Science in the 19th Century Periodical

Punch, Or the London Charivari [1st]

Introductory Essay
Volume 50  (January to June 1866)
Punch,  50 (1866), iii–iv.

Preface

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Anon

Genre:

Dialogue, 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:

Periodicals, Military Technology, Government, Medical Treatment, Quackery, Charlatanry


    Mr Punch is the recipient of several toasts at a banquet held to mark the silver anniversary of the periodical. He is toasted by Cowper P Coles Coles, Cowper Phipps (1819–70) ODNB
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for enabling him to 'carry my Turrets against officialism', and by the president of the Royal College of Physicians Royal College of Physicians
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, Thomas Watson Watson, Sir Thomas (1792–1882) ODNB
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, who praised Mr Punch for upholding 'the glorious Art of the Healer, and crushed and trampled on Quackeries' (iii–iv).



Punch,  50 (1866), [v]–[vii].

Introduction

Anon

Genre:

Notes

Subjects:

Railways, Government, Public Health, Pollution


    The 'Notes' summarise forthcoming articles on the defeat of a railway bill (Anon, 'Punch's Table-Talk', Punch, 50 (1866), 59), and on a series of articles concerning a proposal to erect new gas-works near Victoria Park Victoria Park, Hackney
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(, Anon, 'Fresh Air! or, Victoria Park Preserved', Punch, 50 (1866), 214, , Charles H Bennett, 'Punch on the People's Parks', Punch, 50 (1866), 217, , Audi Alteram Partem, 'A Gas Plant at Victoria Park', Punch, 50 (1866), 258, and , Anon, 'The Salubrity of Gas-works', Punch, 50 (1866), 269).



Punch,  50 (1866), [i].

The Calendar 1866

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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; Miscellaneous

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:

Scientific Practitioners, Botany, Natural History, Electricity, Physics, Engineering, Steam-power, Astronomy, Philosophy, Chemistry, Pneumatics, Statistics, Anatomy, Zoology, Mathematics, Evolution, Darwinism, Telegraphy, Animal Development


    Comprises a calendar surrounded by cartoons portraying the social, political, scientific, and cultural events of 1866. Around the border of the illustration are short sentences connected with the signs of the zodiac. Each date in the calendar is signified by an event or a person, including 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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, Luigi Galvani Galvani, Luigi (1737–98) DSB
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, Nicholas Copernicus Copernicus, Nicholas (1473–1543) DSB
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, David Hume Hume, David (1711–76) DSB
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, Joseph Priestley Priestley, Joseph (1733–1804) DSB
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, John Graunt Graunt, John (1620–74) DSB
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, Georges Cuvier Cuvier, Georges (1769–1832) DSB
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, Roger Bacon Bacon, Roger (c. 1219–c. 1292) DSB
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, Auguste Comte Comte, Isidore Auguste Marie François Xavier (Auguste) (1798–1857) DSB
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, Gottfried W Leibniz Leibniz, Gottfried Wilhelm (1646–1716) DSB
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, and Izaak Walton Walton, Izaak (1593–1683) DSB
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. The illustration includes a cartoon of Thomas H Huxley Huxley, Thomas Henry (1825–95) DSB
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, with a watering-can for his head and clutching a book marked 'Huxley on Origin of Species'. Charles R Darwin Darwin, Charles Robert (1809–82) DSB
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appears as St Peter talking to two large fishes: he holds a staff in one hand and a water pot in the other. Snaking around the middle of the illustration is the Atlantic telegraph cable, on the end of which hangs a label 'Pity the Poor Submarine'. The telegraphic theme is also picked up in one of the zodiacal messages. In the top right-hand corner of the illustration a line of monkeys paint the portrait of a swell, possibly suggesting that he is the end result of evolutionary development.



Punch,  50 (1866), [ii].

The Table-Moving Mediums' Difficulty

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Anon

Genre:

Notes, Drollery

Subjects:

Spiritualism


Punch,  50 (1866), [iii].

The Diver in Search of the Atlantic Cable Gets into Hot Water

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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:

Telegraphy, Accidents, Monstrosities, Comparative Philology, Zoology


    This rich and highly complex image shows a diver being lowered from a cable onto the ocean floor. He is surrounded by mermaids, mermen, and numerous other sea creatures. The ship from which the diver has descended can be seen in the top right hand corner, while the telegraph cable is visible on the sea-bed.



Punch,  50 (1866), [iv].

Philanthropy Gone to the Dogs

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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:

Hospitals, Medical Treatment, Animal Development


    Shows a hospital ward in which dogs adopt the roles of patients, doctors, and nurses. In the foreground, Dr Bowwow sits on a bed near a patient and tells a nurse that to stop the patient's whining it should be given 'a dose of bark'.



Punch,  50 (1866), [v].

Metropolitan Amusements

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Anon

Genre:

Notes, Drollery

Subjects:

Zoological Gardens, Amusement

Institutions mentioned:

Zoological Society—Gardens Zoological Society of London —Gardens
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Punch,  50 (1866), [v].

Medical

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Anon

Genre:

Notes, Drollery

Subjects:

Pharmaceuticals, Commerce


Punch,  50 (1866), [v].

Signs of the Weather (Domestic)

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Anon

Genre:

Instructions, Spoof

Subjects:

Meteorology, Prognostication, Gender, Instruments


    Explains how 'your wife's face' can be used to 'foretell the state of the weather'. For example, suggests that 'a long and dark face presages squalls; a clear and bright one, settled fair weather'.



Punch,  50 (1866), [v].

Sensation Science

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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:

Societies, Scientific Practitioners, Controversy, Light, Electricity, Chemistry, Instruments, Heat, Military Technology, Darwinism, Evolution, Human Development, Geology, Comparative Anatomy, Aeronautics


    A satirical cartoon of the meeting of the British Association for the Advancement of Science British Association for the Advancement of Science
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at Nottingham, dominated by the figures of the association's president, William R Grove Grove, Sir William Robert (1811–96) DSB ODNB
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and the aged David Brewster Brewster, Sir David (1781–1868) DSB ODNB
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. In his hand, Grove holds a lighted taper which causes a bright illumination in the centre of the picture and from which all the other characters stand back in awe. Beneath Grove are Leyden jars and other electrical apparatus, while Brewster is surrounded by symbols of his research, including a prism (which he holds in his hand), a stereoscope, and chemical retorts. In the lower left-hand corner, John Tyndall Tyndall, John (1820–93) DSB
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is seen exclaiming 'All hot' and unveiling an apparatus for studying the absorption of radiation. Small spheres and broken ships (all with legs) are seen running away from the centre. In the lower right-hand corner a figure, probably Frederick A Abel Abel, Sir Frederick Augustus, 1st Baronet (1827–1902) ODNB
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, grapples with some fabric marked 'Gun-Cotton', Thomas H Huxley Huxley, Thomas Henry (1825–95) DSB
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is entangled with a few monkeys, and two telescopes are shown having a sword fight with a human figure. Receding from the top of Grove's illumination are the grim reaper, Roderick I Murchison Murchison, Sir Roderick Impey, 1st Baronet (1792–1871) DSBODNB
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, Andrew C Ramsay Ramsay, Sir Andrew Crombie (1814–91) DSB
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, and an astonished Richard Owen Owen, Richard (1804–92) DSB
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, clutching a skeleton. Floating above this activity is a small balloon whose face is possibly that of James Glaisher Glaisher, James (1809–1903) DSB
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.



Punch,  50 (1866), [vii].

The Underground Railways

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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:

Railways, Technology, Progress, Domestic Economy, Gender


    Shows a family having supper around a table in a pantry. Their domestic routine is disturbed by a stoker who, evidently working on a train passing under the house, pokes his head through the cellar door in the pantry floor. The stoker apologises for his interruption and asks whether the ladies can give him a 'scuttle o' coals for our engine'



Punch,  50 (1866), [ix].

Note by a Non-Naturalist

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Anon

Genre:

Notes, Drollery

Subjects:

Ornithology, Natural History


Punch,  50 (1866), [ix].

From 'Men of the Time'

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Anon

Genre:

Notes, Drollery

Subjects:

Astronomy


Punch,  50 (1866), [x].

Uncle Fussy Undertakes to Delight and Instruct the Young Folk at Christmas Time

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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:

Lecturing, Science Communication, Education, Display, Astronomy, Human Development


    Shows an elderly lecturer standing in front of his 'mischievous nephews', and behind some of the instruments and diagrams with which he seeks to instruct his audience in 'Astronomy and the Movements of Celestial Bodies'. With his back turned to the display, he fails to see that his nephews have drawn amusing arms and faces on the diagram explaining terrestrial seasons, and on the model of the sun at the centre of the lecturer's orrery.



Punch,  50 (1866), [x].

Uncle Fussy Gives Another Delightful Lecture

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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:

Lecturing, Science Communication, Education, Chemistry, Display, Military Technology


    A sequel to George L P B Du Maurier, 'Uncle Fussy Undertakes to Delight and Instruct the Young Folk at Christmas Time', Punch, 50 (1866), [x], this illustration shows Uncle Fussy in a dining room. Standing before several members of his family, he engulfs himself in smoke, a result of his attempt to demonstrate 'how gunpowder can be contained in two incombustible powders', themselves parts of 'a few simple chemical experiments'.



Punch,  50 (1866), [xi].

Toilet Gardening-Operations for the Ladies

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A Fashionable Mamma Fashionable Mamma, A
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Genre:

Instructions, Spoof

Subjects:

Horticulture, Domestic Economy


Punch,  50 (1866), [xi].

Reverse the Engine

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Anon

Genre:

News-Commentary, Drollery

Subjects:

Engineering


Punch,  50 (1866), [xi].

A Puzzle

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Anon

Genre:

Miscellaneous, Drollery

Subjects:

Mathematics

People mentioned:

Charles Babbage Babbage, Charles (1792–1871) DSB
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Punch,  50 (1866), 1–2.

Our Opening Article (After the Manner of Our Most Respected Contemporaries)

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Anon

Genre:

Essay

Subjects:

Physical Geography, Geology, War, Morality, Exploration, Imperialism, Cultural Geography, Human Development, Politics


    The author begins by justifying the need for a 'survey of mankind from China to Peru' which Punch believes is useful despite being 'incomplete' and not consistent with the 'dictates of merely scientific arrangement'. Proceeds to reflect on the unchanging extremities of the once war-torn American continent, 'facts' that show 'how little the fluctuations of the moral world disarrange the Cosmos of material nature'. Notes how many 'remarkable events' have occurred in Asia, and that 'from Lake Timour to Ceylon 'the populations are still in possession of various degrees of civilisation'. Proceeds to discuss the African continent, explaining that it 'appears to us to afford little cause for immediate agitation [...] on the part of the Englishman', and describing how it is being invaded by Ferdinand, vicomte de Lesseps Lesseps, Ferdinand, vicomte de (1805–94) CBD
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'from the north', while David Livingstone Livingstone, David (1813–73) ODNB
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and Paul B Du Chaillu Du Chaillu, Paul Belloni (1831–1903) CBD
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have 'penetrated' it 'in other directions'. Also believes that 'under the auspices of the intrepid BEKE Beke, Charles Tilstone (1800–74) ODNB
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' that the 'fanatic chivalry' of King Kassai Theodore Theodore, Kassai, King Of Abyssinia (1816–68) CBD
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of Abyssinia will 'avail itself of all this enlightenment to constitute a grand central power'. (1)



Punch,  50 (1866), 2.

Stones Crushed by Machinery

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Anon

Genre:

News-Commentary

Subjects:

Engineering, Transport, Cultural Geography, Government, Commerce


    Discusses an extract from a report in Galignani's Messenger Galignani's Messenger (1821–95) Waterloo Directory
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describing a 'powerful steam-roller' used to crush macadam on Parisian roads. Believes that the British system of self-government (as opposed to the French system of centralisation) does not produce the public revenue needed to pay for a similar machine in Britain, and that horses' hooves and carriage wheels crush road stones instead. Suggests that owners of horses and vehicles should 'tax themselves for the termination of a state of our roads'.



Punch,  50 (1866), 9.

Punch's Table-Talk  [11/16]Anon, 'Punch's Table-Talk', Punch, 49 (1865), 179
Anon, 'Punch's Table-Talk', Punch, 49 (1865), 189
Anon, 'Punch's Table-Talk', Punch, 49 (1865), 201
Anon, 'Punch's Table-Talk', Punch, 49 (1865), 211
Anon, 'Punch's Table-Talk', Punch, 49 (1865), 221
Anon, 'Punch's Table-Talk', Punch, 49 (1865), 231
Anon, 'Punch's Table-Talk', Punch, 49 (1865), 241
Anon, 'Punch's Table-Talk', Punch, 49 (1865), 251
Anon, 'Punch's Table-Talk', Punch, 49 (1865), 257
Anon, 'Punch's Table-Talk', Punch, 50 (1866), 19
Anon, 'Punch's Table-Talk', Punch, 50 (1866), 29
Anon, 'Punch's Table-Talk', Punch, 50 (1866), 35
Anon, 'Punch's Table-Talk', Punch, 50 (1866), 49
Anon, 'Punch's Table-Talk', Punch, 50 (1866), 59

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Anon

Genre:

Serial, Notes, Drollery

Subjects:

Scientific Practitioners, Medical Practitioners, Patronage, Geology, Surgery, Invention


    Congratulates Roderick I Murchison Murchison, Sir Roderick Impey, 1st Baronet (1792–1871) DSBODNB
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and William Fergusson Fergusson, Sir William (1808–77) ODNB
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on their baronetcies, and reflects on an invention for damping and affixing postage stamps.



Punch,  50 (1866), 10.

Seasonable Statistics

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Anon

Genre:

Notes, Drollery

Subjects:

Statistics, Nutrition


    Pokes fun at statistical information by providing statistics of the colossal quantities of food and other excesses of Christmas.



Punch,  50 (1866), 11.

An Inferior Article (To the Editor of the Grocer Grocer (1862–1900+) BUCOP
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)

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Punch Punch
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Genre:

Letter, Spoof

Subjects:

Adulteration, Crime, Commerce, Publishing, Periodicals


    Discusses a letter published in the Grocer describing the adulteration of butter with flour. Criticises the periodical for not publishing the name of the guilty dairy, but explains its reticence in terms of its fear of a crippling libel suit. Laments the legal rights accorded to the vendor, who is 'a fraudulent scoundrel'. Drawing a comparison between inferior foodstuffs and inferior articles, upholds the argument that 'it is for the public good that the criticism of butter and dairymen', like 'the criticism of writings and authors, should be free'. Concludes by urging the necessity of beating into 'the heads of judges and juries that equal latitude should be allowed to the reviews of all articles alike'.



Punch,  50 (1866), 12.

Our New Year's Gifts

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Anon

Genre:

Introduction, Drollery; Notes, Drollery

Subjects:

Anatomy, Meteorology, Instruments

Institutions mentioned:

Royal College of Surgeons Royal College of Surgeons
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Punch,  50 (1866), 12.

A Medical Wife

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Infusum Columbae Columbae, Infusum
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Genre:

Letter, Spoof

Subjects:

Medical Practitioners, Gender, Medical Treatment


    Written from the perspective of a physician, who addresses his letter to 'Doctor Punch, Physician to the Infirmary for Aching Sides, &c.', and begins by relishing the 'charming prospect' of medical consultations with 'fair fellow-doctors' instead of 'your obstinate old muffs'. Anticipates the ways in which women doctors will change family life, including their ability to diagnose the illnesses of their husbands.



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Punch,  50 (1866), 14.

The Miracles of Machinery

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Toby Toby
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Genre:

Letter, Spoof

Subjects:

Miracle, Steam-power, Machinery, Religious Authority, Religion, Supernaturalism, Charlatanry


    The author of this letter, which is addressed to Pope Pius IX Pius IX, Pope (1792–1878) CBD
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, discusses an extract from the Hampshire Independent Hampshire Independent (1834–1900+) Waterloo Directory
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describing the discovery, in a Milanese statue long 'famous for weeping in the presence of unbelievers', of a mechanism for condensing water in its eyes. Asks the Pope to verify the story, not least because it weakens his confidence in himself and those 'ecclesiastics' who teach the reality of such events as the melting of the blood of a statue of St Januarius Januarius, Saint (or San Gennaro) (d. c. 305) CBD
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and winking pictures. Suggests that there may be a mechanism responsible for the latter, and suggests that the pope conduct a 'satisfactory examination' of alleged miracles in order to stop people thinking that he is 'conniving at humbug'.



Punch,  50 (1866), 19.

Punch's Table-Talk  [12/16]Anon, 'Punch's Table-Talk', Punch, 49 (1865), 179
Anon, 'Punch's Table-Talk', Punch, 49 (1865), 189
Anon, 'Punch's Table-Talk', Punch, 49 (1865), 201
Anon, 'Punch's Table-Talk', Punch, 49 (1865), 211
Anon, 'Punch's Table-Talk', Punch, 49 (1865), 221
Anon, 'Punch's Table-Talk', Punch, 49 (1865), 231
Anon, 'Punch's Table-Talk', Punch, 49 (1865), 241
Anon, 'Punch's Table-Talk', Punch, 49 (1865), 251
Anon, 'Punch's Table-Talk', Punch, 49 (1865), 257
Anon, 'Punch's Table-Talk', Punch, 50 (1866), 9
Anon, 'Punch's Table-Talk', Punch, 50 (1866), 29
Anon, 'Punch's Table-Talk', Punch, 50 (1866), 35
Anon, 'Punch's Table-Talk', Punch, 50 (1866), 49
Anon, 'Punch's Table-Talk', Punch, 50 (1866), 59

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Anon

Genre:

Serial, Notes, Drollery

Subjects:

Extra-Terrestrial Life, Astronomy, Controversy


    Includes a criticism of William Whewell's Whewell, William (1794–1866) DSB
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'proofs' against the existence of 'human beings' on 'the planets' and expects the same claim is being made by the inhabitants of Saturn about people on Earth.



Punch,  50 (1866), 20.

Song of the Festive Season

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Anon

Genre:

Song, Drollery

Subjects:

Railways, Steam-power, Gender


Punch,  50 (1866), 20.

Homeopathy in Cattle and Christians

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Jacob Homegreen Homegreen, Jacob
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Genre:

Letter, Spoof

Subjects:

Animal Husbandry, Disease, Homeopathy, Amateurism, Medical Treatment


    Written from the perspective of a rustic, this letter begins by noting the attempt to try 'Hummyopathy for the Cattle Plag up there in Norfolk', a trial in which John W S Churchill (6th Duke of Malborough) Churchill, John Winston Spencer, 6th Duke of Marlborough (1822–83) ODNB
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and James Caird Caird, Sir James (1816–92) ODNB
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participated. The author is not surprised at the reported failure of the trial, but praises the attempt to test 'things like them there on dumb annimles', despite the fact that 'magination wun't cure a old cow'. Points out that the experimenters have confirmed what he already knew: that cattle are cured by diet. Noting the homeopathic principle that like cures like, speculates that if the solution to cattle plague is 'about a millionth of a grain of assnick', then humans poisoned with arsenic should be given 'a mitesimal dose o' blue vitterul'. Believes that 'mitesimal causes produce mitesimal effects' and thinks homeopathy has had a 'mitesimal' effect on the cattle plague.



Punch,  50 (1866), 21.

Euclid Euclid (fl. 295 BC) DSB
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for the Green Room

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Anon

Genre:

Notes, Drollery

Subjects:

Mathematics, Amusement


    A list of geometrical axioms adapted for theatrical entertainment. For example, 'A line, in mathematical science, is also breadth without length; as, for instance, a Low Comedian's line in a one act farce of practical fun', and 'An obtuse manager is greater than an acute author'.



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Punch,  50 (1866), 23.

An Oliver for a Rowland

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Anon

Genre:

News-Commentary

Subjects:

Vaccination, Veterinary Science, Medical Practitioners, Disease, Accidents


    Discusses a letter in The Times The Times (1777–1900+) Waterloo Directory
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which describes how a veterinary inspector in Uxbridge became accidentally infected with the vaccine he was using to arrest cattle plague in a bullock. Challenges the efficacy of vaccination by contesting the claim that cattle plague is smallpox. Argues that the plague is more likely to be a form of cowpox and thus advises inoculation.



Punch,  50 (1866), 26.

Max Müller Max Müller, Friedrich (1823–1900) ODNB
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to Note

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Anon

Genre:

Notes, Drollery

Subjects:

Language, Cultural Geography


Punch,  50 (1866), 29.

Punch's Table-Talk  [13/16]Anon, 'Punch's Table-Talk', Punch, 49 (1865), 179
Anon, 'Punch's Table-Talk', Punch, 49 (1865), 189
Anon, 'Punch's Table-Talk', Punch, 49 (1865), 201
Anon, 'Punch's Table-Talk', Punch, 49 (1865), 211
Anon, 'Shakespeare and Steam', Punch, 49 (1865), 222
Anon, 'Punch's Table-Talk', Punch, 49 (1865), 231
Anon, 'Punch's Table-Talk', Punch, 49 (1865), 241
Anon, 'Punch's Table-Talk', Punch, 49 (1865), 251
Anon, 'Punch's Table-Talk', Punch, 49 (1865), 257
Anon, 'Punch's Table-Talk', Punch, 50 (1866), 9
Anon, 'Punch's Table-Talk', Punch, 50 (1866), 19
Anon, 'Punch's Table-Talk', Punch, 50 (1866), 35
Anon, 'Punch's Table-Talk', Punch, 50 (1866), 49
Anon, 'Punch's Table-Talk', Punch, 50 (1866), 59

Close

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Anon

Genre:

Serial, Notes, Drollery

Subjects:

Military Technology


Punch,  50 (1866), 30.

A Stock Riddle

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Anon

Genre:

Miscellaneous, Drollery

Subjects:

Animal Husbandry, Disease


^^ Back to the top of this issue

Punch,  50 (1866), 33.

Harlequin Aluminium; or, Jack and Pharoah's Serpent

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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; Notes, 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:

Military Technology, War, Railways, Human Development, Telegraphy, Electricity, Electrochemistry, Railways, Astronomy


    The text provides an interpretation of this complex illustration. Both respond to developments in the manufacture of gun cotton and poke fun at the corresponding rise of 'scientific' warfare. The illustration is dominated by a 'scientific Clown' (a metallic harlequin) who holds in one hand a hot 'scientific poker' made of magnesium, which causes the explosion of a 'scientific locomotive'. Around the feet of the harlequin rest a blunderbuss ready to be fired with 'scientific gun cotton', and a pestle and mortar, out of which the clown raises a 'scientific Baby'. Elsewhere 'scientific puns' are transmitted by 'Telegraphic Joe Miller Miller, Josias ('Joe') (1683/4–1738) ODNB
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' through the telegraph to a 'scientific Audience' of three, 'Fairies are scientifically suspended by Galvanic batteries', a policeman is 'blown out of a scientific "Armstrong Armstrong, Sir William George, Baron Armstrong of Cragside (1810–1900) ODNB
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" [gun]', and an 'Astronomer scientifically shoots the moon'.



Punch,  50 (1866), 33.

A Romance of Colney Hatch

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Democritus Democritus
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Genre:

Letter, Spoof

Subjects:

Mental Illness, Hospitals, Human Development


    Discusses a letter in The Times The Times (1777–1900+) Waterloo Directory
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describing how a man and woman began courting and secretly corresponding while incarcerated in Colney Hatch Lunatic Asylum Colney Hatch Asylum
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and, on being declared sane and then discharged, happily married. Believes that the couple behaved the same before and after they 'regained their senses', whilst normal couples, taken to be sane, do not seem to be able to achieve happy marriages. Concludes that 'most men seem to be mad whether in or out of a lunatic asylum, and most women appear equally mad'.



Punch,  50 (1866), 34.

Expensive Brutality of a Railway Company

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Anon

Genre:

News-Commentary

Subjects:

Railways, Industry, Education, Universities, Aesthetics


    Discusses a letter in The Times The Times (1777–1900+) Waterloo Directory
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from an Oxford University of Oxford
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don who emphasises the high cost to be incurred by the Great Western Railway Company Great Western Railway Company
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in building their factory in a meadow in Oxford that is so swampy as to be unfit for building construction. Angrily surmises that the company's reasons for choosing this site are not financial but arise from its wish to 'assert the superiority of material interests to those of spirituality and intelligence'. Lambasts the company for desecrating the university and asks whether company shareholders will accept financial arguments for building the factory elsewhere.



Punch,  50 (1866), 35.

Punch's Table-Talk  [14/16]Anon, 'Punch's Table-Talk', Punch, 49 (1865), 179
Anon, 'Punch's Table-Talk', Punch, 49 (1865), 189
Anon, 'Punch's Table-Talk', Punch, 49 (1865), 201
Anon, 'Punch's Table-Talk', Punch, 49 (1865), 211
Anon, 'Shakespeare and Steam', Punch, 49 (1865), 222
Anon, 'Punch's Table-Talk', Punch, 49 (1865), 231
Anon, 'Punch's Table-Talk', Punch, 49 (1865), 241
Anon, 'Punch's Table-Talk', Punch, 49 (1865), 251
Anon, 'Punch's Table-Talk', Punch, 49 (1865), 257
Anon, 'Punch's Table-Talk', Punch, 50 (1866), 9
Anon, 'Punch's Table-Talk', Punch, 50 (1866), 19
Anon, 'Punch's Table-Talk', Punch, 50 (1866), 29
Anon, 'Punch's Table-Talk', Punch, 50 (1866), 49
Anon, 'Punch's Table-Talk', Punch, 50 (1866), 59

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Anon

Genre:

Serial, Notes, Drollery

Subjects:

Military Technology, Dynamics, Ethnology, Anatomy, Philosophy


    Includes a description of a young artillery officer who was delayed in his rifle practice by two fellow officers who asked him to make allowance for 'barometric pressure' and the 'rotation of the earth'. Also records Pliny's Pliny (Gaius Plinius Secundus) (c. 23–79) DSB
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description of the one-legged Monosceli tribe of Indians, and the remark that 'BACON Bacon, Francis, 1st Viscount St Alban (1561–1626) DSB ODNB
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and I could safely declare All knowledge to be our Province. But smaller men, endeavouring to be cosmical, are apt to be comical'.



Punch,  50 (1866), 41.

Progress in Patent Medicine

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Anon

Genre:

Announcement, Spoof

Subjects:

Quackery, Medical Treatment


^^ Back to the top of this issue

Punch,  50 (1866), 43–44.

Dreams of the Two Emperors

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Anon

Genre:

Letter, Spoof

Relevant illustrations:

wdct.

Subjects:

Government, Politics, Sanitation, Pollution, Public Health, Railways, Light, Technology, Cultural Geography


    The initial character of this spoof letter forms part of an illustration showing Emperor Napoleon III Napoleon III, Emperor of France (originally Louis Napoléon (Charles Louis Napoléon Bonaparte)) (1808–73) CBD
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of France asleep over a large letter 'O'. The scene represented within the 'O' shows Napoleon's dream (which he communicated to Mr Punch) of 'autocratic metropolitan power for a short time in London'. The text reveals that Napoleon's plans include 'making a clean sweep' of major thoroughfares, tunnelling the city to divert traffic away from the thoroughfares, preventing railway engines from screaming 'in or within five miles of the Metropolis', removing the right to build 'bridges over the streets until they had invented some way of running trains on them without any noise', instituting 'new machinery for water supplies', hanging 'most of the Directors of Gas Companies', and lighting London. The illustration portrays various aspects of this dream and shows the envisioned technological improvements as labourers: for example, steam locomotives are navvies, and a set of bellows marked 'pneumatic rail' and gas lamps hold shovels. (43)



Punch,  50 (1866), 46.

The Sewing-Machine

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Anon

Genre:

Illustration, Drollery

Relevant illustrations:

wdct.

Subjects:

Domestic Economy, Technology, Gender, Education, Progress


    Shows a draper's shop in which several women customers sit in front of a long counter. Behind the counter stoops a male shop assistant who informs one of the women that the sewing machine is a 'most wonderful invention' that 'executes the work so efficiently and quickly' that 'there's nothing left for the ladies to do now but to improve their intellects!'.



Punch,  50 (1866), 46.

Bumble's Counterblast Against Centralisation

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Anon

Genre:

Poetry

Subjects:

Government, Politics, Public Health, Sanitation, Class, Utilitarianism, Progress, Nationalism


    Written from the perspective of a poor law guardian, who lambasts the attack on the 'good old British' principle of 'self-government' 'for the sake o' paupers scurvy'. Ridicules the proposed solutions to this problem and scorns the need for and cost of calls for paupers to have clean water, warmth, food, and proper medical attention. Later asks, 'Wot's the use o ' spendin' money to improve what's past improvin'?' and emphasises his belief that centralisation is a threat to the hard-won 'British Constitootion'.



Punch,  50 (1866), 49.

Punch's Table-Talk  [15/16]Anon, 'Punch's Table-Talk', Punch, 49 (1865), 179
Anon, 'Punch's Table-Talk', Punch, 49 (1865), 189
Anon, 'Punch's Table-Talk', Punch, 49 (1865), 201
Anon, 'Punch's Table-Talk', Punch, 49 (1865), 211
Anon, 'Punch's Table-Talk', Punch, 49 (1865), 221
Anon, 'Punch's Table-Talk', Punch, 49 (1865), 231
Anon, 'Punch's Table-Talk', Punch, 49 (1865), 241
Anon, 'Punch's Table-Talk', Punch, 49 (1865), 251
Anon, 'Punch's Table-Talk', Punch, 49 (1865), 257
Anon, 'Punch's Table-Talk', Punch, 50 (1866), 9
Anon, 'Punch's Table-Talk', Punch, 50 (1866), 19
Anon, 'Punch's Table-Talk', Punch, 50 (1866), 29
Anon, 'Punch's Table-Talk', Punch, 50 (1866), 35
Anon, 'Punch's Table-Talk', Punch, 50 (1866), 59

Close

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Anon

Genre:

Serial, Notes, Drollery

Subjects:

Zoology, Extinction, Representation, Railways, Medical Treatment, Medical Practitioners, Accidents


    Includes the claim that Richard Owen Owen, Richard (1804–92) DSB
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has obtained bones of the dodo 'which enable him to say that the picture in the [British] Museum British Museum
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was in all probability taken from a living specimen'. Also includes the observation that Swedish railways carry medically-trained guards, but wonders why trains in Britain do not carry a medical man 'as a ship does'.



Punch,  50 (1866), 50.

From Our Own 'Lancet'

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Anon

Genre:

Notes, Drollery

Subjects:

Animal Husbandry, Disease, Vaccination


Punch,  50 (1866), 51.

A Seasonable Bear-Story

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Anon

Genre:

News-Commentary, Drollery

Subjects:

Zoological Gardens, Zoology, Animal Behaviour,


    Discusses a Morning Post Morning Post and Daily Advertising Pamphlet (1772–1900+) Waterloo Directory
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report of the bear that caught fire at the Jardin des Plantes Jardin des Plantes, Paris
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, Paris. The report notes how the burning bear was extinguished by plunging it into a large basin of water, a feat which Punch thinks shows the 'extraordinary sagacity' of the bear and how 'tractable' this normally aggressive species becomes when on fire. Concludes by wondering whether this 'anecdote' will appear in Timbs 1857 Timbs, John 1857. Things Not Generally Known: Curiosities of History with New Lights; a Book for Old and Young, London: David Bogue
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.



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Punch,  50 (1866), 55.

A Short Way with Mussulman Pilgrims

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Anon

Genre:

Announcement, Spoof

Subjects:

Politics, Disease, Sanitation, Health, Religion


    Describes the proposals to be discussed at a 'Sanitary Conference of delegates from the Great European Powers', the aim of which is to 'prevent the generation of cholera, occasioned by the accumulations of filth which attend the periodical pilgrimages to Mecca' and similar Islamic shrines. Notes that the conference agrees that 'Fanaticism originates the evil, dirt, whence the cholera springs' and will 'strike at the root of the evil'. The conference will solve this problem by removing the Kaaba Stone from Mecca and Muhammed's Muhammad (c.570–632) CBD
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coffin from Medina.



Punch,  50 (1866), 59.

Punch's Table-Talk  [16/16]Anon, 'Punch's Table-Talk', Punch, 49 (1865), 179
Anon, 'Punch's Table-Talk', Punch, 49 (1865), 189
Anon, 'Punch's Table-Talk', Punch, 49 (1865), 201
Anon, 'Punch's Table-Talk', Punch, 49 (1865), 211
Anon, 'Shakespeare and Steam', Punch, 49 (1865), 222
Anon, 'Punch's Table-Talk', Punch, 49 (1865), 231
Anon, 'Punch's Table-Talk', Punch, 49 (1865), 241
Anon, 'Punch's Table-Talk', Punch, 49 (1865), 251
Anon, 'Punch's Table-Talk', Punch, 49 (1865), 257
Anon, 'Punch's Table-Talk', Punch, 50 (1866), 9
Anon, 'Punch's Table-Talk', Punch, 50 (1866), 19
Anon, 'Punch's Table-Talk', Punch, 50 (1866), 29
Anon, 'Punch's Table-Talk', Punch, 50 (1866), 35
Anon, 'Punch's Table-Talk', Punch, 50 (1866), 49

Close

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Anon

Genre:

Serial, Notes, Drollery

Subjects:

Geology, Vulcanology, Heat, Railways, Transport


    Includes an author's thoughts on the origin of volcanic activity and his remarks to Alexander von Humboldt Humboldt, Alexander von (Friedrich Wilhelm Heinrich Alexander von) (1769–1859) DSB
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concerning the problem of explaining such activity in terms of the 'penetration of water into the volcanic focus'. Also includes remarks on the consequences of a new underground railway scheme.



Punch,  50 (1866), 60–62.

French Canards and English Geese

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Anon

Genre:

Essay, Drollery

Subjects:

Animal Husbandry, Disease


Punch,  50 (1866), 61.

Accommodation for Ireland

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An Irishman Irishman, An
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Genre:

Letter, Spoof

Subjects:

Railways, Cultural Geography, Commerce


    Describes a meeting in Dublin of 'noblemen, merchants, and capitalists' who resolved to urge the British government to help 'poor old Ireland' finance the construction of her railways. Likens the relationship between the Dublin railway promoters and English financiers to that of a poor relation who can count on financial assistance from other members of his family 'without remonstrance'. Defines good relations to be those who 'pay the expenses of your misadventures' and 'take your losses on themselves', while bad relations are those who refuse to back schemes that they think will fail and who remind you 'that they told you so' when your scheme does fail. Asks for 'the relations that will behave like buffers when I tumble back upon them' and who will enable the author to regain his former position.



Punch,  50 (1866), 61.

Putting Up and Putting Down

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Anon

Genre:

Poetry, Drollery

Subjects:

Government, Sanitation, Public Health, Engineering

People mentioned:

John Thwaites Thwaites, Sir John (1815–1870) ODNB
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Punch,  50 (1866), 62.

Good News

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Anon

Genre:

News-Commentary, Drollery

Subjects:

Animal Husbandry, Disease, Government


    Interprets an advertisement for a meeting of 'Milk-Producers' as a sign that cows have taken up 'the subject' of rinderpest, which suggests that the outbreak might be ending.



^^ Back to the top of this issue

Punch,  50 (1866), 63–64.

Punch's Essence of Parliament

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Anon

Genre:

Regular Feature, Proceedings, Drollery

Subjects:

Animal Husbandry, Disease


Punch,  50 (1866), 64.

Ornithology

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A V Airy Airy, A V
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Genre:

Letter, Spoof

Subjects:

Ornithology, Extinction, Language


    Denies that the Dodo is extinct, noting the survival of 'Ditto-ditto', which is abbreviated to 'Do-do'.



Punch,  50 (1866), 65.

Medical

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Anon

Genre:

Notes, Drollery

Subjects:

Light, Pollution, Disease, Health


Punch,  50 (1866), 67.

Light from Llangollen

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Anon

Genre:

News-Commentary, Drollery

Subjects:

Exploration, Charlatanry, Animal Husbandry, Disease, Superstition, Nutrition


    Begins by urging that 'Science may take herself off to the Zambesi River, or to Natal, or to some place where she has not been found out to be a humbug', and introduces a letter from 'A Landowner', published in the Llangollen Advertiser Llangollen Advertiser (1868–1900+) COPAC
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, who 'has discovered what all the learned philosophers have failed to divine': that the cattle plague is 'Volcanic Effluvia rising out of the earth', which is a 'punishment for the extravagance of great people' for eating meat.



Punch,  50 (1866), 67.

United Action

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Anon

Genre:

Poetry

Subjects:

Medical Practitioners, Veterinary Science, Animal Husbandry, Disease, Medical Treatment


    Begins by urging that 'State Doctors, right and left' need 'united action' to 'stamp out' the cattle plague. Invites them to kill the patient ('for prevention') if they cannot fulfil their 'curative intention', and to separate 'Sound herds' from 'tainted kine'. Pleads with these doctors not to 'make the murrain-stricken Bull, / A stalking-horse for Party', and upholds the need for 'simultaneous traction' for terminating the disease.



Punch,  50 (1866), [69].

The Political Cow-Doctors

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John Tenniel 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:

Animal Husbandry, Disease, Politics, Government, Controversy


    Shows John Russell (1st Earl Russell) Russell, Lord John, 1st Earl Russell (1792–1878) ODNB
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and 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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quarrelling in a cow-shed. On the left, a dozing cow wonders: 'Oh, if they'd only leave off quarrelling, and just try "united action", it might be the saving of me!'. William E Gladstone Gladstone, William Ewart (1809–98) ODNB
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and Benjamin Disraeli Disraeli, Benjamin, 1st Earl of Beaconsfield (1804–81) ODNB
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look on in the background behind their respective party leaders.



Punch,  50 (1866), 71.

Open Spaces

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Sherwood Forrester Sherwood Forrester
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Genre:

Letter, Spoof

Subjects:

Environmentalism, Public Health, Industry, Pollution, Disease


    Announces the formation of the Commons Preservation Society Commons Preservation Society
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, an organisation that has nothing to do with institutional politics but 'seeks to save for the white faces drifting all over London [...] the lanes and yards of the Metropolis, the heaths and commons, the fields and forests' which are still unspoilt by industry and by the railways. It also 'longs to reduce that standing army of victims to lung-disease alone' by increasing the possibilities of enjoying 'air and light and sunshine'.



Punch,  50 (1866), 71.

Ethnology and Hagiology

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Anon

Genre:

News-Commentary, Drollery

Subjects:

Physiognomy, Ethnology, Anatomy, Religious Authority, Miracle, Supernaturalism


    Notes from Galignani's Messenger Galignani's Messenger (1821–95) Waterloo Directory
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that the Bishop of Nancy, Charles M A Lavigerie Lavigerie, Charles Martial Allemand (1825–92) WBI
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, asked an 'ethnologist', Dominique A Godron Godron, Dominique Alexandre (1807–80) WBI
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, to distinguish the skulls of two bishops of Toul, relics whose labels had been lost. Explains how Godron determined one of the skulls to be that of a Gaul, and thus identified it as that of St Gérard Gérard, Saint (c. 880–959) WBI
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. Questions why the bishop resorted to an ethnologist, expecting the prelate to have asked the 'skulls to speak for themselves', which the skulls should have done had they belonged to saints.



Punch,  50 (1866), 74.

Our Country Letter

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Anon

Genre:

Travelogue, Spoof

Subjects:

Animal Husbandry, Disease, Vaccination


^^ Back to the top of this issue

Punch,  50 (1866), 75.

A Prophet in His Own Country

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Esau Wapshot Wapshot, Esau
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Genre:

Letter, Spoof; Illustration, Drollery

Relevant illustrations:

wdct. [6]

Illustrators:

Esau Wapshot
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Spielmann, Marion Harry Alexander 1895. The History of "Punch", London: Cassell
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Subjects:

Meteorology, Prognostication, Charlatanry, Amateurism


    The letter presents the 'best forecasts' of Cousin Adam for 'this present severe winter'. It is followed by six illustrations of an elderly man (presumably Cousin Adam) struggling against weather conditions that clearly confound his own predictions. For example, one illustration is of Cousin Adam fighting off bright sunlight in a field, and has the caption '1865. Dec. 1st—Severe Frost and Sleet', thus demonstrating his incompetence at weather prediction.



Punch,  50 (1866), 76–77.

Punch's Essence of Parliament

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Anon

Genre:

Regular Feature, Proceedings, Drollery

Subjects:

Government, Politics, Railways, Museums, Animal Husbandry, Disease, Political Economy

Institutions mentioned:

Houses of Parliament Houses of Parliament
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    Notes the 'clever dodge' invented by the '"men of business" who manage Railway Companies and other speculations' for borrowing money 'which they have no moral right to borrow', and the unsuccessful attempt of John Russell (1st Earl Russell) Russell, Lord John, 1st Earl Russell (1792–1878) ODNB
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to convince British Museum British Museum
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trustees of his plans to reform the museum. The writer considers the state of the museum to be 'preposterous' and declares that he avoids taking foreign tourists to see the stuffed animals and relics. Later notes George Grey's Grey, Sir George (1799–1882) ODNB
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speech accompanying the new government bill for 'dealing with the Rinderpest', and details some aspects of the bill: for example, the bill provides for 'the slaughter and burial of diseased cattle, and for the isolation of suspected beasts'. Notes discussion in the House of Lords House of Lords
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of rinderpest, in which Henry G Grey (3rd Earl Grey) Grey, Henry George, 3rd Earl Grey (formerly styled 'Viscount Howick') (1802–94) ODNB
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criticizes the slowness of 'proceeding by Bill' and 'recommends resolutions'. Later notes John S Mill's Mill, John Stuart (1806–73) DSB
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maiden speech as a member of Parliament, a speech discussing the economic impact of rinderpest. (76)



Punch,  50 (1866), 81.

Responsibility and Rinderpest

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Anon

Genre:

Notes, Drollery

Subjects:

Animal Husbandry, Disease, Government, Politics, Controversy


    'To "stamp out" the Cattle Plague how could we dare? / Rebellion was "stamped out" by GOVERNOR EYRE Eyre, Edward John (1815–1901) ODNB
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!'



Punch,  50 (1866), 82.

University Notices

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Anon

Genre:

Announcement, Spoof

Subjects:

Universities, Education, Lecturing, Botany, Narcotics, Pharmaceuticals, Quackery, Physiology, Domestic Economy, Chemistry, Mechanics, Anatomy, Machinery


    Announces the subjects to be covered in lecture courses given by various professors at the University of Oxford University of Oxford
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. The subjects are either absurdly trivial or subversive. For example, the 'Regius Professor of Medicine will deliver a course of HOLLOWAY'S Holloway, Thomas (1800–83) ODNB
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Pills to any gentleman desirous of taking them' and the 'Professor of Mechanical Philosophy will lecture during the present term on Hair Brushing by machinery with observations on the Heads of Houses'.



Punch,  50 (1866), 84.

Motto for the London Railways

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Anon

Genre:

Notes, Drollery

Subjects:

Railways, Transport


    'Solitudinem faciunt; station appelant'.



^^ Back to the top of this issue

Punch,  50 (1866), 85.

Lines by a Cambridge University of Cambridge
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Ancient Mariner. Addressed to His University

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Argonaut Argonaut
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Genre:

Poetry, Drollery

Subjects:

Religious Authority, Animal Husbandry, Disease


Punch,  50 (1866), 86.

Punch's Essence of Parliament

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Anon

Genre:

Regular Feature, Proceedings, Drollery

Subjects:

Nationalism, Race, Animal Behaviour, Animal Husbandry, Disease, Telegraphy, Politics, Government, Railways, Environmentalism


    Implicitly likening the Fenians to the cattle plague, notes the government's suspension of the Habeas Corpus Act in Ireland, remarking that the 'Fenian-pest has to be stamped out'. Later notes the passage of the 'Cattle Bill' and a bill 'enabling Government to seize the Telegraph lines in Ireland', and notes Thomas Hughes's Hughes, Thomas (1822–96) ODNB
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resistance to a railway bill. (86)



Punch,  50 (1866), 87.

Paradoxical

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John Bull Bull, John
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Genre:

Notes, Drollery

Subjects:

Animal Husbandry, Disease


Punch,  50 (1866), 87.

Bos Locutus Est

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Anon

Genre:

Poetry

Subjects:

Animal Husbandry, Disease, Government, Politics, Animal Behaviour, Class


    Responding to the passage of a government bill for dealing with the cattle plague, this poem is written from the perspective of a cow. It begins by doubting whether this legislation will save the lives of cows 'e'en if the plague's got o'er'. The author then reveals that he had hoped that local self-government would be the solution, but then contrasts the power of the 'gentle' Home Secretary George Grey Grey, Sir George (1799–1882) ODNB
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over the 'English roast' to that of the more capricious local authorities who 'read the Council's Orders at their will'. Notes that Grey and Thomas G Baring Baring, Thomas George, 1st Earl of Northbrook (1826–1904) ODNB
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successfully 'quenched' the more aggressive attempts by the 'squires' to halt the plague, but then describes the conflict between Grey and George W Hunt Hunt, George Ward (1825–77) ODNB
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who attacked self-government on behalf of the squirearchy. Whatever the outcome of Hunt's attempt to rid the country of rinderpest, he and other cows accept that they must suffer the 'burden' and 'pay the shot'. Explains that the price he and other cows have paid is being prevented from changing a field or crossing a road, and complains that while foreign cattle are doomed to die 'where we land', native cattle are 'debarred from cure', and that there is 'No med'cine but the pole-axe'. Notes that new act is so opaque that though they 'are such as cows might draw, / They won't leave their construction to the cows', and ridicules the fact that 'all collective wisdom can achieve' is slaughter. Opines that it is no longer a choice between 'kill or cure', since 'The case has grown past cure, howe'er you kill'. Concludes by noting that the wide coverage of the disease has caused a change from 'panic to paralysis' and led to more acts being introduced to quash the disease.



Punch,  50 (1866), 87.

An Old Nursery Chime (New Song for the Cattle Plague Debates)

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Anon

Genre:

Song, Drollery

Subjects:

Animal Husbandry, Disease


    Set to the tune of the nursery rhyme 'Jack and Jill', the writer notes that the promoters of both government bills believe the only effective cure for the cattle plague is slaughter, and while 'GREY Grey, Sir George (1799–1882) ODNB
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comes down / Poleaxe on crown, / And HUNT Hunt, George Ward (1825–77) ODNB
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comes axing arter'.



Punch,  50 (1866), 88.

Definition of a Term (By Our Own Pepper's Pepper, John Henry (1821–1900) ODNB
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Ghost)

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Anon

Genre:

Notes, Drollery

Subjects:

Supernaturalism, Amusement


    '"Making a dead set"—a party of Ghosts arranging a quadrille'.



Punch,  50 (1866), 91.

The Staff College

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A Military Herschel Military Herschel, A
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Genre:

Letter, Spoof

Subjects:

Education, Astronomy, Observation

Institutions mentioned:

Army Army
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    Written from the perspective of a student at a military college, who asks Mr Punch to help him solve an astronomical problem, the solution to which will determine his suitability as a military officer. The problem is deliberately abstruse, requiring the determination of 'the Longitude of the South Pole, and the Error of Rate of the Compass at that Station' from various observations.



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Punch,  50 (1866), 96.

The Railway Despots

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Anon

Genre:

Poetry

Subjects:

Railways, Transport, Environmentalism, Commerce, Politics

Institutions mentioned:

Houses of Parliament Houses of Parliament
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    Written from the perspective of a railway company director, who boasts about the undisputed 'progress' of railway despots and their destruction of peace, and the fact that the 'mercantile men' of railways can build lines, whether the public wants them or not, wherever they like because they are 'out of legality's reach'. Relishes the possibility of replacing homely cottage retreats with 'the Asylum of youth', and the amount of 'silver and gold' to be made from shattering the peace of 'Lone valleys and rocks' where 'the sound of the train-starting bell' was 'never heard'. Continues to boast about the power of railway directors to destroy homesteads, because of their 'many and mighty' parliamentary friends have helped them secure the land rights of others. Savours the destruction of the view of St Paul's Cathedral St Paul's Cathedral
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and wonders if the people of 'a neighbouring land' would put up with their 'doings'. Concludes by noting the hostile 'swarm round our ears' and their need to 'repair' their damage to the 'dispossessed' labouring class, but believes money 'Gives Railway, oppression a grace, / And reconciles men to—what not?'.



Punch,  50 (1866), 98.

Punch's Essence of Parliament

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Anon

Genre:

Regular Feature, Proceedings, Drollery

Subjects:

Railways, Transport, Animal Behaviour, Telegraphy, Technology, War, Environmentalism, Politics, Government


    Notes James L O'Beirne's O'Beirne, James Lyster (b. 1820) Stenton 1976
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enquiry whether the Board of Trade Board of Trade
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'would do nothing to obviate the danger to which persons on horseback and in carriages are exposed by the railway-engines which now run shrieking across thoroughfares and terrifying horses'. The Secretary for the Board of Trade, Thomas Milner-Gibson Milner-Gibson, Thomas (1806–84) ODNB
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, insisted that the board would act 'if authorities complained' but that 'private persons had no right to complain of being smashed'. Describes Robert W Crawford's Crawford, Robert Wigram (1813–89) WBI
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criticism of the Indian telegraph, and Punch laments the 'nonsense [...] transmitted by polyglot clerks'. Notes the proposal by John T F Mitford (2nd Baron Redesdale) Mitford, John Thomas Freeman, 1st Earl of Redesdale and 2nd Baron Redesdale (1805–86) ODNB
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to 'revolutionise the system on which railways enterprises were promoted'. Punch thinks Redesdale is 'at least ten years too late' and, noting the encroachments of railways on London, suggests that the capital should relocate to Winchester. (98) Notes the passage of the 'Bill for making a new Brighton Railway' and the announcement, in the Royal Navy Royal Navy
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estimates debate, of Cowper P Coles's Coles, Cowper Phipps (1819–70) ODNB
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apology for his anger towards the Navy over the design of his turrets for ships. (98–99)



Punch,  50 (1866), 99.

Wild Sport at Willingham

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Anon

Genre:

News-Commentary, Drollery

Subjects:

Hunting, Crime, Ornithology, Cruelty, Cultural Geography


    Discusses a Retford and Gainsborough News Retford, Worksop, Isle of Axholme and Gainsborough News (1855–1900) Genuki
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report of blackbird shooting in Willingham. Believes the interest shown by villagers in this activity more closely resembles the attitude of the French than the British towards shooting. Explains that the blackbird is a 'destructive and mischievous bird' and suggests that Willingham residents might also follow the French in including the bird in their 'dietary'. Opposed to this form of hunting, Punch ironically suggests that the villagers should kill and eat other birds, including cock-robins, goldfinches, and geese.



Punch,  50 (1866), 103.

Sad Want of Surgeons in the Army Army
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View full article text

Anon

Genre:

Introduction, Drollery; Advertisement, Spoof

Subjects:

Medical Practitioners, Class


    Attacking the degrading routines to which medical practitioners are subjected in the army, the advertiser asks for young, highly qualified and 'Not Proud' surgeons to apply for army service. Insists that applicants must be fellows of the Royal College of Surgeons Royal College of Surgeons
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, have obtained an English physician's degree, and have the 'breeding, habits, and manners of gentlemen'. Warns that applicants must be prepared to accept snubs from combatant officers and sit at a side table in the mess.



Punch,  50 (1866), 103.

What Lord Russell Russell, Lord John, 1st Earl Russell (1792–1878) ODNB
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May Be Saying

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Anon

Genre:

Poetry, Drollery

Subjects:

Animal Husbandry, Disease


Punch,  50 (1866), 104.

Homicidal Forgery

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Anon

Genre:

News-Commentary

Subjects:

Medical Practitioners, Medical Treatment, Disease, Crime


    Describes an inquest into the death of a crew member of the St Andrew's Castle St Andrews Castle, ship
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. The jury returned the verdict that the deceased had died from scurvy, while the medical witness, Henry Leach Leach, Henry (1836–79) ODNB
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, argued that the deceased had not been given the appropriate drink for preventing scurvy: he had been administered a citric acid and water mixture instead of lime-juice. Notes that the jury wanted to bring a charge of manslaughter against the chemist who administered the drink, but the coroner refused. Punch agrees that an absent-minded chemist should be charged with manslaughter, but argues that a practitioner who 'knowingly and wilfully' supplies 'useless stuff under the name of a remedy' should suffer 'capital punishment'.



Punch,  50 (1866), 105.

Hair-Traps

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Anon

Genre:

Essay, Drollery

Subjects:

Invention, Domestic Economy


    Describes the 'complicated locks' which women now use to trap hair, which are more complicated than anything designed by Joseph Bramah Bramah, Joseph (1748–1814) ODNB
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or Charles Chubb Chubb, Charles (1772–1846) ODNB
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. Describes earlier styles of hair-trap and a visit to 'an exhibition in Hanover Square' where the author saw the terrifying 'process of trap-manufacture', a process involving machinery that was so daunting that it prompted the author to imagine it functioning as a military weapon or instrument of torture.



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Punch,  50 (1866), 110–11.

Punch's Essence of Parliament

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Anon

Genre:

Regular Feature, Proceedings, Drollery

Subjects:

Government, Politics, Military Technology, Nationalism, Cultural Geography, Light, Measurement, Instruments, Industry, Pollution, Railways, Transport, Animal Husbandry, Disease, Religious Authority, Religion, Miracle, Supernaturalism, Scientific Practitioners


    Describes the speech of Spencer C Cavendish (Marquess of Hartington) Cavendish, Spencer Compton, 8th Duke of Devonshire (formerly styled 'Marquess of Hartington') (1833–1908) ODNB
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on the Army Army
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estimates in which he revealed that 'the Army thinks best of the Armstrong Armstrong, Sir William George, Baron Armstrong of Cragside (1810–1900) ODNB
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gun, and the Navy Royal Navy
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of the Whitworths Whitworth, Sir Joseph, 1st Baronet (1803–87) ODNB
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' and that neither Britain nor France had 'arrived at a breech-loading rifle'. Notes that the 'Corporation Gas Bill' was referred to a committee and criticises the fact that the 'howl' made about 'breach of faith with the existing gangs of gas-makers' showed misplaced sentimentality 'over a gasometer'. Later notes the defeat of the 'Mid-London Railway Bill', Edward H Stanley (Lord Stanley) Stanley, Edward Henry, 15th Earl of Derby (formerly styled 'Lord Stanley') (1826–93) ODNB
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advising that first 'we ought to wait and see what the Inner Circle [...] would do for us'. Describes the passage of George W Hunt's Hunt, George Ward (1825–77) ODNB
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'Cattle Plague Bill' through the House of Lords House of Lords
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, the argument of Edward Law (Earl of Ellenborough) Law, Edward, 1st Earl of Ellenborough (1790–1871) ODNB
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that 'we should never get rid of this plague until we got rid of the plague of Professors who professed to cure it', and the disagreement between the government and clergymen over the need for a fast day to hasten the end of the rinderpest. (110) Later discusses Thomas Hughes's Hughes, Thomas (1822–96) ODNB
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unsuccessful 'proposals for compelling Railway Companies to provide houses for the working men whom they ejected' and Robert Peel's Peel, Sir Robert, 3rd Baronet (1822–1895) ODNB
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'elaborate speech against Coal Smoke' (111).



Punch,  50 (1866), 111.

William Whewell Whewell, William (1794–1866) DSB
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Anon

Genre:

Poetry

Subjects:

Scientific Practitioners, Education, Universities, Education, Industry, Religious Authority


    This threnody on Whewell begins by describing the authority and stern features of the recently deceased Master of Trinity College, Cambridge Trinity College, Cambridge
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, and notes the passing of a man who divided 'the great Court' and from whom 'idlers' shrunk from 'chiding'. Proceeds to trace Whewell's humble early life, noting that he was the 'Son of a hammer-man' and appropriately turned into a 'Sledge-hammer smiter, in body and brain'. Continuing to praise Whewell's 'rude' but ceaseless strength, likens his intellectual progress at the University of Cambridge University of Cambridge
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to a 'fair combat' in which he triumphed over 'Rivals', and notes how he surpassed 'the crowd of / Heads and Professors' at Trinity College. Notes that those 'who envied his power' believed 'Science [to be] his strength, and Omniscience his weakness', while those 'whom he silenced with more might than meekness / Carped at his back'. Admits that he may have lacked 'Milder men's graces' but asserts that he was 'honest, kind hearted and brave'. Urges that 'England should cherish all lives', however lowly their beginnings, and especially those of people like Whewell who have achieved so much. Points out that even those boys who 'chafed at his chiding' and other disciplinary measures 'Rev'rently think of "the Master" to-day'. Believes the totality of his achievements makes us mourn 'his seat empty in chapel and hall'. Notes that he rests in the 'dim' ante-chapel in Trinity 'Where NEWTON'S Newton, Sir Isaac (1642–1727) DSB
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statue looms ghostly and white', and where Whewell's 'Broad brow' will be 'set rigid in thought-mast'ring grapple' and his eyes looking up for 'more light'. Concludes by noting Whewell's final resting place in the chapel he loved so much.



Punch,  50 (1866), 112.

Goody Two-Shoes to the Gossips. On the New-Born Babe

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Anon

Genre:

Poetry

Subjects:

Politics, Government, Human Development, Medical Practitioners, Domestic Economy


    Likening the birth of the parliamentary reform bill to that of a baby, this poem is written from the perspective of a gossipy mother welcoming his birth. She begins by describing the delicate health of the baby's mother (the Houses of Parliament Houses of Parliament
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) and pondering the features of the child, wondering whether it will be 'as small and piney-whiney as its brothers' (i.e. other reform bills). While other mothers debate the potential of the child to live up to expectations, the 'Doctor talks so round-about' and looks 'so mysterus'. Concludes by pointing out that the 'hopes for the little ducky' depend on 'how they're nussed [nursed]' which takes so long in Parliament.



Punch,  50 (1866), [113].

The Gossips

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John Tenniel 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:

Government, Politics, Human Development, Domestic Economy, Medical Practitioners


    Following Anon, 'Goody Two-Shoes to the Gossips. On the New-Born Babe', Punch, 50 (1866), 112, this set of caricatures shows leading statesmen as 'mothers' inspecting and gossiping about the newborn 'baby'—i.e. the reform bill. The baby is hidden by the roof of its cot, but the mothers include John Russell (1st Earl Russell) Russell, Lord John, 1st Earl Russell (1792–1878) ODNB
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, who carries a tray of 'Caudle' drink, and Benjamin Disraeli Disraeli, Benjamin, 1st Earl of Beaconsfield (1804–81) ODNB
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. In the background the Chancellor of the Exchequer, William E Gladstone Gladstone, William Ewart (1809–98) ODNB
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, looks on sternly, and the context of , Anon, 'Goody Two-Shoes to the Gossips. On the New-Born Babe', Punch, 50 (1866), 112 suggests that he might be the incomprehensible 'doctor' of the associated poem.



Punch,  50 (1866), 116.

Curiosities from the Clouds

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A Spiritualist Spiritualist, A
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Genre:

Letter, Spoof

Subjects:

Meteorology, Societies, Astronomy, Charlatanry, Metallurgy, Comparative Philology, Mental Illness


    Discusses a letter to The Times The Times (1777–1900+) Waterloo Directory
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in which George J Symons Symons, George James (1838–1900) ODNB
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called for observations of a curious meteorological phenomenon—the 'fall of "water in a semi-solid state far denser than snow, and yet not hail nor ice"'. The author argues that what Symons calls 'natural snowballs' are 'lusus naturae', and proceeds to explain the origin of showers of such snowballs, frogs and fishes, aerolites, and other peculiar precipitations that he believes to be true on the basis of 'water-spouts'. Explains that he has recently inspected an aerolite at the 'conversazione at the house of a distinguished savant' and that if it had 'tumbled from the moon, or the interplanetary spaces' as they are 'supposed to do', then they would be 'dashed all to atoms'. The author points out that the size and warmth of aerolites mitigates against this theory and suggests that they have been launched from a place 'Not so far as to be out of the reach of a tolerably bold climbing boy'. Urges meteorologists to return to the giant beanstalk of the fable, where they will find the source of the strange snowballs. 'Your men of science', he tells Punch, 'will learn, to their confusion, that [Symons's snowballs] are moulded by fairy hands' and used by elves in their play. In an editorial postscript, Punch invites the correspondent to use the strait-jacket left in the periodical's office.



Punch,  50 (1866), 117.

Another Drop for the Drama

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Anon

Genre:

Essay, Drollery

Subjects:

Amusement, Medical Treatment, Hospitals, Class, Utilitarianism, Animal Husbandry, Disease


    Noting the increased realism sought by theatre managers for their dramatic productions, anticipates the use of 'real paupers all lying really ill' and real surgery for 'a drama called the Union Infirmary', and the use of 'real cows' and 'real cow-doctors' in plays involving the cattle plague.



Punch,  50 (1866), 118.

The Sphinx

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Anon

Genre:

Essay, Drollery

Subjects:

Magic, Invention, Animal Magnetism


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Punch,  50 (1866), 119.

Entomological Journalism

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Anon

Genre:

News-Commentary, Drollery

Subjects:

Periodicals, Entomology, Natural History, Language


    Responding to news of the launch of a new periodical, the Hornsey Hornet Hornsey Hornet (1866–67) Hornet (1867–80) Waterloo Directory
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, anticipates other new entomogically-titled periodicals including the 'Hampstead Humble Bee' and the 'Surbiton Scorpion'.



Punch,  50 (1866), 119.

The Coming Boat Race

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Punch's Prophet Punch's Prophet
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Genre:

Poetry, Drollery

Subjects:

Universities, Education


    Describes the achievements of the University of Cambridge University of Cambridge
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cox, Arthur Forbes Forbes, Arthur (1843–1919) WBI
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, 'from a learned College St John's College, Cambridge
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', and believes that his university is expecting him to 'pull his rope, with scientific knowledge'.



Punch,  50 (1866), 125.

Lay of Modern England

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Anon

Genre:

Poetry

Subjects:

Environmentalism, Railways

People mentioned:

George Stephenson, Stephenson, George (1781–1848) ODNB
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Joseph Paxton Paxton, Sir Joseph (1803–65) ODNB
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    Begins by explaining that the lessee of the Scilly Isles, Augustus J Smith Smith, Augustus John (1804–72) ODNB
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, supported the attempt to build a railway on the land of 'the proud Lord of Brownlow Egerton-Cust (formerly Egerton, formerly Cust), John William Spencer, 2nd Earl Brownlow (1842–1867) WBI
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'—Berkhampstead Common. Describes how the railway navvies, armed with crowbars, congregated together and travelled through the night on the 'steam demon', and how Smith challenged the rights of Brownlow to the land and the navvies began removing the iron railings that protected the common.



Punch,  50 (1866), 125.

Provision for the Sick Poor

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Anon

Genre:

Essay

Subjects:

Class, Industry, Government, Politics, Utilitarianism, Hospitals, Medical Treatment, Disease, Health, Public Health, Veterinary Science, Religion, Morality


    Following a recent description given by Henry H M Herbert (4th Earl of Carnarvon) Herbert, Henry Howard Molyneux, 4th Earl of Carnarvon (1831–90) ODNB
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and the Archbishop of York, William Thomson Thomson, William (1819–90) ODNB
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, of the 'brutalities to which the sick poor are subject in the infirmaries of most of the London workhouses', suggests two contrasting courses of action. The first is the levying of a metropolitan rate that will make the infirmaries 'decent'. The second is 'premised' on an analogy between infirmaries for the poor and an imaginary hospital for 'diseased or worn-out dogs and horses'. Describes the filthy environment suffered by the animals, the lack of medical attention, the irregular administration of medicines, the foul air, and the neglect of paralysed animals. Concludes that such an animal infirmary would be condemned by the Royal Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals
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, which would be forced to solve the problem by killing the animals. Argues that if the metropolitan rate for supporting pauper infirmaries is considered too expensive then killing paupers is the only course left open. Suggests that this course of action would be 'just as moral' as letting paupers 'die in misery' and that it cannot be considered 'repugnant to our common Christianity' when that faith has long allowed the poor to be inhumanely treated.



Punch,  50 (1866), 126.

Sermons in Air

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Anon

Genre:

News-Commentary, Drollery

Subjects:

Analytical Chemistry, Pollution, Sanitation, Health, Government, Politics


    Discusses a newspaper report of the researches of Robert A Smith Smith, Robert Angus (1817–84) DSB
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, who found that air from a 'London Law Court' 'is very bad indeed' and more deficient in oxygen than 'any specimens found by him during the day, in any inhabited place above ground!'. Reflecting on the fact that this air is worse than that found in such unsavoury places as an 'East-end sweater's garret', the author explains how Smith established the quality of air in terms of quantity of oxygen, and suggests some unlikely ways in which the moisture on the window of the court (used by Smith in his analysis) could have been produced (for example, 'the quintessence of agonised witnesses'). Notes Smith's argument that the air in the court can only be purified by passing a sustained current of good air through it, and invites him to 'analyse some of the air of the House of Commons House of Commons
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—after say, the debates on the Second Reading of the Reform Bill'.



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Punch,  50 (1866), 129.

A National Debt of Honour

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Anon

Genre:

Essay

Subjects:

Scientific Practitioners, Heroism, Patronage, Exploration, Mapping, Physical Geography, Discovery, Meteorology, Government, Politics


    Begins by suggesting that the Commissioners for the Reduction of the National Debt Commissioners for the Reduction of the National Debt
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should consider the £6,100 debt which the 'nation owes to the surviving relatives' of Robert Fitzroy Fitzroy, Robert (1805–65) DSB
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. Draws attention to Roderick I Murchison's Murchison, Sir Roderick Impey, 1st Baronet (1792–1871) DSBODNB
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anniversary address to the Royal Geographical Society Royal Geographical Society
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(a version of which was later published as Murchison 1865 Murchison, Roderick I. 1865. 'Address to the Royal Geographical Society, Delivered at the Anniversary Meeting on the 22nd May, 1865', Proceedings of the Royal Geographical Society, 9, 195–274
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) in which the geologist noted that Fitzroy had used his own money to complete his survey of South America and to fit out HMS Beagle HMS Beagle
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. Stressing Fitzroy's discovery of 'the Otway Water in the Straits of Magellan', and his invaluable work as chief of the Meteorological Office Meteorological Office
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, believes that he 'died morally worth millions'. Urges the government to ask the House of Commons House of Commons
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to liquidate Fitzroy's debt and, noting the 'poor' state of the nation, suggests that people should still contribute to a new fund established by Fitzroy's family and the Liverpool Chamber of Commerce Liverpool Chamber of Commerce
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, and provides details of where to send donations.



Punch,  50 (1866), 132–33.

Punch's Essence of Parliament

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Anon

Genre:

Regular Feature, Proceedings, Drollery

Subjects:

Animal Husbandry, Disease, Religious Authority, Miracle, Supernaturalism, Military Technology, Railways, Transport, Commerce, Charlatanry, Government


    Describes the response by senior statesmen and clergymen to the government's refusal to 'appoint a national Fast Day as a remedy for the Rinderpest'. Also notes the remarks of Spencer C Cavendish (Marquess of Hartington) Cavendish, Spencer Compton, 8th Duke of Devonshire (formerly styled 'Marquess of Hartington') (1833–1908) ODNB
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on 'big guns' and the 'exposure' by John T F Mitford (2nd Baron Redesdale) Mitford, John Thomas Freeman, 1st Earl of Redesdale and 2nd Baron Redesdale (1805–86) ODNB
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of the 'manner in which schemers get up Railway Companies, to the detriment of the public'.



Punch,  50 (1866), 133.

Removal of Rubbish

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Anon

Genre:

Advertisement, Spoof

Subjects:

Invention, Pollution, Morality


    Seeks a 'few good Street-Sweeping Machines to clear away the BETTING MEN and other HUMAN RUBBISH' from thoroughfares.



Punch,  50 (1866), 137.

'Which of You has Done This?'

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Anon

Genre:

News-Commentary

Subjects:

Quackery, Periodicals, Medical Treatment, Charlatanry, Patronage


    Discusses an advertisement in The Times The Times (1777–1900+) Waterloo Directory
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from an Hungarian baron who seeks a cure for lumbago, an advertisement that Punch speculates was written by a quack. Accordingly, anticipates that there will shortly appear another advertisement from the baron upholding a quack remedy as the solution to his problem. Concludes by warning, 'We shall look out for you, Quack, whoever you are'.



Punch,  50 (1866), 137.

Queries with Answers

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Anon

Genre:

Introduction, Drollery; Miscellaneous

Subjects:

Scientific Practitioners, Medical Treatment, Surgery, Domestic Economy

People mentioned:

Francis Bacon (1st Viscount St Alban) Bacon, Francis, 1st Viscount St Alban (1561–1626) DSB ODNB
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Punch,  50 (1866), 138.

Hair-Dressing by Electricity

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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. [5]

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:

Electricity, Electrochemistry, Electromagnetism, Instruments


    Consists of eleven pictures depicting the story of an hirsute 'artist' who, seeking to have his hair cut by the simplest means, determines at last to have his hair dressed. This involves having his hair brushed and almost removed by a powerful rotary brush and his hair 'parted by a galvanic battery'. The illustrations include a picture of the artist's head between wires emerging from an induction coil and switch.



Punch,  50 (1866), 140.

Epitaph on a Physician

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Anon

Genre:

Notes, Drollery

Subjects:

Medical Practitioners, Medical Treatment, Crime


    'He survived all his patients'.



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Punch,  50 (1866), 141.

Talking to the Eye

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Anon

Genre:

News-Commentary, Drollery

Subjects:

Sound, Light, Human Development, Language


    Notes the invention by Alexander M Bell Bell, Alexander Melville (1819–1905) WBI
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of a 'phonetic alphabet, the signs of which can be made to constitute visible speech'. Thinks this has the advantage that 'everybody will be sure to see' what you mean.



Punch,  50 (1866), 142.

Fast and Humiliation; or, Sick Beasts v. Sick Paupers

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Anon

Genre:

Poetry

Subjects:

Disease, Health, Class, Sanitation, Utilitarianism, Animal Husbandry, Religious Authority, Industry, Morality, Human Development, Periodicals


    Responding to the call by clergymen for a national fast day to arrest the cattle plague, the author begins by asking how people are supposed to 'Fast and humiliate' themselves in order 'to avert the wrath of Heaven!', and ponders the rituals that are intended to achieve this result. Adopting the language of a preacher, wonders whether the 'Lessons of the Day' are 'written' in the filthy habitations of cattle. Warns that 'Our cruelty to cattle falls in curse of plague and blain' but emphasises that 'the real "Lesson of the Day's" on "cruelty to man"', lessons to be read in the 'workhouse ward'. Identifies the workhouse as the place where there is true 'plague' and 'cruelty to animals'. Considers that these degrading actions should 'awake wrath in God', and points out the frequency with which 'Reports, inquiries, inquests, leading articles' on these horrors are published in the newspapers. Proceeds to summarise typical horrors from the workhouse including the vermin who wax 'ripe on human rot', the 'pauper nurse, the slattern meal, change-medley, draught or pill', 'acute diseases' that grow 'chronic', and the hastily acting poor law guardians who sweep filth beneath paupers' beds. Presents a harrowing account of the death of a pauper 'turned out just on the edge of doom, / To the winter cold and darkness of the old men's common-room', and the death of a newly-born baby. Concludes by angrily condemning the call for 'Fast and humiliation' just because 'beef's up at Leadenhall', when 'round us' lies evidence of 'our own neglect and greed'.



Punch,  50 (1866), 143.

The Sceptical Beauty; or, A Drama or Doubt

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Anon

Genre:

Drama, Drollery

Relevant illustrations:

wdct.

Subjects:

Philosophy, Reason, Education, Laboratories, Analytical Chemistry, Instruments, Faith, Gender, Human Development, Periodicals, Reading


    The initial letter forms part of an illustration showing a blindfolded cherub sitting at a chemical laboratory bench on which rest bottles and a balance. Beneath the bench lie a mortar and pestle, while near the cherub sits a large basket labelled 'D. Cupid Esq. F.R.S. Illusions (For Analysis)' and which appears to contain ground chemicals. The extract comes from the North British Review North British Review (1844–71) Waterloo Directory
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(this is probably a reference to Hutton 1866 Hutton, Richard Holt 1866. 'Ecce Homo and Modern Scepticism', North British Review, 5 n.s., 124–153
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) and describes Thomas H Huxley's Huxley, Thomas Henry (1825–95) DSB
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argument that scepticism is the 'highest of duties' and that 'all faith' is 'blind' when based 'on any kind of authority but that of scientific experience'. The extract concludes by criticizing Huxley's argument: the writer speculates what it would be like for a women to doubt 'whether she ought to love till scientific habits of mind had verified the credentials [of a suitor]!'. Punch believes it can imagine this situation and presents a short drama which seeks to expose the inappropriateness of Huxley's argument, not least in the problems encountered during courtship. It is set in an 'elegant drawing room' where a young lady, Isabel, sits reading. Her scepticism is obvious from the moment when she has to verify whether her mother has gone out by saying to herself: 'The carriage is certainly gone, and I may accept the evidence of my eyes, the double reflection of the retina, uniting into one image'. She is soon greeted by her lover Augustus whose impassioned attempts to win Isabel's hand in marriage contrast with her cold scepticism, not least toward Augustus's myriad arguments for his suitability as her husband. For example, when Augustus asks whether he is punctual, Isabel replies, 'Yes [...] allowing for the variation of ordinary watches'. Later, Isabel doubts whether Augustus's father is genuinely rich, surmising that his beard is 'probably dyed'. Despite Augustus's assurance to the contrary, Isabel continues her sceptical approach and warns him that he has 'hardly examined his toilette table', while the 'absence of colouring fluid might only show that he is dyed at the hairdressers'. She proceeds to question Augustus's other grounds for believing his father to be rich, by doubting the conclusiveness of Augustus's remarks that he had been with his father to the bank 'and seen him take the dividends [of his shares] on £90,000'. Later, when Isabel asks for further proof that Augustus loves her, Augustus replies, 'have I not said and sworn it a hundred times', an answer which Isabel thinks 'unworthy' of a 'pupil' of Huxley. Augustus grows so exasperated by her scepticism that he offers one final proof that he is 'a man to be trusted'—that he is a 'regular and diligent student of Punch'. This finally makes Isabel declare herself to be his, although her 'own character as a Huxleian' makes her seek proof of this and question him on the 'contents of his last six numbers'.



Punch,  50 (1866), 147.

Reading and Running

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Anon

Genre:

Essay, Drollery

Subjects:

Railways, Transport, Light, Reading


    Describes some of the disadvantages of reading on high speed trains, notably the excessive wobbling of, and dim lighting in, carriages.



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Punch,  50 (1866), 152.

Pathological Parallel

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Anon

Genre:

Essay, Drollery

Subjects:

Race, Ethnology, Cultural Geography, Politics, Government, Human Development, Animal Behaviour, Mental Illness


    Compares the behaviour of Malays, who are occasionally seized by a 'fierce frenzy', to that of a statesman who, anticipating the outcome of the reform debate, 'snatches up a rhetorical dagger' and rushes into the debate, 'startling one Minister, pinking another, and flooring a third with rollicking ferocity'. Points out that while the 'savage' can be 'pardoned on account of the climate', the atmosphere of the House of Commons House of Commons
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is not an excuse for the statesman.



Punch,  50 (1866), 157.

Gorgonism in Paris

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The Elder Pliny Elder Pliny, The
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Genre:

Letter, Spoof

Subjects:

Natural History, Taxonomy

People mentioned:

Carl Linneaus Linnaeus (or von Linné), Carl (1707–78) DSB
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Punch,  50 (1866), 159.

The Horse and the Frog (A Fable or a Fact?)

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Anon

Genre:

News-Commentary, Drollery

Subjects:

Animal Behaviour, Monstrosities


    Discusses a story in the Northern Daily Star Northern Daily Star (cited 1866) PU1/50/15/3
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of a horse in Newcastle whose illness was traced to a living frog (rather than worms) which the horse had 'swallowed when drinking'. Adds that the frog has been 'preserved in spirit' to satisfy those who believe it might be 'some sort of polypus'. Notes the difficulty of supposing that reptiles 'are capable of existing as Entozoa' by pointing to fables of frogs and toads inside old women and the discovery of 'Batrachians [frogs] [...] in the hearts of solid oak trees'. Concludes by suggesting that the frog in the Newcastle horse is analogous to those 'in the conglomerate' which Roualeyn G G Cumming Cumming, Roualeyn George Gordon- (1820–66) ODNB
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was supposed to send to Richard Owen Owen, Richard (1804–92) DSB
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.



Punch,  50 (1866), 160.

This is Captain Larboard and His Wonderful Bedstead

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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:

Invention, Technology, Magnetism, Machinery


    This illustration of Captain Larboard's attempt to 'protract his inventive and useless existence into the twentieth century' shows an old man (Larboard) in a bed, which is being oriented by means of cables stretching between the bottom of the bed and a windlass operated by another man. The caption explains that the magnet above Larboard's head increases his 'vital energy while the windlass regulates the bed by the points of the compass', which stands behind the other man. The caption concludes with Larboard's order to his assistant to orientate the bed so that it does not generate too strong a dose of magnetism.



Punch,  50 (1866), 160.

How We Kill Our Paupers

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Anon

Genre:

News-Commentary

Subjects:

Class, Utilitarianism, Health, Disease, Industry, Hospitals, Government, Politics


    Discusses aspects of Ernest A Hart's Hart, Ernest Abraham (1835–98) ODNB
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'account of the way in which the sick are nursed in London workhouses'. Presents evidence of poorly paid and overworked workhouse surgeons who have to attend large numbers of paupers suffering from 'acute diseases'. Compares the poor supply of surgeons to the poor supply of air from 'Bumbledom' to workhouses, noting that paupers in workhouse infirmaries breath the air contaminated with fumes from bone boilers and with dust. (The reference is to the parish beadle Bumble in Charles Dickens's Dickens, Charles (1837–96) ODNB
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Oliver Twist [Dickens, Charles John Huffam] 1838. Oliver Twist; or, The Parish Boy's Progress, 3 vols, London: Richard Bentley
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.) Insists this demonstrates that 'Bumbledom' cannot be trusted with 'the care of our sick poor', and notes the probable resistance to a society for improving workhouse infirmaries from 'all the empty-headed parrots who prate about the virtues of self-government' and criticise centralisation. Urges that 'no parrot' must 'dissuade us from our duty, even if we have to kick the Bumbles into space'.



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Punch,  50 (1866), 161.

The Sold Army Army
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Surgeons

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Anon

Genre:

News-Commentary

Subjects:

Medical Practitioners, War, Class


    Notes a complaint by the 'medical profession' that their status in the Guards has changed from 'regimental' (which they were originally promised) to 'brigade', a change that the medical professionals believe will 'prevent them from ever reaching the higher grades in the service to which they would otherwise rise in due course'. Explains that the government has not taken any steps to make the Commander-in-Chief of the British Army, Prince George (2nd Duke of Cambridge) George (George William Frederick Charles), Prince, 2nd Duke of Cambridge (1819–1904) ODNB
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, reverse this decision, but the writer agrees that this is 'the way to treat those snobs of Army Surgeons'. Draws attention to the 'scarcity of surgeons in the Army and Navy Royal Navy
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' in 'these weak piping times of peace', but fully expects this to change when 'war breaks out'—when there will be enough inducements to tempt medical professionals into military service.



Punch,  50 (1866), 161.

Examination Papers

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Sampson Agonistes Swipes, M.D Swipes, Sampson Agonistes
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Genre:

Letter, Spoof

Subjects:

Education, Medical Practitioners, Language, Disease, Anatomy, Ancient Authorities


    Noting Mr Punch's interest in 'the edifying array of ponderous, octosyllabic learning with which certain of our medical teachers here are wont to garnish the Examination paper set before their admiring pupils', draws attention to a paper read 'to one of our famed Medical Societies' on 'ANENCEPHALATROPHIA' or 'the wasting of a non-existent Brain'. Believes this discredits the Hippocratic Hippocrates of Cos (460–370 BC) DSB
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dictum, 'ex nihilo nihil fit' (out of nothing, nothing comes) but supports the 'more congenial doctrine of 'similis similibus gaudet' (the same will rejoice in the same).



Punch,  50 (1866), 162.

A New Paper (From Our Collwell Hatchney Correspondent)

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Anon

Genre:

News-Commentary, Drollery; Announcement, Spoof

Subjects:

Supernaturalism, Light, Invention, Periodicals

People mentioned:

John H Pepper Pepper, John Henry (1821–1900) ODNB
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Punch,  50 (1866), 162.

A Dangerous Companion

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Anon

Genre:

News-Commentary, Drollery

Subjects:

Invention, Machinery


    Discusses advertisements for a 'patent self-acting corkscrew' which is 'vastly useful' but 'slightly dangerous', and anticipates such an invention opening all the bottles in a wine cellar before they are required.



Punch,  50 (1866), 164–65.

Punch's Essence of Parliament

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Anon

Genre:

Regular Feature, Proceedings, Drollery

Subjects:

Industry, Astronomy, Language, Charlatanry, Nutrition, Vaccination, Medical Treatment, Government, Politics

Institutions mentioned:

Houses of Parliament Houses of Parliament
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    Describes the 'Gas Bill debate', during which John A Roebuck Roebuck, John Arthur (1802–79) ODNB
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declared that all London gas companies are cheats. In relating the oyster debate wonders whether George B Airy Airy, Sir George Biddell (1801–92) DSB ODNB
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would call 'little oysters oysteroids'. Later, describes a 'Vaccination Debate', and states the government's intention to carry a 'complete system of compulsory vaccination'. (164)



Punch,  50 (1866), 165.

The Worst for a Hundred!

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Anon

Genre:

Notes, Drollery

Subjects:

Medical Treatment, Human Development, Language


    Defines a medicine that 'ought to be given to a child ailing with a cruel father' as 'a mild aperient'.



Punch,  50 (1866), 165.

[An Iron-Clad Giving its Builders the Slip]

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Anon

Genre:

Notes, Drollery

Subjects:

Military Technology


    'What the builders of the Iron-clad Northumberland HMS Northumberland
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wish? That she would give them the slip'—a reference to news that the ship had become stuck during its launch from Millwall Iron-Works Millwall Iron-Works Company
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.



Punch,  50 (1866), 166.

What a Pity the Race of Centaurs has Become Extinct!

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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. [6]

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:

Extinction, Zoology, Monstrosities, Comparative Philology, Amusement


    Shows the ways in which various human activities—including police arrests, horse-racing, selling commodities in the streets, Barclay and Perkins's Barclay and Perkins, firm
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transportation of beer, the procession of the Horse Guards, and perambulations in parks—would change were humans to possess the bodies of horses.



Punch,  50 (1866), 170.

Launching by 'Levitation'

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Tom Chambers Chambers, Tom
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Genre:

Letter, Spoof

Subjects:

Military Technology, Accidents, Mechanics, Aeronautics, Botany, Spiritualism, Philosophy, Faith, Supernaturalism, Experiment, Commerce


    Begins by reminding Mr Punch of the difficulty of shifting the HMS Northumberland HMS Northumberland
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, the ironclad stuck in its moorings at Millwall Iron-Works Millwall Iron-Works Company
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. Warns of the cost of trying to solve this problem by buoying the ship with bales of cotton or by raising her with balloons, and explains the difficulty of applying to the ship 'expansive-fungus-growth power', which once raised pavements in Basingstoke. Proceeds to declare himself to be 'a sceptic' on 'the subject of Spiritualism', doubting whether the 'faith or philosophy so-called, is founded on any basis of certitude whatever'. He insists that according to the 'common sense which repudiates the supernatural' his uncertainty about the fraudulent basis of Spiritualism is 'equivalent to an implicit and unhesitating belief' in spiritualism. Accordingly, he identifies himself as a believer in spiritualism and proposes that the 'experimentum crucis for testing its truth or fallacy' is to test whether the forces associated with spiritualism can move the Northumberland. Explains that enough 'spirit-power' could be assembled with 'a sufficient number of hands', including those of Daniel D Home Home, Daniel Dunglas (1833–86) ODNB
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, William Howitt Howitt, William (1792–1879) ODNB
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, and Samuel C Hall Hall, Samuel Carter (1800–89) ODNB
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. Suggests that Augustus De Morgan De Morgan, Augustus (1806–71) DSB
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should 'attend and see fair play', but doubts whether Michael Faraday Faraday, Michael (1791–1867) DSB
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or David Brewster Brewster, Sir David (1781–1868) DSB ODNB
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(both notoriously sceptical of spiritualism) will participate. Stresses the 'absolute inexpensiveness of Spiritual force', and points out that Home declines expenses; however, since Mary A Marshall Marshall, Mary Anne (1842–84) WBI
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is a 'paid medium' she should not be invited.



Punch,  50 (1866), 171.

Some Things Mr Punch Thinks About a Certain Bill

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Anon

Genre:

Notes, Drollery

Subjects:

Politics, Government, Railways, Telegraphy, Periodicals, Education, Exhibitions, Industry, Manufactories, Commerce, Political Economy, Progress


    Mr Punch's remarks on the parliamentary reform bill, including his belief that 'the social effects of railways, telegraphs, penny papers, cooperative societies, working-men's clubs, and industrial exhibitions must have their reflection and complement in political changes also', that 'the material prosperity of England depends mainly on her manufactures, trade and commerce', and that 'the prosperity of manufactures, trade, and commerce depends mainly on sound political economy'.



Punch,  50 (1866), 171.

A Model Merchant

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Anon

Genre:

News-Commentary

Subjects:

Industry, Engineering, Progress, Class, Sanitation


    Responding to recent praise for George Peabody Peabody, George (1795–1869) ODNB
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, the writer argues that English merchants should follow his example and help house a 'thousand Londoners from wretchedness and dirt', including those forced onto the streets by 'railways and embankments, and valley elevations'.



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Punch,  50 (1866), 173.

Funnuniversity Intelligence

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Anon

Genre:

Announcement, Spoof

Subjects:

Education, Universities, Lecturing, Light


    A list of absurd events at the University of Cambridge University of Cambridge
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, including lectures by the 'Professor of Optics' on 'Running "The High"', a lecturer who will make those pupils 'found in the High' attend his course.



Punch,  50 (1866), 174–75.

Punch's Essence of Parliament

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Anon

Genre:

Regular Feature, Proceedings, Drollery

Subjects:

Political Economy, Progress, Nationalism, Energy, Industry, Manufactories, Economic Geology, Scientific Practitioners, Government, Politics


    Presents an extract from a report of John S Mill's Mill, John Stuart (1806–73) DSB
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speech protesting against the removal of a productive tax, 'instead of applying its produce in diminution of the Debt which we leave to our children'. Mill also warned about the decreasing store of coal in Britain and the threat this posed to the country's currently unsurpassed manufacturing output, and argued in favour of leaving enough coal for Britain's economic posterity. His defence of the need to consider the posterity of the country includes the claim that Britain's rich treasures of heroic and virtuous deeds had been 'amassed for us only because our ancestors have cared and taken thought for posterity. We owe it to our great masters of thought —our BACON Bacon, Francis, 1st Viscount St Alban (1561–1626) DSB ODNB
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, and NEWTON Newton, Sir Isaac (1642–1727) DSB
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, and LOCKE Locke, John (1632–1704) DSB
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' and others. (174)



Punch,  50 (1866), 175.

Annotation (Found on the Fly-leaf of a New Novel)

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Anon

Genre:

Essay, Drollery

Subjects:

Medical Treatment, Machinery, Publishing


    Announces the publication of Orthropraxy Bigg, Henry Heather 1865. Orthopraxy: The Mechanical Treatment of Deformities, Debilities, and Deficiencies of the Human Frame; A Manual, London: John Churchill
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, a work describing the 'invaluable' mechanical therapy invented by the author. The author explains that he bought the book in the belief that it was entitled 'Authorpraxy' and would accordingly offer 'medical hints for morbid novelists'. Concludes that the latter work remains to be written.



Punch,  50 (1866), 179.

National Portrait Gallery National Portrait Gallery
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View full article text

Dorothea J Ramsbotham Ramsbotham, Dorothea J
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Genre:

Letter, Spoof

Subjects:

Representation, Engineers, Invention, Scientific Practitioners

People mentioned:

James Watt, Watt, James (1736–1819) DSB
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Francis Bacon (1st Viscount St Alban) Bacon, Francis, 1st Viscount St Alban (1561–1626) DSB ODNB
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Punch,  50 (1866), 179.

Dramatic

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Anon

Genre:

News-Commentary, Drollery

Subjects:

Spiritualism, Supernaturalism, Display

People mentioned:

Daniel D Home, Home, Daniel Dunglas (1833–86) ODNB
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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,  50 (1866), 181.

Paper to be Read at the Forthcoming Meeting of the British Association British Association for the Advancement of Science
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at Nottingham. On Ovis Mercenaries, a New Species of British Sheep

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Mr O'Dear O'Dear, Mr
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Genre:

Paper, Spoof

Subjects:

Zoology, Anatomy, Human Development, Animal Behaviour, Animal Development, Evolution, Darwinism, Morality, Politics


    Begins by explaining how this 'highly uninteresting addition to the British Fauna' was revealed during an inquiry into procedures at the recent election in Nottingham. This inquiry was prompted by allegations of bribery and corruption, and scenes of rioting and criminal damage. According to a report in The Times The Times (1777–1900+) Waterloo Directory
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, the candidates had hired 'lambs' to intimidate and threaten voters for rival parties (Anon 1866 Anon. 1866. [Nottingham Election Petition], The Times, 29 March 1866, p. 6
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). Explains that this species of lamb has 'remarkable precocity', a 'physical development in the inverse ratio to that of their mental faculties', but none of the 'amiable and gentle disposition' found in the young of 'the ordinary species'. Compares their 'powers of aggression' to those of the gorilla 'as depicted by MR. DU CHAILLU Du Chaillu, Paul Belloni (1831–1903) CBD
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', and notes that such powers are particularly evident during 'a contested election'. Explains that shepherds (political candidates) have to control this tendency with 'the lavish administration of stimulants [money]'. Distinguishes the species from sheep, pointing out that it has 'an undoubted Hippocampus minor and overhanging posterior lobes', and suggests that Charles R Darwin Darwin, Charles Robert (1809–82) DSB
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and Thomas H Huxley Huxley, Thomas Henry (1825–95) DSB
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would be interested in this because it suggests a link between 'Ruminantia and Bimana' (i.e. a link between cud-chewing animals and man). Notes the robustness of the cranium in the species, the 'enormous' muscular power, the 'adaptation of the anterior members [...] as organs of offence' (a reference to weapons carried by voters), and 'pouches' for storing stones. Concludes by noting that, when specimens of the animal were brought before 'the Committee', surprise and disgust was felt owing to the fact that the animals resembled humans and yet lacked 'Honesty and Truth'.



Punch,  50 (1866), 181.

Blackguard's Butter

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Anon

Genre:

News-Commentary, Drollery

Subjects:

Adulteration, Nutrition, Microscopy


    Discusses a letter in the Grocer Grocer (1862–1900+) BUCOP
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from W A Frith Frith, Mr W A (fl. 1866) PU1/50/17/7
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who presents a recipe for adulterating butter which he believes will make the butter trade more lucrative. The first extract from Frith's letter shows how he adulterated the butter with the relatively cheap ingredients of fat, potatoes, and salt, while the second details the best types of ingredient to use and how best to prepare them. Punch notes that Frith forgot to mention 'where the fat employed in his "process as conducted in the laboratory" is to be most cheaply obtained', a crucial omission for the 'fraudulent dealer'. Urges those who 'object to the adulteration of butter' to use Firth's process to prepare some adulterated butter for comaprison under a microscope with real butter. They will then be able to recognize the difference between 'butter and butter plus potato-starch'.



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Punch,  50 (1866), 183.

Posterity and Coal

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Carpe Diem Carpe Diem
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Genre:

Letter, Spoof

Subjects:

Political Economy, Industry, Nationalism, Commerce, Energy, Force, Economic Geology, Politics


    Begins by explaining how 'Professor Porson' (a reference to Richard Porson Porson, Richard (1759–1808) ODNB
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) prompted him to reflect on John S Mill's Mill, John Stuart (1806–73) DSB
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recent parliamentary speech (an extract of which was discussed in Anon, 'Punch's Essence of Parliament', Punch, 50 (1866), 174–75). Notes, following William S Jevons Jevons, William Stanley (1835–82) DSB
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, as quoted by Mill, that coal supplies will diminish, with the result that steam, and with it English manufacturing industry and 'wealth and greatness', will be transferred to 'lands still abounding in coal'. Adds that Mill also insisted that 'we owe posterity a debt which we contracted with priority' and that 'we ought to set to work at reducing the National Debt for posterity'. Argues that 'we should insure the gratitude of posterity if we could provide it with coal, more effectually than we could by reducing the National Debt', but suggests that importing a 'stock of coal' from 'our American possessions' would not solve this because 'the foundation of magazines of force for posterity [...] would necessitate the expenditure of a corresponding amount of force, which we are unable to create'. Although accepting the 'impossibility of the creation of force', suggests that the 'nature of things' might 'prove equal to the occasion' and 'afford posterity some substitute for coal'.



Punch,  50 (1866), 191.

The Pope's Lost Letters

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Anon

Genre:

News-Commentary, Drollery; Letter, Spoof

Subjects:

Religious Authority, Spiritualism

People mentioned:

Daniel D Home Home, Daniel Dunglas (1833–86) ODNB
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Punch,  50 (1866), 192.

'A Century of Inventions'

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Anon

Genre:

Notes

Subjects:

Invention, Technology, Progress


    'The nineteenth'.



Punch,  50 (1866), 193.

A Profitable Investment

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Radamanthus Jones Jones, Rhadamanthus
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Genre:

Letter, Spoof

Subjects:

Railways, Engineering, Environmentalism


^^ Back to the top of this issue

Punch,  50 (1866), 196.

Punch's Essence of Parliament

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Anon

Genre:

Regular Feature, Proceedings, Drollery

Subjects:

Supernaturalism, Light, Technology


    Notes that, during his Budget speech, William E Gladstone Gladstone, William Ewart (1809–98) ODNB
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lamented that John H Pepper Pepper, John Henry (1821–1900) ODNB
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had been 'ill-treated', and abolished the 'duty' on 'Pepper's Ghost'.



Punch,  50 (1866), 201.

Great Attraction at Thorpe Henley

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Anon

Genre:

News-Commentary, Drollery

Subjects:

Light, Technology


    Discusses a report of a landlord in Thorpe Henley who produced gaslight by a 'simple apparatus attached to the tap-room fire'. Expects that the landlord will turn this into a profitable business and that tradesmen and domestic gas consumers will accordingly try to obtain gas cheaply from the kitchen rather than more expensively from 'the works of a Company'.



Punch,  50 (1866), 203.

Non-Intervention in Emergencies

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Anon

Genre:

News-Commentary

Subjects:

Medical Treatment, Pharmaceuticals, Crime, Professionalization


    Discusses a letter published in The Times The Times (1777–1900+) Waterloo Directory
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in which the author criticizes the law forbidding chemists to leave their shops in order to render medical assistance even in the most urgent cases. Presents the correspondent's description of a case in which the death of a lady could have been averted had two chemists done more than just send for a doctor. Punch disagrees, distinguishing the 'profession and business of a chemist and druggist' ('to make and sell medicines') from that of a physician (who 'practise[s] physic'). Warns that chemists who gave medical assistance would endanger patients' lives and their own careers.



Punch,  50 (1866), 204.

A Word in Season(ing)

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Anon

Genre:

Reportage, Spoof

Subjects:

Supernaturalism, Light, Technology, Politics

People mentioned:

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

Punch,  50 (1866), 208–09.

Punch's Essence of Parliament

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Anon

Genre:

Regular Feature, Proceedings, Drollery

Subjects:

Industry, Light, Heat, Environmentalism, Pollution, Veterinary Science, Quackery, Charlatanry, Politics, Government


    Relishes the defeat of the Imperial Gas Company Imperial Gas Light and Coke Company
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'who wanted to poison Victoria Park Victoria Park, Hackney
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', and notes that this defeat was spearheaded by William Tite Tite, Sir William (1798–1873) ODNB
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; hopes that the Chartered Gas Company Chartered Gas Company
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will be similarly resisted (208). Later notes the second reading of a 'Bill for preventing uncertified beast-doctors from calling themselves Veterinary Surgeons'. (209)



Punch,  50 (1866), 213.

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

Tom All-Alone All-Alone, Tom
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Genre:

Introduction, Drollery; Notes, Drollery

Subjects:

Representation, Telegraphy, Scientific Practitioners, Geology, Physical Geography

People mentioned:

Adam Sedgwick Sedgwick, Adam (1785–1873) DSB
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Punch,  50 (1866), 213.

Sweets to the Sweet

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Anon

Genre:

News-Commentary, Drollery

Subjects:

Spiritualism, Language

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,  50 (1866), 213.

The Costs of Bad Action

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Anon

Genre:

News-Commentary

Subjects:

Medical Treatment, Medical Practitioners, Crime


    Discusses the trial of two surgeons (father and son) who were accused of malpractice against a poor shoemaker's daughter suffering from a 'bad knee'. The surgeons insisted that they had treated the girl 'to the best of their knowledge, skill, and judgement as medical men', and the medical witness called to defend them vouched for the fact that the girl's knee was now free from disease and that the surgeons were not acting improperly by using mercury in their treatment. The jury deciding in favour of the surgeons, Punch doubts whether the girl will be able to pay the 'heavy bill of costs' and suspects that the surgeons will 'have to bear' the costs. Asks whether 'the interests of the legal profession require that no effectual provision should be made to protect honest people from having lawsuits instituted against them by other people who are insolvent?' and enquires 'what security can be taken for costs'?



Punch,  50 (1866), 214.

Fresh Air! or, Victoria Park Victoria Park, Hackney
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Preserved

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Anon

Genre:

Poetry

Subjects:

Environmentalism, Industry, Light, Heat, Gas Chemistry, Pollution, Public Health, Government


    Begins by praising Parliament Houses of Parliament
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for rejecting the bill for building gas works in Victoria Park and upholds the poet's love of 'fresh air', which he shares with those who think the 'gasometer stinks'. Explains that the emissions associated with such manufactories—cyanogens, hydrogen, and sulphureous fumes—are harmful to the lungs and trees. Describes the enjoyment the poet obtained from walking in the park in the fresh air.



Punch,  50 (1866), 216.

Useful Knowledge

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Anon

Genre:

Introduction, Drollery; Drama, Drollery

Subjects:

Education, Human Development, Domestic Economy, Nutrition, Manufactories, Adulteration


    Begins by advocating the need for 'everybody' to 'have a partial, if unable to obtain a thorough knowledge of the manufacture' of common articles of food. Presents a drama which the author hopes will 'show the result of a few examinations instituted extemporaneously during meal-times'. The 'dish of instruction' features Paterfamilias and his children, Mary, Tom, and Ellen. Besides correcting Tom's sloppy grammar, Paterfamilias manages to induce Tom to trace the production of butter to the stirring of the milkman. Despite his efforts, Paterfamilias is unable to interest either his children or wife in his 'lecturing' and he is forced to stop.



^^ Back to the top of this issue

Punch,  50 (1866), 217.

Punch on the People's Parks

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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. [5]

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:

Light, Heat, Technology, Environmentalism, Pollution, Measurement, Instruments


    Responding to the recent rejection of a parliamentary bill to build gasworks on Victoria Park Victoria Park, Hackney
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, five illustrations are presented comparing contemporary with earlier forms of lighting. The first shows a man and a woman in eighteenth-century costume, reading and darning by the light of a huge tallow candle, while the second shows a skeletal and burnt tree illustrating the effects of the sulphurous fumes emitted by gasworks. These two images show that 'Our ancestors were content with tallow candles [...] but then they had no trees of [the latter] description'. The next three illustrations represent the contemporary situation with gas lighting. The first shows a gas lamp drawn in the form of a happy and 'brilliant' human being, the second shows the components of the meter drawn with 'malignant' human features, and the third shows a bushy tree, drawn in the shape of a 'benevolent' human. The captions of these three reveal that 'We, who have a beautiful and brilliant gas [...] will not allow these malignant meters [...] to distress this benevolent gentleman—no, not even in Victoria Park'.



Punch,  50 (1866), 218.

Punch's Essence of Parliament

View full article text

Anon

Genre:

Regular Feature, Proceedings, Drollery

Subjects:

Railways, Commerce, Morality, Crime, Animal Husbandry, Disease, Government


    Notes the speech of John T F Mitford (2nd Baron Redesdale) Mitford, John Thomas Freeman, 1st Earl of Redesdale and 2nd Baron Redesdale (1805–86) ODNB
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on the 'evils of railway finance' and the 'resolute measures' that are being taken to 'stamp out' the cattle plague that has just appeared in Ireland.



Punch,  50 (1866), 220.

Bait for the Iron Horse

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Anon

Genre:

Poetry

Subjects:

Industry, Progress, Political Economy, Energy, Commerce, Nationalism, Economic Geology, Animal Development, Nutrition, Government


    Responding to John S Mill's Mill, John Stuart (1806–73) DSB
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recent parliamentary speech on the link between Britain's declining coal resources and waning industrial productivity, this poem begins by emphasising the need for 'The Iron Horse', an allegorical figure of industry, to 'graze' on coal, a resource that abounds beneath the earth. Warns that 'if we continue to consume' 'at our present pace' then the horse will be 'starved'. Emphasises the dependence of 'England's wealth, of England's might' and town lighting on coal, and criticises the fact that England sells coal abroad. Explains how the 'Prodigal' whose 'candle burnt, / At once at either end' shows how to 'expend' fuel but not to preserve prosperity. Asks Mill how much longer industrial technologies have to run with 'tons and tons' of coal being burnt each year. Faced with the prospect that the 'fire in the grate' may soon die out urges readers: 'Economise your coal!'.



Punch,  50 (1866), [221].

Tinct: Reform: Comp:

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John Tenniel 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:

Medical Treatment, Pharmaceuticals, Politics, Government


    Shows William E Gladstone Gladstone, William Ewart (1809–98) ODNB
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as a chemist and druggist, standing behind the counter of his shop. On the counter rest some of the tools of his trade (including a mortar and pestle) but also some large bottles labelled with 'Extension of Franchise' and 'Redistribution of Seats'—highly distasteful medicines to some. Gladstone hands a bottle marked 'Reform' to Benjamin Disraeli Disraeli, Benjamin, 1st Earl of Beaconsfield (1804–81) ODNB
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, who hesitates before accepting it. In the caption, Gladstone advises Disraeli to 'take it at once; the more you look at it, the worse you'll like it'. The title of the illustration parodies the way in which chemists and druggists denote the composition of pharmaceuticals.



Punch,  50 (1866), 223.

Speeches by an Old Smoker

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Anon

Genre:

Miscellaneous

Subjects:

Animal Behaviour, Human Development


Punch,  50 (1866), 223.

A Wrinkle

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Anon

Genre:

News-Commentary, Drollery

Subjects:

Invention, Industry


^^ Back to the top of this issue

Punch,  50 (1866), 227.

The Goose's Peculiar Complaint

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Anon

Genre:

News-Commentary, Drollery

Subjects:

Zoology, Disease, Animal Behaviour


    Discusses a report of a 'new species of disease' that has broken out among geese and which some attribute 'to the easterly winds'. Believes it is a 'disease of repletion' since 'Geese are apt to stuff themselves'.



Punch,  50 (1866), 228.

Scientific Intelligence

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Anon

Genre:

Announcement, Spoof

Subjects:

Societies, Heat, Mechanics, Physics


    Announces that at the next meeting of the Royal Society Royal Society of London
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a paper will be read 'On the Heat of the Moment'.



Punch,  50 (1866), 231.

Queries with Answers

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Anon

Genre:

Letter, Spoof

Subjects:

Anatomy, Electricity, Natural Philosophy, Invention, Medical Practitioners, Philosophy

People mentioned:

John Hunter, Hunter, John (1728–93) DSB
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Benjamin Franklin, Franklin, Benjamin (1706–90) DSB
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Charles Chubb, Chubb, Charles (1772–1846) ODNB
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William Butts, Butts, Sir William (1485–1545) ODNB
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William Hamilton, Hamilton, Sir William Sterling (1788–1856) DSB ODNB
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John S Mill Mill, John Stuart (1806–73) DSB
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Punch,  50 (1866), 232.

Pleasant for Simpkins!

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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:

Photography, Gender


    Shows an elderly married couple having their portraits taken in a photographic studio. The man, Mr Simpkins, stands with his head placed against a head-rest, while Mrs Simpkins sits waiting on a seat near him. The photographer asks Mr Simpkins to hold his head steady and to look in the direction of some young ladies who are close by. Anticipating her husband's saucy behaviour towards the girls, Mrs Simpkins adopts an expression that means 'Just let me see him wink!!'.



Punch,  50 (1866), 235.

Hydrophobia and Half-a-Crown

View full article text

Anon

Genre:

News-Commentary

Subjects:

Animal Behaviour, Cruelty, Crime, Disease

Institutions mentioned:

Royal Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals
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    Discusses the enquiry into the attempt by a Hyde Park constable to kill a dog that was apparently suffering from hydrophobia. Presents an extract from the policeman's testimony, which reveals that the dog had bitten him and that he had then attempted to tie string round the dog's neck. Presenting the case of a person who had contracted hydrophobia after being bitten by a stray dog in Hyde Park, the author notes that the judge concluded that, while the constable was 'no doubt doing his duty', it was 'monstrous' that dogs should be 'destroyed in the face of the public', and he accordingly fined the constable. Punch is furious that a judge could 'fine a man half-a-crown [...] for putting a dog to death', a penalty 'far too small [...] for killing a dog wantonly and cruelly'.



Punch,  50 (1866), 236.

A Conundrum for Chemists

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Anon

Genre:

News-Commentary, Drollery

Subjects:

Chemistry, Analytical Chemistry, Class, Alchemy, Periodicals, Domestic Economy


    Puzzles over an advertisement placed by 'Philo-Chemicus' in the Chemical News Chemical News (1859–1900+) Waterloo Directory
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for a chemical assistant in a private laboratory who should preferably be a graduate and who is 'expected to carry out research, to perform commercial analyses and occasionally to wait at a table'. Wonders what sort of graduate will be qualified to fulfil these scientific and social tasks. Asks 'how is the character of the graduate of the staircase [a waiter] to be combined with that of the chemist' and suggests that the 'research' and 'commercial analyses' are euphemisms for other domestic chores including carrying food and cleaning boots. Proceeds to suggest that given the place of publication, the advertisement might be 'a specimen of the nomenclature of modern alchemy', with Philo-Chemicus representing 'a warlock of the Rosy Cross' and 'graduate' meaning 'adept'. Goes on to suppose something more sinister: that the advertiser seeks an assistant with a degree in 'penal discipline' to help with dubious 'operations'. Presents a possible response by Philo-Chemicus to a graduate asking how often he would have to wait at the table. This specifies that the assistant would only be required to wait at the table once a month and asks the graduate to state his education and 'academical standing'. Punch deduces from the wording of the letter that Philo-Chemicus is an 'amazing Snob'.



Punch,  50 (1866), 236.

Meteorological Intelligence

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Anon

Genre:

Reportage, Spoof

Subjects:

Meteorology, Language


Punch,  50 (1866), 237.

Domestic Medicine

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Anon

Genre:

Introduction, Drollery; Letter, Spoof

Subjects:

Disease, Domestic Economy, Reading


    Arguing that the person who 'discovers a specific for a troublesome irritating disease' shall receive 'immortality in the pages of Punch', publishes a letter from a young (and therefore slightly illiterate) child, 'A B C', to his 'Mama' in which he explains that he has 'gotthe chicken pox' and asks for large quantities of sweet and savoury foodstuffs and a copy of À Beckett 1846–48 À Beckett, Gilbert Abbott 1846–48. The Comic History of England, London: Published at the Punch Office
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. Punch has no doubt of the efficacy of this remedy.



Punch,  50 (1866), 238.

Musketry Drill

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L. U. Natic. Natic, L U
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Genre:

Letter, Spoof; Notes, Drollery

Subjects:

Military Technology, Dynamics, Lecturing


^^ Back to the top of this issue

Punch,  50 (1866), 239.

Mrs Grundy on Foreign Affairs

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Anon

Genre:

Poetry, Drollery

Subjects:

Military Technology


Punch,  50 (1866), 240.

Punch's Essence of Parliament

View full article text

Anon

Genre:

Regular Feature, Proceedings, Drollery

Subjects:

Education, Human Development, Physical Geography, Mathematics, Astronomy, Government


    Describing the government's decision to make education in public schools more 'extended' and 'thorough', Mr Punch notes that although enjoys classical learning, 'it is rather a bore when your boy comes home from a great school, perfect in his quantities and easy in Greek chorus', to find that he is deficient in other areas: for example, that he 'shirks all conversation that hints at geography', that he 'gets up three different results' when 'his Mamma asks him to cast up her milliner's bill', and that 'he knows the tides are the cause of the eclipses of the moon'. Concludes by criticising the fact that the boy 'can just learn an isolated fact by an effort of memory, perhaps a memoria technica, but that he has no power of generalising, or of connecting his knowledge'.



Punch,  50 (1866), 242.

'Father Whalley'

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Anon

Genre:

News-Commentary, Drollery; Reportage, Spoof

Subjects:

Religion, Religious Authority, Faith, Zoology, Zoological Gardens, Animal Husbandry, Disease, Cultural Geography, Politics


    Describes some of the ways in which the statesman George H Whalley Whalley, George Hammond (1813–78) ODNB
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is trying to dissipate suspicions that his commitment to Protestantism is questionable and that he is the 'Head Centre of the English Jesuits'. His 'increased zeal against Popery' allegedly includes a letter to Philip L Sclater Sclater, Philip Lutley (1829–1913) DSB
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, whom he has asked 'whether the handsome old French sailor who makes tableaux with the Sea-Bear is a Catholic or a Protestant', and that the answer to this question will determine whether he addresses 'a remonstrance to the Bishops who are Fellows of the Zoological Gardens Zoological Society of London —Gardens
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'. He is also 'about to move for a return of the number of Irish cattle that have perished of Rinderpest, distinguishing between Protestant and Catholic cows, as he has reason to believe the Jesuits have the means of introducing the complaint into Ireland, in order to increase the disaffection of the country'.



Punch,  50 (1866), 245.

The Eagles in Congress

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Anon

Genre:

Poetry

Subjects:

Animal Behaviour, Politics


    Describes the bloody conflict between the Hapsburg and Hohenzollern empires as if they were two eagles that had earlier 'lived happily together' and dismembered 'a poor Danish cock o' the wood' who 'objected to Germanisation'. Notes how 'In couples they hunt keen as beagles' but 'fall out in dividing their prey, / On what's called "want of honour 'mong Eagles"'. Proceeds to describe the increasing friction between the birds, each appealing 'to the buzzards and kites that around / Uneasily sidled and shuffled'—a reference to other European nations with interests in this political situation. Notes how, after the 'tearing of talons, the rending of beaks' the 'Eagle of France' sailed in 'To avert the catastrophe dreaded', and urged its brother eagles to save their 'talons and claws' for prey. Concludes with a description of how the eagles agree to hold a congress to settle the issue.



Punch,  50 (1866), 247.

A Physical Theory

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Anon

Genre:

Notes, Drollery

Subjects:

Music, Medical Treatment


Punch,  50 (1866), 248.

Mathematical

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Anon

Genre:

Notes, Drollery

Subjects:

Mathematics, Psychology, Human Development


    Presents formulae from its 'Mathematical Correspondent' which show the 'shortest way to a female heart under any given circumstances'. These are less mathematical than logical arguments. For example, 'If she is married, but not a mother—Praise her Husband. If she is married, and also a mother—Praise her Children'.



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Punch,  50 (1866), 251.

Cocker Cocker, Edward (1631/2–76) ODNB
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in the Commons

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Anon

Genre:

Introduction, Drollery; Extract, Instructions, Spoof

Subjects:

Mathematics, Measurement, Politics, Government


    Grieving the mathematical ineptitude of a number of statesmen in the 'reformed Parliament', Mr Punch, 'Minister of Public Instruction', has compiled a 'Handy-book of Arithmetic' and presents a few extracts from the work. He uses arithmetical operations on political quantities to produce some decidedly non-mathematical political conclusions. For example, under 'Division of Parties', Mr Punch advises: 'Divide 310 Liberals, 200 Conservatives, and 58 ultra-Liberals by 3 Bills, 6 Instructions, and 9 Amendments. What will a Ministerial measure come to. Ans. Grief'.



Punch,  50 (1866), 251.

Scientific Intelligence

View full article text

Anon

Genre:

Announcement, Spoof

Subjects:

Horticulture, Societies, Botany, Nutrition


    Announces that at the next meeting of the Royal Horticultural Society Royal Horticultural Society
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a paper will be read 'On the Coolness of the Cucumber'.



Punch,  50 (1866), 252.

Ornithology

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Anon

Genre:

Introduction, Drollery; Notes, Drollery

Subjects:

Ornithology, Natural History, Animal Behaviour, Amateurism


    Presents the responses of various readers to the questions posed by 'An anxious inquirer' concerning a 'species of pigeon called a "tumbler"'. In reply to the inquirer's suggestion that the tumbler may be related to the town bird called 'the "acrobat"', 'Our Own Professor of Nat. Hist.' makes a decidedly unscientific attempt at the taxonomy and etymology of 'acrobat'. Later presents droll answers to absurd questions concerning the behaviour of birds.



Punch,  50 (1866), 255.

The Alexandra Pattern

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Anon

Genre:

News-Commentary, Drollery

Relevant illustrations:

wdct.

Subjects:

Railways, Transport, Technology


    The initial letter of the text forms part of an illustration showing a jockey riding a horse next to a railway track on which runs a steam locomotive.



Punch,  50 (1866), 265.

The Spirits and the Stock Exchange Stock Exchange
Close   View the register entry >>

View full article text

Anon

Genre:

Poetry, Drollery

Subjects:

Spiritualism, Commerce


    A response to the financial crisis of May 1866 caused by the failure of the long-established banking house of Overend, Gurney, and Co. Overend, Gurney, and Co, firm
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Begins by asking Benjamin Coleman Coleman, Benjamin (fl. 1865) WBI
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of the 'Stock Exchange, / And Spiritual Magazine Spiritual Magazine (1860–77) Waterloo Directory
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' several questions about the alleged powers of 'Spirits', and then wonders if the spirits that 'attend' Coleman's steps would lend 'A helping spirit-hand' and 'inform us who conspired / Against the Banks, to sink the Shares' and to 'name the Bears'. Suggests that if one of them were 'an honest ghost' it would 'unmask the blackguard lot' and make 'The tables turn on that vile gang'.



Punch,  50 (1866), 255.

'Never Say Die'

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Anon

Genre:

News-Commentary, Drollery

Subjects:

Class, Industry, Utilitarianism, Medical Practitioners

Institutions mentioned:

St Pancras Poor Law Union St Pancras Poor Law Union
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    Begins by noting the common phenomenon, in 'parochial circles', of 'suspended animation' and the acceptance of being 'prematurely "laid out"'. This leads to a discussion of a meeting of poor law guardians at St James's Hall St James's Hall
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, where a speaker criticised those who had unjustly attacked St Pancras poor law guardians for prematurely laying out a child 'as dead while yet living' and for failing to give the child proper 'medical attendance'. The speaker added that there was nothing 'disagreeable' about being prematurely laid out. Punch ironically concludes that the hostility of Angela G Burdett-Coutts Burdett-Coutts, Angela Georgina, 1st Baroness (1814–1906) ODNB
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and her allies towards the Poor Law Board Poor Law Board
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was 'entirely sensational'. Argues that the public 'must be tickled' by this because of their knowledge of many instances of medical incompetence and malpractice in workhouse infirmaries. After a discussion of the remainder of the guardians' meeting, Punch notes that they will not amend their policy on laying out paupers, but insists that while the 'Guardians have good reasons for wishing to preserve their "parochial" dignity and patronage [...] we are afraid Bumbledom is on its last legs'. (The reference is to the parish beadle Bumble in Charles Dickens's Dickens, Charles (1837–96) ODNB
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Oliver Twist [Dickens, Charles John Huffam] 1838. Oliver Twist; or, The Parish Boy's Progress, 3 vols, London: Richard Bentley
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.)



Punch,  50 (1866), 257.

Found

View full article text

Anon

Genre:

Introduction; Drama, Drollery

Subjects:

Disease, Animal Husbandry, Medical Practitioners, Scientific Practitioners, Politics


Punch,  50 (1866), 258.

A Gas Plant at Victoria Park Victoria Park, Hackney
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View full article text

Audi Alteram Partem Audi Alteram Partem
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Genre:

Letter, Spoof

Subjects:

Light, Gas Chemistry, Industry, Manufactories, Pollution, Environmentalism, Politics, Government, Periodicals, Charlatanry

Institutions mentioned:

Houses of Parliament Houses of Parliament
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    The writer begins by telling Mr Punch that he is inspired by the recent defeat of the bill to construct Imperial Gas Company Imperial Gas Light and Coke Company
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works in Victoria Park, and explains that 'ratepayers and householders of Hackney Wick' are trying to crush the Gas Light and Coke Company Gas Light and Coke Company
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(whom the author evidently supports) which is seeking parliamentary approval for an 'odoriferous plant' on the same site. Describes a meeting held by the Hackney residents which discussed the pollution of the proposed and existing factories in the neighbourhood and resolved to form an opposition to 'the sanitary and salutiferous Bill for erecting incense-breathing Gasworks only 800 yards' from the park. Argues that since the gas companies provide great 'illuminating power', supply low cost gas, make 'moderate profits', and are willing to 'accommodate the public', then there is every need to support the companies 'in all their designs' and to fight such adversaries as the critics of the 'Gas Light and Coke Company'. Hopes that despite the parliamentary defeat of the Corporation Gas Bill, this measure will eventually succeed and thus serve 'the interests of a great Company'—the Gas Light and Coke Company. Argues that since the defeat of the Imperial Gas Company Bill was due to too much publicity, it is crucial that companies 'seeking Parliamentary powers to embellish and perfume Victoria Park, contrive to keep their Bill to erect Gasworks for that purpose out of the lists of [Parliamentary] Orders of the Day that appear in the newspapers'. Reminds Mr Punch of the 'choicest scents' made from the 'residual products' of gasworks and thus stresses that such manufactories will only add to the smell of flowers in the park. Concludes by stressing that he has not been bribed by any gas company.



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Punch,  50 (1866), 259.

The Model Union Workhouse

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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:

Notes, 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:

Industry, Utilitarianism, Class, Nutrition, Health, Disease, Medical Practitioners, Natural History, Progress, Politics


    The initial letter forms part of an illustration representing a poor law union workhouse as a giant bee-hive into which stagger a long, winding queue of paupers who have bees' wings and bodies. On either side of the nest stand an enormous (compared with the diminutive paupers) matron and guardian. Flying around the nest are other 'bees' associated with the workhouse, including nurses and a clerk. The text begins by emphasising that the workhouse is meant for 'penal tasks, designed to plague paupers', but then proceeds to outline some of the workhouse reforms being promoted by Ernest A Hart Hart, Ernest Abraham (1835–98) ODNB
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and the Archbishop of York, William Thomson Thomson, William (1819–90) ODNB
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. Anticipates the time 'when the workhouse diet-scale will be raised to a sufficiency of plain, wholesome food; when overcrowding will cease in the sick-wards, and the patients in them will enjoy their due number of cubic feet of air; when competent nurses, and not drunken creatures unable to read, and accustomed to steal their beer and other stimulants, will be employed to tend them; proper washerwomen to cleanse their linen without extorting gratuities of gin for not returning it to them steeped in filth and verminous; when further they will receive due medical assistance duly remunerated, and not be suffered to die of neglected bedsores'. Believes this 'Workhouse of the Future' will be a true 'House of regulated Industry', much like the beehive depicted in the article.



Punch,  50 (1866), 260.

Caterpillars and Clowns

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Anon

Genre:

Reportage, Spoof

Subjects:

Lecturing, Natural History, Animal Behaviour, Agriculture, Cruelty


    A parody of the claim that birds (rather than insect vermin) are the most redoubtable agricultural pest. Reports a lecture by Professor Crammer to the members of the 'Loutsfield Sparrow Club' on the 'Uses of Grubs and Caterpillars' and other vermin. He tells his rustic audience that insects did not feed on 'cereal or other horticultural produce' but on weeds, 'injurious elements in the earth at the roots of corn', and 'the smut and ergot that infested the crops of wheat and corn'. Concludes that insects are actually a 'boon to the agriculturist', and advocates the destruction of sparrows, finches, and other birds that damage and consume 'grain and other produce'. Suggests that boys be encouraged to shoot them and describes the culinary uses of these birds. Concludes by toasting caterpillars.



Punch,  50 (1866), 260.

The Spirits and the "School for Scandal"

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Anon

Genre:

News-Commentary, Drollery

Subjects:

Spiritualism, Amusement


    Discusses news of Daniel D Home's Home, Daniel Dunglas (1833–86) ODNB
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debut as a stage actor. Given Home's reputation for levitation, suggests that he should play 'Ariel' in William Shakespeare's Shakespeare, William (1564–1616) ODNB
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The Tempest, and wonders whether Home will perform some of his spiritualist feats on stage.



Punch,  50 (1866), 261.

Punch's Essence of Parliament

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Anon

Genre:

Regular Feature, Proceedings, Drollery

Subjects:

Economic Geology, Political Economy, Geology, Mapping, Politics, Government


    Notes a debate in the House of Commons House of Commons
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on Britain's coal supply, in which Henry H Vivian Vivian, Sir Henry Hussey, 1st Baron Swansea (1821–94) ODNB
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'delivered a highly scientific speech on Coal Supply, and stated his disbelief in the probable exhaustion of our coals' (thus opposing the views of John S Mill Mill, John Stuart (1806–73) DSB
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). Punch advises that we 'go deep into the bowels of the earth'. Agrees with William T M Torrens's Torrens, William Torrens McCullagh (1813–94) ODNB
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suggestion that surveyors for the Geological Survey of Great Britain Geological Survey of Great Britain
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should 'report on the subject', but believes that a 'Commission', on which Roderick I Murchison Murchison, Sir Roderick Impey, 1st Baronet (1792–1871) DSBODNB
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is to serve, will be the outcome. In a parody of the nursery rhyme, suggests that Britain will 'coil [its] chains' around the 'grimy veins' of 'Old King Coal'.



Punch,  50 (1866), 262.

'To Lie in Cold Obstruction, and Talk Not' (Hamlet Slightly Altered)

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Anon

Genre:

Poetry

Subjects:

Economic Geology, Energy, Political Economy

People mentioned:

William S Jevons Jevons, William Stanley (1835–82) DSB
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Punch,  50 (1866), 265.

Happy Thoughts (Collected in Happy Hours: Including Some Instructive Facts in Natural History, and Other Domestic and Rural Information)  [1/39][Francis C Burnand], 'Happy Thoughts', Punch, 51 (1866), 36
[Francis C Burnand], 'Happy Thoughts', Punch, 51 (1866), 68
[Francis C Burnand], 'Happy Thoughts', Punch, 51 (1866), 86–87
[Francis C Burnand], 'Happy Thoughts', Punch, 51 (1866), 96–97
[Francis C Burnand], 'Happy Thoughts (My Stay at Boodels Comes to an Abrupt Termination)', Punch, 51 (1866), 120–21
[Francis C Burnand], 'Happy Thoughts (In the Intermediate State 'Twixt Boodels and Frasers. Relief.)', Punch, 51 (1866), 146–47
[Francis C Burnand], 'Happy Thoughts (The Morning After. At Furze)', Punch, 51 (1866), 180–81
[Francis C Burnand], 'Happy Thoughts', Punch, 51 (1866), 236–37
[Francis C Burnand], 'Happy Thoughts (Quit Bovor. Night in Town. Sea-side Interval)', Punch, 52 (1867), 61
[Francis C Burnand], 'Happy Thoughts (The Horse from Brett's—Sporting—The Harriers)', Punch, 52 (1867), 113
[Francis C Burnand], 'Happy Thoughts (Married and Settled)', Punch, 52 (1867), 174–75

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[Francis C Burnand] Burnand, Sir Francis Cowley (1836–1917) ODNB
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Genre:

Diary, Spoof, Serial

Subjects:

Natural History, Animal Behaviour


    Written from the perspective of a town inhabitant who savours the delights of living in the country during the summer. The narrator's anticipations of the pleasantries of such a lifestyle are interspersed with diversions that relay his own and friends' comments on the size and behaviour of wasps, hornets, bees, and swans, which he thinks will spoil his anticipated pastoral bliss. The first diversion includes the view of a 'country friend' who claims that 'Every Wasp that flies about in the early summer is a Queen Wasp; she is double the size of other Wasps, and has twice the sting'. Later he notes his friend's similar warning about the size and sting of the queen hornet, and about the ability of swans to break a man's leg with their wings, and the viciousness of swans.


Reprinted:

Burnand 1868 Burnand, Francis Cowley 1868. Happy Thoughts, London: Bradbury, Evans & Co.
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Punch,  50 (1866), 265.

Very Scientific

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Anon

Genre:

Notes, Drollery

Subjects:

Evolution, Zoology


    Claims to have written to Charles R Darwin Darwin, Charles Robert (1809–82) DSB
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to ask whether, 'under his theory of development', a 'bay-pony' can ever 'become a sea-horse'.



Punch,  50 (1866), 266.

Vague People

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Anon

Genre:

Catechism, Drollery

Subjects:

Mathematics

People mentioned:

Euclid Euclid (fl. 295 BC) DSB
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Punch,  50 (1866), 268.

Pity the Poor Bear!

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Anon

Genre:

News-Commentary, Drollery

Subjects:

Commerce, Animal Behaviour, Nutrition

Institutions mentioned:

Stock Exchange Stock Exchange
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Publications cited:

The Times The Times (1777–1900+) Waterloo Directory
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Punch,  50 (1866), 268.

Scientific Intelligence

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Anon

Genre:

Announcement, Spoof

Subjects:

Societies, Zoology, Animal Behaviour, Pharmaceuticals, Physiology


    Announces a paper at the Zoological Society Zoological Society of London
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'"On the Pace of the Snail", with a rider "On its Gallop"', and one at the Pharmaceutical Society Pharmaceutical Society of Great Britain
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'On an Infusion of New Blood'.



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Punch,  50 (1866), 269.

The Salubrity of Gas-works

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Anon

Genre:

News-Commentary

Subjects:

Hospitals, Industry, Pollution


    Directs the attention of Parliament Houses of Parliament
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to a newspaper extract describing the number of people relieved at the Hospital for the Diseases of the Chest Hospital for the Diseases of the Chest
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in Victoria Park Victoria Park, Hackney
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. Given the gasworks in the latter site, suggests that the tar products of gas manufacture have the same beneficial effect on 'the human system' as tar water, once known as a 'remedy for diseases of the chest'. Suggests also that this might be why gas companies wish to build additional works on Victoria Park, but thinks that this will only send more patients to the hospital.



Punch,  50 (1866), 269.

Marvellous

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Anon

Genre:

News-Commentary, Drollery

Subjects:

Spiritualism, Magic, Human Development


Punch,  50 (1866), 270.

Punch's Essence of Parliament

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Anon

Genre:

Regular Feature, Proceedings, Drollery

Subjects:

Railways, Accidents


Punch,  50 (1866), 270.

A Word for the Zoo

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Anon

Genre:

Notes, Drollery

Subjects:

Animal Behaviour, Animal Development, Education, Zoology, Imperialism, Zoological Gardens


    Advises 'Fellahs coming home from India' with wild animals to present them to the Zoological Society Zoological Society of London
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which can tame them.



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