarence Edward (1811–95) ODNB
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revealed the number of Britain's ironclads and 'iron-plated Line-of-Battle Ships' and promised that the nation will have 'Four Ships of tremendous speed', 'a "really" sea-going vessel [...] on CAPTAIN COWPER COLES'S Coles, Cowper Phipps (1819–70) ODNB
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principle', and 'new Docks for the new set of large armour-clad ships'. Later reports arguments, criticism, and praise for the government's ship designer, Edward J Reed Reed, Sir Edward James (1830–1906) ODNB
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, and support for the Royal Sovereign Royal Sovereign, ship
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, 'which is adapted to COWPER-COLES'S plan, and is stated to be the best ship in the navy'. (105) Also reports on Robert Montagu's Montagu, Lord Robert (1825–1902) ODNB
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attempt to 'carry a measure for protecting all the Rivers of England' from pollution, an attempt thwarted by John Bright Bright, John (1811–89) ODNB
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who insisted that 'better the fish die than the manufacturers' (106).



Punch,  48 (1865), 106.

The Ruin of the Rivers

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Anon

Genre:

Poetry, Drollery

Subjects:

Pollution, Disease, Environmentalism, Hunting, Comparative Philology, Manufactories, Commerce


    Begins by lamenting the fact that 'we now can taste no more' the fishes that swam in rivers owing to 'the foul pollution / Of our cities'. Comparing the benefits of 'Rus in urbe' to 'Urbs in rure', condemns the factory 'poison' that mixes with 'the turbid streamlet' and sends fish and birds fleeing from the foul rivers. Ponders the form in which Plutus will turn 'poor old England' and believes that 'River-gods' should now be 'represented / Not as bearing urns, but pails'. Develops the classical metaphors by describing how the nymphs of the lake, the Naiads, 'and their mistress, CLOACINA, / Holds with you divided reign / O'er what something is between a / River and an open drain'. Concludes by wondering whether 'our money-makers' consider the 'fever, / Sweeping Britain's crowded soil' and lamenting the fact that such people always win the battle for the land.



Punch,  48 (1865), 107.

Sentiment and the Streams of England

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Anon

Genre:

News-Commentary, Drollery

Subjects:

Pollution, Environmentalism, Manufactories, Commerce, Industry, Mining, Politics, Government, Religion


    Discusses an extract from a report in the Morning Post Morning Post and Daily Advertising Pamphlet (1772–1900+) Waterloo Directory
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describing John Bright's Bright, John (1811–89) ODNB
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criticism of Robert Montagu's Montagu, Lord Robert (1825–1902) ODNB
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'motion for a Bill to prevent the rivers of England from continuing to be poisoned and polluted with the sewage of towns and the washings of mines and chemical works'. Criticises Bright for believing Montagu to be acting on 'sentimental feeling', pointing out that such 'gentlemen' as Bright 'are trying to make us all ashamed of sentiment' because it 'does not tend to the creation of material wealth'. Adds that Bright would probably believe that Thames water is fit for drinking and that 'If the Thames ran drab as a member of the Society of Friends Society of Friends
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he would say 'What matter?'. Insisting that all members of Parliament Houses of Parliament
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agree that the Thames reeks, suggests that Bright is claiming that 'if the Thames is offensive to sentimental people, it is good enough for the beverage of people who are not more nice than they need to be'.



Punch,  48 (1865), 107.

Appeal of the American Negro

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Anon

Genre:

Notes, Drollery

Subjects:

Race, Human Development, Cultural Geography


    'Am I not a Man and a bother'.



Punch,  48 (1865), 108, 111.

The Torture of the Telegraph

View full article text

Anon

Genre:

Drama, Drollery

Subjects:

Telegraphy, Invention, Politics


    Begins with an extract from one of the 'London Papers' announcing the completion of a telegraph from Karachi, via Constantinople, to London. Proceeds to a drama in which Charles Wood Wood, Charles, 1st Viscount Halifax (1800–85) ODNB
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, the Secretary of State for India, grows so irritated by the incessant telegrams sent to his office, most of which concern exceedingly trivial matters, that he wishes that the 'infernal telegraph [...] would snap', that 'somebody would cut it' or the 'Turks would steal it'. (108)



Punch,  48 (1865), 112.

A Song of the Streets

View full article text

Anon

Genre:

Song, Drollery; Illustration, Caricature

Relevant illustrations:

wdct.

Illustrators:

[C H B] Bennett, Charles Henry (1828–67) ODNB
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Spielmann, Marion Harry Alexander 1895. The History of "Punch", London: Cassell
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Subjects:

Meteorology, Scientific Practitioners, Instruments, Quackery


    The initial letter of the song forms part of a picture showing several individuals being buffeted by a strong wind emerging from giant bellows worked by Robert Fitzroy Fitzroy, Robert (1805–65) DSB
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, here portrayed as a sailor, around whom fly various meteorological instruments (a thermometer and a self-registering drum). The song describes some of the disagreeable aspects of walking in the streets during winter, including 'the foul museums of the quacks'.



Punch,  48 (1865), 112.

Chemical Canonisation

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Anon

Genre:

News-Commentary, Drollery

Subjects:

Chemistry, Class, Universities, Religious Authority, Religion, Patronage


    Notes that in declining an offer of a position at the University of Berlin Königliche Friedrich-Wilhelms-Universität, Berlin
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, Justus von Liebig Liebig, Justus von (1803–73) DSB
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used the honorific title 'the Cross of the Commander in the Order of Merit of Holy St. Michael'. Pondering the identity of the St Michael who 'presides over the chemical Order of Merit', suggests that Pope Pius IX Pius IX, Pope (1792–1878) CBD
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may have 'canonised a Protestant philosopher yet living, and constituted that eminent man of science who adorns our Royal Institution Royal Institution of Great Britain
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ST. MICHAEL FARADAY Faraday, Michael (1791–1867) DSB
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'.



Punch,  48 (1865), 114.

An Item in the American Bill

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Anon

Genre:

News-Commentary, Drollery

Subjects:

Politics, War, Spiritualism, Imposture

People mentioned:

William H H Davenport, Davenport, William Henry Harrison (1841–77) WBI
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Ira E Davenport Davenport, Ira Erastus (1839–1911) WBI
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^^ Back to the top of this issue

Punch,  48 (1865), 116–17.

Punch's Essence of Parliament

View full article text

Anon

Genre:

Regular Feature, Proceedings, Drollery

Subjects:

Railways, Government, Politics


Punch,  48 (1865), 117.

Bravo, Pio Nono!

View full article text

Anon

Genre:

News-Commentary, Drollery

Subjects:

Religious Authority, Reason, Progress, Astronomy, Chemistry, Geology, Superstition


    Discusses some of the latest actions of Pope Pius IX Pius IX, Pope (1792–1878) CBD
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, including his reaffirmation of 'the comic decrees of his Encyclical condemning civil and religious liberty' and his usual technique of confronting 'the inexorable logic of facts' with the 'inexorable logic of Popery'. Anticipates the 'fun' caused by the pope shrinking 'from no consequences of his theology', by publishing 'another Bull, condemning all the physical sciences, especially astronomy, chemistry, and geology, as diabolical illusions, corresponding to the Witchcraft of the Ages of Faith'.



Punch,  48 (1865), 118.

The Telegraphic Clerks. A Masque, Dedicated to Sir C. Wood

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Anon

Genre:

Drama, Drollery

Subjects:

Telegraphy, Technology, Government


    Similar to Anon, 'The Torture of the Telegraph', Punch, 48 (1865), 108, 111, this pokes fun at Charles Wood's Wood, Charles, 1st Viscount Halifax (1800–85) ODNB
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irritation at the number of telegrams he receives via the newly completed Karachi-London telegraph. It begins with a song, sung by the 'HEAD CLERK' to the tune of 'In my Cottage', which describes the incessant flow of telegrams 'both bad and good' that he will send to Wood, each of which has taken 'eight hours' and 'five pounds ten' to send. The 'Chorus of Telegraph Clerks' chants out 'Needles and pins! Needles and pins! / When a man telegraphs, trouble begins'.



Punch,  48 (1865), 118.

The Man We Should Like to Send to a Séance

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Anon

Genre:

Notes, Drollery

Subjects:

Spiritualism, Imposture


    'The man who knows how to hit the happy Medium'.



Punch,  48 (1865), 123.

An Idea for a Quack

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Anon

Genre:

Notes, Drollery

Subjects:

Quackery, Medical Treatment


Punch,  48 (1865), 124.

An Awful Demonstration

View full article text

Anon

Genre:

Illustration, Drollery

Relevant illustrations:

wdct.

Illustrators:

F E Eltze, Fritz (fl. 1868) Spielmann 1895
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Spielmann, Marion Harry Alexander 1895. The History of "Punch", London: Cassell
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Subjects:

Lecturing, Education, Magnetism, Gender, Accidents


    Shows a densely crowded room used for 'Old Bunger's scientific conversazione'. The lecturer's attempt to demonstrate the 'power of a large magnet' is ruined by the attractive force between the magnet and the iron frames of the crinoline dresses worn by several ladies. Accordingly, the women are dragged to the lecture bench and fall over each other.



^^ Back to the top of this issue

Punch,  48 (1865), 125–26.

Punch's Essence of Parliament

View full article text

Anon

Genre:

Regular Feature, Proceedings, Drollery

Subjects:

Military Technology, Steamships, Railways, Religious Authority, Cultural Geography, Politics, Government


    Reports on Francis H F Berkeley's Berkeley, Francis Henry Fitzhardinge (1794–1870) ODNB
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criticisms of Royal Navy Royal Navy
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ships' cannons, and Colman M O'Loghlen's O'Loghlen, Sir Colman Michael (1819–77) ODNB
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attempt to pass a bill 'giving Irishmen an opportunity of travelling on railways upon Sundays' (125). Also agrees with James H Harris (3rd Earl of Malmesbury) Harris, James Howard, 3rd Earl of Malmesbury (1807–89) ODNB
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and Anthony A Cooper (7th Earl of Shaftesbury) Cooper, Anthony Ashley, 7th Earl of Shaftesbury (formerly styled 'Lord Ashley') (1801–85) ODNB
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that a magistrate sending a man to a lunatic asylum on the basis of only one doctor's certificate (when the law demands two) 'must give a good reason why [the lunatic] should be retained in the Commission of the Peace' (126).



Punch,  48 (1865), 126.

The Enfield's Good-Bye

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Anon

Genre:

Poetry, Drollery

Subjects:

Military Technology, Chemistry, Invention, Progress


    Begins with an extract from the Standard Standard (1827–60) Evening Standard (1860–1900+) Waterloo Directory
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announcing the invention of 'A substitute for gunpowder' by L H G Ehrhardt Ehrhardt, L H G (fl. 1865) PU1/48/12/2
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. Written from the perspective of an Enfield rifle, the poem laments the fact that this news spells doom for him. It opens by comparing a rifle to a dog, both of which 'has his day', and then describes the various rifles used by the Army Army
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, beginning with the 'Brown Bess', whose bullet 'won't keep the axis / And terribly wobbles about', the Minnie, which 'made a tremendous ado' with its spiral grooving and long range, and himself—the Enfield—who engaged attention, became 'The rage', and 'just suited the age'. Goes on to note recent changes—'WHITWORTH'S Whitworth, Sir Joseph, 1st Baronet (1803–87) ODNB
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grooving' and William W Richards's Richards, William Westley (1790–1865) WBI
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'improving' breach—and awaits the moment when he will be replaced by Ehrhardt's 'potash and resin' gunpowder and 'a change in the lead'.



Punch,  48 (1865), 127.

Interesting Picture Sale

View full article text

Anon

Genre:

Reportage, Spoof

Subjects:

Representation, Exhibitions, Engineering, Aeronautics

Institutions mentioned:

Great Exhibition, Great Exhibition of the Works of Industry of All Nations (1851)
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Thames Tunnel Thames Tunnel
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Punch,  48 (1865), 127.

The Remonstrance of Father Thames

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Anon

Genre:

Poetry, Drollery

Subjects:

Pollution, Sanitation, Agriculture


    Written from the perspective of Father Thames, who begins by pondering the benefits of clearing his 'tide' of 'feculence' or conveying his 'outfall [...] to the disinfecting main'. Ridicules such towns as Barnes and Mortlake, whose 'fertilising filth' he has to carry, and Windsor, whose 'sordes' has made him 'Infectious'. Goes on to ponder his future, including his 'current' that will become 'heavy, thick, and slab' and be diverted 'to agricultural affairs'. Concludes by asking that he be no longer corrupted with 'base alloy', which he hopes will be spread 'o'er the field'.



Punch,  48 (1865), 127.

'A Line in Return will Oblige'

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Anon

Genre:

News-Commentary, Drollery

Subjects:

Railways, Accidents


Punch,  48 (1865), 128–29.

Hunting Intelligence

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Mr Titwillow Titwillow, Mr.
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Genre:

Letter, Spoof

Subjects:

Amusement, Hunting, Medical Treatment, Medical Practitioners


Punch,  48 (1865), 135.

International Pounding

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Anon

Genre:

Notes, Drollery

Subjects:

Military Technology, Steamships, Commerce, Language


Punch,  48 (1865), 136.

More of Mr Newdegate

View full article text

Anon

Genre:

News-Commentary, Drollery

Subjects:

Spiritualism, Methodology, Imposture


Punch,  48 (1865), 136.

Colenso the Brave

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Our Own Monk Lewis Our Own Monk Lewis
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Genre:

Poetry, Drollery

Subjects:

Religion, Controversy, Military Technology


    Likens the attack by 'the bench of the Bishops' on John W Colenso Colenso, John William (1814–83) ODNB
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(prompted by Colenso 1862–79 Colenso, John William 1862–79. The Pentateuch and Book of Joshua Critically Examined, 7 parts, London: Longman, Green, Longman, Roberts, & Green
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) to the explosion caused by Joseph Whitworth Whitworth, Sir Joseph, 1st Baronet (1803–87) ODNB
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'exploding a big shell'.



Punch,  48 (1865), 136.

A Bull on the Line!

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Anon

Genre:

News-Commentary, Drollery

Subjects:

Religious Authority, Railways, Government, Politics


    Discusses the attempt by Colman M O'Loghlen O'Loghlen, Sir Colman Michael (1819–77) ODNB
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to pass a bill to 'compel Irish Railway Companies to run trains on Sundays', and ponders the implication that such companies are being 'reduced to pray' that they might 'not be forced to run trains by which nobody travelled'.



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Punch,  48 (1865), 137.

A Pretty Job for a Prince

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Anon

Genre:

News-Commentary, Drollery

Subjects:

Pollution, Engineering


    Discusses the opening of the Southern Main Drainage Works Southern Main Drainage Works
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by Prince Edward Edward VII, King of Great Britain and Ireland and of the British Dominions Beyond the Seas, Emperor of India (1841–1910) ODNB
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.



Punch,  48 (1865), 138–39.

Punch's Essence of Parliament

View full article text

Anon

Genre:

Regular Feature, Proceedings, Poetry, Drollery

Subjects:

Quackery, Pharmaceuticals, Human Development, Narcotics, Crime, Mining, Disease, Health, Politics, Government


    Reports on the fate of two 'Anti-Quack' bills proposed by Fitzroy Kelly Kelly, Sir Fitzroy (1796–1880) ODNB
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and John Shelley Shelley, Sir John, 9th Baronet (1848–1931) WBI
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, both of whom sought to punish 'the low class of Chemists and Druggists' for 'poisoning children'. In a short poem, the writer explains Kelly's insistence on making chemists 'aware of what kills', and George Grey's Grey, Sir George (1799–1882) ODNB
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argument for having both Kelly's and Shelley's bills considered by a committee. Later notes the introduction by George W F Kinnaird (9th Baron Kinnaird) Kinnaird, George William Fox, 9th Baron Kinnaird (1807–78) ODNB
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of a bill 'for placing Metalliferous Mines under inspection, for the benefit of the health of the miners'. (138)



Punch,  48 (1865), 139.

Swains and Sparrows at Shipley

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Anon

Genre:

News-Commentary

Subjects:

Natural History, Cruelty, Ornithology, Education, Class, Periodicals, Extinction

Institutions mentioned:

Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals
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    Discusses a report in the East Sussex Gazette East Sussex Gazette (cited 1865) PU1/48/13/3
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illustrating 'The ignorance of natural history disgracing the rustics who till the soil of certain parts of England', including their apparent belief that 'the cuckoo changes into a sparrow hawk'. The report reveals that despite Punch's campaign, members of the Shipley Sparrow Club Shipley Sparrow Club, West Sussex
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persist in exhibiting thousands of heads of sparrows and believe that their actions have not caused a 'scarcity of birds'. Calls on the 'local gentry' to impart the 'requisite instruction' to 'such louts' concerning the increase in agricultural pests caused by their murderous actions. Suggests establishing a 'Clodhopper's Institution' were such rustics could receive lectures on ornithology, although believes a 'Caterpillar Club', in opposition to the Sparrow Club, would be more effective, for preserving sparrows and destroying pests.



Punch,  48 (1865), 140.

The Birthday of Uranus

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Anon

Genre:

News-Commentary, Drollery

Subjects:

Astronomy, Societies, Discovery


    Reports on a dinner held at the Royal Astronomical Society Royal Astronomical Society
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to celebrate the first complete revolution around the sun by the planet Uranus since it was 'discovered' by William Herschel Herschel, Sir William (1738–1822) DSB ODNB
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.



Punch,  48 (1865), 143.

Veterinary Poor-Law

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Anon

Genre:

News-Commentary

Subjects:

Cruelty, Animal Husbandry, Animal Behaviour, Crime


    Discusses the conviction and punishment (in a house of correction) of John Birley Birley, John (fl. 1865) PU1/48/13/5
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, a farmer charged by the Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals
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with having 'tortured four cows and a calf'. Reveals that the farmer had deprived the cattle of food and criticises the fact that had he allowed them to die he would have 'received the fullest allowance of correction' that could have been 'legally awarded him'. Ridicules 'British benevolence' for merely subjecting the farmer to the punishment of a thief and accordingly wonders what would have happened had Birley been a poor law guardian who allowed paupers to die from starvation. Points out that 'There is no County crop or treadmill, or oakum-picking, or crank for "Cruelty to Paupers"'.



Punch,  48 (1865), 144–45.

Mr Punch's First of April Levée

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Anon

Genre:

Poetry, Drollery

Subjects:

Charlatanry, Evolution, Human Development, Animal Development, Comparative Anatomy, Controversy


    Opens by describing the search through 'Church and State' for 'April-fools / Of all professions, crafts and schools' (144). One of Punch's candidates for the position is 'Science' because it 'wrangles' over 'brain-folds and jawbone-angles / About man's kin to monkey' and 'so tangles' 'man with monkey' that 'We scarce care which may win it' (145).



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Punch,  48 (1865), 147.

A Sensation Situation

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Anon

Genre:

News-Commentary, Drollery

Subjects:

Education, Mathematics, Gender


    Discusses an advertisement for a female teacher at an 'Old-Established Ladies' School', who must be 'a thorough arithmetician' and 'well versed' in other subjects. Suggests that Charles Babbage Babbage, Charles (1792–1871) DSB
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could fill this position, 'were he a lady'.



Punch,  48 (1865), 148–49.

Punch's Essence of Parliament

View full article text

Anon

Genre:

Regular Feature, Proceedings, Drollery

Subjects:

Pollution, Sanitation, Engineering, Public Health, Environmentalism, Politics, Government

Institutions mentioned:

Crossness Pumping Station Crossness Pumping Station
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    Reports on the House of Lords House of Lords
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debate on metropolitan sewers, citing classical references to sewers and adding that Prince Edward Edward VII, King of Great Britain and Ireland and of the British Dominions Beyond the Seas, Emperor of India (1841–1910) ODNB
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began the 'engines' for the sewers at Crossness and that it 'was a great day' for John Thwaites Thwaites, Sir John (1815–1870) ODNB
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and Joseph Bazalgette Bazalgette, Sir Joseph William (1819–91) ODNB
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. Later notes the 'considerable opposition' to the second reading of the 'Wimbledon Common Wimbledon Common
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Inclosure Bill' of John P Spencer (5th Earl Spencer) Spencer, John Poyntz, 5th Earl Spencer (1835–1910) ODNB
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, which prompted suggestions that the bill 'go before the Private Bill committee'. (148)



Punch,  48 (1865), 149.

Song for the Thames Salmon Preserving Society

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Anon

Genre:

Song, Drollery

Subjects:

Hunting, Nutrition, Pollution, Sanitation, Hunting


    Begins by toasting the possibility of bigger trout and salmon in the Thames 'next grass' and the need for clean water to keep them 'spawning'. The song then toasts the 'ladders by which the fish scale' and stresses that 'it costs but clean water to feed them'. Concludes by urging the exclusion of poachers and 'poisonous matter' from the river, for the purpose of producing 'finer or fatter' fish.



Punch,  48 (1865), 149.

'Auricomus Fluid, for Producing that Rich Golden Colour so Much Admired in Ladies and Children!—Vide Advertisement

View full article text

Anon

Genre:

Illustration, Drollery

Relevant illustrations:

wdct.

Subjects:

Medical Treatment, Accidents


    Shows a woman staring anxiously into a mirror, her hair having developed huge leaf- and root-like forms.



Punch,  48 (1865), [151].

Father Thames 'Himself Again'

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John Tenniel, pseud.  [John Tenniel] Tenniel, Sir John (1820–1914) ODNB
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Genre:

Illustration, Drollery

Relevant illustrations:

wdct.

Illustrators:

J T Tenniel, Sir John (1820–1914) ODNB
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Spielmann, Marion Harry Alexander 1895. The History of "Punch", London: Cassell
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Subjects:

Pollution, Sanitation, Engineering, Public Health

Institutions mentioned:

Crossness Pumping Station Crossness Pumping Station
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    Shows a bearded 'Father Thames' dressed as a 'Waterman' on the river embankment, saluting Prince Edward Edward VII, King of Great Britain and Ireland and of the British Dominions Beyond the Seas, Emperor of India (1841–1910) ODNB
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. The number of swans and fish seen in the river testifies to its cleanliness, while the caption has Father Thames boasting that he has not been the same river 'since I gave up scavenging and turned waterman'. This illustration refers to news of the prince's official opening of London's main drainage works at Crossness.



Punch,  48 (1865), 154.

Guide to the Quacks of London

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Anon

Genre:

News-Commentary

Subjects:

Quackery, Commerce, Imposture, Periodicals, Reading


    Begins by urging readers to read Courtenay 1865 Courtenay, Francis Burdett 1865. Revelations of Quacks and Quackery: A Series of Letters, by "Detector" reprinted from "The Medical Circular", London: Bailliere, Tindall and Cox
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, which is the republication of several articles originally appearing in the Medical Circular Medical Circular (1852–65) Waterloo Directory
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. The author attacks those quacks who advertise in 'low newspapers' and praises the fact that the pamphlet meets his demand for 'a nominal list of these miscreants'. Notes that the foul deeds of quacks are 'fully set forth' in the pamphlet and goes on to explain that the Medical Circular 'has a great advantage over a non-medical journal' because it can expose quacks 'without incurring the danger of an action for libel'. Criticizes the British legal system for making it so easy for quacks to 'plead their cause' and receive damages, but points out that no such outcome can be expected by attacking 'a periodical almost restricted to the medical profession'. Concludes by suggesting that readers should not read the pamphlet as a warning to themselves so much as a means of warning the 'simpletons' with whom they are acquainted.



Punch,  48 (1865), 154.

Definition of the Telegraph

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Anon

Genre:

Notes, Drollery

Subjects:

Telegraphy, Technology


    'A Reuter's Reuter, Paul Julius Freiherr von (1816–99) CBD
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Ready Pen'.



Punch,  48 (1865), 154.

Ozone

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Unscientific Correspondent Unscientific Correspondent
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Genre:

Poetry, Drollery

Subjects:

Gas Chemistry, Aeronautics, Meteorology, Astronomy, Light, Health, Death


    The poet ponders the identity of ozone, which he has been reading about in 'the Press'. Explains that he has read that Henry T Coxwell Coxwell, Henry (Tracey) (1819–1900) ODNB
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and James Glaisher Glaisher, James (1809–1903) DSB
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have 'seen / A quantity of Ozone' during their ascent to the cold heights, but observes that neither of them explained the nature and etymology of ozone. Goes on complain that while John R Hind Hind, John Russell (1823–95) DSB
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has explained the diminution in the brightness of 'some Heavenly body' by 'The quantities of Ozone', he too has failed to reveal its nature. Throughout the poem, the author suggests that it might be 'something to eat' or drink, or a bird, and in conclusion he points out that 'modern doctors' have argued for the dependence of life on ozone but complains of still not knowing what it is.



Punch,  48 (1865), 155.

Irish Vaccination

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Anon

Genre:

News-Commentary, Drollery

Subjects:

Vaccination, Disease, Homeopathy, Cultural Geography


    Notes John Gamgee's Gamgee, John (1831–94) ODNB
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warning that the 'vagrant cur nuisance' is causing an increase in hydrophobia in Ireland. Thinks that if the 'canine virus and the vaccine may be somewhat analogous', then 'a happy cure may be effected by a mad dog biting a rabid Irishman'.



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Punch,  48 (1865), 158.

Extraordinary Instance of Rapid Recovery from Disease

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Anon

Genre:

Extract, Reportage, Drollery

Subjects:

Disease


Punch,  48 (1865), 159.

Mysterious Advertisement

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Wynkyn De Chaffe Chaffe, Wynkyn de
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Genre:

Letter, Spoof

Subjects:

Light, Commerce, Photography, Geology, Astronomy


    The letter writer seeks Mr Punch's assistance in interpreting an advertisement for 'Coils of Sunshine'. Proceeds to offer his own reflections and explanations. For example, he suggests that whilst 'Photographers have done their best to stare the daily luminary out of countenance', 'some audacious speculator is going to take the shine out of him, and drop it in our letter-boxes', and wonders how 'such an inflammable enclosure be secured'. Begs for Mr Punch's help on the grounds that he has read a 'shocking report that the speculators' will next 'supply us with rolls of earthquake by book-post' and stars from the Milky Way.



Punch,  48 (1865), 160.

The Negro's Place in Nature (To the Ethnological Society)

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Anon

Genre:

Poetry

Subjects:

Ethnology, Race, Evolution, Human Development, Animal Behaviour, Politics, Supernaturalism


    Begins by explaining that the 'Sages' at the Ethnological Society Ethnological Society of London
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have lately had a 'grand debate / About the Negro's place / In Nature, if he is indeed, / A man and brother, or of breed / Below our nobler race'. Notes that certain physical features of the 'Negro', notably his 'wool', 'skin', 'facial angle', and 'odours', do not resolve the question. Goes on to note Benjamin Disraeli's Disraeli, Benjamin, 1st Earl of Beaconsfield (1804–81) ODNB
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'widely known' choice between 'Ape or Angel', but asks 'Philosophers' to choose between 'cherubs or the chimpanzees' as ancestors. Comparing 'The Negro's and the Gorilla's shape', wonders what 'kin' this 'anthropoid ape' is to 'that pithecoid man'. Observes that any degree of kinship between them would make the gorilla 'Our cousin some degrees removed', but that, if there is no kinship between them, then the 'Negro' would take 'his stand' with 'fellow men / And angels'.



Punch,  48 (1865), 160.

A Compulsory Fast-Day

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Anon

Genre:

News-Commentary, Drollery

Subjects:

Religious Authority, Religion, Railways, Amusement, Class, Commerce


    Discusses the presentation of an address by Anglican clergymen to the directors of the South Eastern Railway Company South Eastern Railway Company
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and the London, Chatham, and Dover Railway Company London, Chatham, and Dover Railway Company
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to stop excursion trains on Good Fridays. Points out that these directors are mainly dissenters who do not share the 'superstitious observance' of Good Friday. Explains that the directors would say, if they replied to the clergymen, that 'people are not driven into Church, by being shut out of the Crystal Palace Crystal Palace
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, or debarred of Excursion Trains', and might end up in public houses. Asks for these clergymen to confine their religious bans to Canterbury.



Punch,  48 (1865), 162.

Nature's Revenge Against Bird-Murder (To Members of the Sussex Sparrow Club Shipley Sparrow Club, West Sussex
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)

View full article text

Anon

Genre:

News-Commentary, Drollery

Subjects:

Ornithology, Cruelty, Crime


    Begins with an extract from the Gateshead Observer Gateshead Observer (1837–86) Waterloo Directory
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which reports that the president of the Tyneside Naturalists' Field Club Tyneside Naturalists' Field Club
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, Rev. G C Abbs Abbs, Rev G C (President of the Tyneside Naturalists' Field Club) (fl. 1865) PU1/48/15/5
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, calculated that 6,307,000,000 caterpillars would have been eaten by the 6,000 sparrows killed by members of the '"Sparrow-Club" in Essex'. Believes this supports the pejorative description of Essex inhabitants as 'calves'. Condemns the Essex bird murders as 'swinish' and points out that this abuse of 'the teaching of naturalists' is injurious to their own interests.



Punch,  48 (1865), 162.

Question for Scientific Country Magistrates

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Anon

Genre:

Notes, Drollery

Subjects:

Pneumatics, Zoology, Animal Behaviour, Crime


Punch,  48 (1865), 165.

The Fetiche Company (Limited)

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Anon

Genre:

Proceedings, Spoof

Subjects:

Religion, Race, Zoology, Cultural Geography, Commerce, Exploration, Steam-power


    Recounts the proceedings of a 'Meeting of Capitalists' and others interested in launching a company for developing 'the traffic in objects of worship with the various tribes of savages who practised the religion called fetichism'. The chairman notes that 'A splendid prospect for the idol-trade was opened up by the late discoveries of DR. LIVINGSTONE Livingstone, David (1813–73) ODNB
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and CAPTAIN BURTON Burton, Sir Richard Francis (1821–90) ODNB
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in the interior of Africa', and upholds the commercial gain from selling 'figures' of animals. He challenges Mr Dibbins's suggestion that they should sell steam-powered fetiches on the grounds that such idols would be 'expensive and too good for barbarians'.



Punch,  48 (1865), 165.

Soundings

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Anon

Genre:

News-Commentary, Drollery

Subjects:

Sound, Spiritualism

People mentioned:

William H H Davenport, Davenport, William Henry Harrison (1841–77) WBI
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Ira E Davenport Davenport, Ira Erastus (1839–1911) WBI
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^^ Back to the top of this issue

Punch,  48 (1865), 169.

Mechanism for the Million

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Anon

Genre:

Essay, Drollery

Relevant illustrations:

wdct.

Illustrators:

C H B Bennett, Charles Henry (1828–67) ODNB
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Spielmann, Marion Harry Alexander 1895. The History of "Punch", London: Cassell
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Subjects:

Machinery, Invention, Domestic Economy, Human Development, Mathematics, Industry, Spiritualism, Futurism


    The initial letter forms part of an illustration which, like the article itself, concerns the mechanisation of domestic chores. It shows a man enjoying the benefits of elaborate machines that perform various tasks including brushing hair, polishing shoes, and cutting food and passing it into the mouth. The author begins by praising the 'Gigantic [...] Strides of the Genius of Modern Mechanism' and then explains that after many 'experiments', he can inform the public that the trouble of its 'domestic affairs' can be reduced by mechanism. Proceeds to explain how this unspecified machine can temporarily remove 'a Mother-in-law' by putting her in a 'small room' that keeps on 'ascending and descending' for three hours. After a short poem detailing the tasks that can be performed by machinery, explains how it will perform the work of 'Those necessary nuisances, known as servants', without the danger of 'impudence' or 'broken glass'. Proceeds to explain how the daily routine can be improved by the machine, which has no 'Davenport humbug' (a reference to the mediums William H H Davenport Davenport, William Henry Harrison (1841–77) WBI
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and Ira E Davenport Davenport, Ira Erastus (1839–1911) WBI
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). Puffs the 'Hydraulic Teapot' and, in a short poem, explains the workings of the 'Egg-eating' machine. Concludes by boasting that Charles Babbage's Babbage, Charles (1792–1871) DSB
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'Calculator is a mere mechanical infant to our gradually matured inventions' and anticipates that after 'thinking of machinery we shall at last arrive at thinking by machinery, and Man himself shall be, as presented in this initial etching, a mere machine'.



Punch,  48 (1865), 170–71.

The Naggletons at the Zoological Zoological Society of London —Gardens
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View full article text

Anon

Genre:

Drama, Drollery

Subjects:

Zoological Gardens, Amusement


Punch,  48 (1865), 175.

Reward According to Works

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Anon

Genre:

News-Commentary

Subjects:

Pollution, Sanitation, Engineering, Patronage, Government


    Discusses a report in the Observer Observer (1791–1900+) Waterloo Directory
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that a knighthood is to be conferred upon John Thwaites Thwaites, Sir John (1815–1870) ODNB
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, chairman of the Metropolitan Board of Works Metropolitan Board of Works
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, for opening London's 'great system of intercepting sewers'. Insists that Thwaites deserves more than a knighthood, as this reward is generally given to 'an Alderman who earns that title by making his own fortune'. Believes that because of his service to the state, Thwaites deserve a baronetcy.



Punch,  48 (1865), 175.

An Old Friend with a New Face

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Anon

Genre:

Poetry

Subjects:

Health, Disease, Cultural Geography, Religion


    Begins by pondering the commotion amongst 'good people', in particular the 'M.D.'s in hot haste note-taking', and 'Local Government and Nuisance' who are so 'eager to brush clean' statutes. The author reveals that he is the reason for this activity, and identifies himself as 'your old friend, Typhus', who has had a 'poor' harvest in Russia but expects a much better one in England. Explains that he is 'Yearly, 'mongst your homes I'm rife as / In St. Petersburg's black ciphers', and that he is carrying through 'God's work', 'smiting selfishness with scourges, / Wherewith from Plagues wasting surges / Retribution's hand emerges, / And CHRIST'S lasting lesson urges, / 'Do as you'd be doe unto'.



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Punch,  48 (1865), 177.

Ornithological Hymn

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Anon

Genre:

Song

Subjects:

Ornithology, Animal Behaviour, Music


Punch,  48 (1865), 179–80.

Punch's Essence of Parliament

View full article text

Anon

Genre:

Regular Feature, Proceedings, Drollery

Subjects:

Hospitals, Patronage, Government


    Notes the government's introduction of a bill to reform Greenwich Hospital Royal Naval Hospital, Greenwich
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, and explains that 'sailors are to have out-pensions' and that the hospital is to be 'kept for the infirm' (179).



Punch,  48 (1865), 181.

Aptenodytes Pennantus, Esq.

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C H B Bennett, Charles Henry (1828–67) 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:

C H B Bennett, Charles Henry (1828–67) ODNB
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Spielmann, Marion Harry Alexander 1895. The History of "Punch", London: Cassell
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Subjects:

Zoological Gardens, Human Development, Animal Development


    Shows a man staring at a penguin who stands behind a railing on which the man is leaning. The man and penguin share several physical features, including a beaked nose, a black back, and a white front. In a rare Punch use of speech balloons, the man is seen making the ironic remark: 'Dear Me!'.



Punch,  48 (1865), 182.

'Trying'

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Anon

Genre:

Illustration, Drollery

Relevant illustrations:

wdct.

Subjects:

Photography, Animal Behaviour


    Shows the studio of a 'Country Photographer' in which the photographer is removing the cap from the lens of his camera while his subject contends with a 'lively wasp' hovering near his nose.



Punch,  48 (1865), 185.

University Intelligence

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Anon

Genre:

Introduction; Reportage, Spoof

Subjects:

Universities, Lecturing, Mathematics, Geology


    Introduces a 'notice' describing the ways in which 'one of our Universities [University of Oxford University of Oxford
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] is trying to combine instruction with amusement'. These include the Savilian Professor of Geometry (Henry J S Smith Smith, Henry John Stephen (1826–83) DSB
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) attending 'his own lecture whenever he likes' and the Professor of Geology (John Phillips Phillips, John (1800–74) DSB
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) 'making a good betting-book on the Extinct Races of Animals'.



Punch,  48 (1865), 185.

A Real Blessing to Graziers

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Anon

Genre:

News-Commentary, Drollery

Subjects:

Animal Husbandry, Breeding, Invention, Physiology, Railways, Agriculture, Commerce, Nutrition, Disease


    Discusses extracts from an article in the Morning Post Morning Post and Daily Advertising Pamphlet (1772–1900+) Waterloo Directory
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which praises the healthy condition of English livestock, but criticises the ways in which cattle are carried to market by railway. Explains that a Mr Reid Reid, Mr (fl. 1865) PU1/48/17/6
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has solved this problem with an invention, a model of which was exhibited at the West Lothian Agricultural Association West Lothian Agricultural Association
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. Notes Reid's concerns for the exhausted and thirsty state of cattle after crowded railway journeys and his argument that such suffering causes a reduction in the quality of meat and thus in the value of the cattle. Goes on to note that Reid's invention, in which water is channelled into troughs in each cattle truck, will largely prevent 'scab on sheep' and raise the quality of meat.



Punch,  48 (1865), 186.

The Boons of the Budget

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Anon

Genre:

Poetry, Drollery

Subjects:

Commerce, Military Technology, War


^^ Back to the top of this issue

Punch,  48 (1865), 192.

Letter from a Lady Spirit

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Hannah More More, Hannah
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Genre:

Letter, Spoof

Subjects:

Progress, Reason, Rationalism, Mesmerism, Animal Magnetism, Physiognomy, Spiritualism, Homeopathy, Phrenology


    Written from the perspective of the eighteenth-century seer Hannah More More, Hannah (1745–1833) ODNB
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, the letter writer begins by giving reasons why talk of the 'enlightened Eighteenth Century' and the shattering of superstition by reason is in vain: for example, she points out that 'at this very time MESMER Mesmer, Franz Anton (1734–1815) DSB
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has got £100,000 by animal magnetism', that 'LAVATER'S Lavater, Johann Kaspar (1741–1801) CBD
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physiognomy books sell at fifteen guineas a set', and that 'the divining-rod is still considered oracular in many places'. She explains that she addressed these remarks to Horace Walpole Walpole, Horatio (Horace), 4th Earl of Orford (1717–97) ODNB
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in 1788 and asks Mr Punch how much she should alter them if she were to address Walpole's descendant, Spencer H Walpole Walpole, Spencer Horatio (1806–98) ODNB
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, noting that she has heard of 'Spirit-Rapping, Mesmerism, Homeopathy, Puseyism, Phrenology, Fortune-Telling' and 'other characteristics of the enlightened Nineteenth Century'.



Punch,  48 (1865), 195.

Interesting Police Proceedings Against Frequenters of the Westminster Cock-pit

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Anon

Genre:

Proceedings, Spoof

Subjects:

Cruelty, Politics, Government, Animal Behaviour, Amusement, Crime


    Describes a trial at a police court in which several statesmen were charged with 'Cock-fighting' by the Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals
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: the aggressive debates in the Houses of Parliament Houses of Parliament
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are likened to blood sports. Inspector Punch, who 'appeared in support of the prosecution', testified to the 'rat-matches, dog-fighting and badgering', while the prisoners protested their innocence.



Punch,  48 (1865), 196–97.

Private View of the Royal Academy Royal Academy of Arts
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View full article text

Epicurus Rotundus Rotundus, Epicurus
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Genre:

Essay, Drollery

Subjects:

Representation, Mathematics, Force, Physics


    Grumbling about the difficulty of writing criticisms on works of art, the author wishes that Mr Punch, who had given him his card for a 'Private View at the Royal Academy', would have given him 'only such subjects as Logarithms, or the Conservation of Forces, or the Differential Calculus' even though some people are 'so awfully sharp-sighted that they would discern allusions even in a treatise on these'.



Punch,  48 (1865), 198.

Exciting Contest at Cambridge

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Anon

Genre:

Essay, Drollery

Subjects:

Universities, Religion, Religious Authority, Unbelief


    Discusses the competition between 'nine holy men' in the Senate House of the University of Cambridge University of Cambridge
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for the 'Rectory of Ovington', a position with an annual income of £436 and 400 souls to cure. Considering the possibility that such souls do not need curing, suggests that the rector might devote his leisure time to such activities as confuting 'Popery and Dissent, the dissipation of doubt, and the reconcilement of theology with the natural sciences'.



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Punch,  48 (1865), 200–01.

Punch's Essence of Parliament

View full article text

Anon

Genre:

Regular Feature, Proceedings, Drollery

Subjects:

Railways, Accidents, Invention


    Reports on William Payne-Gallwey's Payne-Gallwey, Sir William, 2nd Baronet (1807–81) WBI
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attempt to 'force the railway people to give a means of communications between passengers and guards'. Notes that '196 inventions' have been discussed by the companies and suggests that Punch will attempt to shoot the first 'Signal-man we pass after we are alarmed'. (200)



Punch,  48 (1865), 201.

Science

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Anon

Genre:

Announcement, Spoof

Subjects:

Astronomy, Lecturing, Music


Punch,  48 (1865), 202, 205.

Pictures of the Working-Man at the Royal Westminster Exhibition

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Anon

Genre:

Essay, Drollery

Subjects:

Representation, Class, Industry, Education


    Describes an exhibition at the Palace of Westminster Palace of Westminster
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of paintings by leading statesmen of 'the working man' (some of which are reproduced in Anon, 'The Working-Man, From the Royal Westminster Exhibition', Punch, 48 (1865), [203]) These reveal several statesmen's attitudes towards and perceptions of the working classes, including William E Forster's Forster, William Edward (1818–86) ODNB
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representation of a working man seated at a desk 'absorbed in the task of mental improvement'. Punch adds that at first it took the picture to be 'a portrait of GALILEO Galilei, Galileo (1564–1642) DSB
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in his cell, or a philosopher in his study'.



Punch,  48 (1865), [203].

The Working-Man, From the Royal Westminster Exhibition

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Anon

Genre:

Illustration, Drollery

Relevant illustrations:

wdct.

Subjects:

Education, Class


Punch,  48 (1865), 205.

The Clerkship of the Weather Office

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Anon

Genre:

News-Commentary, Drollery

Subjects:

Meteorology, Prognostication


    Noting that James Glaisher Glaisher, James (1809–1903) DSB
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is to succeed the late Robert Fitzroy Fitzroy, Robert (1805–65) DSB
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as director of the Meteorological Office Meteorological Office
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, believes Glaisher to be eminently qualified, not least because of his 'high' ascent into the atmosphere.



Punch,  48 (1865), 206–07.

L'Africaine

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Anon

Genre:

Drama, Drollery

Relevant illustrations:

wdct.

Subjects:

Physical Geography, Exploration, Astronomy, Heroism, Mapping, Instruments, Race, Telegraphy


    Introduced as a 'Libretto of the grand new Old Opera' (a reference to Giacomo Meyerbeer's Meyerbeer, Giacomo (1791–1864) CBD
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opera L'Africaine), which opens in the 'Council Chamber of some King of Portugal', where 'MEMBERS OF THE ROYAL LISBON GEOGRAPHICAL SOCIETY' and others lament the possible death of Vasco da Gama Gama, Vasco da (c. 1469–1525) CBD
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, the 'great discoverer'. Vasco, however, makes a surprise entrance but is then imprisoned by 'Bishops and Grand Inquisitors' for claiming that there are 'other countries than those mentioned in the Scriptures'. Later, in his dungeon, furnished with books, maps, and several measuring instruments, he is seen rotating a globe in his hand, uttering 'But it still moves. Stop, I ought not to say that. I am not GALILEO Galilei, Galileo (1564–1642) DSB
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'. His beloved Selica, an African queen whom he has brought to Portugal, explains how she was sold to Roderick I Murchison Murchison, Sir Roderick Impey, 1st Baronet (1792–1871) DSBODNB
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and escaped from him 'by submarine telegraph'. (206) Later, Vasco and his cellmates escape to Madagascar, where Selica is queen, and where such spectacles as 'caves of Elephanta [and] Giants' Causeways' are seen. The opera also features a scene around an upas tree which is 'very splendid, with red leaves, but surrounded with dead elephants, giraffes, and others who have ventured within reach of its poison'. It concludes with Selica learning of Vasco's fate from Nelusko's reading of Charles Knight's Knight, Charles (1791–1873) ODNB
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Cyclopaedia of Geography (published in Knight 1854–70 Knight, Charles, ed. 1854–73. The English Cyclopaedia: A New Dictionary of Universal Knowledge, 26 vols (including supplements), London: Bradbury & Evans
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). The illustration shows the gory scene around the upas tree. (207)



Punch,  48 (1865), 208.

Railway Companies Limited

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Anon

Genre:

News-Commentary, Drollery

Subjects:

Railways, Astronomy, Instruments, Pollution, Environmentalism


    Discusses an item in The Times The Times (1777–1900+) Waterloo Directory
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reporting the decision of the board of visitors of the Royal Greenwich Observatory Royal Observatory, Greenwich
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to entreat the Admiralty Admiralty
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to ban railways from Greenwich Park. Notes that this 'deplorable decision' was based on 'ascertained facts' that trains 'would disturb the scientific instruments' at the observatory. Regrets that there is not an observatory in every park because this would satisfy those who think that the 'Iron Horse' has 'kicked down too many lovely scenes' and is becoming an 'insufferable nuisance'.



Punch,  48 (1865), 208.

To the Protestant Public

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Anon

Genre:

Reportage, Spoof

Subjects:

Zoology, Zoological Gardens, Religious Authority, Religion


    Reports that the seal at the Zoological Society Gardens Zoological Society of London —Gardens
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has denied any relationship with 'the now notorious Seal of Confession'.



Punch,  48 (1865), 208.

Bismarck Bismarck, Prince Otto Edward Leopold von, Duke of Lauenburg (1815–98) CBD
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on the Prussian Navy

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Anon

Genre:

Notes, Drollery

Subjects:

Steamships, Military Technology, Architecture, Cultural Geography


^^ Back to the top of this issue

Punch,  48 (1865), 210–11.

Punch's Essence of Parliament

View full article text

Anon

Genre:

Regular Feature, Proceedings, Drollery

Subjects:

Pollution, Public Health, Museums, Government

People mentioned:

John Thwaites Thwaites, Sir John (1815–1870) ODNB
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    Notes the introduction by Henry T Liddell (1st Earl Ravensworth) Liddell, Henry Thomas, 1st Earl Ravensworth (1797–1878) ODNB
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of 'A Bill for preventing Local Authorities to dispose of Sewage, instead of sending it into our rivers'. Punch believes this is 'too mild' and urges towns around London to 'do what is proper without waiting to be made to do it'. Later notes a debate on the British Museum British Museum
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. (210)



Punch,  48 (1865), 211.

Tricks Upon Travellers

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Anon

Genre:

Illustration, Drollery

Relevant illustrations:

wdct.

Subjects:

Machinery, Class


    Shows a town boy and a country boy outside a barber's shop. The town boy explains that the busts in the shop window belong to the customers who had 'their 'eads brushed off by machinery'.



Punch,  48 (1865), 215.

Handbook to the Royal Academy Royal Academy of Arts
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Dinner

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Anon

Genre:

Introduction, Drollery; Address, Spoof

Subjects:

Railways, Aeronautics


Punch,  48 (1865), 215.

Opopanax Explained

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Anon

Genre:

Poetry, Drollery

Subjects:

Medical Treatment, Pharmaceuticals, Language, Gender


    Ponders the strange 'Name of a drug'—'Opoponax'—and suggests that it is 'but a maiden's hint', namely: 'Oh, pop, and ax Mamma'.



Punch,  48 (1865), 217.

The Air and Exercise Bill

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Anon

Genre:

Letter, Spoof

Subjects:

Health, Environmentalism, Railways, Engineering, Government


    The writer argues for the introduction of an 'Air and Exercise Bill' because his 'medical adviser' has urged him to take 'air and exercise', notably by horse-riding. Goes on to explain the difficulties of 'procuring an animal exactly suited to a gentleman of far from strong nerves', and in conclusion advises bills for suppressing such nuisances as 'All bridges across the Thames', and 'All railway bridges in the outskirts of the Metropolis'.



Punch,  48 (1865), 218.

Herbivorous Ogres

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Anon

Genre:

Notes, Drollery

Subjects:

Nutrition, Botany, Animal Behaviour


    Insists that the 'Teetotaller who is also a vegetarian may be accused of cannibalism' because a 'plant drinks nothing but water' and the teetotaller/vegetarian thus 'devours his own species' when he eats vegetables.



Punch,  48 (1865), 218.

Facts of Spiritualism

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Anon

Genre:

News-Commentary, Drollery

Subjects:

Spiritualism, Narcotics, Government

People mentioned:

Daniel D Home Home, Daniel Dunglas (1833–86) ODNB
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^^ Back to the top of this issue

Punch,  48 (1865), 219–20.

Punch's Essence of Parliament

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Anon

Genre:

Regular Feature, Proceedings, Drollery

Subjects:

Mining, Industry, Disease, Health, Manufactories, Pollution, Government, Politics


    Reports on the slow progress of the bill moved by George W F Kinnaird (9th Baron Kinnaird) Kinnaird, George William Fox, 9th Baron Kinnaird (1807–78) ODNB
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for the protection of the health of miners in metal-ore mines, and on the satisfaction of Edward G G S Stanley (14th Earl Derby) Stanley, Edward George Geoffrey Smith, 14th Earl of Derby (1799–1869) ODNB
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'at the success of his measures for regulating Alkali Works (219).



Punch,  48 (1865), 220.

A Capital Conjuror

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Anon

Genre:

Essay, Drollery

Subjects:

Magic, Skill, Spiritualism


    Discusses some feats of conjuring that Punch believes are so silly as hardly to deserve the name. Laments those who paid 'a guinea' to see William H H Davenport Davenport, William Henry Harrison (1841–77) WBI
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and Ira E Davenport Davenport, Ira Erastus (1839–1911) WBI
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, performers of 'asinine' tricks, but urges those in quest of a good conjuror to visit 'Colonel' Alfred Stodare Stodare, Alfred ('Colonel') (1832–66) WBI
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at the Egyptian Hall Egyptian Hall, Piccadilly
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, whose performance Punch praises.



Punch,  48 (1865), 220.

The New Philosophical Controversy

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Anon

Genre:

News-Commentary, Drollery

Subjects:

Pneumatics, Heat, Natural Law, Controversy


    Reports that Prof. Sac de Foine Foine, Prof Sac de (fl. 1865) PU1/48/21/3
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of the Westminster Institution City of Westminster Literary, Scientific, and Mechanics' Institution
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is to announce his 'new system of producing vacancy by pressure, and immediately filling up the same by sun and air'—an announcement that some of his colleagues believe to be 'wholly at variance with recognised law'.



Punch,  48 (1865), 221.

A Good Word for a Good Work

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Anon

Genre:

News-Commentary, Drollery

Subjects:

Sanitation, Health, Gender, Human Development, Class, Patronage, Medical Practitioners, Education


    Presents Mr Punch's response to a visit to a meeting of the Ladies' Association for the Diffusion of Sanitary Knowledge Ladies' National Association for the Diffusion of Sanitary Knowledge
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, an association which aims to 'promote the health and comfort and well-being of the poor, by making them acquainted with the common laws of health'. Notes that the association's other goals include 'collecting money for Sanitary improvements', requesting medical officers of health to 'deliver popular free lectures', holding mothers' meetings where 'Sanitary and domestic instruction' is imparted, and 'establishing Nurseries for motherless babies'. Believes these are 'Plain, practical and sensible' and draws attention to the short pamphlets published by the association, including The Worth of Fresh Air (probably a reference to Anon 1858 Anon. [1858]. Health for the Household (The Worth of Fresh Air. The Use of Pure Water. The Value of Good Food. The Influence of Wholesome Drink. The Advantage of Warm Clothing. The Gain of a Well-Trained Mind), London and Norwich: [Jarrold and Sons?]
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), The Power of Soap and Water (probably a reference to Anon 1869 Anon. 1869. 'On the Cruise of the Lords of the Admiralty', The Times, 28 September 1869, p. 6
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), and The Health of Mothers and How to Manage a Baby—versions of the last two works may have been published as Powers 1866 Powers, Susan Rugeley [1866]. The Mother's Book of Health, and How to Manage a Baby, London: Ladies' Sanitary Association
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. Proceeds to praise the association for caring for impoverished children by taking them to parks, and urges that such benefits are made possible by donating money to the association. Concludes by noting Mr Punch's admiration for 'Lovely Woman', especially when she is 'employed in doing good work', such as helping the 'poor to health and happiness'.



Punch,  48 (1865), 223.

The Derby Horseshoe Magnet

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Anon

Genre:

Poetry, Drollery

Subjects:

Magnetism, Amusement, Force


    Begins by describing a 'pow'r whose sway is famed', a 'metal more attractive' than love, and which 'draws the clown or high-born dame'—the 'Derby Horseshoe Magnet'. Notes that this power draws 'all sorts of chaps' to 'Will horses, ass, or mules 'ack', 'All kinds of food in hampers', and all people 'to be jolly'. Concludes by asking for soldiers to have a 'leave of absence' and be summoned by the power of the 'Derby Horseshoe Magnet'.



Punch,  48 (1865), [224].

The Derby Horseshoe Magnet

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C H B Bennett, Charles Henry (1828–67) ODNB
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Genre:

Illustration, Drollery

Relevant illustrations:

wdct.

Illustrators:

C H B Bennett, Charles Henry (1828–67) ODNB
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Spielmann, Marion Harry Alexander 1895. The History of "Punch", London: Cassell
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Subjects:

Magnetism, Amusement, Force


    Follows on from Charles H Bennett, 'The Derby Horseshoe Magnet', Punch, 48 (1865), [224]. Using the magnet to symbolise the attractive power of the Epsom Derby, this illustration shows two horse-racing 'magnates' sitting astride a giant upturned horseshoe magnet, itself pivoting on an enormous horsewhip. The magnetic poles are seen drawing large groups of horse-racing punters, and bags of money. The rest of the picture includes illustrations of the jockeys and their horses, and the food and drink associated with the horse-race.



Punch,  48 (1865), 228.

The Season for Sparrow Clubs

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Hawfinch Hawfinch
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Genre:

Poetry

Subjects:

Ornithology, Cruelty, Breeding, Animal Behaviour, Hunting, Crime, Agriculture, Class


    Written from the perspective of a rustic, this poem begins by describing the mating, breeding and nurturing activities of 'little birds paired on St. Valentine's Day'. Calls on 'farmers, to sparrer clubs all who belong' to slaughter the newly bred birds and to sew 'pison'd grain' on the fields to 'silence the zingungbirds' strain'. Argues that 'Aitch pair as you kills you kills many moor by' and urges them to seek out the birds and 'try if you can't put your salt on their tails'. Explains that 'little birds' feed their young on such pests as caterpillars and that by killing the birds 'thousands o' palmers and weevles you spare'. Ironically asks farmers to kill birds to 'encourage' the breeding of pests who have done them no harm. Concludes by urging farmers to count the number of birds that they have killed, and the vermin that they have saved.



Punch,  48 (1865), 229.

'Grossly Unfair, Sir'

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Anon

Genre:

News-Commentary

Subjects:

Disease, War


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Punch,  48 (1865), 232.

Punch's Essence of Parliament

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Anon

Genre:

Regular Feature, Proceedings, Drollery

Relevant illustrations:

wdct.

Illustrators:

C H B Bennett, Charles Henry (1828–67) ODNB
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Spielmann, Marion Harry Alexander 1895. The History of "Punch", London: Cassell
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Subjects:

Hospitals, War, Pollution, Engineering, Government, Museums, Politics

Institutions mentioned:

Crossness Pumping Station Crossness Pumping Station
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    The initial letter forms part of an illustration showing an old sailor with a wooden leg walking on crutches and reading a broadsheet announcing the sale of Greenwich Hospital Royal Naval Hospital, Greenwich
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. Reports on the second reading of the 'Greenwich Hospital Reform Bill', and criticizes the fact that 'the poor Merchant Seamen [...] have been for years made to contribute their sixpence towards the Hospital, but are excluded from any benefit thereof'. Later notes that Prince Edward Edward VII, King of Great Britain and Ireland and of the British Dominions Beyond the Seas, Emperor of India (1841–1910) ODNB
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voted for the 'Third Reading of the Bill for the Utilisation of Sewage', a move which Punch suggests was prompted by his opening of the 'great drainage works' at Crossness. Notes a debate on 'Civil Service Estimates', which sparked discussion of the South Kensington Museum South Kensington Museum
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.



Punch,  48 (1865), 238.

'Ossy Intelligence

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Anon

Genre:

News-Commentary, Drollery

Subjects:

Mechanics, Engineering


    Following news that the horse Archimedes failed to win the Epsom Derby, suggests that some people should remember that 'the Screw named after Archimedes Archimedes (c. 287–212 BC) DSB
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is not a horse'.



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Punch,  48 (1865), 241.

Sir Charles Locock's Address to the Electors of the Isle of Wight

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Charles Locock, M.D. Locock, Charles (MD)
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Genre:

Letter, Spoof

Subjects:

Medical Practitioners, Medical Treatment, Health, Physiology, Politics


    Written from the perspective of Charles Locock Locock, Sir Charles (1799–1875) ODNB
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, who begins by asking for the 'honour of being your political attendant'. Explains that, since the Isle of Wight 'contains the maritime residence of our dear Sovereign, whose first physician-accoucheur I became in 1840', his claims will be clear. Offers his solutions to political problems that are described as though they are diseases. For example, he advocates an 'antiphlogistic policy, for avoidance of stimulants', although he regards the nation to be 'as well as could be expected'. Upholds Britain's repression of revolution and encouragement of progress as a 'prescription' that saved Europe, but explains that while he is 'in favour of emulcents' he does not rule out use of 'steel and BACON'S Bacon, Roger (c. 1219–c. 1292) DSB
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powder'. Declares his support for Edward G G S Stanley (14th Earl of Derby) Stanley, Edward George Geoffrey Smith, 14th Earl of Derby (1799–1869) ODNB
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, whom he considers a better 'practitioner' than Henry J Temple (3rd Viscount Palmerston) Temple, Henry John, 3rd Viscount Palmerston (1784–1865) ODNB
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. Turning to the question of reform, he insists that 'there is so depressed an action of the national pulse, that I feel bound to wait for further symptoms' and opposes the infusion of 'fresh blood' because it 'savours too strongly of empiricism for toleration'. Concludes by offering to attend 'any consultations' at any time. This letter refers to Locock's unsuccessful attempt to contest the constituency of the Isle of Wight in the Conservative interest.



Punch,  48 (1865), 241.

'Dye not, Fond Man'—or Woman Either!

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Anon

Genre:

News-Commentary, Drollery

Subjects:

Medical Treatment, Quackery, Chemistry, Amusement


    Responds to an advertisement for a 'quack nostrum' which allegedly gives the hair a 'fashionable golden hue'. Believes this will actually give the hair a red colour.



Punch,  48 (1865), 242.

Punch's Essence of Parliament

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Anon

Genre:

Regular Feature, Proceedings, Drollery

Subjects:

Hunting, Environmentalism, Meteorology, Publishing, Hospitals, Railways, Accidents, Museums, Zoology, Politics, Government


    Reports on the second reading of the 'Roach Fishery Bill', whose protective powers puzzle Punch. Later notes Thomas Milner-Gibson's Milner-Gibson, Thomas (1806–84) ODNB
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'tribute to the talents and valuable services of the late ADMIRAL FITZROY Fitzroy, Robert (1805–65) DSB
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' and his statement that the 'system of observations, and telegrams, and signals' would be continued. Reports on Frederick Peel's Peel, Sir Frederick (1823–1906) ODNB
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announcement that 'the expense of Photozincographing the Domesday Book would be repaid by the ready sale of the fac-simile', and notes the reading of the Greenwich Hospital Royal Naval Hospital, Greenwich
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Bill. (242) Finally, notes that the 'hideous' recent railway accidents have raised the problem of communication between guards and passengers, and after Spencer H Walpole's Walpole, Spencer Horatio (1806–98) ODNB
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praise for the new treasures in the British Museum British Museum
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, wonders when 'PROFESSOR NOAH OWEN Owen, Richard (1804–92) DSB
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' will be 'enabled to conduct his birds and beasts out of the Bloomsbury ark'. (243)



Punch,  48 (1865), 244.

Ministerial Baby Show

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Anon

Genre:

Essay, Drollery

Subjects:

Human Development, Breeding, Politics, Government


Punch,  48 (1865), 248.

Progress at High Prices

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Anon

Genre:

Poetry

Subjects:

Progress, Railways, Industry, Manufactories, Pollution, Disease, Environmentalism


    Assesses the environmental cost of implementing a number of progressive measures in society. For example, 'There are railways, increasing old towns, / Forming new ones round every station; / But they've cut up the fields and the downs, / And disfigured the face of the nation', while 'Manufactures and arts, bearing fruit, / Have extended, but refuse deliver, / With the sewage of towns, to pollute / Every once crystal streamlet and river', and not only 'Black the herbage and blacken the air' with 'foul acrid smoke' but poison the fish in the rivers.



Punch,  48 (1865), 248.

Fashionable Movements (From the Zoological Gazette)

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Anon

Genre:

Reportage, Spoof

Subjects:

Zoological Gardens, Animal Behaviour


    Trivial reports of the movements of animals around the country, including the elephants at the Zoological Society Gardens Zoological Society of London —Gardens
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, who have shifted to the 'big pond'.



Punch,  48 (1865), 249.

A Nuisance in Newspapers

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Ignoramus Ignoramus
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Genre:

Letter, Spoof

Subjects:

Railways, Measurement


    Complains to the 'Editor of Punch' about the use of kilometres in a report of the speed of a train. Criticises the fact that it is impossible to know the length of a metre without tables comparing French and English measures. Urges Punch to ask Christopher D Griffith Griffith, Christopher Darby (fl. 1864) PU1/47/5/7 Stenton 1976
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to introduce a bill to compel newspapers to supplement French terms for weights and measures with those 'of our own standard, according to WALKINGHAME Walkingame, Francis (bap. 1723–83) ODNB
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or COCKER Cocker, Edward (1631/2–76) ODNB
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'.



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Punch,  48 (1865), 253.

The Vengeance of the Stomach (A Song of the Whitebait Season)

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Anon

Genre:

Song, Drollery

Subjects:

Nutrition, Disease, Physiology


    Written from the perspective of a stomach dreading the punishment it will receive in digesting a whitebait dinner. Begins by threatening to punish men for giving it more work than it can do, action which will take the form of spoiling the figure and, if its powers are still overstrained, 'uneasiness and pain'. Proceeds to some of the other ghastly side effects of over-indulging on whitebait. These include inflaming the eyes, oppressing the heart and lungs, indigestion, bile, 'Headache, vertigo, noises in the ears', 'palpitations, qualms, and spasms, fears', and 'the stomach's great revenge, the gout'. Concludes by threatening the worst of all side-effects—'dropsy or paralysis'.



Punch,  48 (1865), 253.

A Strange Millennial Machine

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Anon

Genre:

News-Commentary, Drollery

Subjects:

Military Technology, Steamships, Internationalism, Government


    Notes that in a recent debate in the French 'Corps Legislatif', Marie A P A, vicomte de Kervéguen Kervéguen, Marie Aimé Phillipe Auguste, vicomte de Kervéguen (1811–68) WBI
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alluded to the recent invention of an 'infernal machine' which 'opened the prospect of perpetual and universal peace', an accomplishment that Punch considers to be a 'devilish good thing'.



Punch,  48 (1865), 254.

Joseph Paxton

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Anon

Genre:

Poetry, Obituary

Subjects:

Exhibitions, Amusement, Engineering, Engineers, Architecture, Heroism


    This threnody on the recent death of Joseph Paxton Paxton, Sir Joseph (1803–65) ODNB
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observes that his monument is 'in those Chatsworth Chatsworth House, Derbyshire
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gardens stately, / In the far-off Crystal Palace Crystal Palace
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, where the world looked on him last'. It also emphasises that he began life as a 'yeoman's son, the gardener's boy', and later made 'grand designs'. Asks that he sleep 'almost in hearing of the many-voicèd fountains / He loved to turn and tame, and make his fancy's bidding do: / Now dancing crowned with rainbow, now adown the mimic mountains'.



Punch,  48 (1865), 258.

Railway Security

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Anon

Genre:

News-Commentary

Subjects:

Railways, Accidents, Engineering, Technology


    Discusses the inquest into the recent railway accident on a line of the Great Western Railway Company Great Western Railway Company
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. Notes that the coroner reported the jury's verdict that a defective locomotive engine and lines, and negligence were to blame. A representative of the company insisted that the line was 'as perfect as any in the kingdom', words of reassurance that Punch notes are inconsistent with the jury's verdict and suggest that all the lines in the country are defective.



Punch,  48 (1865), 259.

Railway Reform in Parliament (To Mr Punch)

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Viator Viator
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Genre:

Letter, Spoof

Subjects:

Steamships, Accidents, Railways, Politics, Government


    Responding to the recent horrific railway accident, the writer argues that just as captains of steamships are 'invariably suspended' for running their vessels aground, so railway companies should be similarly punished when trains go 'off the rails, or a collision occurs', irrespective of the number of casualties. Points out that owing to the number of 'Railway Members' in the House of Commons House of Commons
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this is unlikely to happen, but suggests that 'electors take care that the Railway interest shall not be too strong for them in the next [general election]'. Proceeds to criticise other evils of the railways, including the imminent construction of Great Western Railway Great Western Railway Company
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factory in Oxford, but expects that the general election will 'set all these things to rights', not least by protests of 'No Railway Collisions'.



Punch,  48 (1865), 260.

Lagrange's Horses v. Schneider's Locomotives

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Anon

Genre:

Extract, Reportage; Poetry, Drollery

Subjects:

Railways, Amusement, Engineering, Manufactories, Nationalism, Imperialism


    Responds to two items of news: the winning of the Epsom Derby by Frédéric, comte de Lagrange's Lagrange, Frédéric, comte de (1816–83) WBI
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horse, Gladiateur, and the victory of Joseph E Schneider's Schneider, Joseph Eugène (1805–75) WBI
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firm over 'seven English' engineers in the competition for 'Steam Locomotives from the Great Eastern Railway Great Eastern Railway Company
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'. Believes that the first item will 'raise the British sportsman's moan': 'Gladiators [...] Will make inferior prowess yield, / Alike in man and horse', and 'Britannia still would hold her own'. However, the second news item suggests that when the 'British iron-horse / before the French turns tail, / When England yields to France, perforce, / The Empire of the rail [...] Then may Britannia doff the crown [...] and sit a slave / Imprisoned in French irons'.



Punch,  48 (1865), 260.

War-Song of the Westminster Doctor

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Anon

Genre:

Poetry, Drollery

Subjects:

Politics, Medical Practitioners, Quackery


    Urges the 'Medical electors' to vote for John S Mill Mill, John Stuart (1806–73) DSB
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and to regard the other Liberal candidate for Westminster, Robert W Grosvenor Grosvenor, Robert Wellesley, 2nd Baron Ebury (1834–1918) WBI
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, as the representative of 'the Quacks, not you'.



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Punch,  48 (1865), 262.

Punch's Essence of Parliament

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Anon

Genre:

Regular Feature, Proceedings, Drollery

Subjects:

Patents, Invention, Environmentalism, Government, Politics

Institutions mentioned:

Houses of Parliament Houses of Parliament
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    Reports on Edward J Stanley (2nd Baron Stanley) Stanley, Edward John, 2nd Baron Stanley of Alderley and 1st Baron Eddisbury (1802–69) ODNB
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, the 'Chairman of the Patent Law Commission Royal Commission to Inquire into the Working of Law Relating to Letters Patent for Inventions
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', who doubts the viability of the patent system. Notes Mr Punch's view that 'The word Patent means Open. The system of Patents is to shut up inventions and inventors. Ergo, the system is a self-contradictory absurdity'. Later notes the 'Forest debate' and adds that 'it is quite clear that the Crown neglects its forestal rights, and that lords of manors and others encroach in all directions'. Urges that 'a man of sense' take up the matter in the next parliamentary session and show that forests have been stolen by 'SIR TUNBELLY CLUMSY, country gentleman, by MR. SMIRKER STEELYARD, manufacturer, and by JAMES POACHER, squatter'.



Punch,  48 (1865), 263.

Life and Character on the Rail

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Anon

Genre:

News-Commentary

Subjects:

Railways, Travel, Gender, Morality, Accidents


    Notes from the 'Official Report of the Government Inspector of Railways' that 'gentlemen passengers, as well as railway officers of all classes constantly refuse to travel singly with a stranger of the weaker sex' in case they are accused of 'insult or assault'. Concludes that the 'chances of broken bones and blasted character' during railway travel are equal.



Punch,  48 (1865), 264.

A Fair Word for a Farmer

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Anon

Genre:

News-Commentary

Subjects:

Agriculture, Experiment, Nutrition, Commerce


    Praises John J Mechi Mechi, John Joseph (1802–80) ODNB
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for showing 'how to manure the land with brains' and thus 'made two ears of corn grow where one never before sprouted'. Explains that after 'numberless experiments', industry, and patience he has shown how the 'worst land may produce the best of crops'. Proceeds to explain that 'In recognition of his services, a movement is on foot to buy his farm of Tiptree, and present him with its freehold', and expects patrons of this cause to include farmers. Supports Mechi's cause and wishes him prosperity.



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