Describes a conversation between Mr Punch and a Chinese giant called Chang,
who thanks Mr Punch for the 'extraordinary countenance you have been pleased to
show him' and who asks 'what qualities are required in a Contributor to
"PUNCH"'. Mr Punch replies: 'All the virtues, all the graces,
all the arts, and all the sciences' (iv).
Begins by asking why 'Faith in homeopathy' should 'unfit' 'G' (i.e.
Robert W
GrosvenorGrosvenor, Robert Wellesley, 2nd Baron Ebury
(1834–1918)
WBI CloseView the register entry >>) to represent the author in the
Houses of
ParliamentHouses of Parliament
CloseView the register entry >>. Proceeds to contrast such a belief with 'common sense'
and with blind 'faith', which is a 'donkey's guide'. Developing an ironic tone,
the author asks that homeopathy not be considered grounds for 'political
exclusion' or that such 'wild' beliefs as 'perpetual motion, / Circle squared,
or rapping table' be allowed to disqualify a political candidate.
The illustration shows a plethora of statesmen performing various symbolic
activities. At the bottom,
Robert W
GrosvenorGrosvenor, Robert Wellesley, 2nd Baron Ebury
(1834–1918)
WBI CloseView the register entry >> is seen near a notice displaying the message 'Homeopathy
and Humbug', a reference to Grosvenor's support of this controversial medical
treatment (6).
Quackery, Medical Treatment, Crime, Periodicals, Charlatanry,
Commerce
Discusses two advertisements from 'a respectable Journal'. The first reports
the trial of
Dr
PritchardPritchard, Dr
(fl. 1865)
PU1/49/21/4 CloseView the register entry >>, stating that it 'will form a pretty specimen of the
pharmaceutical poisons used in medicine, against which the
British College of HealthBritish College of Health
CloseView the register entry >> [...] has
protested for the last forty years'. The second is an advertisement for
Holloway'sHolloway, Thomas
(1800–83)
ODNB CloseView the register entry >>
ointment and pills. Suspects that the 'quacks' at the British College of Health
would use both articles to show the support of a 'reputable paper' for
Morison'sMorison, James
(1770–1840)
ODNB CloseView the register entry >> pills
and Holloway's treatments. Questions whether the 'gentlemen who are responsible
for the assertions published as those in the paper' are supporting 'untruths'
for 'pecuniary consideration'.
Punch, 49 (1865), 19.
Character Cleaning, and Reputation Renovating Company. Flummery's Patent
Purifying Process
Puffs a process that is claimed to solve the difficult problem of cleaning
character, a procedure which now commands 'high commercial value'. The firm
offers to fumigate 'Courts of Bankruptcy, metropolitan or provincial', scour
'Scandal-cases', extract 'Calumnies', dye 'rumours', and promises to conduct
its operations 'behind a screen'.
Ethnology, Phrenology, Physiognomy, Race, Human Development,
Expertise, Belief
Discusses a recent debate at the
Ethnological
SocietyEthnological Society of London
CloseView the register entry >> on the habits of an Indian 'tribe of savages'—the
Cowitchans—who live between Vancouver Island and the Rocky Mountains.
Notes
Cornelius
Donovan'sDonovan, Cornelius
(c. 1820–72)
DNBS CloseView the register entry >> argument that the tribe's attempt to flatten the skulls of
their infants would diminish the children's 'intellectual capacities' and thus
suggests that the tribe intended to make their children as much like animals as
possible. Believes this opinion would be shared by 'most people', but notes
Col.
Hawkins'sHawkins, Col
(fl. 1865)
PU1/49/2/6 CloseView the register entry >> rebuttal of Donovan's argument, which Punch thinks
is a snub that 'any physiologist, let alone phrenologist' can expect from an
ignorant civil or military servant. However, despite Hawkins's testimony that
the Indians' heads were somewhat sharper, insists that such 'anti-phrenology is
harder to believe than phrenology'.
Discusses a report of an explosion at the works of the
Safety
Powder CompanySafety Powder Company
CloseView the register entry >>, an event which, because it appears to have been
'harmless to the neighbourhood', suggests to Punch that the powder is of
limited use and probably something that England exports to its enemies.
Religious Authority, Animal Behaviour, Human Development, Zoological
Gardens
Denies reports that
Joseph L LyneLyne, Joseph Leycester ('Father Ignatius')
(1837–1908)
ODNB CloseView the register entry >>
('Brother Ignatius') and his associates have moved from their Norwich monastery
to the
Zoological Society
GardensZoological Society of London —Gardens
CloseView the register entry >>. Presents an extract from a news report describing the
aggressive attempt by some monks to excommunicate Ignatius—'monkey's
tricks' which indicate that the monks are no different from simians. Reports
that the 'simious brotherhood' remain at 'their old monkeyry at Norwich' except
those members who have deserted it. Compares these renegades to monkeys and to
'vermin' in the Church of England
Suggests that although homeopathy is 'humbug', a homeopath may sit in the
House of
CommonsHouse of Commons
CloseView the register entry >>, a suggestion prompted by news that members of the French
senate had defended the practice. Argues that, since homeopathy 'concerns
nothing more than the public health', 'Humbug is at least not less
Parliamentary in the British Legislature than it is in the French'.
Begins by explaining that Mr Punch's representative has been invited to
travel on the
Great
EasternGreat Eastern, ship CloseView the register entry >> and 'go out with the wire [submarine telegraph]', and
that Punch has arranged for messages to be received 'until the work
shall be completed'. Mr Punch's representative offers a series of droll diary
entries, including such observations as that 'the electricians are brilliant
sparks' and the sermon he has sent through the wires was an 'Electrifying
discourse'. Later explains how he 'took great pains to understand the nature of
the telegraph' and received a decidedly confused scientific account from an
Irish-sounding 'literary gentleman', a person who notes the abstruse
'astronomical process' for calculating the speed of the ship. Concludes by
observing how a pig on board was cooked on contact with 'the galvanic machine'
and distinguishes between the ship's captain,
James AndersonAnderson, Sir James
(1824–93)
WBI CloseView the register entry >>,
and the 'Wizard of the North',
John H
AndersonAnderson, John Henry
(1815–74)
ODNB CloseView the register entry >>.
Politics, Vaccination, Telegraphy, Sanitation, Pollution, Public
Health, Progress
Disraeli insists that whatever the verdict of the 'trial' of 'Conservative
Reaction [...] the facts remain the same', and proceeds to defend some of the
ways in which Britain has benefited from his party. He boasts that the
Conservatives have given Britain 'the
Thames
EmbankmentThames Embankment
CloseView the register entry >> [...] Vaccination, and the Electric Telegraph', as well
as the acclimatisation of salmon in the streams, and the destruction of
bluebottles in butchers' shops.
The author explains that his son, who is a millwright, 'takes his stand on
these Turretts' used in ironclads. Surmises that when the turrets are struck by
enemy shells they will spin around like a 'patent iron chimney pot'. Asks Mr
Punch to respond to this and concludes by wondering how Britannia can rule the
waves if her turrets are revolving.
Noting the latest women's fashion for 'straw and steel', with steel being
made into bracelets and other items of jewellery. Asserts: 'Were a philosopher
to introduce a magnet at a party, half the ladies in the room would be
resistlessly attracted to it', and all the steel adornments would be stuck to
the lodestone.
Railways, Publishing, Time, Comparative Philology, Mental
Illness
The 'Preface' upholds
Bradshaw's Monthly Railway
GuideBradshaw's Monthly Railway Guide
(1841–1900+)
ODNB, s.v. Bradshaw, George CloseView the register entry >> as one of the greatest of all 'literary efforts', but
notes the confusion, error, general unreliability of the work. Nevertheless
insists that 'the so-called difficulties are far less real than apparent' and
believes that 'an honest student who applies himself [...] to the work, will
encounter no greater obstacles' than those 'surmounted by
Jean-François ChampollionChampollion, Jean François
(1790–1832)
CBD CloseView the register entry >> during his
laborious researches into the mysteries of the Egyptian hieroglyphics'. Later
points out that without this work one would loose mental and physical strength
trying to determine information about trains, and would end up in
Colney Hatch
Lunatic AsylumColney Hatch Asylum
CloseView the register entry >> 'harmlessly playing at Steam-Engines' and engaging
in other insane activities. Proceeds to 'Chapter I' which begins by claiming
that
George
BradshawBradshaw, George
(1801–53)
ODNB CloseView the register entry >> is no more the author of his guide than
Christopher
WrenWren, Sir Christopher
(1632–1723)
DSB CloseView the register entry >> is of
Saint
Paul's CathedralSt Paul's Cathedral
CloseView the register entry >> and then pokes fun at the complexities of the
book, complexities which prompt the author to question why Bradshaw wrote the
book in the first place. The illustration shows a lunatic attempting to drag
miniature railway carriages along a floor.
Continuing Mr Punch's representative's diary from the
Great
EasternGreat Eastern, ship CloseView the register entry >>, this article includes a description of his nausea. His
'gentleman' friend informs him that the condition 'arises from the effect of
the telegraph cable, the iron in water acting as a chalybeate'; later in the
voyage, he tells him that the reduction of his nausea is due to the 'galvanic
action being reversed by the electricians'. The representative observes that
electricians used one end of the cable to direct a lightning flash into a
source of illumination on the sea-bed. Reports that on Sunday the cable 'loses
a certain and appreciable quantity of power' due to the Sabbatarianism of the
Scottish sailors. Later notes that
James AndersonAnderson, Sir James
(1824–93)
WBI CloseView the register entry >>
has orders to 'throw all the electricians and machine people overboard' if 'any
accident happens to the Cable'.
Punch, 49 (1865), 39.
There and Back for Three-and-Six. A Private Excursion
The narrator describes his excursion to Fort Shingles on the 'East Coast'.
After arriving at his hotel he is shown to his room and lets out such 'a
fearful yawn' that it occurs to him that 'my mouth was becoming as big as [the
inhabitants of the town], and that I myself was (Darwinianly) developing into a
Shingleite'.
Telegraphy, Engineering, Accidents, Comparative Philology,
Internationalism, War, Commerce, Industry
Begins with Neptune chastising his 'mischievous maidens' for swinging on the
cable and then explaining why 'that rope in the sea hath been cast'. He
explains that the cable is a 'link of electric connection' that will
'strengthen each of affection' between the 'New World and the Old' and thus
prevent any further 'fuming or fighting'. He adds that it will also 'tighten'
commercial connections, 'lighten' burdensome industry, and 'make freer Free
Trade'. Since the cable will also vanquish 'Doubt, distrust, envy, hatred, and
malice' and foster peace and goodwill, he urges his mermaids to avoid it.
Set on the floor of the Atlantic ocean, the illustration shows several
mermaids swinging playfully on a submarine telegraph cable that disappears into
the distance. On the left, a stern-looking Neptune shouts at them to 'Get off
o'that 'ere cable, can't yer—that's the way t'other one was
wrecked!!!'.
Opening with two lines of poetry praising the road-making skills of
George WadeWade, George
(1673–1748)
ODNB CloseView the register entry >>, stresses
the woefully muddy state of London's thoroughfares and hails 'with
satisfaction' the road-making designs of a Scottish engineer,
Mr MitchellMitchell, Mr
(fl. 1865)
PU1/49/5/5 CloseView the register entry >>,
whom it proposes should be invited to 'deliver us from our slough of Parochial
despond'. Notes from an extract in the
Inverness
CourierInverness Courier
(1817–1900+)
COPAC CloseView the register entry >> that Mitchell plans to construct roads from 'a
composition of broken stones, Roman and Portland cement, and sand' which he
thinks will make the road fit for traffic and impervious to heat and wet for
'twenty-four hours'.
Hopes that since, 'in paying out the Atlantic Telegraph Cable, the
Atlantic Telegraph CompanyAtlantic Telegraph Company
CloseView the register entry >> will
have paid out a great deal of money', the 'speculation will begin to pay money
in'.
Continuing its satirical analysis of
Bradshaw's Monthly Railway
GuideBradshaw's Monthly Railway Guide
(1841–1900+)
ODNB, s.v. Bradshaw, George CloseView the register entry >>, Punch pokes fun at the key to the guide,
offering an alternative explanation of some of the terms and phrases used in
the text. For example, interprets the 'Dark Lines' as 'Those in embryo; those
about whose arrangements there is some confusion; projected lines, and lines,
like the
Metropolitan UndergroundMetropolitan Railway Company
CloseView the register entry >>, or the
Great NorthernGreat Northern Railway Company
CloseView the register entry >> over ground,
which, for several miles, journey through tunnels'. The illustrations deploy
puns on terms used in the guide. (55) The 'key' to the work is represented as a
musical scale with carriages and their passengers appearing as the
semi-quavers. 'Wave Lines' are portrayed as two trains, curled up like snakes,
in a head on collision. 'Branch Lines' are represented as branches of a tree
emerging from the back of a steam locomotive.
Homeopathy, Reason, Faith, Medical Treatment, Medical Practitioners,
Patronage, Physics, Force
Lambasts the 'idiot' who recently stated in the columns of Punch that
'reason and faith ought to decide in questions of medical science'. Retorts
that 'medical science' is founded on 'experience' and in this sense is like
homeopathy which is rejected by eminent medical men but supported by such men
as
Richard
WhatelyWhately, Richard
(1787–1863)
ODNB CloseView the register entry >>. Concludes by arguing that in order to produce an effect the
doses of homeopathic medicine, like forces in physics, only need to be
'infinitesimal' and 'properly applied'.
Mr Punch's representative explains the reasons for the week-long delay in
his message, and then describes aspects of the week aboard the Great
Eastern. He notes how the 'paying out' is proceeding 'merrily', and then
explains how a 'large piece of metal ran into the cable and immediately began
letting off the electricity into the sea', a event leading to an explosion in
the water and 'bitter reproaches' from the British public. The following day he
describes how he has been told not to 'let our line become entangled with the
Equinoctial line' and then attempted electrical experiments with rudimentary
apparatus. On the Sunday, he reports that the sermon was banned owing to the
claim by the electricians that 'the monotony of a single voice, for a long
period, has some disturbing effect on the electric current, which they cannot
exactly explain'. The next day he worries about the kraken (a creature that he
does not regard as 'fabulous') being enraged by the sight of the Great
Eastern, and thinks that it should have kept its former name,
Leviathan. Later he reads
Hobbes 1651Hobbes, Thomas
1651. Leviathan; or The Matter, Forme, & Power of a Common-Wealth,
Ecclesiasticall and Civill, London: Andrew Crooke
CloseView the register entry >> for the 'latest
zoological information' and notes that compasses are rendered useless by 'the
pressure of so much electrical matter'. Later in the voyage he is shown the new
kink in the cable. A 'Deputation from the Company, the Electricians, and the
Captain and the Crew' then told him that the telegraph 'was really a private
affair' and that he should not report 'dreadful' occurrences until his return
to England.
Medical Practitioners, Anatomy, Physiology, Physiognomy
The poet expresses his love for his 'sweetheart' by describing those of her
anatomical and physiological features that he finds so appealing. For example,
he waxes lyrical about 'The heart of this is in thy power, / Chordaw tendineae,
valves and all', that 'Above those orbits mind is there, / Anterior lobe, os
frontis full', 'How lax each ligamentous band / That binds the metacarpal
bones'. He concludes by hoping: 'may that hand's palmaris be / Stretched close
as possible to mine'.
Punch, 49 (1865), 60.
The Instructive Drama. An Entirely New Invention (Registered)
Amusement, Education, Light, Invention, Discovery, Geology,
Stratigraphy, Military Technology, Chemistry
After a 'Prologue', which explains that the characters in the drama will
'blend [...] Passion and fiction, with some valued fact', proceeds to the
drama, entitled 'The Yacht'. It opens with a scene set in the Isle of Wight
where Lord Charles Chobham and his friend engage in conversation. After using a
telescope to observe the Portsmouth steamer 'that should bring my beloved
Harriet', Chobham offers his own account of the invention of the telescope,
which he thinks was first 'noticed' by
Leonard DiggesDigges, Leonard
(1520–59?)
DSB CloseView the register entry >>,
'described' by
Roger BaconBacon, Roger
(c. 1219–c. 1292)
DSB CloseView the register entry >>, and made
by
Jacob MetiusMetius, Jacob
(d. 1628)
DSB CloseView the register entry >> and
Zacharias
JansenJansen, Zacharias
(1588–1631)
DSB CloseView the register entry >> 'a quarter of a century' before
Galileo
GalileiGalilei, Galileo
(1564–1642)
DSB CloseView the register entry >>. The second act is set in an undercliff, where an assasin,
'IPPOPOTAMOS PREPOSTEROS', describes the geological strata
before him in surprising detail. His attempt at assassination is foiled by his
use of
Mr Gale'sGale, Mr
(fl. 1865)
PU1/49/6/6 CloseView the register entry >> 'safety
powder' which is 'guaranteed not to go off', owing to 'chemical components'
effecting an 'isolation between the granulated particles'. In the conclusion of
the drama, the characters reiterate their lessons, including those on the
telescope and geology.
The initial letter forms part of a large branch of a tree on which walk
various huntsmen (lead by Mr Punch and his dog Toby) and, in opposition to
them, a range of animals (including grouse, foxes and partridges) holding
petitions. The text reveals that the petition is addressed to the 'Sportsmen of
Great Britain' and describes the animals' despair at the prospect of being
killed or injured and urges that the 'battue-shooting be in future
discontinued', owing to its 'barbarous nature', and that other inhumane aspects
of hunting be banned.
The initial letter forms part of an illustration showing a male figure being
chased along a railway line by a steam locomotive and carriages which are bent
into the form of a 'w'. This article focuses on some of
George
Bradshaw'sBradshaw, George
(1801–53)
ODNB CloseView the register entry >> 'peculiar vein of humour' that runs through
Bradshaw's Monthly Railway
GuideBradshaw's Monthly Railway Guide
(1841–1900+)
ODNB, s.v. Bradshaw, George CloseView the register entry >>. Some of the misleading and inaccurate terms used in the
work are exposed. For example, the author insists that there are 'six classes'
of train, from the first class which 'start and arrive', to the sixth class
which 'neither start nor arrive, but "run"', and that the first four classes
are 'Visibila', while the last two are 'Invisibilia; running
probably on the geometrical line, length without breadth'. (64) Mocks
Bradshaw's 'mode of stating the distance' which 'starts with a unit and a
half'. The other illustrations show 'The Double Janus Guard, for Clapham
Junction', an automaton pointsman who points in four directions simultaneously,
and a steam locomotive that looks like a vicious spider in its web, complete
with railway carriages for legs.
Discusses a report in the
ScotsmanScotsman
(1817–1900+)
BUCOP CloseView the register entry >> of a
'Live Toad found in a Coal-Field' by a Scottish miner. Punch thinks this
contradicts associations of Scotland with philosophy and asks for a Scotsman
who could prove he had made this discovery to 'take good care to preserve a
curiosity so valuable'.
Rejoices at the news that the 'Quack in the Strand' has been sued by a
patient for 'malpractice'. Explains that the plaintiff successfully prevented
the quack from simply paying his damages, selling off 'his goods', and fleeing.
Concludes by noting that the quack 'Kept an odious Museum, weak fools to
entrap', and by hoping that other quacks suffer a similar fate.
Written from 'Lyndhurst Square, Peckham' on the author's return from
his voyage on the Great Eastern. Notes that the cable has been 'put at
the bottom of the sea' and describes how 'those who go out on the next
expedition' will be able to locate the sunken cable by a buoy that has been
attached to it. Later he describes how the ship's gun was fired at the 'great
sea serpent, who had several times risen in all his terrors', and how the crew
managed to disentangle the ship from the 'equinoxial line'. He makes several
other droll observations relating to the laying of the cable, including the
fact that his messages from shore had become 'crystallised and electrotyped'
and looked like 'copper nails', and the
SphynxSphynx, ship CloseView the register entry >>
sounded the ocean floor so loudly 'that clouds were brought on'.
Continues Punch's comic observations on the complex and misleading
information contained in
Bradshaw's Monthly Railway
GuideBradshaw's Monthly Railway Guide
(1841–1900+)
ODNB, s.v. Bradshaw, George CloseView the register entry >>. The initial letter of the text forms part of an
illustration showing a stern figure surrounded by a train with steam
locomotives at its front and rear ends. The other illustrations show several
figures attempting to waylay a train with umbrellas, and a large figure
striding across the globe. The latter is an 'allegorical' representation of
'nobody going nowhere in no time', itself a comment on a class of trains whose
destination and fares are unknown.
Aimed at the veterinary surgeon
John GamgeeGamgee, John
(1831–94)
ODNB CloseView the register entry >>, this
article challenges the 'great outcry [...] 'Gainst diseased foreign cattle',
and insists that such 'murrain' might be 'home-bred'. Proceeds to warn against
the consequences of losing more cattle 'than all that we rear', and calls for
'careful inspection' but not to 'stop importation with view to Protection'.
Hospitals, Human Development, Nutrition, Health, Patronage
Begins by praising the
Hospital for Sick ChildrenHospital for Sick Children
CloseView the register entry >> as an
'excellent institution', but explains that, owing to lack of funds, it cannot
expand and treat the 'Scores of little ones' who require medical treatment.
Believes that until the hospital is enlarged, the diseases of 'poor children'
will have to be prevented instead of cured, not least by a 'more substantial
diet'. Accordingly suggests that 'most of us' can support a scheme announced in
the
SpectatorSpectator
(1828–1900+)
Waterloo
Directory CloseView the register entry >> and
organized by the philanthropist
G M HicksHicks, Mr G M
(fl. 1865)
PU1/49/9/4 CloseView the register entry >> and his wife,
who have provided 'daily dinner for sick children', which has had an
'extraordinary' effect. Praises Hicks's achievement and suggests that his 'good
example' be followed wherever possible. Thinks that children's dinner parties
could be 'given in all poor neighbourhoods' and that the rich and greedy might
have a better idea of this need were they to be less gluttonous.
Discusses a 'paragraph' in the
Mechanics'
MagazineMechanics' Magazine
(1823–72)
Iron: the Journal of Science, Metals, and
Manufactures
(1872–93)
Industries and Iron
(1893–99)
Waterloo Directory
CloseView the register entry >> which reports that
Théophile-Jules PelouzePelouze, Théophile-Jules
(1807–67)
DSB CloseView the register entry >>
has found that the blood of birds is richer in iron than the blood of man and
'mammiferous animals'. Asks whether Pelouze has analysed the blood of
ostriches, 'ferrivorous' birds which may prove an exception to this rule.
Continuing its discussion of pursuits not detailed in
Bradshaw's Monthly Railway
GuideBradshaw's Monthly Railway Guide
(1841–1900+)
ODNB, s.v. Bradshaw, George CloseView the register entry >>, assesses some of the pictures to be admired in the
fictional 'Charing Cross Gallery', one of which, 'Families Removing' by Mr
Taylor, shows a small steam locomotive pulling a large carriage marked
'Families Removing'. Praises the artist for capturing 'the unchanging sea side
by side with the variable steam-spirit of the age'. The other illustration
shows three anthropomorphous steam locomotives, reading books and playing with
a hoop.
Describes the author's struggles against the large number of insects
(including a bee, earwigs, myriad wasps and hornets, horseflies and moths) that
he encountered in a holiday cottage, a struggle that result in him hating the
countryside. The illustration shows two tiny fairies knocking a nail into the
tail of a wasp.
Set in a 'First Class Carriage on the Great Western Railway', this drama
includes a heated discussion between two passengers about the decision of the
Great Western Railway CompanyGreat Western Railway Company
CloseView the register entry >>
to 'establish their factory at Oxford'. One of the passengers turns out to be a
director of the company, who is determined to destroy the pride of the 'aughty
scholars' of the
University of
OxfordUniversity of Oxford
CloseView the register entry >> and to show them that 'the Railway Hinterest is supreme in
this hage of progress'. He dismisses claims that the company could have
established a better site at Abingdon, and insists that 'It's a question of
Railways against Colleges' and that 'Material utility' is 'above heverything'.
He is not fussed at being called a 'vandal', while the other passenger argues
that the new factory is a result of 'Oxford tradesmen' wanting revenge on the
university 'for having interdicted them from dealing with the undergraduates
for fraudulent practices'. (96)
Universities, Education, Railways, Technology, Industry, Progress,
Class
Following
Anon, 'The Great Western Vandals and Oxford', Punch, 49 (1865), 96, 99, shows a railway navvy with a pick
slung over his shoulder and a cigarette in his mouth. Next to him stands an
OxfordUniversity of Oxford
CloseView the register entry >> don clad in academic dress. The
navvy asks the shocked don: 'Gallon o 'audit ale, guv'nor please. I's got t'
blunt to pay vor'n'.
Punch, 49 (1865), 99–100.
The Bishop and the Elephant. An Imaginary Conservation between the Right
Rev. the
Bishop of
O—dWilberforce, Samuel
(1805–73)
ODNB CloseView the register entry >>, and the New Elephant from Paris
In this cordial exchange between the bishop and the elephant, the bishop
points out that the elephant is the 'new' one from the
Jardin
des PlantesJardin des Plantes, Paris CloseView the register entry >>, Paris, who has been offered as 'another illustration
of the wisdom of creation'. Later the elephant denies the bishop's claim that
he is French, and emphasises that he is 'a native of Her Majesty's Asiatic
dominions, where several exemplary wives mourn my European captivity'. The
bishop also asks whether the elephant is descended from that mentioned by
John GayGay, John
(1812–85)
ODNB CloseView the register entry >>, 'to whom an
enterprising publisher of the day offered a handsome sum to write something
against orthodoxy'. The elephant regrets that he is and explains that his
'relative was tempted by the bookseller, was cheated, and was—I blush to
say it,—reduced in old age to carry a monkey about at fairs', but then
surmises that had his ancestor 'resisted temptation and returned to India, he
might have become executioner at the court of one of the native princes'. (99)
After discussing the question of 'negro suffrage'—which the bishop
strongly supports—the elephant bids him farewell and pleads, 'Emancipate
the Elephant'. (100)
Discusses an advertisement for
Eskell 1865Eskell,
Abraham 1865. Pure Dentistry and What it Does for Us, London:
J. Clements
CloseView the register entry >>. Suspects that
the quoted testimonial in favour of the work comes from the book's preface, but
attempts to understand the advertiser's distinction between 'pure and
meretricious dentistry'. Defines pure dentistry to be the 'art' of treating
teeth 'at charges that are not extortionate', but questions the possibility of
'meretricious' dentistry.
Religious Authority, Narcotics, Amusement, Zoological Gardens,
Museums, Education, Natural History
Introduces a spoof petition to the
House of
CommonsHouse of Commons
CloseView the register entry >> from 'Professing Christian Publicans' and other tradesmen,
who, on sabbatarian grounds,wish to stop the opening of 'public institutions
devoted to art, science, and natural history' on Sunday, although they wish
public houses to remain open on that day.
The initial letter of the text forms part of an illustration showing a steam
locomotive as an artist standing before an easel. The significance of this
illustration lies in the fact that the article discusses the 'Railway Art', a
catalogue to which is provided in
Bradshaw's Monthly Railway
GuideBradshaw's Monthly Railway Guide
(1841–1900+)
ODNB, s.v. Bradshaw, George CloseView the register entry >>.
Military Technology, Hunting, Industry, War, Politics,
Nationalism
Begins by reflecting on the cheap ways in which domestic and agricultural
'vermin' are slain and removed from 'house and barn', and 'field and wood', but
laments the 'cost must needs be lost, / How many brave men too, / Would we keep
down the Austrian lown [calmness], / Or the Prussian thief subdue!'. Concludes
by reiterating the high costs of destroying 'Ill beasts in human shape' and is
resigned to the fact that the only way to 'bate the foreign pest' is to 'Forge
better than their best'.
Pollution, Narcotics, Medical Treatment, Railways, Public Health,
Sanitation
Written from the perspective of a cigar smoker, who points out that doctors
classify tobacco smoke as an disinfectant, and argues that railway companies
should 'repeal their stupid bye-laws against smoking', not least because this
will be a 'precaution against contagion'. Emphasises that his views are
motivated purely by an 'anxiety about the public health' and a 'sincere
interest in sanitary science'.
The illustration portrays some of the personalities and subjects that
dominated proceedings at the annual meeting of the
British
Association for the Advancement of ScienceBritish Association for the Advancement of Science
CloseView the register entry >> in Birmingham. In the
top left-hand corner,
Thomas H
HuxleyHuxley, Thomas Henry
(1825–95)
DSB CloseView the register entry >> and
Richard OwenOwen, Richard
(1804–92)
DSB CloseView the register entry >>
embrace lovingly (and therefore ironically) before an audience of mice with
skull heads. Next to them,
John TyndallTyndall, John
(1820–93)
DSB CloseView the register entry >> stands
before an audience of chemical jars (adorned with appropriate alchemical
symbols and human heads for stoppers). In one hand, Tyndall lances the
posterior of
Joseph B JukesJukes, Joseph Beete
(1811–69)
DSB CloseView the register entry >>
with a hot poker, a reference to Tyndall's controversy with Jukes over coal
measures. In the top right hand corner, a small steam-powered hammer (possibly
a parody of
James Nasmyth'sNasmyth, James
(1808–90)
DSB CloseView the register entry >>
steam-hammer) with an eye in its head, is seen lecturing to an audience of
penknives, while nearby an ageing
David BrewsterBrewster, Sir David
(1781–1868)
DSB
ODNB CloseView the register entry >>
is seen at 'Section Z', where he holds up one of his stereoscopes before an
audience of dividers and a telescope. In the lower left-hand corner
Charles
BabbageBabbage, Charles
(1792–1871)
DSB CloseView the register entry >> is seen lecturing to an audience of large numerical
characters who, while sitting on small stools, watch the lecturer pointing to a
fish (evoking Babbage's work on political economy). The lower middle of the
illustration is dominated by
Roderick I
MurchisonMurchison, Sir Roderick Impey, 1st Baronet
(1792–1871)
DSBODNB CloseView the register entry >>, who sits cross-legged on a platform and juggles three
globes (an allusion to Murchison's imperial geographical enterprises). Finally,
in the lower right-hand corner, an ageing
Charles LyellLyell, Sir Charles, 1st Baronet
(1797–1875)
DSB
ODNB CloseView the register entry >>, in
'Section X Geology', stands before an audience of geological hammers who watch
the lecturer dismantle a large portion of a model globe. Near Lyell is
George
ScropeScrope, George Julius Poulett
(1797–1876)
DSB CloseView the register entry >> who cuts a section of a globe with a spade. The text
identifies the author of the report as Professor Fluff, who boasts that his
report of the meeting is the only one that is genuine and contains the 'most
interesting portions of the scientific proceedings'. He then presents short
descriptions of the papers he read at the meeting, all of which poke fun at the
language and practices of various sciences. For example, his paper on
physiology concerned 'The art of Making Faces', while his mathematics paper
consisted of 'a few words on Squaring a Beadle'. The author notes that, on his
way to the meeting, a friend had the impression he was attending 'the Donkey
Show' (because of the 'ass' in 'association'), and then presents his
interpretations of papers presented at the meeting. Under the heading 'Coals'
he notes Tyndall's harsh critique of a paper by Jukes on coals; under
'Geology', he notes Murchison's utterances 'about bones' (which prompted 'A
Gentleman' to express his enjoyment of 'grilled and devilled' bones), and the
association's president
John Phillips'sPhillips, John
(1800–74)
DSB CloseView the register entry >>
interest in 'Beaume' as a beverage. (113) Under 'Excursions', the author notes
his attempt to compose his mathematical paper 'in the Scientific Room', his
attempt to interest 'Geology' in his geological paper, and his failure to get
'Geography' to hear his geographical paper. Turning to the following day's
proceedings, he comments on the views of
Henry C
RawlinsonRawlinson, Sir Henry Creswicke
(1810–95)
ODNB CloseView the register entry >> and
John CrawfurdCrawfurd, John
(1783–1868)
ODNB CloseView the register entry >> on
cannibals, Rawlinson expressing his desire not to be one, and Crawfurd
insisting that 'cannibalism was merely a matter of taste'. This prompted a
debate between Mr Blanks and Mr Dash, after which the author claims he tried to
present his mathematical paper, stressing the fun of presenting it in a
discussion of a totally unrelated subject (cannibalism). The author concludes
his report by explaining that, during papers presented in the physiology
'department', he presented his 'Paper on Making Faces' whilst wearing 'false
nose and whiskers', but was then summoned outside where he saw the 'Prince of
all the Silurias' (Murchison) 'playing on the boot-jack'. He adds that he is
now living with this individual in his 'Palace in Colwell Hatchney' (a
reference to the lunatic asylum in
Colney
HatchColney Hatch Asylum
CloseView the register entry >>). (114)
See also:
Macleod and
Collins 1981Macleod, Roy and Collins, Peter, eds. 1981
The Parliament of Science: The British Association for the Advancement of
Science 1831–1981, Northwood, Middlesex: Science Reviews
CloseView the register entry >>
Discusses an extract from an article in the
Mechanics'
MagazineMechanics' Magazine
(1823–72)
Iron: the Journal of Science, Metals, and
Manufactures
(1872–93)
Industries and Iron
(1893–99)
Waterloo Directory
CloseView the register entry >> which reports that 'a writer in
CosmosCosmos: Revue encyclopedique hebdomadaire des progres des
sciences
(1852–70)
BUCOP CloseView the register entry >> has
calculated' that the 'mechanical equivalent of the total light of the sun' is
'1,230 septillion of "bougies"'. Criticises this extract for being
incomprehensible and points out that 'no one cares about giving himself the
trouble, either to verify, or disprove' the large figures that 'arithmetical
athletes' produce, suggesting that
Charles
BabbageBabbage, Charles
(1792–1871)
DSB CloseView the register entry >> 'would sooner be ground to death by an Italian organ than
undertake such an idiotic Herculean task'. Compares this to a recent report of
a 'German professor' who 'discovered the difference of the number of hairs on
the head of four young ladies'—a delicate activity that Punch
thinks should have been stopped.
The initial letter forms part of an illustration showing a steam locomotive
and carriages which look like a large caterpillar on a leaf. The text begins by
noting that
Bradshaw's Monthly Railway
GuideBradshaw's Monthly Railway Guide
(1841–1900+)
ODNB, s.v. Bradshaw, George CloseView the register entry >> is considered by some commentators to be 'a wild
rolicking jovial son of Erin', owing to the confusing information about the
arrival times of trains. Proceeds to poke fun at other aspects of the work.
Concluding the article and the series, the author lists his intentions, which
include cheering the 'confused inquirer' and 'to point the way to wanderers in
the Bradshawian mazes'. Beneath the last line is an illustration showing
George
BradshawBradshaw, George
(1801–53)
ODNB CloseView the register entry >> riding six locomotives at once, while casting copies of his
work to the wind.
Disease, Animal Husbandry, Religious Authority, Supernaturalism,
Natural Law, Controversy
Criticizes the claim made by
Samuel
WilberforceWilberforce, Samuel
(1805–73)
ODNB CloseView the register entry >> that the disease currently spreading among cattle is
'punishment on the English' for not subscribing sufficient funds for a memorial
to
Prince AlbertAlbert [Prince Albert of Saxe-Coburg and Gotha],
prince consort, consort of Queen Victoria
(1819–61)
ODNB CloseView the register entry >>, by
pointing out that 'foreign cattle are also diseased'. Suspects that the bishop
will 'discover another crime, if he is resolved to go beyond natural
causes'.
Medical Practitioners, Vaccination, Heroism,
Internationalism
Following the recent completion, in Boulogne-sur-Mer, of a statue to
Edward JennerJenner, Edward
(1749–1823)
DSB CloseView the register entry >>,
suggests that the inscription on the monument might be 'Jenner sais
pas'.
Zoology, Monstrosities, Anatomy, Human Development,
Extinction
The initial letter forms part of an illustration showing the strange
inhabitants of the Isle of Man, including its three-legged men (with legs
arranged at equal angles around their heads), three-legged farm animals and
crustaceans (with similar dispositions of limbs), and the tailless cats, fish,
and cocks. Continuing his discussion of the Isle of Man, the author describes
the behaviour of the three-legged men and tailless cats. Notes the
disadvantages and advantages of having three legs, and laments the imminent
extinction of these cats. (123)
Natural History, Ornithology, Comparative Philology, Laboratories,
Creationism, Cultural Geography, Race
Subtitled 'From our facetious friend who is studying Natural History on the
Shores of the Shannon', this article describes the author's visit to the
'Laboratory of the "Patent Patriotic Incubator Company"', which revived the
phoenix and which plans to 'extend their re-creations' to the megatherium and
the dodo. Notes that 'the scientific operator' blew air onto the phoenix's
ashes (which looked 'exceedingly like small coal') and that, despite protests
from sceptical onlookers, a 'rara avis' 'rose from the dust-heap', a bird which
was 'one that is sacrificed to Epicurus on Michaelmas Day'—an 'Irish
goose'.
Animal Husbandry, Disease, Medical Treatment, Veterinary Science,
Language
Discusses a letter published in the
Daily
ExpressDaily Express
(1851–1900+)
Waterloo
Directory CloseView the register entry >> which details a cure for 'distemper amongst pigs'. The
wording of the letter, however, inadvertently implies that pig owners, rather
than pigs, have been suffering from 'this virulent and fatal disorder' and that
the pig owners are themselves pigs.
Shows George and his rich elderly uncle. George, seen holding an artist's
palette, thinks his uncle should only spend money on 'Original Pictures' and
when his uncle suggests hanging up a 'Chromo' (a Chromo-lithograph) he replies
that it should be hung 'behind the back kitchen door!!'.
Claims that the reason why the 'flowing career of the Atlantic Cable' was
'so snappishly interrupted' was because it was not 'properly "registered for
transmission abroad"'. Hopes the 'Directors will repair this defect previous to
the next issue of their interesting periodical, which, like other serial
stories, always manages to break off when we are most interested'.
Discusses an announcement 'from a trustworthy contemporary' describing the
decision of the
Windsor
Board of HealthWindsor Board of Health
CloseView the register entry >>, acting in accordance with the advice of Mr Menzies
(probably
William
MenziesMenzies, William
(1827–78)
WBI CloseView the register entry >>), to utilize its sewage instead of discharging it into the
Thames. Believes that this news will be welcomed by Windsor residents because
they will be able to drink the local water. Notes that Menzies has discovered
sewage being discharged into other parts of the Thames and anticipates the
benefits of the abatement of this 'great nuisance'.
Education, Military Technology, Mechanics, Physics
Shows a musketry instructor standing by a board on which guns and
mathematical diagrams have been drawn. He stands before a class of military
cadets to whom he is trying to pass on 'the fact of the Air's resistance and
elasticity'. Trying to think of a practical example to illustrate his point, he
asks the class for the identity of 'an air-cushion' that could not be
compressed. One student replies ''Orse 'air, Sir!'.
Written from the perspective of a rustic, who reflects on the unseasonably
hot weather in Britain. Describes some of the effects of the drought on
agriculture including the 'darth o'roots', and the poor yield of hay. Believes
the 'cattle-plag is uts own cure; / And that's our consolation for the
drought', and looks forward to rainfall.
Noting the invention of 'a new process of Photographing on Wood', suggests
that this is 'specially adapted for blockheads', but warns that it might make
'plain' persons even plainer.
Ridicules an advertisement from
M BlagueBlague, M
(fl. 1865)
PU1/49/16/5 CloseView the register entry >> 'the
celebrated French Astrologer', who claims that, for the cost of the stamps, he
can send individuals the cartes de visite of their intended
partners.
Hunting, Animal Behaviour, Crime, Nationalism, Race,
Government
Noting a report of a French woman who 'possesses a wondrous skill' in
locating and destroying 'poisonous reptiles', urges the government to 'engage
her services, and send her to Ireland' where she can track down and destroy
Fenians.
Mathematics, Animal Husbandry, Disease, Medical Practitioners, Gender,
Nutrition, Narcotics
Introduces the list of papers that, owing to 'want of time, loss of
manuscript, illegibility of handwriting' and other reasons, were not read at
the recent Sheffield meeting of the
Social
Science CongressSocial Science Congress
CloseView the register entry >>. The papers include '"Political Arithmetic,
proving the common calculation that two and two make four to be a vulgar
error". By an Ex-Chancellor of the Exchequer', 'The Grinderpest; or, Street
organist', and 'What will
MISS
GARRETTAnderson (née Garrett), Elizabeth
(1836–1917)
ODNB CloseView the register entry >> be called in common speech? A Medical
"woman"?'.
Engineering, Animal Behaviour, Cruelty, Transport, Cultural Geography,
Nationalism, Commerce, Government
Begins by explaining the need for horses and vehicles to travel 'Gently over
the stones' of London's streets, pointing out that this motion helps crush the
'rough angular pieces of granite [...] into a passable state', stones which
otherwise would damage horses' feet. Accuses the Commissioners of Works of the
'hoggish brutality' of not crushing the road stones and presents an extract
from the
Morning
PostMorning Post and Daily Advertising Pamphlet
(1772–1900+)
Waterloo Directory
CloseView the register entry >> describing the use in Paris of 'Steam scavengers' and
'macadamisers' to undertake this task. Believes the heavy steam-roller would be
more effective in crushing stones than carriage wheels and horses' feet, and
emphasises the fact that the technique is economical and will not scare
horses.
Referring to recent calls for prayers that will abate the cattle-plague, the
poet begins by pondering the identity of those who 'Ordered prayer' and those
who question the use of prayer. Describes some of the objects of prayer,
including 'Our relieving and our training, / Sewering, scavenging, and
draining' and the cessation of other human vices. Proceeds to explain that 'He
who links effects and causes, He who works by law, nor pauses [...] knows that
prayer is sorely needed', and lists some of the ways in which prayer can thwart
the plague: these include the hope that 'ill ways may be looked to [...] Till
no more our towns' pollution / Call down plague's grim retribution' and the end
of 'centralisation / And self-rule in altercation' which has caused the deaths
in 'youth and age'. Concludes by lamenting the children who are 'stunted, /
Dwarfed of mind, with senses blunted' and who labour 'on from dawn to
dark'ning'. Criticizes the pollution of streams caused by 'our hot quest for
riches', and the disgusting accommodation suffered by 'human workers'.
Addressed to 'Hobson Dobson, Esq., the Chairman of the Omnium Junction
Railway Company', this letter discusses a passage in
Carlyle
1858–65Carlyle,
Thomas 1858–65. History of Friedrich II of Prussia, called
Frederick the Great, 6 vols, London: Chapman & Hall
CloseView the register entry >> in which
Thomas CarlyleCarlyle, Thomas
(1795–1881)
ODNB CloseView the register entry >>
laments the noise and smells introduced into England by technological and
commercial progress. Objects to Carlyle's criticism of what the author believes
to be 'the development of the commercial and industrial resources, mechanical
and material progress, of the British Empire'. Interprets Carlyle's attack on
the 'Prosperities' that cover 'the at once creditably clean and comely face of
England with mud-blotches' and 'miscellaneous squalors and horrors' as an
attack on 'those extensive works' which 'constitute sources of such ample
emolument to their proprietors', and insists that the pollution is less
extensive than Carlyle insists. Tries to deflect Carlyle's complaint about the
excessive noise of industry by suggesting that railways and 'any other means of
procuring wealth' should not be sacrificed to 'considerations of a merely
sentimental nature'. Concludes by attacking Carlyle's view of English
manufactures as 'Shoddy' and his critique of mammon-worship.
Criticizes plans to construct a railway 'engine smithy' near the
University of
OxfordUniversity of Oxford
CloseView the register entry >>, an institution that has taken 'some six centuries to make'
and which promises to be 'thickly veiled in smoke' if this workshop is
established. Laments the possible disfigurement of the colleges and the
deafening of Minerva by Vulcan. Concludes by asking the 'gentlemen of the
Great WesternGreat Western Railway Company
CloseView the register entry >>' to keep Oxford
as a place for manufacturing only academic products.
Discusses an extract from
Henry Letheby'sLetheby, Henry
(1816–76)
ODNB CloseView the register entry >>
report on the sanitary state of London (a version of which appeared as
Letheby 1865Letheby, Henry
1865. Report of the Sanitary Condition of the City of London, for the
Quarter Ending September 1865, London: H. Lownds
CloseView the register entry >>), which
describes a small outbreak of cattle disease in the City dairies. Attributes
the limited extent of the outbreak to the cleanliness of the dairies, and
thinks the 'Bacon' of most cows in this region was saved by the 'BaconianBacon, Francis, 1st Viscount St Alban
(1561–1626)
DSB
ODNB CloseView the register entry >> philosophy
practically applied in experimental sanitary precaution'.
Laments a report in the
ScotsmanScotsman
(1817–1900+)
BUCOP CloseView the register entry >> of the
destruction of a large quantity of fish near the banks at Musselburgh, a result
of the 'refuse of manufactories'.
Describes how, after seeing an advertisement for a 'Patent Atmospheric
Marine Salvage Company', three characters named Brown, Jones, and Robinson
speculate on the object of the business. Robinson suggests that it catches wind
wasted in a storm and then saves it up 'for the use of ships becalmed'.
Shows Mr Punch standing before a kiosk in a telegraph office. Having asked
the 'Clerkess' whether it is 'possible to send a kiss to Brighton', she points
out that it is possible, but that it 'must be repeated two or three times to
make sure'.
Announces the discovery of a 'new tonic' by
Mr IronsideIronside, Mr
(fl. 1865)
PU1/49/20/2 CloseView the register entry >> of
Sheffield, but explains that it is 'free caloric in combination with carbonic
and sulphurous acid gas, and other gases the result of combustion'. Proceeds to
describe the case of a young boy who was forced, by Ironside, to work long
hours as a cellar-boy at a furnace. Ironside defended himself by arguing that
the working conditions he imposed on the child had 'quite a peculiar effect in
sustaining the youthful stamina', and Punch concludes that Ironside
would claim that hot air impregnated with gaseous combustion products 'inhaled
during hard labour for half a day, is the tonic for children of tender age'.
Suggests that Ironside's 'tonic' will replace cod liver oil and that the
inventor will be rewarded with a fellowship of the
Royal
SocietyRoyal Society of London
CloseView the register entry >>.
Medical Practitioners, Medical Treatment, Disease, Surgery, Cultural
Geography, Heroism, Patronage, Nationalism
Describes the assiduous attention which house surgeons and students give to
patients in cholera hospitals, and notes that
Emperor
Napoleon IIINapoleon III, Emperor of France (originally
Louis Napoléon (Charles Louis Napoléon Bonaparte))
(1808–73)
CBD CloseView the register entry >> of France has awarded two such practitioners the Cross
of the Legion of Honour. Considers that
Queen VictoriaVictoria, Queen of the United Kingdom of Great
Britain and Ireland, and Empress of India
(1819–1901)
ODNB CloseView the register entry >>
'will not be advised to follow the example set here', notwithstanding the
comparable industry of British medical practitioners dealing with cholera, and
that 'surgical hardihood' will not receive the recognition in Britain that it
does in France. Concludes by arguing that a doctor who 'combats contagion'
should not be treated like a military hero.
Photography, Anaesthesia, Telegraphy, Nationalism, Race,
Cultural Geography
Includes the announcement that 'I will never be photographed again except
under chloroform', and news that a 'fellow in America has vaunted that it was a
Fenian who destroyed the Atlantic Cable', a story 'illustrating a renegade
Irishman's instinctive aversion to rope'.
Announces that 'the celebrated baboon, "John Mitchell", has escaped from
custody in America', and hopes that
Paul B Du
ChailluDu Chaillu, Paul Belloni
(1831–1903)
CBD CloseView the register entry >> 'will be telegraphed for' to capture it.
Shows a wealthy and obese butcher standing in his shop, his hair sticking up
in the shape of devil's horns. Before him stands a small woman who, shocked at
the butcher's mockery of her request for beef at fourteen pence a pound, drops
her key and basket.
Includes the assertion that Kent should be assigned to 'the ingenious
inventor of machines for promoting Domestic Economy', arguments against the
theory that
Francis Bacon (1st Viscount
St Alban)Bacon, Francis, 1st Viscount St Alban
(1561–1626)
DSB
ODNB CloseView the register entry >> wrote 'the valuable part' of
William
Shakespeare'sShakespeare, William
(1564–1616)
ODNB CloseView the register entry >> plays, criticisms of the old-fashioned nature of
almanacs, and the argument against the superiority of 'mechanical genius'
(which is supported by the claim that 'Abstract thinking is the occupation of
the true gentleman—steam engines is low').
Disease, Sanitation, Government, Cultural Geography,
Pollution
Identifying 'a Briton's prejudices in favour of "vested rights"' as one of
the most 'stubborn' of all facts, explains how a willingness to do what one
wants in one's house can 'obstruct the efforts of the Local Board or Nuisance
Removal Committee'. Presents a report of a 'Visiting Committee lately appointed
to inspect a little seaside village, where Cholera has been observed to be
hanging about' and where there was a ready supply of its breeding
grounds—'foul air and filthy water'. Name the village 'Mudfog'—a
'model village' whose openness to disease can be found in most English
villages. The 'report' of the medical officer consists of shorter reports on
various houses, vessels, and cottages, which suffer from such evils as foul air
and dirty water, and whose residents show a casual and fearless attitude to
cholera, and who are either ignorant or fearful of disinfectant methods.
Ironically rejoices at the news that the
Great Western Railway CompanyGreat Western Railway Company
CloseView the register entry >>
and
University of
OxfordUniversity of Oxford
CloseView the register entry >> have agreed on the construction of a railway factory at
Oxford. Views this as the 'conquest of mediæval sentiment by modern
principles, of spiritual idealism by material utility'. Anticipates the eclipse
of Oxford's spires by 'factory chimneys, pointing higher towards heaven', the
coating of the moss-covered 'ecclesiastical structures' with soot, and the
breakage of the 'gloomy silence and melancholy repose' of academic life by
'gangs of jolly British workmen', and the smothering of the 'seat of learning'
by a 'hive of industry'.
Commerce, Quackery, Medical Treatment, Heat, Instruments,
Gender
Responds to an advertisement from 'One who has derived considerable benefit
from the constant use of
Morison'sMorison, James
(1770–1840)
ODNB CloseView the register entry >>
Vegetable Pills [...] 2s 6d'. Argues that this invigorating system of
advertisement should be 'more generally adopted' and presents some examples.
These include 'A Lady, who by procuring one of ZEGRETTI AND
NAMBRA's registering thermometers, has been able to tell her
friends "How cold it has been"'; this refers to the instrument-making firm of
Enrico A L
NegrettiNegretti, Enrico Angelo Ludovico (Henry)
(1818–79)
ODNB CloseView the register entry >> and
Joseph W
ZambraZambra, Joseph Warren
(1822–97)
WBI CloseView the register entry >>.
Begins by describing the popularity of the weather as a topic of
conversation, especially when the weather is 'exceptional'. The 'uncommonly
fine summer' of 1865, for example, created many 'weather prophets' as well as
much conversation. Given the number of predictions, suggests that the weather
'might quite properly be made a thing to be bet upon', with people 'betting on
the rise and fall of the barometer, just as speculators do upon the rise and
fall of consols'. Expects that this form of speculation 'would be fully as
substantial as many other', and hopes to see the establishment of a 'Weather
Exchange', where 'weather-brokers' would buy and sell such quantities as inches
of mercury. Stresses that one advantage of this form of wager is that the 'men
could not rig the market' by causing an 'artificial elevation or depression in
the tube'.
Societies, Religion, Religious Authority, Geology, Design, Heterodoxy,
Unbelief, Controversy
Announcing the formation of the
Victoria
InstituteVictoria Institute or Philosophical Society of Great Britain
CloseView the register entry >>, under the presidency of
Anthony A Cooper (7th
Earl of Shaftesbury)Cooper, Anthony Ashley, 7th Earl of Shaftesbury
(formerly styled 'Lord Ashley')
(1801–85)
ODNB CloseView the register entry >>, the author suggests that, given its objects,
it should be called 'an Anti-Geological Society' that seeks to 'sustain what
are called orthodox views'. Congratulates the members of the society for
showing that 'To write and publish candid and well weighed argument is the true
way to make war for or against a faith', a course that Punch thinks is
wiser than simply denouncing geologists as infidels and calling them other
unsavoury names. Criticises the fact that the society has stuck a 'fragment of
text into the first paragraph, because this is a bit of Claphamism' and that it
appears to be repudiating the virtues of philosophy, but concludes by insisting
that this is not a 'grave' objection to an otherwise 'welcome' society.
Discusses an extract of an article from
The TimesThe Times
(1777–1900+)
Waterloo
Directory CloseView the register entry >>
which consists of a garbled telegram sent from China: 'Question United States
Treaty tim latms Pashisky worse'. Ponders the cost of transmitting this
information and its use. Offers some general remarks about the
unintelligibility of telegrams. Wonders that the 'workers of a telegraph should
take the trouble to transmit such gibberish by their wires', given that it
could be 'easily concocted at the place where it is said to be received'.
Ponders the legal problems associated with sending such information and whether
the sender can be compensated for garbled messages. More sceptically, the
author wonders why people 'should submit to pay' for such messages and 'that
any one should place the least reliance on a telegram' given the grave mistakes
made in them.
Begins by insisting that the best that a 'benevolent mind' can do for the
'lower animals' is to allow them to cultivate 'their peculiar propensities'.
Proceeds to protest against the actions of an officer of the
Society for the
Prevention of Cruelty to AnimalsSociety for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals
CloseView the register entry >> who, with the help of several
policemen, stopped a 'triumphant' dog-fight in Manchester. Notes that these
dogs subsequently spent a night in a police cell and insists that the society
stopped the dogs from delighting in their natural propensity to bark and bite.
Argues that the motives of the society are misplaced, pointing out that dogs
fight 'of their own accord'. Adds that depriving dogs of this activity also
stops spectators from relishing animals enjoying themselves.
Likens the Tories to wolves—a species believed to be extinct but which
were found by the 'eminent naturalist'
John BrightBright, John
(1811–89)
ODNB CloseView the register entry >> to be
'still in existence' and 'rampaging about England' and 'hungering and thirsting
to undo all the good that has been done for the last seventy years'.
The author describes in great detail a visit to the
Royal Polytechnic InstitutionRoyal Polytechnic Institution
CloseView the register entry >>.
He begins by explaining that the shilling entrance fee prompted him to accept
his friend's invitation to visit the institution. Proceeds to describe the
myriad moving machinery on display, the bustle of the crowds, and the
commercial aspects of the exhibition, including 'electrical eels wriggling',
'spinning jennies hard at it, a glass-blower in a paroxysm of scientific joy
over a hot gas-light', 'scientific sponge cakes' for sale, and 'civil officials
[...] running up and down stairs for no apparent reason'. Explains how the
'Cosmoramic views' provided welcome relief from this intense movement, and
laments the absence of the diving bell and diver that was once a key attraction
in the exhibition. Describes how all the commotion ceased when a siren sounded
and 'a stout, amiable lecturer', standing behind a counter, began to speak to
the crowd. Presents a report of the lecture on the 'Thermal Battery', which
notes only the key words and phrases that the author was able to hear, and the
responses of the audience to the lecturer's remarks and practical
demonstrations. The report suggests that the lecture began with a brief history
of electricity leading up to the thermal battery and then, much to the
audience's disappointment, the lecturer announced that his large electrostatic
machine 'will not work' owing to the excessively damp weather. Subsequently,
audience members begin to drift away and the lecturer's apparently tedious
discussion of electromagnetism only captures the audience's attention when he
hits a stone with a piece of iron. After discussing galvanic batteries, the
lecturer successfully reclaims his audience with talk of 'one of
PHAROAH'S serpents' and concludes his performance. The author
describes a choral concert and a performance of comic dialogue held in a room
that he associates with scientific and engineering instruments. Later he notes
that 'two French gentlemen' had visited the institution under the impression
that it was 'The Literary and Scientific Institution of England' but
discovered that 'they'd made a mistake'. After an interval, the institution's
lecturer presented 'an ingenious optical illusion' comprising the apparent
disappearance of a 'feeble old person called the Curator'. (236) After
describing the lecturer's narration of a ghost story, the author concludes by
emphasising the continuing popularity of the institution and noting his
friend's desire to save up his 'Christmas boxes in order to visit the
Institution regularly'.
Reading, Medical Practitioners, Display, Amusement,
Mesmerism
Reflecting on the increasing popularity of public readings of novels and
other works, anticipates a time when 'some eminent physician' will read 'his
own prescription aloud to a crowded audience, who will afterwards witness with
delight the comfortable spectacle of the doctor swallowing his own draughts'.
Criticises contemporary performers of 'Readings' for their inability 'to
mesmerise' their audiences 'into a sympathetic state'.
Punch, 49 (1865), 238.
Distressing Dilemma for Our Young Bachelor Surgeon!
Shows a young surgeon standing in a church pew, with a young woman on either
side of him. Not having a hymn book of his own, both women hold their books
near him and evidently force the gentleman to run the risk of showing
favouritism.
Discusses an extract from a
West
Country GazetteWest Country Gazette
(cited 1865)
PU1/49/25/8 CloseView the register entry >> report of a man who, after having 'an immense
tumour' removed from his face, was subsequently sentenced to hard labour for
poaching. Punch puzzles over the implication in the report that the
operation was conducted to remove the man's poaching habits.
Discusses an article in the
Morning
StarMorning Star
(1856–69)
Waterloo Directory
CloseView the register entry >> describing a testimonial fund for
John J MechiMechi, John Joseph
(1802–80)
ODNB CloseView the register entry >> whose
'Deep draining, and sparse sowing, and liberal manuring' and 'experiments in
farming' have, according to Punch, enabled farmers to grow crops on poor
land. Firmly rejects arguments that Mechi is an enemy of farmers (owing to the
increased rents of improved land) and upholds the claim that intelligent
farmers have benefited from his 'trials'. Concludes by expecting such farmers
to contribute to the fund and by pointing out that if all farms were 'farmed as
well as Tiptree' (Mechi's farm) then 'agricultural distress' would be
prevented.
Drawing attention to 'the great number of branch lines' used as an excuse
for 'Railway unpunctuality', warns that as branch lines multiply 'so are the
chances of stoppage and accident'. Noting the 450 applications for new railways
published in
The TimesThe Times
(1777–1900+)
Waterloo
Directory CloseView the register entry >>,
argues that rejecting these applications would be the best way of preventing
railway delays.
Notes the formation of a society, presided over by
John W S Churchill
(6th Duke of Marlborough)Churchill, John Winston Spencer, 6th Duke of
Marlborough
(1822–83)
ODNB CloseView the register entry >>, for 'trying the effect of homeopathy in
the treatment of murrain', and expects to be surprised if an infinitesimal dose
of arsenic will cure 'a large ox'.
Provides three contrasting pictures of a pig, illustrating how it used to
be, is now, and 'what it must come to'. The first pig is black and relatively
lean, the second shows the fatter 'modern improvement', while the third,
anticipating future developments, is so obese that its limbs have completely
disappeared into its torso.
The initial letter forms part of an illustration showing various dirty and
simian-looking Irishmen climbing a ladder to the constellations. The figures
attempt to attach letters spelling out the word 'GLORY' to the stars. The poem
picks up this theme. Written from the perspective of an Irish nationalist who
holds that 'If you're squintin' wid your telescopes, ye'll spy' the 'lofty
spars' of the 'Faynian fleet', 'Where we'll climb, and chain the glory of Ould
Oireland to the stars'.
Shows a woman doctor feeling the pulse of a young man convalescing in a
upright chair. The caption indicates that the man has 'succeeded in catching a
bad cold, in order that he might send for that rising practitioner, Dr.
Arabella Bolus'.
Zoological Gardens, Narcotics, Class, Religious Authority,
Religion
Show an inebriated man standing outside a public house. He asks a man
standing in front of him why the 'working-man' should be interested in visiting
the
British
MuseumBritish Museum
CloseView the register entry >> on Sundays when 'lotsh o' public-'ouses' are open then. His
companion then invites him to visit the
Zoological Society
GardensZoological Society of London —Gardens
CloseView the register entry >>.
Anthropology, Ethnology, Human Development, Animal Behaviour, Animal
Husbandry, Disease
Discusses a debate on cannibalism at a recent meeting of the
Anthropological SocietyAnthropological Society of London
CloseView the register entry >>. Notes the
fear felt by some members of the 'devouring element' in a speech given by
Charles C
BlakeBlake, Charles Carter
(fl. 1864–81)
WBI CloseView the register entry >>, but points out that Blake has not advocated cannibalism 'as
an alternative if the cattle plague continues'.
Shows a young boy 'exercising the prize pig' in a farmyard, with the farmer
looking proudly on. The pig is so obese, however, that its limbs have virtually
disappeared into its torso and it can only walk because of the stilts attached
to its limbs.
Noting the association between zodiacal signs and the seasons, discusses
other more mundane signs associated with the seasons. These include the claim
that it is a 'sign of the cold season when (being still in bed) you are
inclined to disbelieve any one who rubs his hands and declares "It's a
beautiful morning, and he feels as warm as toast"'.
Noting the 'wonders' that homeopathy has produced 'in the cattle disease',
points out that it has not arrested the plague but suggests that the
'veterinary homœopathists might try on their bovine patients
infinitesimal doses of the tune that the old cow died of'.
Evidently a follow-up to
T W Woods, 'A Darwinian Idea. Suggested by the
Cattle Show', Punch, 49 (1865), 246, this shows a pig that is so obese
that not only its limbs but its head have disappeared into its fat torso. Small
hooves, ears, and a snout are the only distinctive features of this overweight
animal.
Includes a commentary on the impecunious state of
Robert
Fitzroy'sFitzroy, Robert
(1805–65)
DSB CloseView the register entry >> family. The author emphasises that Fitzroy 'expended large
sums in perfecting the system which has saved thousands of lives' and insists
that if seaports do not subscribe to a Fitzroy testimonial he will erect
'sea-marks' in Fitzroy's memory.