Science in the 19th Century Periodical

Punch, Or the London Charivari [1st]

Introductory Essay
Volume 53  (July to December 1867)
Punch,  53 (1867), [v]–[viii].

Introduction

Anon

Genre:

Notes

Subjects:

Engineering, Discovery, Theory, Gravity, Mechanics, Mathematics, Physics, Controversy, Utilitarianism, Disease, Class, Zoology, Zoological Gardens, Telegraphy


    Summarises forthcoming articles on the opening of the Suez Canal Suez Canal
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(Anon, 'From Egyptian Hall', Punch, 53 (1867), 60), on John J Mechi's Mechi, John Joseph (1802–80) ODNB
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model farm at Tiptree (, Anon, 'New Meaning', Punch, 53 (1867), 115), on controversial letters between Isaac Newton Newton, Sir Isaac (1642–1727) DSB
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and Blaise Pascal Pascal, Blaise (1623–62) DSB
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(, Anon, 'Epigram by a Moosoo', Punch, 53 (1867), 153, , Annie W, '"Blaise?—Blazes!!"', Punch, 53 (1867), 177), on the Lancet's Lancet (1823–1900+) Waterloo Directory
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account of the workhouse near Aldershot (, Anon, 'Farnham-Hops', Punch, 53 (1867), 184), on the Walrus at the Zoological Society Gardens Zoological Society of London —Gardens
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(, Anon, 'Motto for the Walrus', Punch, 53 (1867), 205), and on the Atlantic telegraph cable (, Anon, 'Telegraphy and Tortola', Punch, 53 (1867), 225).



Punch,  53 (1867), 3.

Punch's Essence of Parliament

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Anon

Genre:

Regular Feature, Proceedings, Drollery

Subjects:

Government, Politics, Railways, Accidents


    Discusses the opposition to Stephen Cave's Cave, Sir Stephen (1820–80) ODNB
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bill for making railway companies 'provide communication between passengers and guards'.



Punch,  53 (1867), 4.

Britannia's Baby-House

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Anon

Genre:

Song, Drollery

Subjects:

Nationalism, Pollution, Health


Punch,  53 (1867), 8.

The College of Disease

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Anon

Genre:

Essay

Subjects:

Vaccination, Health, Disease, Human Development, Quackery, Medical Treatment


    Attacks a circular issued by the British College of Health British College of Health
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which warns of the dangers of vaccination, and suggests that 'since Vaccination became compulsory in 1853, there has been more small-pox than ever' and that vaccination causes more diseases than it prevents. Sarcastically suggests that if these claims were true then anybody wishing to kill their children should follow the law and have them vaccinated. Concludes by pointing out that if not vaccinating children does not kill them then administering the college's 'universal medicine' will.



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Punch,  53 (1867), 12.

Punch's Essence of Parliament

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Anon

Genre:

Regular Feature, Proceedings, Drollery

Subjects:

Government, Politics, Railways, Transport, Accidents


    Discusses the progress of the bill requiring the possibility of communication between guards and passengers on railway trains.



Punch,  53 (1867), 17.

Anodynes in the Workhouse

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Anon

Genre:

Essay

Subjects:

Utilitarianism, Government, Health, Narcotics, Medical Treatment


    Begins by sarcastically noting that a 'fortunate omission' in Gathorne Gathorne-Hardy's Gathorne-Hardy, Gathorne, 1st Earl of Cranbrook (1814–1906) ODNB
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Poor Law Amendment Act will allow the guardians of the St Pancras Poor Law Union St Pancras Poor Law Union
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to continue controlling the 'medical arrangements' of their workhouse instead of forcing the guardians to defer to the authority of 'unreasonable and unparochial medical officers'. Proceeds to discuss the guardians' criticism of the 'unlimited' quantity of opium made available for treating paupers, the criticism of this practice by a medical practitioner, and the fear that the acquisition of so much opium would raise its price. Concludes by agreeing with the guardians' decision to reduce the quantity of opium, pointing out that excess consumption of this drug would prove costly to ratepayers and undermine the view of the workhouse as a 'penal institution'.



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Punch,  53 (1867), [25].

The Illustrious Convalescent

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

Illustration, Drollery

Relevant illustrations:

wdct.

Illustrators:

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

Government, Medical Practitioners, War, Politics, Internationalism


    Shows John Bull welcoming Sultan Abd-ul-Aziz Abd-ul-Aziz, Sultan of Turkey (1830–76) CBD
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of Turkey, who is visiting Britain as part of his convalescence. John Bull tells him, 'I knew my Crimean doctors would set you up, and this visit will do you all the good in the world'.



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Punch,  53 (1867), 31.

A Neglected Invention

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Anon

Genre:

News-Commentary, Drollery

Subjects:

Internationalism, Military Technology, War

Publications cited:

The Times The Times (1777–1900+) Waterloo Directory
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    Reports on the recent visit of Sultan Abd-ul-Aziz Abd-ul-Aziz, Sultan of Turkey (1830–76) CBD
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of Turkey to the Royal Arsenal, Woolwich Royal Arsenal, Woolwich
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, noting that he was shown various weapons and weapon-making processes, including Snider Snider, Jacob (1820–66) WBI
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rifles and the casting of William Palliser's Palliser, Sir William (1830–82) ODNB
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'chilled shot'. Draws attention to the fact that although the sultan was shown, much to his pleasure, weapons 'with which we put our native enemies to death' he was not shown the gallows.



Punch,  53 (1867), 33.

Coutts Burdett-Coutts, Angela Georgina, 1st Baroness (1814–1906) ODNB
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and Peabody Peabody, George (1795–1869) ODNB
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Anon

Genre:

News-Commentary, Poetry

Subjects:

Patronage, Government, Utilitarianism, Class, Disease


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Punch,  53 (1867), 43.

Cause and Effect

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Anon

Genre:

News-Commentary

Subjects:

Commerce, Crime, Railways, Transport


    Alarmed at news that Samuel M Peto Peto, Sir Samuel Morton (1809–89) ODNB
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, Thomas R Crampton Crampton, Thomas Russell (1816–88) ODNB
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, and Edward L Betts Betts, Edward Ladd (1815–72) ODNB
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are in the London Court of Bankruptcy London Court of Bankruptcy
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and that the Bank of England Bank of England
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has reduced its interest rates by 2%, interprets the latter as the effect of 'stagnation of enterprise, cessation of labour, and paralysis of industry', and the fate of Peto, Crampton, and Betts as 'reckless financing, contractors' lines, gulled shareholders, £100 shares at £17, general distrust of railway enterprises, and general disgust with railway investments'. Offers a savage criticism of the 'practical' nature of the English people by attacking their financial greed, their shady speculations, their blowing of 'the bubbles of trade and industry till they burst', their celebration of false puffery, the impotence of 'public Parliamentary labours' and 'inertia' of self-government, and the 'rascality' of its retail trade. Insists that 'We are about the most unpractical, wasteful, thriftless, and helpless people on the face of the globe', not least because of our worship of Mammon.



Punch,  53 (1867), 44.

A Hart Who is a Trump

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Anon

Genre:

News-Commentary

Subjects:

Utilitarianism, Class, Disease, Hospitals, Patronage, Heroism


    Upholding the need for a testimonial for commemorating the work of Ernest A Hart Hart, Ernest Abraham (1835–98) ODNB
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whom it believes has 'recently done more than any man alive to comfort the poor patients in our workhouse infirmaries, who till lately have been left to die uncared for and scarcely nursed'.



Punch,  53 (1867), 50.

At the Zoo

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Leonard L Straszynski Strazynski, Leonard Ludwik (1828–79) WBI
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Genre:

Illustration, Drollery

Relevant illustrations:

wdct.

Illustrators:

Leonard L Straszynski Strazynski, Leonard Ludwik (1828–79) WBI
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Subjects:

Zoological Gardens, Zoology, Animal Behaviour


    Shows a 'Slender' and a 'Stout' gentleman standing near the hippopotamus and giraffe enclosures of the Zoological Society Gardens Zoological Society of London —Gardens
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. The slim gentleman, evidently sympathising with the giraffe, wonders how the hippopotamus can walk, while the stout gentleman, evidently sympathising with the hippopotamus, is baffled by the ability of giraffes to 'maintain their perpendicular'.



Punch,  53 (1867), 52.

Epicurus Afloat

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Epicurus Rotundus Rotundus, Epicurus
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Genre:

Letter, Spoof

Subjects:

Military Technology, Steamships, War

Institutions mentioned:

Royal Navy Royal Navy
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    Tells the editor of his visit to the recent 'Naval Review' in Portsmouth, and describes his experience of sailing on the 'H.M.S. Royal Turret', 'the most tremendous of Turret Ships'. Later, he recounts his experience of getting inside one of the turrets, including his observations of the 'tremendous gun' which was 'Completely protected, and laid and worked by gunners who are safe and invisible', as well as being charged with 'five-and-thirty pounds of powder, and a ball about the size of your own respected head'. Elaborates on the fire-power and armour of the ship, believing that it could have 'engaged the whole wooden fleet that day' and thanking the Admiralty Admiralty
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that it 'did not succeed in its desperate efforts to prevent our getting such a weapon'.



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Punch,  53 (1867), 55.

Political Geology. Lecture by PROFESSOR BENJAMIN

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Anon

Genre:

Introduction, Drollery; Address, Spoof

Subjects:

Politics, Geology, Government, Palaeontology, Lecturing, Analogy


    Drawing on the analogy between geological and political events, begins by introducing the 'interesting lecture on political geology' given at 'St. Stephen's British School Rooms' (i.e. the Houses of Parliament Houses of Parliament
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) by 'PROFESSOR BENJAMIN' (i.e. Benjamin Disraeli Disraeli, Benjamin, 1st Earl of Beaconsfield (1804–81) ODNB
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). Reports that the lecturer started by noting the 'various theories' that had been 'propounded in connection with the upheavals and depressions which characterise our administrative system', and urges that 'a profound knowledge of Political Geology' was needed to decide whether the 'elevation of that large section of legislative wisdom' found 'in the vicinity of Derby' (an allusion to 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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) was due to 'a sudden convulsion of conservatism, or from a gradual subsidence of Gladstonian Gladstone, William Ewart (1809–98) ODNB
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soil'. Drawing an analogy between the sensitivities of the electorate and of the soil, notes that the lecturer claimed that the 'London clay' would be 'worked up for a variety of purposes' but that beneath the clay was 'the Residuum' which was 'extremely plastic' and 'if judiciously manipulated' could be used to consolidate 'our national institutions'. The lecturer then drew an analogy between dirt-beds and Toryism. The former usually comprise trees fossilised in limestone, the trees retaining the same attitude and places that they had when alive. Like dirt-bed timber, Toryism is 'converted into something strongly at variance' with its normal condition, while retaining the places that it occupied in its 'palmy days' (a possible reference to its period in opposition to Henry J Temple (3rd Viscount Palmerston) Temple, Henry John, 3rd Viscount Palmerston (1784–1865) ODNB
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). The lecturer concluded by urging his young audience to appreciate the lessons of 'Political Geology' and to consider such problems as the reason why 'radical shells were now found on the summit of the most conservative mountains'. Believes that only 'Ministers' can solve such mysteries.



Punch,  53 (1867), 60.

From Egyptian Hall Egyptian Hall, Piccadilly
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Anon

Genre:

Announcement, Spoof

Subjects:

Engineering

Institutions mentioned:

Suez Canal Suez Canal
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Punch,  53 (1867), 64.

The Character Insurance Company

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Anon

Genre:

Announcement, Spoof

Subjects:

Phrenology, Psychology, Philosophy, Physiognomy, Human Development, Animal Behaviour, Morality, Railways, Transport, Commerce, Charlatanry, Crime


    Begins by pondering the credibility of phrenology and its 'general principles' and proceeds to a series of questions on the nature and development of the brain. These include: 'Is it a substance no more important than so much fat?' 'Has the brain any connection with the mind?' 'Does its development really in general vary with the varieties of mental character?' 'Do those men whose heads most resemble the heads of apes, approach the nearest of all mankind to the lower animals?' and 'Is there not a general difference between the clerical and the criminal head?'. Announces the Character Insurance Company, which is based on the supposition that it is possible to 'estimate the development of the brain in a general way' and that its directors will examine the 'heads of persons willing to submit to that scrutiny, and pay for it', and provide a 'correct account' of such persons' 'disposition and abilities'. Explains that the company directors will also classify heads according to their moral nature and that this process is designed to give shareholders a means of establishing which individuals are to be trusted 'with the management of their affairs', and thus raise 'commercial confidence' and prevent 'panics'. Concludes by insisting that the company will ensure better use of capital and prevent such a 'scandal as the smash of the London, Chatham, and Dover Railway London, Chatham, and Dover Railway Company
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'.



Punch,  53 (1867), 69.

A Railway Legend

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Anon

Genre:

Poetry

Subjects:

Railways, Transport, Commerce, Charlatanry


    Describes the grim consequences of an 'insolvent [railway] line', including a 'taxed-cart' on which had been scrawled 'To Be Sold'. Ponders the identity of the cart, suggesting that he may have invested in 'rotten shares', and, on hearing the 'screech of steam' from a train, expresses relief that he did not invest in the line. Suggests that the 'taxed-cart might instruct the wise / How cash might well be spent'.



Punch,  53 (1867), 69.

Hygeia and Hymen

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Anon

Genre:

News-Commentary

Subjects:

Human Development, Health, Disease, Nutrition, Narcotics, Mental Illness


    Discusses the claim made by James Stark Stark, James (1811–90) WBI
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, the Scottish Registrar-General, that 'bachelorhood is more destructive to life' than other unwholesome occupations or styles of life. Suggests that some bachelors will consider Stark to be 'stark mad', but explains that it may be based on the fact that married men indulge less in food and drink.



Punch,  53 (1867), 70.

Speech-Day at Colwell-Hatchney Colney Hatch Asylum
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View full article text

Anon

Genre:

Reportage, Spoof

Subjects:

Mental Illness, Mathematics

People mentioned:

Euclid Euclid (fl. 295 BC) DSB
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Punch,  53 (1867), 71.

Controversial Anatomy

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Anon

Genre:

News-Commentary

Subjects:

Anatomy, Dissection, Religion, Periodicals


    Discusses an Athenaeum Athenaeum (1828–1900+) Waterloo Directory
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review of a 'volume of essays' by Henry E Manning Manning, Henry Edward (1808–92) ODNB
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, which the author claims is a 'masterpiece of dissection', written by somebody who is 'notoriously dextrous in slitting up bundles of paradoxes', and who 'walks, as medical students say, into one of the soft parts presented to his [literary] scalpel'. Believes that the reviewer has laid bare 'a morbid appearance', but stresses that 'these spots of disease are strictly local', explaining that Manning's 'faith towards the Church of Rome' and 'bad faith towards the Church of England' represents the views of the archbishop and not of the whole church.



Punch,  53 (1867), 71.

Our Prospects

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Anon

Genre:

Extract, Essay, Spoof

Subjects:

Telegraphy, Technology, Politics, Government, Futurism, Electricity


    Anticipates the day when 'everything will be done by electricity', and suggests that this will mean that political debates will be 'wired' from telegraphic pianos operated by clerks in Parliament Houses of Parliament
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, that 'journals will contain the news of the following day', and that 'Naval and military success will depend entirely upon respective electrical resources'.



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Punch,  53 (1867), 73.

Beatitude Made Easy

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An Old Bachelor Old Bachelor, An
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Genre:

Poetry, Drollery

Subjects:

Mesmerism, Narcotics


Punch,  53 (1867), 73.

Sayings at Spithead. Reviewing the Review

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Anon

Genre:

Poetry, Drollery

Subjects:

Military Technology, Steamships, Progress, Politics, War


    Begins with the poet describing how 'Ben' (Benjamin Disraeli Disraeli, Benjamin, 1st Earl of Beaconsfield (1804–81) ODNB
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) explained to him that in the days of Horatio Nelson Nelson, Horatio, Viscount Nelson (1758–1805) ODNB
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, ships were made from oak and canvas and there was 'no Armstrong Armstrong, Sir William George, Baron Armstrong of Cragside (1810–1900) ODNB
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gun', even though many a 'tough sea-fight' was won. The poet replied that although 'sail give way to screw' and guns now 'be made of longer range, / Our tars are still True Blue', and should war break out they still 'have hearts as stout' as before.



Punch,  53 (1867), 74.

A Plague and its Cure

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Anon

Genre:

News-Commentary

Subjects:

Disease, Miracle, Supernaturalism, Superstition, Religious Authority


    Discusses a report in the Journal de Liège Journal de Liège (1848–1900+) Bibliothèque Nationale
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of the crowning of 'The Miraculous Statue of the Virgin Jessy' in Liège, a statue whose transportation allegedly spared the town from the ravages of cholera and cattle plague. Stresses that the journal dismissed the possibility that the apparent miracle was caused by the local church fathers who wanted to spread 'error and superstition' and 'more securely establish their influence'. Notes that the 'facts of the case' militate against this, since the procession of the statue was followed by several fatal cases of cholera and cattle-plague. Concludes by expressing surprise at the revelation that the town council had supported and patronised the church fathers in their 'fetichism'.



Punch,  53 (1867), 74.

A Petition to Parliament Out-of-Doors

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Anon

Genre:

Poetry

Subjects:

Politics, Government, Hunting, Extinction, Environmentalism, Pollution


    Begins by noting that most members of the House of Commons House of Commons
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have 'Gone [...] upon the moors' where they shoot birds, 'beasts of chase', and other animals. Proceeds to lament the disappearance of several cherished species including the badger, fox, kite, buzzard, sparrow-hawk, raven, and bittern. Condemns those who hunt these animals for food as 'Philistines' and laments the way that common land is 'narrowing day by day', thanks to 'vile builders' and 'Ye Legislators' whose 'detested Bills' legitimate such encroachments on 'England's few wilds'. Concludes by calling for the preservation of 'the greenwoods and the flowers / Our fathers knew' as well as the 'game, ye landed Powers, / And vermin too'.



Punch,  53 (1867), 74.

Must be His

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Anon

Genre:

Announcement, Drollery

Subjects:

Environmentalism, Politics

Publications cited:

Peek 1867 Peek, Henry William 1867. Six Essays on Commons Preservation: Written in Competition for Prizes Offered By H. W. Peek Containing a Legal and Historical Examination of Manorial Rights and Customs, With a View to the Preservation of Commons Near Great Towns, London: Sampson Low and Marston
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Punch,  53 (1867), 81.

Cap and Bell on Science and Art

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Anon

Genre:

News-Commentary, Drollery

Subjects:

Government, Politics, Education, Aesthetics, Class


    Derides Ralph Bernal Osborne Bernal Osborne, Ralph (1808?–82) ODNB
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for his speech in Parliament Houses of Parliament
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in which he criticized Henry Cole Cole, Sir Henry (1808–82) ODNB
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, the South Kensington Museum South Kensington Museum
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, and the 'Grant' for the Department of Science and Art Department of Science and Art
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. Explains that while Osborne understood that the latter department, 'with a Museum, and Art Schools, and Professors, and Grants of Money' could inspire 'aesthetical ideas', he insisted that 'the people were very unimpressionable in matters of Science and Art'. Punch agrees with this, but attacks Osborne for claiming that 'it is absurd to try an impress' the people and arguing against using government grants to educate taste. Notes Osborne's criticism of the high salaries drawn by professors of the Science and Art Department and anticipates that in the reformed House of Commons House of Commons
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there will be 'more representatives of the working men' who 'best know the needs of the people, in the way of education, and art, and science', who would not tolerate such 'catchers of barren laughs' as Osborne, and who would attack the 'scorners of a science they are innocent of'. Concludes by mocking Osborne for being ignorant of the School of Art Nottingham School of Art
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in the constituency he represents.



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Punch,  53 (1867), 84.

A Few Friends. (In Several Tableaux From My Photograph Book). Tableau I  [1/25]Anon, 'A Few Words. (In Several Tableaux from My Photograph Book). Tableau II—My Gloomy Friend', Punch, 53 (1867), 114–15
Anon, 'A Few Friends. (From My Photograph Book). Tableau III—A Relative—Necessary Preparations for Exhibiting Tableau of "My Funny Friend"', Punch, 53 (1867), 123–24
Anon, 'A Few Friends. (From My Photograph Book). Tableau III., My Aunt—Tableau IV., My Landlady—Tableau V., My Funny Friend', Punch, 53 (1867), 133–34
Anon, 'A Few Friends. (From My Photograph Book). Tableau V—My Funny Friend—(Continued)', Punch, 53 (1867), 156–57
Anon, 'A Few Friends. (From My Photograph Book). Tableau V.—My Friend—(Continued)', Punch, 53 (1867), 173
Anon, 'A Few Friends (From my Photographic Book). Tableau XI.—The Long-Engaged', Punch, 54 (1868), 9
Anon, 'A Few Friends. (From My Photograph Book) Tableau XII–My Portable Friend', Punch, 54 (1868), 22
Anon, 'A Few Friends. (From My Photograph Book) Tableau XII–My Portable Friend (Continued)', Punch, 54 (1868), 30–31

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Anon

Genre:

Diary, Spoof, Serial

Subjects:

Mathematics


Punch,  53 (1867), 86.

Mr. and Mrs. Titwillow. P.P.C.

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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:

Human Development, Ornithology, Aeronautics


    Shows a family group, including Mr and Mrs Titwillow, flying above a sea of chimney pots. They fly by means of large birds' wings that sprout from their backs.



Punch,  53 (1867), [87].

Punch's Dream of the Dead Season

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

Illustration, Drollery

Relevant illustrations:

wdct.

Illustrators:

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

Psychology, Palaeontology, Zoology,


    Shows Mr Punch and his dog Toby asleep on a couch. In the background are the subjects of Mr Punch's dream, including the notorious 'Toad in the Rock' (exhibited at the International Exhibition (1862) International Exhibition (1862), London
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), a 'Gigantic Gooseberry', a 'Shower of Frogs', and 'the Salmon that was caught at Teddington' (a reference to the climbing salmon caught in that area).



Punch,  53 (1867), 90.

Misadventure Called Manslaughter. A Talk Between Two Fellows

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Anon

Genre:

Dialogue, Spoof

Subjects:

Crime, Narcotics, Medical Treatment, Medical Practitioners, Psychology, Morality


    Describes a debate between 'Two Fellows' on the case of a Leicester shopkeeper who was convicted of manslaughter for mistakenly selling laudanum instead of 'tincture of rhubarb', and thereby poisoning a child. The second fellow insists that the shopkeeper should be hanged 'to encourage others to take more care' and criticises him for trying to administer his own medical treatment to the child. The first fellow defends the shopkeeper, arguing that if such deaths occur without the knowledge of a medical man, then the cause of death 'might escape discovery', and so a vendor might forget to call a medical expert on the grounds that this would lead to his prosecution. He also dismisses the second fellow's notion that this is a 'selfish' course of action by pointing out that society is also selfish 'in enforcing responsibility for its own mere safety, with a view to precaution alone, and irrespectively of right or wrong'.



Punch,  53 (1867), 92.

Punch's Dream of the Dead Season (Inspired by a Similar Transaction in Shakespeare Shakespeare, William (1564–1616) ODNB
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)

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Anon

Genre:

Poetry, Drollery

Subjects:

Hunting, Natural History, Zoology, Monstrosities, Human Development, Exhibitions, Palaeontology, Geology, Animal Behaviour, Supernaturalism


    Follows John Tenniel, 'Punch's Dream of the Dead Season', Punch, 53 (1867), [87] and consists of six stanzas, each one written from the perspective of the 'Ghost' of a zoological curiosity. In the first stanza, the 'Ghost of a Thames Salmon' rises from a tank in the Zoological Society Gardens Zoological Society of London —Gardens
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, seeks publicity in the The Times The Times (1777–1900+) Waterloo Directory
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, and wants Francis T Buckland Buckland, Francis Trevelyan (1826–80) ODNB
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to pickle him. In the second stanza, the 'Ghost of the Sea Serpent' grumbles that his body has been 'punched with deadly holes' from an Armstrong Armstrong, Sir William George, Baron Armstrong of Cragside (1810–1900) ODNB
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gun and hopes his tale will enrich those 'Yankees that prophesy and end of kinds'. In the third stanza, the 'Ghost of the Oldest Inhabitant' wants to read his heroic obituary in the Morning Post Morning Post and Daily Advertising Pamphlet (1772–1900+) Waterloo Directory
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, while in the fourth, the 'Ghost of the Toad in the Coal' (an exhibit at the International Exhibition (1862) International Exhibition (1862), London
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) wakes to describe how he was 'A senior at the Deluge' and wonders why he was woken from his happy resting place in a Yorkshire coal mine. In the fifth stanza, the 'Ghosts of two young Gorillas' rise and contemplate their cousins who died at the Zoological Society Gardens whilst being 'Soothed' by Paul B Du Chaillu Du Chaillu, Paul Belloni (1831–1903) CBD
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. In the final stanza, the 'Ghosts of divers Luses Naturae' rise and explain that they will 'appear provincially tomorrow' in a range of exotic forms from 'Two-headed calves' to a 'shower of frogs'—each one apparently based on a true case of a monstrosity.



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Punch,  53 (1867), 93.

A Competition Wallow

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Anon

Genre:

News-Commentary

Subjects:

Exhibitions, Invention, Crime, Nationalism


    Discusses a report in The Times The Times (1777–1900+) Waterloo Directory
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of a competition recently held at the Exposition Universelle (1867) Exposition Universelle (1867), Paris
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, Paris, between English and American inventors of safes. The competition involved teams of 'expert' German and 'inexpert' Lancastrian men cracking the English and American safes respectively. Punch regards the report as an example of 'Competition Wallow' and warns that given the nature of the inventions, they should have been cracked in private. Concludes by condemning this display as vulgar, insisting that it exhibited 'an illustration of the World's Industry having very much the reverse of that noble and elevating character which such industry is commonly extolled for'.



Punch,  53 (1867), 95.

Icolmkill to the Rescue!

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Anon

Genre:

News-Commentary

Relevant illustrations:

wdct.

Illustrators:

J P Portch, Julian (d. 1865) WBI
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Spielmann, Marion Harry Alexander 1895. The History of "Punch", London: Cassell
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Subjects:

Archaeology, Environmentalism, Phrenology, Natural History, Botany


    The initial letter forms part of an illustration showing a bespectacled chimpanzee crouching down reading a book. The text describes a report of the defacement of ancient monuments on the island of Iona. Punch responds by telling Cornelius Donovan Donovan, Cornelius (c. 1820–72) DNBS
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that it wishes phrenology were 'as trustworthy in its practical application as its extreme professors maintain' because then there could be 'phrenological experts' hired to prevent people from landing on Iona unless endowed with 'a reasonably well developed organ of Veneration'. Attacks the naturalists who were reported to have 'picked away at the cement' of a sacred building on the island, suggesting that each of them 'would not scruple to "peep and botanise upon his mother's grave"'. Concludes by suggesting that the Archaeological Society British Archaeological Society
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should seek to get a statute enacted protecting the ruins.


See also:

Anon, 'The Character Insurance Company', Punch, 53 (1867), 64


Punch,  53 (1867), 101.

Michael Faraday Faraday, Michael (1791–1867) DSB
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View full article text

Anon

Genre:

Poetry

Subjects:

Scientific Practitioners, Heroism, Physics, Faith, Religion, Religious Authority, Methodology, Natural Law, Natural Theology, Force, Energy, Electricity, Magnetism


    This threnody begins by likening the death of the nation's most eminent figures to the 'top-most leaves' having fallen off 'our English oak'. Announces that 'Another leaf has dropped on that sere heap', but claims that Farady was of 'loftier fame' than a soldier, statesman, poet, and painter: he was 'A Priest of Truth, who lived within her shrine'. Expatiates on Faraday's status as a 'Priest'. Explains that it was his 'office to expound / Earth's mysteries' to all who revered but not feared what they found in the 'book of Science'. Emphasises that he was a priest who 'prayed as well as ministered' (a reference to Faraday's Sandemanian faith) and who 'grasped' and 'held fast' to 'the faith he preached', and distinguished himself as one who serves science rather than one who pursues 'private profit'. Explains that his 'life was fashioned to fulfil' the goal that 'he who tends the hest of Science' best serves 'The God of Truth and Knowledge', and praises the way he rose from 'humbleness', through a 'slow march of induction', to 'peaks' that few can attain. Adds that from this height he commanded a 'bird's eye glance o'er Nature' and could understand 'What seems confusion' when 'looked at from below'. The outcome of this process was order growing in 'ever-widening orbs of Law' out of 'seeming Chaos', the 'harmony' of 'Creation's mighty music', and the sense of 'larger unity' behind 'varieties of force and power'—all known forces being 'grasped in a central Will', 'Thunder and light revealed as [...] Modes of the force that works at Nature's heart'. Points out how Faraday traced the 'mysterious pulses' of the cosmos to the 'fountain-head, where they subsist / In form as yet not given e'en him to know'. In the closing stanzas, the author shifts to Faraday's personality, including a 'temper' that was 'child-like, simple, free from flaws', an untiring 'charity', a keeness to win 'Childhood's or manhood's ear', and an enthusiasm to teach and learn.



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Punch,  53 (1867), 103.

Note by a Spiritualist

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Anon

Genre:

Notes, Drollery

Subjects:

Spiritualism, Miracle


Punch,  53 (1867), 105.

Things New at the "Zoo" Zoological Society of London —Gardens
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View full article text

Anon

Genre:

Poetry, Drollery

Subjects:

Zoological Gardens, Zoology, Amusement


    Begins by urging people to visit the Zoological Society Gardens to see the new exhibits. Describes such features as the 'she-Gayal / That BARTLETT Bartlett, Abraham Dee (1812–97) ODNB
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[the superintendent of the Gardens] has brought from the Indies', the 'wolves from Thibet', the 'Arctonyx', a 'Panolia deer', a 'Pigeon that sings, / And one with bronze wings', 'Polyplectrons and likewise a Loris', a monkey called 'Entellus', 'Demoiselle Cranes', several tortoises, and pelicans.



Punch,  53 (1867), 106.

An Unreported Sitting At Dundee

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Anon

Genre:

Reportage, Drollery

Subjects:

Societies, Nutrition, Statistics, Education, Adulteration, Analytical Chemistry, Health, Sanitation, Religion


    Reports on the 'richly deserved' discussion about Dundee marmalade that took place in the Economic Science and Statistics section of the British Association for the Advancement of Science British Association for the Advancement of Science
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which recently met in that Scottish city. Notes that the section investigated the virtues of various 'fruit preserves' and ways of serving them, and presented papers containing numerous 'interesting details and figures' about marmalade, including its popularity amongst British undergraduates, 'its adulteration by unprincipled traders', 'its influence on Vegetarianism', 'its chemical analysis', and 'its sanitary properties as a dietectic'. Informs the notorious Protestant, George H Whalley Whalley, George Hammond (1813–78) ODNB
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, that all but one of the members of the section avowed themselves 'Orangemen'.



Punch,  53 (1867), 111.

The Two Greatest Bores of the Day

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Anon

Genre:

Notes, Drollery

Subjects:

Engineering, Transport


    The 'Metropolitan Underground Railway Metropolitan Railway Company
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' and the Mont Cénis Tunnel Mont Cénis Tunnel
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'.



Punch,  53 (1867), 112.

"Here's Sport Indeed"

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E G Griset, Ernest Henry (1844–1907) WBI
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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. [7]

Illustrators:

E G Griset, Ernest Henry (1844–1907) WBI
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Spielmann, Marion Harry Alexander 1895. The History of "Punch", London: Cassell
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Subjects:

Hunting, Zoology, Animal Behaviour


    Depicts the attempts by 'Mr. Griffin of the C.C.S' and 'Ensign Green of the C.R.R.' to shoot elephants in Ceylon. During their expedition they observe several young elephants 'running playfully among the herd, the emblems of innocence' (a quote from James E Tennent Tennent, Sir James Emerson, 1st Baronet (1804–69) ODNB
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) but after firing his gun at this herd, Griffin is pursued by one of the adult elephants. The last illustration shows how Green manages to slay this elephant, which saves the life of his friend, and drives away the rest of the herd.



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Punch,  53 (1867), 113.

A Black but Bright Future for Ireland

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Anon

Genre:

News-Commentary, Drollery

Subjects:

Economic Geology, Geology, Nationalism, Energy


    Discusses a report in the Mechanics' Magazine Mechanics' Magazine (1823–72) Iron: the Journal of Science, Metals, and Manufactures (1872–93) Industries and Iron (1893–99) Waterloo Directory
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which argues that coal is in the process of being formed from peat and that other 'mineral substances are now in the process of development'. Suggests that by the time the English coal supply is exhausted, the Irish peat may have 'turned into Irish coal', thus making the Emerald Isle the 'Isle of Black Diamonds'.



Punch,  53 (1867), 114–15.

A Few Words. (In Several Tableaux from My Photograph Book). Tableau II—My Gloomy Friend  [4/25]Anon, 'A Few Friends. (In Several Tableaux From My Photograph Book). Tableau I', Punch, 53 (1867), 84
Anon, 'A Few Friends. (From My Photograph Book). Tableau III—A Relative—Necessary Preparations for Exhibiting Tableau of "My Funny Friend"', Punch, 53 (1867), 123–24
Anon, 'A Few Friends. (From My Photograph Book). Tableau III., My Aunt—Tableau IV., My Landlady—Tableau V., My Funny Friend', Punch, 53 (1867), 133–34
Anon, 'A Few Friends. (From My Photograph Book). Tableau V—My Funny Friend—(Continued)', Punch, 53 (1867), 156–57
Anon, 'A Few Friends. (From My Photograph Book). Tableau V.—My Friend—(Continued)', Punch, 53 (1867), 173
Anon, 'A Few Friends (From my Photographic Book). Tableau XI.—The Long-Engaged', Punch, 54 (1868), 9
Anon, 'A Few Friends. (From My Photograph Book) Tableau XII–My Portable Friend', Punch, 54 (1868), 22
Anon, 'A Few Friends. (From My Photograph Book) Tableau XII–My Portable Friend (Continued)', Punch, 54 (1868), 30–31

Close

View full article text

Anon

Genre:

Diary, Spoof, Serial

Subjects:

Disease, Medical Practitioners, Quackery, Medical Treatment, Adulteration


    The narrator describes a conversation with a 'Gloomy Friend' who attempted to diagnose what was wrong with him. He denied the friend's suggestion that he was suffering from either gout or erysipelas, explaining that his injury was from a jelly-fish and that he would be 'right in a day or two'. His friend, however, was convinced that the narrator's condition was more serious and argued with him over the comparative merits of several doctors. The friend maintained that the narrator was suffering from gout 'aggravated by the poison of the jelly-fish' and tried to convince him that he had been injured by a poisonous variety of the species. (114) The narrator recalls that his friend's gloominess later extended to the quality of the food they consumed in a restaurant, including worrying about adulteration and whether the narrator had taken his medicine.



Punch,  53 (1867), 115.

New Meaning

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Anon

Genre:

Notes, Drollery

Subjects:

Agriculture, Progress


    Suggests that the 'Art of Model Farming should now be classed under Mechi-nism' (an allusion to the horticulturalist John J Mechi Mechi, John Joseph (1802–80) ODNB
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).



Punch,  53 (1867), 116.

The Day of Congresses

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Anon

Genre:

Poetry

Subjects:

Societies, Controversy, Morality, Electricity, Zoology, Meteorology, Geology, Biology, Human Development, Evolution, Darwinism, Animal Behaviour, Nationalism, Politics, Political Economy, Religion


    Begins by relishing the 'wonderful world' in which 'liberty everywhere loosens each tether', solidarity reigns amongst men, chaff is 'threshed' out of fallacies, the 'back-bone of truth' is made 'notably stiffer', theories are 'fearlessly clashed', and 'Creeds and crafts, all in Congress' agree to differ. Proceeds to describe the range of subjects explored by the philosophers at the Dundee meeting of the British Association for the Advancement of Science British Association for the Advancement of Science
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. Notes the range of 'ologies', artefacts, the people 'Pro DARWIN Darwin, Charles Robert (1809–82) DSB
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or contra, for man or for monkey', and John Lubbock Lubbock, Sir John, 4th Baronet and 1st Baron Avebury (1834–1913) DSB ODNB
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, who makes 'induction the one key' to man and targets all 'orthodox points'. Suggests that 'if seekers of truth have to loggerheads gotten', then it is 'No wonder' that 'workers for bread' from different countries should have 'dissolved in a fight' during their Peace Congress in Geneva, or that bishops should be fighting each other at the Pan-Anglican Synod Pan-Anglican Synod [Lambeth Conference]
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.



Punch,  53 (1867), 119.

A Plea for Vermin

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Whitybrown de Selborne Whitybrown de Selborne
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Genre:

Letter, Spoof

Subjects:

Hunting, Disease, Natural History, Cruelty, Animal Behaviour, Nutrition

People mentioned:

Gilbert White White, Gilbert (1720–93) DSB
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Publications cited:

Tristram 1867 Tristram, Henry Baker 1867. 'On the Zoological Aspects of Grouse-Disease', Report of the Thirty-Seventh Meeting of the British Association for the Advancement of Science held at Dundee in September 1867, Transactions of the Sections, 37, 97
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    Begins by reminding Mr Punch of some remarks made by Henry B Tristram Tristram, Henry Baker (1822–1906) ODNB
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at the recent meeting of the British Association for the Advancement of Science British Association for the Advancement of Science
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. Presents an extract from Tristram's address in which the 'reverend naturalist' accused gamekeepers of being the 'most destructive of all vermin' because their extirpation of birds of prey had 'engendered disease among game'. The author emphasises similarities between the positions of Tristram and Mr Punch, and presents another extract from Tristram's address which describes how falcons destroy their diseased brethren and are thus able to prevent the now 'epidemic' grouse disease. Concludes that this legitimates the need to punish people for killing birds of prey as severely as for slaying game. Broadening his argument with examples of how spiders destroy flies, insists that one creature that is 'in some degree mischievous serves to keep the other under', although he cannot understand how this applies to fleas, since he cannot conceive the usefulness of these vermin. Concludes by noting that while he will continue to kill fleas with insect powder, he will endeavour to save birds of prey from 'powder and shot'.



Punch,  53 (1867), 120–21.

Sayings and Doings at Dundee

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Isaac Newton Bacon, Leibnitz Villas, Humphry Davy Road, Lower Banksia Bacon, Isaac Newton
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Genre:

Letter, Spoof

Subjects:

Societies, Scientific Practitioners, Physics, Natural Philosophy, Light, Electricity, Heroism, Matter Theory, Botany, Astronomy, Extra-Terrestrial Life, Instruments, Animal Husbandry, Disease, Hunting, Mathematics, Machinery, Utilitarianism, Hygiene, Sanitation, Patronage, Palaeontology

People mentioned:

Isaac Newton, Newton, Sir Isaac (1642–1727) 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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Gottfried W Leibnitz, Leibniz, Gottfried Wilhelm (1646–1716) DSB
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Humphry Davy, Davy, Sir Humphry, Baronet (1778–1829) DSB ODNB
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Joseph Banks Banks, Sir Joseph (1743–1820) DSB ODNB
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    Begins by puffing his scientific credentials, boasting that he was 'Cradled in the lap of physical science, and nursed in the arms of natural philosophy', that in youth he inferred 'prismatic colours' from soap-bubbles and learnt about Benjamin Franklin Franklin, Benjamin (1706–90) DSB
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and electricity by flying a kite. Adding that he also makes informal studies of 'Diatoms' and of Rutlandshire fauna, he analyses the proceedings of the British Association for the Advancement of Science British Association for the Advancement of Science
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. Baffled by some of the enterprises conducted by the association, wonders whether its 'Lunar Committee' comprises inhabitants of the moon sent to investigate the greater natural knowledge of terrestrial beings, or whether it consists of philosophers from earth sent to explore the customs and 'scientific progress' of their lunar neighbours. He is equally baffled by a paper on the 'behaviour of the Aneroid Barometer' (a reference to Stewart 1867 Stewart, Balfour 1867. 'On the Errors of Aneroids at Various Pressures', Report of the Thirty-Seventh Meeting of the British Association for the Advancement of Science held at Dundee in September 1867, Transactions of the Sections, 37, 26–27
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), retorting that he had always found it to be a 'well-conducted instrument'. He also challenges Alexander S Herschel's Herschel, Alexander Stewart (1836–1907) ODNB
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claim that shooting stars were 'dissipated' (i.e. dissolute)—presumably refering to Herschel's contribution to Glaisher 1867 Glaisher, James et al. 1867. 'Report on Observations of Luminous Meteors', Report of the Thirty-Seventh Meeting of the British Association for the Advancement of Science held at Dundee in September 1867, Reports on the State of Science, 37, 288–430
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. Proceeds to question the association's interest in the grouse disease (a reference to Tristram 1867 Tristram, Henry Baker 1867. 'On the Zoological Aspects of Grouse-Disease', Report of the Thirty-Seventh Meeting of the British Association for the Advancement of Science held at Dundee in September 1867, Transactions of the Sections, 37, 97
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), although he thinks it would benefit mankind if the association were to find 'some means of "arresting" the plunderers of boxes and hampers of "native birds"'. Puzzled by the news that machines were to transport delegates from Errol to Fingask, suggests that this may have been referring Charles Babbage's Babbage, Charles (1792–1871) DSB
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'Calculating Machines'. (120) Goes on to note James E T Rogers's Rogers, James Edwin Thorold (1823–90) ODNB
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paper linking the reduction in pauperism in Oxford workhouses to personal hygiene and the number of people 'engaged in public calendars' (a reference to Rogers 1867 Rogers, James Edwin Thorold 1867. 'On the Funds Available for Developing the Machinery of Education', Report of the Thirty-Seventh Meeting of the British Association for the Advancement of Science held at Dundee in September 1867, Transactions of the Sections, 37, 145
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). In a postscript, the author ponders the association's decision to award a grant to a 'Fossil Flora'. (121)



Punch,  53 (1867), 121.

The Bird and the Baby

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Anon

Genre:

Poetry, Drollery

Subjects:

Human Development, Health, Gender


Punch,  53 (1867), 121.

Answer to a Query

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Anon

Genre:

Editorial Reply, Spoof

Subjects:

Scientific Practitioners, Mechanics, Mathematics, Gravity, Theory, Physics


    Denies that Isaac Newton Newton, Sir Isaac (1642–1727) DSB
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was called '"The Laughing Philosopher" until be discovered gravity'.



Punch,  53 (1867), 122.

A Singular Use of Soap

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Anon

Genre:

News-Commentary

Subjects:

Agriculture, Health, Gender


    Discusses news of the discovery in California of a process for manufacturing artificial hair from the soap-root. Anticipates that vegetable hair will soon prove as popular as vegetable hair dyes, but warns those ladies who might wear such hair whilst bathing that their hair may 'melt into lather'.



Punch,  53 (1867), 122.

Roots and Fruits

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Anon

Genre:

News-Commentary, Drollery

Subjects:

Agriculture, Breeding, Chemistry, Nutrition


    Discusses news of a chemical process for converting turnips into pineapples. Suggests other ways of transforming root vegetables into fruit, including the Jerusalem artichoke into a magnum-bonum plum. Explains that 'Nature finds the vegetable cells, and chemistry has only to fill them with the syrup'.



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Punch,  53 (1867), 123–24.

A Few Friends. (From My Photograph Book). Tableau III—A Relative—Necessary Preparations for Exhibiting Tableau of "My Funny Friend"  [5/25]Anon, 'A Few Friends. (In Several Tableaux From My Photograph Book). Tableau I', Punch, 53 (1867), 84
Anon, 'A Few Words. (In Several Tableaux from My Photograph Book). Tableau II—My Gloomy Friend', Punch, 53 (1867), 114–15
Anon, 'A Few Friends. (From My Photograph Book). Tableau III., My Aunt—Tableau IV., My Landlady—Tableau V., My Funny Friend', Punch, 53 (1867), 133–34
Anon, 'A Few Friends. (From My Photograph Book). Tableau V—My Funny Friend—(Continued)', Punch, 53 (1867), 156–57
Anon, 'A Few Friends. (From My Photograph Book). Tableau V.—My Friend—(Continued)', Punch, 53 (1867), 173
Anon, 'A Few Friends (From my Photographic Book). Tableau XI.—The Long-Engaged', Punch, 54 (1868), 9
Anon, 'A Few Friends. (From My Photograph Book) Tableau XII–My Portable Friend', Punch, 54 (1868), 22
Anon, 'A Few Friends. (From My Photograph Book) Tableau XII–My Portable Friend (Continued)', Punch, 54 (1868), 30–31

Close

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Anon

Genre:

Diary, Spoof, Serial

Subjects:

Pollution, Manufactories, Human Development, Disease, Government


    Begins by describing his case for inspectors under the new 'Olfactory Act for the Better Regulation of Registers (Chimneys) and the Prevention of Infantile Overworking', and explains that he has been hired by a 'wise and enlightened Government' to inspect chimneys and the heath of child labourers. Notes that his friends questioned his credentials for undertaking these tasks and explains that although he did not gain his positions through 'nepotism', he did have to pass an examination which tested knowledge of foreign and classical languages, history, and arithmetic. (123) Explains that his position as a government official enables him to avoid his great aunt.



Punch,  53 (1867), 129.

"Did Newton Newton, Sir Isaac (1642–1727) DSB
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Discover Gravity?"

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Isaac Newton Bacon Bacon, Isaac Newton
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Genre:

Letter, Spoof

Subjects:

Gravity, Theory, Discovery, Heroism, Museums, Morality, Mathematics, Physics, Controversy


    Following the appearance of 'an article in an Evening Journal' headed 'Did Newton Discover Gravity?', the author assumes 'gravity' to mean seriousness. Laments, accordingly, that if Newton did discover gravity, then he is no longer proud of his forenames (which have been a family tradition since a 'collateral ancestor' met the natural philosopher). Adds that the revelation will also make him regret his reverence for the statues of the philosopher in the South Kensington Museum South Kensington Museum
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and for the anecdotes about Newton's life. Wonders why Newton was not content with 'his Principia Newton, Isaac 1687. Philosophiae naturalis principia mathematica, Londini: Jussu Societatis Regiae ac Typis Josephi Streater
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, and his Fluxions, and Knighthood, and his Royal Society Royal Society of London
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, and Mastership of the Mint Royal Mint
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without being the cause' of everything that is 'disagreeable, and synonymous with GRAVITY'. Imagines the 'cheery world' that must have existed 'before this much over-rated Mathematician [...] patented this disastrous discovery'. Denies that Newton deserves the numerous acts of celebration accorded him, such as statues, and suggests that we should instead celebrate those who raise spirits, such as the 'inventors of pantomimes'. Reveals his knowledge of the alleged unpublished letters between Newton and Blaise Pascal Pascal, Blaise (1623–62) DSB
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which suggest that Pascal inspired Newton to construct his theory of gravitation, and was thus the true discoverer of gravity. Believes that the responsibility for 'bringing misery' on the human species lies not with Newton but with others, including Pascal and Burton 1621 [Burton, Robert] 1621. The Anatomy of Melancholy: What it is. With all the Kindes, Causes, Symptomes, Prognostickes, and Severall Cures of it. In Three Maine Partitions with their Severall Sections, Members, and Subsections. Philosophically, Medicinally, Historically, Opened and Cut up. By Democritus Junior. With a Satyricall Preface, Conducing to the Following Discourse, Oxford: H. Cripps
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.



Punch,  53 (1867), 130.

A Plague not Confined to Abyssinia

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Anon

Genre:

Notes, Drollery

Subjects:

Disease


    'The Guinea-worm'.



Punch,  53 (1867), 130.

A Terrible Invention

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Anon

Genre:

News-Commentary, Drollery

Subjects:

Invention, Steam-power, Music, Military Technology


    Discusses an extract from a report describing how 'two English inventors' have built a locomotive that, besides the din of its steam-engine, plays a march from Richard Wagner's Wagner, (Wilhelm) Richard (1813–83) CBD
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opera Tannhäuser. Believes this combination makes the steam-organ 'as infernal a machine as that invented by FIESCHI Fieschi, Giuseppe (1790–1836) WBI
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' and a suitable 'engine of destruction'. Suggests that the 'invention might be turned to military use' because 'Any enemy' would run away from an engine playing this 'raucous music'.



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Punch,  53 (1867), 133–34.

A Few Friends. (From My Photograph Book). Tableau III., My Aunt—Tableau IV., My Landlady—Tableau V., My Funny Friend  [6/25]Anon, 'A Few Friends. (In Several Tableaux From My Photograph Book). Tableau I', Punch, 53 (1867), 84
Anon, 'A Few Words. (In Several Tableaux from My Photograph Book). Tableau II—My Gloomy Friend', Punch, 53 (1867), 114–15
Anon, 'A Few Friends. (From My Photograph Book). Tableau III—A Relative—Necessary Preparations for Exhibiting Tableau of "My Funny Friend"', Punch, 53 (1867), 123–24
Anon, 'A Few Friends. (From My Photograph Book). Tableau V—My Funny Friend—(Continued)', Punch, 53 (1867), 156–57
Anon, 'A Few Friends. (From My Photograph Book). Tableau V.—My Friend—(Continued)', Punch, 53 (1867), 173
Anon, 'A Few Friends (From my Photographic Book). Tableau XI.—The Long-Engaged', Punch, 54 (1868), 9
Anon, 'A Few Friends. (From My Photograph Book) Tableau XII–My Portable Friend', Punch, 54 (1868), 22
Anon, 'A Few Friends. (From My Photograph Book) Tableau XII–My Portable Friend (Continued)', Punch, 54 (1868), 30–31

Close

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Anon

Genre:

Diary, Spoof, Serial

Subjects:

Government, Pollution, Manufactories


Punch,  53 (1867), 135.

As "You Were" at the War-Office War Office
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View full article text

Anon

Genre:

News-Commentary

Subjects:

Medical Treatment, Disease, Imperialism


Punch,  53 (1867), 135.

Mr. Punch on a Brobdingnagian Barrow

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Anon

Genre:

News-Commentary

Subjects:

Manufactories, Mining, Industry, Archaeology, Discovery, Cultural Geography, Education, Morality, Utilitarianism, Commerce

Institutions mentioned:

Exposition Universelle (1867), Paris Exposition Universelle (1867), Paris
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    Describes the triumphant opening of the new dockyard Devonshire Dock, Barrow-in-Furness
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at Barrow-in-Furness. Refers to the town as 'A Barrow out of which they are tipping 600,000 tons of iron every year. A Barrow, big enough to hold a Monster-Iron-Mining-and-Smelting Company Barrow Iron and Steel Company, Barrow-in-Furness
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'. Proceeds to note the excitement caused at another barrow—the archaeological finds of William Greenwell Greenwell, William (1820–1918) ODNB
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'in the North'. Also explains that the 'master-spirit' of the iron company of the dockyard is Henry W Schneider Schneider, Henry William (1817–87) ODNB
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, who was ejected from his parliamentary seat for bribery but now has an opportunity to 'repair' his mistake. Notes that Schneider has the same name as the 'heart and head of the admirably-conducted firm [founded by Joseph E Schneider Schneider, Joseph Eugène (1805–75) WBI
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] which has made the iron manufacturing district of Le Creusot, a model as yet to be imitated among the great English industries of the same kind'. Presents a correspondent's account (reprinted from Anon, 'White Upon Black', Punch, 52 (1867), 17) praising the lifestyles of the inhabitants of Le Creusot, a 'manufactory that has grown into a town'. Concludes by suggesting that the English Schneider could restore his reputation by making 'Barrow-in-Furness the Le Creusot of England', in morals, manners, civilisation, education, domestic culture and culture, as well as in industry and money-making'.



Punch,  53 (1867), 139.

"Pen-and-Ink! Pen-and-Ink!"

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Animal's Friend Animal's Friend
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Genre:

Letter, Spoof

Subjects:

Animal Behaviour, Crime, Cruelty, Utilitarianism, Health, Class


    Begins by suggesting that 'the gentlemen who preside over that excellent association, the Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals
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' would do well to control the zeal of its employees. Describes the case of a clergyman who was in a magistrates' court defending a charge by an employee of the society that he maliciously poured turpentine on the hind legs of a dog. The counsel for the clergyman defended his client by arguing that he had treated the dog to stop it from being a nuisance in the church grounds. The judge resolved that the clergyman had not transgressed the law, although the author points out that the application of turpentine to a dog's skin harms the animal and is thus grounds for punishment. However, having read a British Medical Journal British Medical Journal (1857–1900+) Waterloo Directory
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report of the infernal conditions in the Workhouse Infirmary, Cheltenham Workhouse Infirmary, Cheltenham
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, urges the need to 'consider our own species in the first place' and calls for the establishment of a 'Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Paupers'. In a postscript presents an extract from a letter to The Times The Times (1777–1900+) Waterloo Directory
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in which the clergyman explains and apologises for his treatment of the dog.



Punch,  53 (1867), 141.

A "Lyon" Spirit

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Anon

Genre:

News-Commentary, Drollery

Subjects:

Spiritualism, Charlatanry

People mentioned:

Daniel D Home Home, Daniel Dunglas (1833–86) ODNB
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Punch,  53 (1867), 142.

Medical Diet

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Anon

Genre:

Notes, Drollery

Subjects:

Medical Practitioners, Nutrition, Politics


    'Doctor's Commons'.



^^ Back to the top of this issue

Punch,  53 (1867), 143.

Bullets and Brains

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Anon

Genre:

News-Commentary

Subjects:

Medical Practitioners, Experiment, Military Technology, Anatomy, Disease


    Discusses a British Medical Journal British Medical Journal (1857–1900+) Waterloo Directory
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report of Dr Sarazin Sarazin, Dr (fl. 1867) PU1/53/15/1
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of the University of Strasbourg University of Strasbourg
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, a medical professor who has been 'trying experiments to ascertain the kind of effects produced by Chassepot rifle shots on the human frame'. Notes that his experiments on 'certain "subjects"—of the animal kingdom' have revealed that when these shots are fired at close range they produce a large exit wound and inflict disproportionate damage on the body. Evidently baffled by the human subject of this experiment, suggests that somebody of 'the spirit and faith of a martyr' has subjected himself to such a gruesome experiment.



Punch,  53 (1867), 143.

Change of Name

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Anon

Genre:

Notes, Drollery

Subjects:

Manufactories, Industry, Language


Punch,  53 (1867), 145.

Blaise! Blazes!

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Anon

Genre:

News-Commentary

Subjects:

Discovery, Theory, Gravity, Mechanics, Mathematics, Physics, Nationalism, Heroism, Controversy


    Another response to news of alleged letters between Isaac Newton Newton, Sir Isaac (1642–1727) DSB
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and Blaise Pascal Pascal, Blaise (1623–62) DSB
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suggesting that Pascal was the true discoverer of the theory of gravitation. Punch thinks it 'hardly necessary to tell Englishmen that ISAAC NEWTON did not steal any discoveries from PASCAL' and insists that, apart from the Germans, 'continentals are shamelessly ignorant about everybody but their own countrymen, and are delighted to accept any story against an Englishman'. Reports that Mr Punch considers that the attack on Newton's reputation was 'based on a blundering forgery', and notes that this view is admitted by 'Certain Frenchmen of science'. Opines that while Pascal 'was a great man', Newton 'saw the apple fall, and immediately thought of gravitation'.



Punch,  53 (1867), 152.

"Coming to the Point"

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L S Sambourne, Edwin Linley (1844–1910) 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:

L S Sambourne, Edwin Linley (1844–1910) ODNB
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Spielmann, Marion Harry Alexander 1895. The History of "Punch", London: Cassell
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Subjects:

Gender, Zoology, Amusement


    Shows a woman strolling down a street wearing an elaborate dress which, as the caption impliess, makes her resemble a porcupine.



Punch,  53 (1867), 153.

A Sweet Thing in Playbills

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Anon

Genre:

News-Commentary, Drollery

Subjects:

Invention, Amusement, Nutrition


    Discusses news of the invention, by an American, of a playbill in which the names of the performers are affixed to the programme with 'juice of chocolate', thus enabling theatre-goers to eat the playbill.



Punch,  53 (1867), 153.

Epigram by a Moosoo

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Anon

Genre:

Poetry

Subjects:

Discovery, Theory, Gravity, Mechanics, Mathematics, Physics, Nationalism, Charlatanry, Controversy


    Written in the style of a French author speaking English, this poem explains that Isaac Newton Newton, Sir Isaac (1642–1727) DSB
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is 'one great rascal', 'Ze gravitation was ze fruit of PASCAL Pascal, Blaise (1623–62) DSB
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', and, finally, that Newton stole an apple out of French orchard 'for his own advance'.



Punch,  53 (1867), 154.

Another Episode in Insect Life

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Anon

Genre:

News-Commentary

Subjects:

Zoology, Mathematics, Evolution, Animal Development


    Suggests that insects appear to be 'developing rapidly', since an advertisement for 'a serial work on British Moths' states that 'Numbers Four to Ten contain the Geometers'.



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Punch,  53 (1867), 155.

Chinese Ancient Concerts

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Anon

Genre:

News-Commentary

Subjects:

Degeneration, Race, Music, Exhibitions, Anthropology, Animal Behaviour, Evolution


    Discusses a report of a musical exhibit in the Chinese department of the Exposition Universelle (1867) Exposition Universelle (1867), Paris
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, Paris. Draws attention to the 'opinion of competent judges' that the music resembles that of the contemporary French composer, Jacques Offenbach Offenbach, Jacques (1819–80) CBD
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, even though it was written some 'twenty centuries' earlier. Believes this should be of interest to the Anthropological Society Anthropological Society of London
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because it 'bears on the question of the possible degeneration of the human race'. Argues that while the Chinese had their 'Offenbach' twenty centuries ago, 'they have no such composer now' and 'have been for many ages in a gradual course of musical declension'. Insists that the Chinese have 'most likely declined in every other aspect, bodily as well as mental' and worries that 'our descendants' may degenerate into species that only respond to music 'congenial to gaiety and animal spirits', or 'long-eared animals, or anthropoid apes'.



Punch,  53 (1867), 156–57.

A Few Friends. (From My Photograph Book). Tableau V—My Funny Friend—(Continued)  [8/25]Anon, 'A Few Friends. (In Several Tableaux From My Photograph Book). Tableau I', Punch, 53 (1867), 84
Anon, 'A Few Words. (In Several Tableaux from My Photograph Book). Tableau II—My Gloomy Friend', Punch, 53 (1867), 114–15
Anon, 'A Few Friends. (From My Photograph Book). Tableau III—A Relative—Necessary Preparations for Exhibiting Tableau of "My Funny Friend"', Punch, 53 (1867), 123–24
Anon, 'A Few Friends. (From My Photograph Book). Tableau III., My Aunt—Tableau IV., My Landlady—Tableau V., My Funny Friend', Punch, 53 (1867), 133–34
Anon, 'A Few Friends. (From My Photograph Book). Tableau V.—My Friend—(Continued)', Punch, 53 (1867), 173
Anon, 'A Few Friends (From my Photographic Book). Tableau XI.—The Long-Engaged', Punch, 54 (1868), 9
Anon, 'A Few Friends. (From My Photograph Book) Tableau XII–My Portable Friend', Punch, 54 (1868), 22
Anon, 'A Few Friends. (From My Photograph Book) Tableau XII–My Portable Friend (Continued)', Punch, 54 (1868), 30–31

Close

View full article text

Anon

Genre:

Diary, Spoof, Serial

Subjects:

Government, Pollution, Manufactories


Punch,  53 (1867), 157.

The Hangman's Practical Director

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Anon

Genre:

News-Commentary

Subjects:

Crime, Mental Illness, Government


    Attacks a letter in the Lancet Lancet (1823–1900+) Waterloo Directory
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from Daniel H Tuke Tuke, Daniel Hack (1827–95) ODNB
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who stated, in respect of insane murderers, that 'if the law inexorably demands his life, let him be hung as a declared "madman"'. Ironically agrees with Tuke that all murderers should be hung, irrespective of motive. Condemns 'retributive justice' as 'sentimental bosh' and upholds hanging as a way of deterring others 'from committing the same'. Urges that such counsels be 'formally enacted'.



Punch,  53 (1867), 158.

Earthquakery

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Anon

Genre:

News-Commentary, Drollery

Subjects:

Meteorology, Geology, Superstition, Astrology, Periodicals, Charlatanry


    Discusses a report of a recent earthquake in India, advising people in countries affected by such events that 'they are not unavoidable calamities' and that they should not believe the title of an article in 'a notorious Prophetic Alamanack for 1868'—'Earthquakes, and How to Prevent Them'.



Punch,  53 (1867), 158.

A Professional View of Things

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Anon

Genre:

Notes, Drollery

Subjects:

Medical Practitioners, Medical Treatment


Punch,  53 (1867), 158.

Remarkable Phenomenon

View full article text

Anon

Genre:

Reportage, Drollery

Subjects:

Mapping, Time


Punch,  53 (1867), 158.

Bleeding the Sick Man

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Anon

Genre:

News-Commentary, Drollery

Subjects:

Railways, Transport, Commerce


    Discusses the commercially bleak prospects of new Turkish railway lines.



Punch,  53 (1867), 158.

The Romance of Surgery

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Anon

Genre:

Announcement, Spoof

Subjects:

Zoology, Disease, Medical Treatment, Veterinary Science

Publications cited:

Moore 1867 Moore, Charles Hewitt 1867. Rodent Cancer, with Photographic and Other Illustrations of its Nature and Treatment, London: Longmans, Green & Co.
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Punch,  53 (1867), 162–63.

What We Have to Expect

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Anon

Genre:

Essay, Drollery

Subjects:

Telegraphy, War


    Begins by considering the belief that one of the advantages of the electric telegraph is that it only conveys good news. Argues that since 'no news is good news' and since 'news that you are certain will be contradicted to-morrow is very much like no news at all', then the news conveyed by the electric telegraph is certainly good news. Insisting that telegrams are not to be feared 'when you are used to [them]', presents some specimen messages that John Bull is likely to receive in connection with Britain's military campaign against Abyssinia. (162)



Punch,  53 (1867), 163.

Priest after Parson; or, Bettering the Instruction

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Anon

Genre:

News-Commentary

Subjects:

Animal Behaviour, Crime, Religious Authority, Cruelty


    Describes the case of a priest who was charged with maltreating an 'encroaching cat' with turpentine. Notes the similarities to the case of a parson who applied turpentine to a dog (see Animal's Friend, '"Pen-and-Ink! Pen-and-Ink!"', Punch, 53 (1867), 139) but observes that, while the parson was acquitted without any stain on his character, the priest was treated differently. Explains that the reason for this was that the cat had gone 'mad' from the pain of the turpentine, and the priest had drowned the animal to end its suffering. Concludes by discussing the 'odious law of comparison' between the cases.



Punch,  53 (1867), 164.

Entomological Finery

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Anon

Genre:

News-Commentary, Drollery

Subjects:

Entomology, Zoology, Gender, Amusement, Domestic Economy


    Discusses the latest French craze for wearing toads as fashion accessories, anticipating that other unattractive creatures—including centipedes and cockchafers—will be used for the same purposes.



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Punch,  53 (1867), 168.

Ai ! Ai!

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Anon

Genre:

News-Commentary, Drollery

Subjects:

Spiritualism

People mentioned:

Daniel D Home Home, Daniel Dunglas (1833–86) ODNB
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Punch,  53 (1867), 171.

A Message from Gully's Ghost (From a Superstitious Correspondent)

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Anon

Genre:

Reportage, Spoof

Subjects:

Spiritualism, Superstition, Amusement


    Acknowledging that Punch is a 'thorough disbeliever in Spiritualism', the author presents an account of a spiritualistic séance in which he and others witnessed communications from the famous pugilist, Jack Gully Gully, John ('Jack') (1783–1863) ODNB
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, who called for prize-fighting to be legalised and thus given a chance to become respectable.



Punch,  53 (1867), 173.

A Few Friends. (From My Photograph Book). Tableau V.—My Friend—(Continued)  [9/25]Anon, 'A Few Friends. (In Several Tableaux From My Photograph Book). Tableau I', Punch, 53 (1867), 84
Anon, 'A Few Words. (In Several Tableaux from My Photograph Book). Tableau II—My Gloomy Friend', Punch, 53 (1867), 114–15
Anon, 'A Few Friends. (From My Photograph Book). Tableau III—A Relative—Necessary Preparations for Exhibiting Tableau of "My Funny Friend"', Punch, 53 (1867), 123–24
Anon, 'A Few Friends. (From My Photograph Book). Tableau III., My Aunt—Tableau IV., My Landlady—Tableau V., My Funny Friend', Punch, 53 (1867), 133–34
Anon, 'A Few Friends. (From My Photograph Book). Tableau V—My Funny Friend—(Continued)', Punch, 53 (1867), 156–57
Anon, 'A Few Friends (From my Photographic Book). Tableau XI.—The Long-Engaged', Punch, 54 (1868), 9
Anon, 'A Few Friends. (From My Photograph Book) Tableau XII–My Portable Friend', Punch, 54 (1868), 22
Anon, 'A Few Friends. (From My Photograph Book) Tableau XII–My Portable Friend (Continued)', Punch, 54 (1868), 30–31

Close

View full article text

Anon

Genre:

Diary, Spoof, Serial

Subjects:

Manufactories, Industry, Machinery, Utilitarianism, Health


    Includes a description of the visit of the narrator and his 'funny friend' to a textile factory where the former conducts his official governmental inspection work. On entering a room where 'young women are hard at work on flax', the narrator pays close attention to a large shaft which provides power to the 'whizzing machines' operated by the women. He quizzes the factory foreman on why the shaft is not encased in several places, to which the foreman replies that 'it's been the same every time' and that he 'never noticed it before'. The party move into a room where there is 'more whirring of wheels' and 'pale men' keep a 'sharp look out for bits of thread'. The narrator questions a 'little boy' about his conditions of work and although the child 'answers satisfactorily' he wishes to 'see the Entry Book' to check.



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Punch,  53 (1867), 176.

Poor Old Zadkiel Morrison, Richard James ('Zadkiel') (1795–1874) ODNB
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View full article text

Anon

Genre:

Essay, Drollery

Subjects:

Astrology, Prognostication, Charlatanry, Periodicals, Politics, War, Quackery, Government


    Attacks the 'horribly debilitated fulfilments and predictions' in Zadkiel's Almanac Zadkiel's Almanac and Herald of Astrology (1836–1900+) BUCOP
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for 1868. Suggesting that Zadkiel is a contributor to Punch, declares that he does not deserve the 'encouragement' that the periodical has given him and that he may 'prophesy no more'. Ridicules the way in which Zadkiel claimed that the recent assassination of Emperor Maximillian Maximillian, Ferdinand-Joseph, Emperor of Mexico (1832–67) CBD
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of Mexico was foretold in the positions of the planets, and his erroneous prediction that 1867 would be the year in which Emperor Napoleon III Napoleon III, Emperor of France (originally Louis Napoléon (Charles Louis Napoléon Bonaparte)) (1808–73) CBD
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of France would not make any mistakes. Punch points out that Napoleon has been more 'unlucky' in 1867 than at any other time during his reign, noting various military and political blunders including being 'disgraced in Mexico', being 'bullied by Prussia', and failing to make domestic reforms. Goes on to rubbish Zadkiel's predictions regarding Prince Edward Edward VII, King of Great Britain and Ireland and of the British Dominions Beyond the Seas, Emperor of India (1841–1910) ODNB
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and, noting the astrologer's apparent prediction of the Reform Bill, suggests that Zadkiel's supporters petition Parliament Houses of Parliament
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'against the astrology laws' and drafts a letter for such a purpose. Written as if by an author of limited literary ability and considerable credulity, the letter insists that 'the Hancient siance of Asstrology be Found in truth, and that By the iffluence of the Evans all men and All things in this world be governd'.



Punch,  53 (1867), 177.

"Blaise?—Blazes!!"

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Annie W, Keighley, near Haworth W, Annie
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Genre:

Letter, Spoof

Subjects:

Discovery, Gravity, Mathematics, Mechanics, Nationalism


    Without intending to detract from the 'honours which have been awarded' to Isaac Newton Newton, Sir Isaac (1642–1727) DSB
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and Blaise Pascal Pascal, Blaise (1623–62) DSB
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, the writer wishes to know 'who actually DID discover the principle of gravitation'. Observes that it is 'beautifully and distinctly defined' by William Shakespeare Shakespeare, William (1564–1616) ODNB
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in Trolius and Cressida, and points out that these lines were penned long before Newton and Pascal were born.



Punch,  53 (1867), 178.

A Probe in the Poorhouse

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Anon

Genre:

News-Commentary

Subjects:

Utilitarianism, Cruelty, Class, Animal Behaviour, Medical Practitioners


    Suggests that 'Poor-Law Neglecter' is a better name for a 'Poor-Law Inspector' given the shocking report in the Lancet Lancet (1823–1900+) Waterloo Directory
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of the conditions in workhouses. Similarly, challenges the notion of a poor-law 'Guardian', sicne paupers are not guarded from inhuman treatment in the workhouse. Relishes the fact that some guardians have begun to wince under the Lancet's probe, although it argues that if guardians fail to do their duty 'there should be started a Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Paupers'.


See also:

Animal's Friend, '"Pen-and-Ink! Pen-and-Ink!"', Punch, 53 (1867), 139


Punch,  53 (1867), 181.

Ignoramus

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Your Exiled Contributor Exiled Contributor, Your
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Genre:

Reminiscences, Spoof

Subjects:

Military Technology, War, Light, Instruments


    Describes some of his experiences walking around his seaside residence of 'Shorecliff'. These include his observation of the target practice of the 'H.M. gunboat Fieldmouse'. The author expresses his ignorance of the principle 'great guns' and armour plating of the period and later enters a public house where, much to his consternation, the landlord asks him to take apart an achromatic telescope with which the landlord is observing a distant ship.



Punch,  53 (1867), 184.

Farnham-Hops

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Anon

Genre:

News-Commentary

Subjects:

Utilitarianism, Class, Disease, Death


    'The Dance of Death in the Farnham Union House Farnham Poor Law Union—Workhouse
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(See the Lancet's Lancet (1823–1900+) Waterloo Directory
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reports thereon)'.



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Punch,  53 (1867), 187.

"Twenty-Four Things Worth Knowing"

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Anon

Genre:

News-Commentary, Drollery

Subjects:

Adulteration, Commerce, Measurement, Charlatanry


Punch,  53 (1867), 187.

Carbonic Acid or Sermon?

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Anon

Genre:

News-Commentary

Subjects:

Religion, Religious Authority, Health, Pollution, Chemistry, Narcotics


    Discusses a report of a recent soiree given by Thomas Guthrie Guthrie, Thomas (1803–73) ODNB
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at 'Middrie School' (i.e. Niddrie School Niddrie School, Edinburgh
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, Edinburgh) in which the clergyman described how poor ventilation in a church in Thurso caused the 600 members of the congregation to fall asleep. Asks whether the members of the congregation only fall asleep after the reverend gentleman has mounted the pulpit, and whether they had drunk whisky the night before.



Punch,  53 (1867), 187.

Apologists for Dirty Drink

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Anon

Genre:

News-Commentary

Subjects:

Pollution, Health, Disease, Sanitation


    Responds to an extract from The Times The Times (1777–1900+) Waterloo Directory
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which states that some people still believe that cattle prefer drinking from a contaminated horse-pond than a running stream. Points out that an analogous situation exists regarding the Thames, which is supplied with contaminated water from 'towns above London' and is contaminated with dirt, whether native or foreign. Concludes by ridiculing the argument that the salubrity of foul water can be inferred from the fact that 'cattle prefer horse-pond to rill'.



Punch,  53 (1867), 188.

Groans from Underground

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Anon

Genre:

News-Commentary

Subjects:

Railways, Transport, Pollution, Analytical Chemistry, Health, Disease


    Begins by explaining that rumours of the unhealthy state of the air in the tunnels of the underground railways have been dissipated by 'scientific men' who have declared the 'dangerous element' in the air to be 'inappreciable'. Presents other worries about underground railway travel to be aired to 'scientific parties' by the 'Great British Fidget'. These include the possible damage to the eyes caused by moving from daylight to lamplight, the possible palpitation of the heart caused by seeing the green signal turn red, and the possible expansion and explosion of the gas carried in boxes on the tops of trains.



Punch,  53 (1867), 193.

"Differing Doctors"

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Anon

Genre:

Poetry, Drollery

Subjects:

Government, Politics, Medical Practitioners, Medical Treatment


    Begins with an extract from an 'Edinburgh Paper' noting the conferral of the degree of doctor of law on Benjamin Disraeli Disraeli, Benjamin, 1st Earl of Beaconsfield (1804–81) ODNB
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and Robert Lowe Lowe, Robert, 1st Viscount Sherbrooke (1811–92) ODNB
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by the University of Edinburgh University of Edinburgh
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. The poem begins by pondering the 'Scotch wut, or irony' that may have linked Disraeli and Lowe, and proceeds to consider the differences in politics and attitude between the new doctors. Compares Disraeli and Lowe to two 'Doctors of Medicine' who 'Each other's physic spurn', and suggests that they learn from each other. Concludes by advising the statesmen to 'Take what the other teaches, / For thought the lesson be un-writ, / 'Tis what his practice preaches. "Physician heal thyself", 'twas said, / If thou would'st heal thy brother, / So Doctors, if you'd other teach, / Thus, first, learn of each other'.



Punch,  53 (1867), 194.

Practical Joking

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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, Accidents


    Shows a man sitting on a chair in a photographer's studio. The caption reveals that the sitter has deliberately made the 'operator' unhappy with the first 'half-dozen' photographs before also spoiling the last.



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Punch,  53 (1867), 195.

A Pitiable Case

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An Aunt (Single) of Thirty Years' Standing Aunt (Single) of Thirty Years' Standing, An
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Genre:

Letter, Spoof

Subjects:

Zoological Gardens, Zoology, Animal Behaviour, Nutrition


    The writer tells Mr Punch that she wishes to visit the Zoological Society Gardens Zoological Society of London —Gardens
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to see the walrus but that she is prevented from going because of fear of the 'Aunt-eater'. She explains that despite the offer by her nieces to accompany her to the gardens and her confidence in the arrangements made by the staff for visitors' safety, she remains frightened by the 'Aunt-eater' owing to the fact that it ate some aunts who were related to her. Speculates on the eating habits of the 'Aunt-eater', although this prompts her to seek the stimulant of smelling salts and brandy and water. In a postscript, she asks whether 'there is any animal whose ordinary diet is Uncles'.



Punch,  53 (1867), 196.

Outrage on Ornithology

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Anon

Genre:

News-Commentary

Subjects:

Hunting, Ornithology, Extinction


    Comments on a report in the Haddington Courier Haddington Courier (1859–1900+) British Library Newspaper Catalogue
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of the shooting of a golden eagle in East Lothian, an act prompting the newspaper to claim that the bird is rarely to be seen 'so far south'. Points out that naturalists and all cultured people would note the stupidity of shooting such a rare bird, and scorns the report of the shooting of another rare bird—a little bittern—in East Lothian.



Punch,  53 (1867), 197.

Military Intelligence

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Anon

Genre:

Announcement, Spoof

Subjects:

Military Technology, Progress


    Announces that the 'Rifled Popgun' will be 'placed in the hands of the Infantry', and believes this will be 'a great improvement on the noisy by ineffective weapon' hitherto used by the Army Army
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.



Punch,  53 (1867), 198.

Weber in the Workhouse

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Anon

Genre:

News-Commentary

Subjects:

Utilitarianism, Class, Narcotics, Medical Treatment, Health


    Reports on the death from exhaustion of a pauper at the St Pancras Poor Law Union Workhouse St Pancras Poor Law Union Workhouse
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. Explains that the deceased was denied the brandy that would have revived him because the poor-law guardian locked away the liquor. Adds that the administration of the brandy and other stimulants is now to be placed in the hands of the matron and head nurse of the workhouse infirmary. Concludes that this resolution has cost the guardians some effort but that because they saved brandy they have 'been let down so lightly as by a mere deposition from the dignity of "The Ruler of the Spirits"'. This is a possible reference to Carl M F E von Weber's Weber, Carl Maria (Friedrich Ernst) von (1786–1826) CBD
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opera Der Freischütz.



Punch,  53 (1867), 202.

A Conversation on Horse

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Anon

Genre:

Drama, Drollery

Subjects:

Zoology, Nutrition


Punch,  53 (1867), 203.

A Company with a Queer Name

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Anon

Genre:

News-Commentary, Drollery

Subjects:

Railways, Transport


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Punch,  53 (1867), 205.

The Summons to the New School at St. Stephens Houses of Parliament
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View full article text

Anon

Genre:

Poetry, Drollery

Subjects:

Statics, Mechanics, Politics, Government


Punch,  53 (1867), 205.

Motto for the Walrus

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Anon

Genre:

Notes, Drollery

Subjects:

Zoology, Zoological Gardens


Punch,  53 (1867), 206.

Miracles of Mechanism

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Anon

Genre:

News-Commentary, Drollery

Subjects:

Military Technology, Religious Authority, War, Miracle, Supernaturalism


    Discusses a Morning Post Morning Post and Daily Advertising Pamphlet (1772–1900+) Waterloo Directory
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report of the visit of Pope Pius IX Pius IX, Pope (1792–1878) CBD
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to a military hospital where a wounded soldier from France (then at war with Italy) explain to him the mechanism of the Chassepot Rifle. Accounts for this apparently puzzling interest by the 'Prince of Peace' in a weapon of war by pointing out that the Pope wanted to know how this weapon had '"done wonders" for the temporalities of the Holy See', the only wonders, Punch adds, that have been 'done for the Papacy' of late. Concludes by speculating whether the Pope will explain the miracle of the 'winking Madonna of Rimini' in return.



Punch,  53 (1867), 206.

A Sample of Spirit Poetry (From our Superstitious Correspondent)

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Anon

Genre:

Letter, Spoof

Subjects:

Spiritualism


    Begins by presenting a sample of 'spirit-poetry', which the correspondent hopes will overcome even Mr Punch's 'inveterate' incredulity. Reveals that the poem is extracted from the Spiritual Magazine Spiritual Magazine (1860–77) Waterloo Directory
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from which the author also quotes a letter explaining the difficulty with which the medium produced the poem. The author attributes the poor quality of the poem to the fact that it came from a 'low' spirit, an argument which he supports by suggesting that the poor quality of 'gravestone poetry' is likewise produced by 'illiterate spirits'.



Punch,  53 (1867), 206.

Tyndall's Ars Poetica

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Anon

Genre:

News-Commentary, Drollery

Subjects:

Sound, Music, Physics


    Praises both John Tyndall Tyndall, John (1820–93) DSB
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and his 'Lectures on Sound', but questions his argument that just as words of prose can be reduced 'by proper arrangement' to poetry, so the 'uproar of streets might be converted into the music of the orchestra'. Attempts to convert an extract from Tyndall's lecture into poetry but considers the result to be 'scarcely better' than the poetry of Walt Whitman Whitman, Walt (1819–91) CBD
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and asks Tyndall to reveal a 'better art of arrangement'.



Punch,  53 (1867), 207.

Lowe Ideas

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Stultus Smith Smith, Stultus
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Genre:

Letter, Spoof

Subjects:

Universities, Education, Mathematics


    Addressed to a spoof Oxford classicist, Dr Birch, this letter discusses Robert Lowe's Lowe, Robert, 1st Viscount Sherbrooke (1811–92) ODNB
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hostility to classics teaching in schools and notes Dr Birch's likely hostility to Lowe for also denigrating mathematics training.



Punch,  53 (1867), 213.

Epicurus in the Field of Mars  [2/2]

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Epicurus Rotundus Rotundus, Epicurus
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Genre:

Letter, Spoof

Subjects:

Exhibitions, Light, Electricity, Military Technology, Nationalism, Gravity, Physics, Discovery, Controversy, Astronomy


    Describes a visit to the Exposition Universelle (1867) Exposition Universelle (1867), Paris
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, Paris, where the letter-writer observed the electric lights in the exhibition grounds and the display of English cannons, which he was pleased to see made the French angry and envious. Later he likens the ring-shaped exhibition gardens to the rings of Saturn.



Punch,  53 (1867), 216.

"Under a Cloud"

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Anon

Genre:

Poetry, Drollery

Subjects:

Astronomy, Observation, Commerce, Politics, Government, Hospitals, Medical Treatment, Utilitarianism


    Begins with an extract from the Pall Mall Gazette Pall Mall Gazette (1865–1900+) Waterloo Directory
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describing the clouds that obscured Londoners' view of a recent meteor shower. The poem develops a metaphorical interpretation of the newspaper's observation that London was 'under a cloud' during the meteor shower, and considers some of the aspects of social and political life that could also be said to be 'under a cloud'. For example, describes the 'meteors of flash financiering' whose stock has gone 'under a cloud' since the smash of 'Black Friday', the 'chaos and clash' of the last parliamentary session which left Benjamin Disraeli Disraeli, Benjamin, 1st Earl of Beaconsfield (1804–81) ODNB
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'the man in possession / And public men "under a cloud"', and the 'Poor-Law-Board laches, misfeasance, / And Union-Infirmary hells' that show 'Red-tapeism' to be 'under a cloud"'. Concludes by observing the wonder that 'star-showers should follow / The example [...] And, like other things gassy and hollow, / Fail with last year's éclat to come out'.



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Punch,  53 (1867), 218–19.

Punch's Essence of Parliament

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Anon

Genre:

Regular Feature, Proceedings, Drollery

Subjects:

Astronomy, Light, Instruments, Education, Government


    Notes that the late William Parsons (3rd Earl of Rosse) Parsons, William, 3rd Earl of Rosse (1800–67) DSB
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, the 'maker of the grandest telescopes', was to have headed the commission for investigating the question of Irish education (218).



Punch,  53 (1867), 219.

Next Hideous "Sensation Chignon"

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L S Sambourne, Edwin Linley (1844–1910) 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:

L S Sambourne, Edwin Linley (1844–1910) ODNB
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Spielmann, Marion Harry Alexander 1895. The History of "Punch", London: Cassell
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Subjects:

Gender, Amusement, Natural History, Animal Development


    Shows a woman wearing a giant spider on the back of her head. This may be a reference to the claim that numerous parasites were found in chignons.



Punch,  53 (1867), 225.

Telegraphy and Tortola

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Anon

Genre:

News-Commentary

Subjects:

Telegraphy, Technology, Charlatanry


    Complains that the Atlantic telegraph 'tells such lies' to this country and asks how many such lies are sent from the English to the American end of the cable. Suggests that owing to the unreliable nature of telegraphic communications, 'the "telegram" will soon be synonymous with "crammer"'.



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Punch,  53 (1867), 238.

A Defaulting Glazier

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Anon

Genre:

News-Commentary

Subjects:

Astronomy, Observation


    Noting James Glaisher's Glaisher, James (1809–1903) DSB
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publication of letters on the recent meteor shower (which was only seen in Canada), plays on the similarity between Glaisher and glazier. Asks the meteorologist to repair 'the windows of the dark' and questions the use of a 'GLAZIER' at the Royal Observatory, Greenwich Royal Observatory, Greenwich
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, who does not 'attend to his business'.



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Punch,  53 (1867), 239.

Fashionable Avicide

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Anon

Genre:

News-Commentary

Subjects:

Amusement, Gender, Hunting, Zoology


    Alarmed by a report explaining that the latest in French fashion is the wearing of swansdown feathers. Questions whether 'Fine feathers' make 'fine ladies' and pities the fact that 'fine birds should be destroyed for the mere sake of their fine feathers'. Anticipates that swans and other birds, whose feathers are the latest in fashion, will be slaughtered, and pities these birds. Points out that peacocks and pheasants are in less danger because their feathers can be 'imitated easily', and accordingly urges ladies to wear imitation instead of real feathers.



Punch,  53 (1867), 242.

The Right Bishop in the Right Place; or, George A Selwyn Selwyn, George Augustus (1809–78) ODNB
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Among the Blacks

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Anon

Genre:

Poetry

Subjects:

Race, Imperialism, Religious Authority, Human Development, Animal Behaviour


Punch,  53 (1867), 245.

"Educate! Educate!"

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Anon

Genre:

Essay, Drollery

Subjects:

Education, Politics, Government, Physical Geography, Astronomy, Natural History, Ornithology, Mathematics, Gender, Economic Geology, Archaeology


    Begins by distinguishing the 'carnivorous creatures' defined by Georges Cuvier Cuvier, Georges (1769–1832) DSB
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, the 'graminivorous creatures' defined by Richard Owen Owen, Richard (1804–92) DSB
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, and the 'pecunivorous creatures' defined by 'PUNCHAEUS'. Explains that one species of this genus is the 'Special Commissionerman' who is commissioned by Mr Punch to investigate 'the truth of certain allegations that have lately been made' concerning the 'mental destitution' of people 'whose incomes range from £100 to £100,000 a year' and to 'ascertain whether they are without the common necessaries of education'. Adds that Mr Punch has supplied each of the commissioners with a copy of Robert Lowe's Lowe, Robert, 1st Viscount Sherbrooke (1811–92) ODNB
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'Edinburgh address' in which the statesman criticised the antiquated educational programmes at English schools and universities (see Stultus Smith, 'Lowe Ideas', Punch, 53 (1867), 207). Claims that this investigation produced 'an immense mass of matter' but presents five spoof cases that demonstrate the need for the 'Ministers of the Crown to introduce a scheme for the general and compulsory education rate in February next'. These include Cecil Augustus Hambleton, a forty year-old government worker whose grammar school education involved reading such works as Butler 1813 Butler, Samuel 1813. A Sketch of Modern and Antient Geography, for the Use of Schools, Shrewsbury: W. Eddowes
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but who confesses to having remembered only a little classical, historical and geographical knowledge, including 'the geographical position of Epirus and the Symplegades' and the 'uses of the blowpipe'. Another case is Evelyn Allingham Etheredge, a twenty-seven year-old cavalry officer who appears to have forgotten most of his school knowledge of history and the classics. He '[i]s not certain whether the sun moves round the earth, or the earth round the sun', believes the Jacobins are 'fancy pigeons', and cannot 'cast up his tradesman's bills'. Similarly, Mabel Meredith Ashton, a twenty-year old governess, admits that she is 'not pressed by her partners for her views on the probable exhaustion of our coal-fields, and the nature of the implements found in the Drift'.



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Punch,  53 (1867), 250–51.

"Ignoramus" at the Cattle Show

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Ignoramus Ignoramus
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Genre:

Diary, Spoof

Subjects:

Animal Husbandry, Breeding, Agriculture, Machinery, Display


    Describes a visit to the Smithfield Club Cattle Show Smithfield Club—Cattle Show
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. The writer reveals his ignorance of various breeds of livestock on show including the 'runts' and 'cross-breeds' and his lack of knowledge of the 'throng of implements'. Nonetheless, he explains that he saw 'everything that a gentleman engaged in agricultural pursuits [...] could desire to get credit for, from a steam-engine to a sausage machine', as well as a 'cheap and expeditious chaff-cutter', a 'dove-tailing machine', and 'Whalebone and Gutta Percha Jockeys' for anatomists and anthropologists to study'.



Punch,  53 (1867), 251.

Diary of a Dairyman

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Anon

Genre:

Essay, Spoof

Subjects:

Nutrition, Adulteration, Pollution


Punch,  53 (1867), 252.

Natural History Gossip

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Anon

Genre:

Notes, Drollery

Subjects:

Natural History, Zoology, Animal Behaviour, Gender


Punch,  53 (1867), 255.

The Fat Pauper Show

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Anon

Genre:

News-Commentary, Drollery

Subjects:

Utilitarianism, Class, Nutrition, Health, Animal Husbandry, Agriculture, Exhibitions, Sanitation, Disease


    Begins by announcing the establishment of the 'Fat Pauper Show', a 'sequel' to the Smithfield Club Cattle Show Smithfield Club—Cattle Show
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in which the poor law guardians, smarting after the Lancet's Lancet (1823–1900+) Waterloo Directory
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'probings' into their practices, are 'anxious to show that there are workhouses in England, where poor people are well housed, well treated, and well fed', and that reports of brutalities at the Farnham Poor Law Union Workhouse Farnham Poor Law Union—Workhouse
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are exceptions to the rule. Explains that the new show will be held at the Agricultural Hall, Islington Agricultural Hall, Islington
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, and prizes will be awarded to the most corpulent paupers. Adds that just as gold medals are awarded to the best breeder of the Cattle Show, so the 'Fat Pauper Show' will feature a 'Gold Medal to the Feeder'. Presents extracts from a supposed report on the show which describes the age, diet, and weight of paupers, and concludes by adding that the new show will feature displays of artefacts from the workhouse, including 'the stubbly, unclean mattress which sick paupers have to sleep upon' and the wheelbarrows used as bath-chairs.



Punch,  53 (1867), 256.

[Nature's Own Designs]

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L S Sambourne, Edwin Linley (1844–1910) 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:

L S Sambourne, Edwin Linley (1844–1910) ODNB
Close   View the register entry >>
Spielmann, Marion Harry Alexander 1895. The History of "Punch", London: Cassell
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Subjects:

Gender, Ornithology, Design, Amusement


    Shows a woman strolling down a street wearing a dress with a huge train made from peacocks' feathers The caption explains that 'As birds' feathers and train dresses are all the go, Miss Swellington adopts one of nature's own designs'.



Punch,  53 (1867), 256.

Cookery of Useful Knowledge

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Anon

Genre:

News-Commentary

Subjects:

Education, Gender, Cultural Geography, Religious Authority


    Discusses the resistance, reported in the Morning Post Morning Post and Daily Advertising Pamphlet (1772–1900+) Waterloo Directory
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, of Félix A P Dupanloup Dupanloup, Félix Antoine Philibert (1802–78) WBI
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, Bishop of Orleans, to proposals to institute 'cheap lectures' in 'every principal town in France' on 'history, geography, astronomy, natural science, and chemistry, to young ladies of the middle classes'. Questions the apparent view of Dupanloup that such education is not 'good intellectual meat for young ladies', and suggests that the Bishop would have this 'food for the mind [...] subjected to Ecclesiastical Cookery' before giving it to the women.



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Punch,  53 (1867), 260.

Address to an Elementary Substance, On the Threatened Public-houses Closing Extension Act

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Anon

Genre:

Poetry, Drollery

Subjects:

Matter Theory, Chemistry, Narcotics, Government


    Describes the chief location and chemical characteristics of sulphur and wonders how this could be 'Mingled [...] With interior fat of swine' in order to cure several statesmen of their wish 'to pen / People out of tavern doors' on holidays.



Punch,  53 (1867), 260.

The Shop and the Stage

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Anon

Genre:

Notes, Drollery

Subjects:

Pharmaceuticals, Language, Amusement


Punch,  53 (1867), 261.

Theatrical Geography

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Anon

Genre:

Announcement, Spoof

Subjects:

Amusement, Physical Geography, Language


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