Presents an extract from a Devon newspaper describing Buckland's gratitude
to the
Corporation of ExeterCorporation of Exeter
CloseView the register entry >> for
awarding a grant towards the improvement of Devon rivers, a move that he thinks
will result in plenty of 'delicious fish'. The poem comments on this news item,
emphasising the link between money and fish.
Shows an organizer of horse-racing bets as a gigantic spider, which wears a
saddle and jockey's hat, and has legs labelled with such shady activities as
'welching', 'hocussing', and 'touting'. The spider sits in its huge web in
which are caught several humans with flies' wings. These include a swell, a
royal prince, a lady, and a policeman.
Gender, Education, Politics, Medical Practitioners, Universities,
Domestic Economy
Addressed to Judiana, this letter reflects on the developments in women's
education and the role of women in society, and defends the 'Rights of Men'.
Mrs Punch tells her daughter of her relief that she is not writing the letter
'fifty years hence', when the reforms of
John S MillMill, John Stuart
(1806–73)
DSB CloseView the register entry >> and others
will have lead to 'young ladies' becoming 'M.A.'s and M.D.'s, and Curates and
Barristers, and Members of
ParliamentHouses of Parliament
CloseView the register entry >>'. Denies that 'the
study of Greek and Algebra' will 'make ladies better housekeepers and
financiers than they are now'. Upholds the virtues of the present system of
female education, in which women learn such activities as singing, dancing, and
the ability to 'discuss with knowingness every topic of the day'. Also explains
her advocacy of the 'Rights of Men'. (7)
Written from the perspective of a dog who attacks Metropolitan Police
Commissioner Mayne's 'Dog Days Act' as an 'operation sinister', not least
because it forces vagrant dogs to wear muzzles which 'hinder Hydrophobia' but
'prevent our drinking water'. Points out that the 'authors' have forgotten that
dogs perspire through their tongues rather than their skin: this legislation
therefore prevents them from sweating. Agrees that drunken dogs need to be
muzzled, but points out that dogs are 'teetotallers'. Deems the act to be the
work of an 'unscientific duffer' who deserves to be bitten. Concludes by asking
statesmen how they would like it if these 'Interminable talkers' were
muzzled.
Discusses a report in the
Waterford
MailWaterford Mail
(1823–1900+)
North, 1986 CloseView the register entry >> that Irish cattle have become 'half mad' in the heat, a
state of affairs which prompts Punch to fear a 'stampede' of Irish and
possibly Papal Bulls.
Notes
Robert Lowe'sLowe, Robert, 1st Viscount Sherbrooke
(1811–92)
ODNB CloseView the register entry >>
contribution to the 'Schools debate' in which he advocated instruction in a
range of subjects which schools do not provide, including arithmetic and
geography. Describes the
British
MuseumBritish Museum
CloseView the register entry >> debate, noting the opinion of London alderman
Andrew LuskLusk, Sir Andrew, 1st Baronet
(1810–1909)
ODNB CloseView the register entry >>, who
thought the museum contained 'too many things so much alike as to be a bore'.
Adds that the trustees of the museum are to have the natural history collection
and the sculptures 'sold for what they would fetch'.
Zoology, Zoological Gardens, Display, Politics, War
Shows three 'lions' inside and outside the lion cage at the
Zoological Society GardensZoological Society of London —Gardens
CloseView the register entry >>.
The lion inside the cage is the real 'Zoological Lion' that can be seen for
'Sixpence (On Mondays)'. On the left is the 'Royal Lion' (costing five
shillings to see)—a man in military uniform with a lion's mane, which
probably represents
Prince EdwardEdward VII, King of Great Britain and Ireland and
of the British Dominions Beyond the Seas, Emperor of India
(1841–1910)
ODNB CloseView the register entry >>.
The lion on the right—the 'Abyssinian Lion', costing one shilling to
see—is
Robert C
NapierNapier, Robert Cornelis, 1st Baron Napier of
Magdala
(1810–90)
ODNB CloseView the register entry >>, similarly shown with a lion's mane.
Animal Behaviour, Mental Illness, Disease, Crime, Government
The illustration shows a number of irate policemen chasing a dog. Written
from the perspective of a dog, the poem attacks the Metropolitan Police
Commissioner
Richard Mayne'sMayne, Sir Richard
(1796–1868)
ODNB CloseView the register entry >>
law forcing vagrant dogs to be muzzled. Begins by wondering why dogs should be
muzzled in a drought and defends the fact that dogs are 'not more giv'n to
rabies [...] Than in winter time'. Similar to
Anon, 'Odd Men Out.—The Man with a Nose—He Merges into the Genus
"Livery-Man"', Punch, 55 (1868), 241, denies that his species 'go mad'
from sweat or thirst but reminds readers that dogs sweat through their
tongues—a process made difficult by muzzling. Also challenges the view of
the 'Blues' (policemen) that dogs go mad from drink, and proceeds to argue that
'If London areas had tongues', then they would reveal that policemen's teeth
were more dangerous than that of dogs. Concludes by imagining what would happen
to policemen if they were muzzled.
Invention, Time, Politics, Government, Instruments,
Machinery
In this thinly-veiled comparison of
Benjamin
DisraeliDisraeli, Benjamin, 1st Earl of Beaconsfield
(1804–81)
ODNB CloseView the register entry >> with a sophisticated clock, the author boasts that this
'clever invention' has enabled a 'solid body' to be 'attached to a fixed point
while constantly progressing in political space'—a feat enabling Disraeli
to have oscillating views without fearing 'being displaced'. Explains that its
mechanism remains a mystery but that it resembles 'an ordinary repeater with a
dial elegantly enamelled', and has many virtues including a 'powerful alarum'
that may 'startle many superstitious people in the dark', 'accuracy',
'self-adjustment', and 'stronger hands'.
Discusses an extract from an anti-government article in the
Railway
TimesRailway Times
(1837–1900+)
BUCOP CloseView the register entry >> which describes the effect on the public of the
government's withdrawal of the bill to amalgamate Southern railway lines.
Punch interprets the article to mean that the railways south of the
Thames need to 'extort consent for their rapacious Amalgamation scheme'
(allowing trains for different firms to share lines). Wonders if the government
will respond by nationalising railways as they have done with the telegraph
system.
Military Technology, Steamships, Engineering, Mechanics, Accidents,
Nationalism, Technology, Progress, Internationalism
Attacks the
AdmiraltyAdmiralty
CloseView the register entry >> for
providing ironclads with an alarming tendency to roll, and anticipates that
Britannia will consequently no longer rule the waves but will be ruled by
'France or the United States, and even Germany'.
Punch, 55 (1868), 42.
Grumpy, Lumpy, and Bumpy. A Dialogue for Hot Weather, When Attention,
Answer, or Argument is Impossible to a Rational Being
Meteorology, Astronomy, Physics, Heat, Zoological Gardens, Botanical
Gardens, Horticulture, Language
Comprises a dialogue between Mr Grumpy, Mr Bumpy, and Mr Lumpy who sit and
air their eccentric views about politics, literature and other topics, each one
being a non sequitur to the last. At one point Mr Lumpy explains that
the 'reason why the fixed stars give light is that their photospheres are all
in a state of the fiercest combination' and that the temperature of the earth
seven miles beneath the surface is equivalent to 'red-hot iron'. He insists
that he is right because he has just read about it in
Lockyer 1868Lockyer, Joseph
Norman 1868. Elementary Lessons in Astronomy, London:
Macmillan
CloseView the register entry >> 'just issued
by
MR
MACMILLANMacmillan, Alexander
(1818–96)
ODNB CloseView the register entry >>'. Later Mr Grumpy expresses hatred of
'the slang that calls the
Zoological GardensZoological Society of London —Gardens
CloseView the register entry >> "the
Zoo"' and suggests 'the Hort. and the Bot.' as slang for the
Royal Horticultural Society
GardensRoyal Horticultural Society—Gardens, Chiswick CloseView the register entry >> and
Royal Botanical Gardens,
KewRoyal Botanical Gardens, Kew CloseView the register entry >>.
Military Technology, Experiment, Morality, Patronage
Tells Mr Punch of his interest in a newspaper article reassuring tax-payers
that the gun which recently burst at Shoeburyness was Palliser's private
property and was an 'experimental' weapon. Questions the wording of the article
insofar as it suggests that taxpayers will be mean-spirited enough to welcome
Palliser's loss. Points out that the 'British Public always makes a point of
compensating every one who loses either money, life, or limb in its
service'.
Discusses an article in the
LancetLancet
(1823–1900+)
Waterloo
Directory CloseView the register entry >> which
questions why so few medical practitioners wear 'rational' clothing in hot
weather, and recommends the use of white flannel which reflects and insulates
from heat. Emphasises that men's fashions are less rational than women's, not
least the black suits in which they dance. Suggests that men should wear 'a
fatigue dress-coat, waistcoat and trowsers' made from white flannel.
A comment on the swelteringly hot summer of 1868, showing Mr Punch as the
greatly perspiring 'Clerk of the Weather'—dressed in a chequered suit,
holding a barometer in one hand and a parasol in the other. He raises his
parasol as if to strike St Swithun, who rests near some rocks, a watering
can standing by his side.
The initial letter of the article forms part of an illustration showing Mr
Punch driving a small steam locomotive along a track. He wears a knight's
helmet and carries a broken lance—the result of having successfully
jousted with the driver of a locomotive on a parallel line. The article begins
by reminding readers that the
Eastern Counties Railway
CompanyEastern Counties Railway Company
CloseView the register entry >> was, until now, considered the 'worst managed line out of
London'. Punch thinks this distinction must now pass to the
South Western Railway
CompanyLondon and South-Western Railway Company
CloseView the register entry >>, noting the dirty stations, inconvenient and insufficient
'ticket-taking', poor time-keeping, and 'uncourteous' staff. Believes the
'normal condition' of the railway is 'utter collapse and blank break-down', and
concludes by noting that although the railway has 'avoided accidents' and
fraud, its trains are gravely slow.
Astronomy, Prognostication, Superstition, Periodicals, Gas Chemistry,
Domestic Economy
Announcing the date of the great solar eclipse as 18 August, reports that
newspapers have been reassuring people that the event will 'not affect this
country' but worries that the 'propagation of a fable is justifiable under any
circumstances'. Explains that although there is no 'real danger' from the
eclipse, it is important to take 'proper precautions' in regard to an event
over which 'it is impossible to exercise any control'. Points out that Britain
has seen no total eclipse since 1715 and urges a number of bizarre responses.
For example, insists that 'all metal likely to be acted on by the penumbra of
the node' should be placed in a cellar, that windows should be blackened, that
inhaling 'nitrate of hydrogen' will diminish the effects of 'mesozoic eocene',
and that noise should be avoided in case of 'oolitic aberration'.
Evidently a response to the Railway Regulation Bill, this illustration shows
a masked highwayman riding a horse alongside a railway train whose locomotive
is labelled 'Black Bess'. He wields a musket and solicits from a railway
director (who sits around the smoke stack of the locomotive) a scroll marked
'Railways Act'. The caption indicates that the highwayman is the 'Ghost of
Turpin' who tells the 'Railway Director' that he is 'doing a bit in my line' to
which the director quips: 'Your line? Ha! Ha! You were hanged! We
rob by Act of
ParliamentHouses of Parliament
CloseView the register entry >>!!!'.
Written from the perspective of a 'corpylent' Cockney driver of an omnibus,
this letter begins with the author complaining that in his work he 'suffers
pretty much from a 'ot summer' and asking for 'adwice how I'm to keep myself in
'ealth'. Proceeds to relate how a 'gen'lman' warned him that it was drink
rather than heat that 'urts you' and presents an extract from the
British Medical JournalBritish Medical Journal
(1857–1900+)
Waterloo
Directory CloseView the register entry >>
(quoted by the 'gen'lman') which argues that 'light wines' rather than
'alcoholic liquors' are the most suitable beverage in hot weather. The author
dismisses this, insisting that as a 'true Briton' he 'must 'ave my beer', and
deems 'light wines' only suitable for 'foreigners'.
Written from the perspective of a dog who responds to the new legislation
forcing dogs to be muzzled on certain days. The author pleads for his 'family'
to have representatives in
ParliamentHouses of Parliament
CloseView the register entry >>.
Begins by relishing news that 'Meteorologists have questioned whether the
moon has anything to do with the weather' and emphasising the woefully
inaccurate predicition in
Zadkiel's Monthly AlmanacZadkiel's Almanac and Herald of Astrology
(1836–1900+)
BUCOP CloseView the register entry >>
of 'Much rain' in August. Sarcastically infers that Zadkiel's accuracy in
predicting the weather suggests his 'exactness' regarding other predictions.
Insists that he has 'distanced'
MerlinMerlin Ambrosius (Myrddin Emrys)
(fl. 6th century)
ODNB CloseView the register entry >> and
'the lucidity of clairvoyance' insofar as he has accurately predicted the total
eclipse of the sun (which is easily predicted) and retrospectively predicted
the overthrow of
King Kassai
TheodoreTheodore, Kassai, King Of Abyssinia
(1816–68)
CBD CloseView the register entry >> of Abyssinia.
Begins with an extract from the
Daily
TelegraphDaily Telegraph
(1856–1900+)
Waterloo
Directory CloseView the register entry >> describing the falling profits of several southern
railway companies, all of which increased their fares. The poem comments on
this with the fable 'Whose moral proclaims that to make your gain stable, / You
had best let it grow without forcing'—advice which the southern railway
companies evidently did not heed. Proceeds to describe the sorry fate of a
goose 'master' who was so desperate to increase the rate of production of
golden eggs furnished by a goose, that he killed the latter believing it to
contain more golden eggs in its bowels. Noting how the 'man-goose' found
nothing inside the goose, draws further parallels between the 'man-goose' and
railway directors, emphasising that if the latter 'cut up' their geese (the
public) then 'they'll cease' and loose their eggs (profit).
Interprets a report in the
Pall Mall
GazettePall Mall Gazette
(1865–1900+)
Waterloo Directory
CloseView the register entry >> of the 'German North Pole Expedition'. Suggests that
the report that the explorers 'Potted six ice-bears' indicates a new form of
breakfast food.
The initial letter of the text forms part of an illustration showing two
rabbits taking afternoon tea in a field. The text begins by announcing the
establishment of a 'Special Editor' to answer questions on 'Fishing, Shooting,
Hunting, Management of Farms and Dairies, &c', and to give information on
natural historical subjects. Asks those sending in natural historical specimens
to provide 'full particulars' and boasts that 'Lusus Naturae' and other
objects will be examined. Presents a few 'specimens' of correspondence
illustrating how the 'Sporting Editor' handles material artefacts sent
by readers, or natural historical questions. The remarks of both editor and
correspondents poke fun at the style and content of correspondence columns in
natural history periodicals, the correspondents asking often absurdly mundane
questions, and the editor replying with impractical advice. For example, in
response to a correspondent who sent in a species with the question, 'What's
this?', the editor replied, 'We don't know what the deuce it is, but directly
the hamper was unpacked, it flew at us, growling and barking fearfull'; in
response to correspondent who asked how to get rid of a 'plague of flies', the
editor suggests forcing flies to drink fatal doses of laudanum.
Continuing in the style of the first instalment, this includes letters and
unhelpful editorial replies on natural historical subjects, many of which are
prompted by the bizarre specimens (some living) that readers submit to the
periodical. Specimens and topics include 'liquid bottled manure', 'the British
Mastiff', a cat, and gardening suggestions for August.
Punch, 55 (1868), 88–89.
The Polite Election (A Model, Respectfully Recommended to the
Attention of all the Constituents)
Proceedings of the meeting to nominate the candidates for the 'borough of
Pax-cum-Vobis', including speeches made in favour of both candidates. In his
speech, Mr Anodyne the chemist pointed out that 'Speeches are a drug' and one
'he did not deal in' but that 'as a vendor of scent he would give [the
proceedings] a scentiment'. (88)
Religious Authority, Religion, Railways, Transport,
Accidents
Discusses a report describing the
Lords' Day Observance SocietyLord's Day Observance Society
CloseView the register entry >>
which blamed two railway accidents on the Sabbath on 'Divine displeasure'.
Ridicules this claim, pointing out that in France horse races are held on
Sundays although 'no more necks are broken on those occasions' than on other
days.
Human Species, Human Development, Amusement, Naturalists
Begins by presenting 'Judiana' with several questions that, owing to 'Mr.
Punch and the British Public' being so 'overcome' by the 'heat of the weather',
have not been answered. These include the question of how
Charles R
DarwinDarwin, Charles Robert
(1809–82)
DSB CloseView the register entry >> and the
George D Campbell
(8th Duke of Argyll)Campbell, George Douglas, 8th Duke of Argyll
(1823–1900)
ODNB CloseView the register entry >>, and 'other naturalists, account for the
regular migration of the Swell and the Snob Tribe to certain foreign resorts at
this time of year'.
Begins by making some droll observations on the 'Report of the Earthquake
Committee', including the claim that the members of this committee must
'present an Earthquake once a year'. Proceeds to give 'Hints for a few other
Papers' which poke fun at the ambiguity of terms used in scientific reports.
For example, suggests a paper on '"Researches on the Spectral Analysis of
Stars", delivered by a Ghost at midnight at the Shades; licensed for spirits',
and the '"Last Report on Drudging in the British Isles" by a
Maid-of-all-Work'.
Shows a woman standing near a shoreline where several other women walk. Her
hat comprises a gigantic prawn, while a giant stingray forms the top part of
the back of her dress. The caption explains that this is the 'newest sea-side
fish-u'.
A commentary on Richard Mayne's new law forcing vagrant dogs to be muzzled,
this illustration shows Mayne's next idea after his decision to renew 'his
absurd anti-dog proclamation'. It shows several cats wearing muzzles and
looking frustratedly at a nearby mouse.
Responds to an extract from the
Pall Mall
GazettePall Mall Gazette
(1865–1900+)
Waterloo Directory
CloseView the register entry >> which attributes the strength of railway companies to
the fact that so many directors are members of
ParliamentHouses of Parliament
CloseView the register entry >>, while those statesmen who
have no railway connections are indifferent to such matters. Urges that these
facts should be considered by electors before casting their votes at the next
election, and that nobody should vote for a railway director. Concludes by
calling for an act for the 'Abolition of Directorships of Railways'.
Nationalism, Cultural Geography, Military Technology, Medical
Practitioners, Patronage
Argues that just as the construction of ironclads by
Emperor
Napoleon IIINapoleon III, Emperor of France (originally
Louis Napoléon (Charles Louis Napoléon Bonaparte))
(1808–73)
CBD CloseView the register entry >> of France prompted the British Navy to construct
similar vessels, so the Emperor's promotion of a surgeon to the French senate
should make the Navy agree to naval surgeon's insistence of being treated like
gentlemen, and thus remedy the 'dearth of medical officers'.
Complains about the state of 'sea-side libraries', notably their stock of
sensational novels. Upholds the virtues of turning from the 'unwholesome
excitements of modern fiction' to the 'contemplation of a young shrimp'. Offers
her daughter an 'interesting fact' about shrimps from a 'scientific manual',
and emphasises the importance of learning solid facts about marine life.
Criticises 'writers of scientific manuals' for being 'so sentimental' and for
making 'many unaccountable omissions in describing the shore and its living
wonders', notably the 'Cormorant Hotel Keeper' and the 'Preaching Crabs'.
Lawson 1868Lawson, Marmaduke
Alexander 1868. 'Notes on the Flora of Skye', Report of the
Thirty-Eighth Meeting of the British Association for the Advancement of Science
held at Norwich in August 1868, Notes and Abstracts of Miscellaneous
Communications to the Sections, 103–104
CloseView the register entry >>
A commentary on the eclipse to be observed from India and on dramatic events
in Anglo-Indian politics. It shows India as a female figure crouching in a
corner. Behind her stands
John L M
LawrenceLawrence, John Laird Mair, 1st Baron Lawrence
(1811–79)
CBD CloseView the register entry >>, the viceroy and governor-general of India, who tells the
woman that the ominous shadow that is being cast over her is that of
Richard S Bourke (6th
Earl of Mayo)Bourke, Richard Southwell, 6th Earl of Mayo
(1822–72)
ODNB CloseView the register entry >>, who had recently been appointed Lawrence's
successor.
Anticipating the imminent solar eclipse to be seen from India, the poem
begins by noting the number of astronomers who are 'flocking' there to observe
the event with 'Their saucy cameras cooking'. Mentions
Warren De La
Rue'sDe La Rue, Warren
(1815–89)
DSB CloseView the register entry >> tracking of the changes in the solar hue with 'lynx-eyed
lenses' and observes that 'Spectrum analysts' are pursuing the solar light
'through all defences'. Laments the fact that at one time the sun commanded
worship when he shone and provoked fear when he 'hid his face', but now he is a
'vile drudge and hireling' for scientific pursuits. Appreciates why the sun
should hide its face from those who 'doom' it to such 'disgrace', but questions
why it is casting its 'blackest looks' at the 'Eastern realm' where the 'crude
native' still worships and fears the sun. Describing how the 'chemicals are
packed away' when the eclipse is over, proceeds, in a similar manner to
Anon, 'Ambiguous', Punch, 55 (1868), 99, to India's political fortunes.
Drawing a comparison between the attitude of Indians to the sun and to the
appointment of
Richard S Bourke (6th
Earl of Mayo)Bourke, Richard Southwell, 6th Earl of Mayo
(1822–72)
ODNB CloseView the register entry >>, wonders why 'poor India' is still frightened of a new
shadow that blackens 'Great Indra's shining face'. Describes how the present
viceroy and governor-general of India,
John L M
LawrenceLawrence, John Laird Mair, 1st Baron Lawrence
(1811–79)
CBD CloseView the register entry >> attempted to calm the fears of India, and to reassure her
that the 'light in Heaven is still the same' despite the fact that there is an
eclipse covering the country, produced by Lord Mayo. (104)
Contains several letters and editorial replies on the Salmon Fisheries
(Scotland) Act of 1868 and concerning a gorilla brought back from Africa which
confirms
Paul B Du
Chaillu'sDu Chaillu, Paul Belloni
(1831–1903)
CBD CloseView the register entry >> 'stories'. Proceeds to editorial remarks on other topics,
including the fate of parcels of animals sent to the editor, whether it is
right for a 'Parson to hunt', and grouse shooting on the moors.
Presents Admiral Punch's compliments to the
AdmiraltyAdmiralty
CloseView the register entry >> board and
requests that it pay attention to a recent letter in
The TimesThe Times
(1777–1900+)
Waterloo
Directory CloseView the register entry >> from
Sherard OsbornOsborn, Sherard
(1822–75)
ODNB CloseView the register entry >>,
who argued that cuts in naval expenditure could lower income taxes. Lists some
of the ways in which Admiral Punch believes such cuts could be made, including
the destruction of 'obsolete' and 'rotting' 'old wooden hulks', the
construction of 'a serviceable fleet of turret-ships', and the cessation of
funding for 'big, rolling, broadside ironclads'.
Comprises eccentric letters and editorial replies on a range of topics
including exotic species caught by a maharajah, the possibility of a shooting
periodical called 'Powder Magazine', the possibility of muzzling species
of simians, and the latest batch of animals sent to the editor for
inspection.
Written by an author whose name pokes fun at the Metropolitan Police
Commissioner
Richard MayneMayne, Sir Richard
(1796–1868)
ODNB CloseView the register entry >>,
this letter describes the case of a policeman who was bitten by a dog while
attempting to carry out Mayne's order to muzzle dogs. Proceeds to note a letter
written to
The TimesThe Times
(1777–1900+)
Waterloo
Directory CloseView the register entry >> by
Holmes CooteCoote, Holmes
(1817–72)
ODNB CloseView the register entry >>, a
St
Bartholomew's HospitalSt Bartholomew's Hospital
CloseView the register entry >> surgeon, who considers hydrophobia to be a
rare disease. Considers this claim reassuring given the number of policemen who
must now be being bitten by vagrant dogs, but still urges Mayne to allow
policemen to leave dogs alone and thus avoid risk of hydrophobia.
Criticises the appropriateness of the names for the Royal Navy's armoured
ships. Given that the vessels are extortionately expensive, 'useless and
unhandy', suggests that names such as 'Wasteful' and 'Blunderer'
would be more apt than 'Powerful' and 'Thunderer'.
Parodying the myths associated with Robin Hood and Little John, this poem
describes the fate of Robin and John, who raise railway fares and 'put upon'
the public, a measure which results in the 'rogues' going bankrupt. Refers to
the worsening financial prospects of several southern railway firms, who raised
fares in order to boost profits.
Begins by explaining the origins of Leamington as a spa town, noting
William Lambe'sLambe, William
(1765–1847)
ODNB CloseView the register entry >>
'treatise on the waters' (Lambe
1802Lambe, William
[1802]. An Analysis of the Waters of Two Mineral Springs at Leamington
Priors, Near Warwick: Including Experiments Tending to Elucidate the Origin of
Muriatic Acid, Manchester: Literary and Philosophical Society of
Manchester
CloseView the register entry >>). Proceeds to consider various aspects of the famous water from the
town. Under 'Mineral Waters', the author identifies the twelve different waters
and warns that this 'beverage' is beneficial to those suffering from 'chronic
biliousness' caused by alcoholic consumption, and is 'salutory for "hard
livers"'. Under 'Bathing', it describes the effects of this 'healthful
pursuit', while under 'Analysis of the Water', it reveals some deliberately
vague details about the composition of the water. Later, it describes the spa
town of Scarborough, including its 'perpetual spring'.
Considers that the Economic Science section of the
British
Association for the Advancement of ScienceBritish Association for the Advancement of Science
CloseView the register entry >> has overlooked the
subject of 'skinning a flint', and suggests that the audience for this section
probably contained numerous 'squires and farmers who were enraged by
CANON
GIRDLESTONE'SGirdlestone, Edward
(1805–84)
ODNB CloseView the register entry >> exposure of the condition of the
agricultural labourer' but who may have needed some instruction on the subject
discussed in the section—'divesting silex of integument'.
Claims that Hercules was poisoned not by the poisoned blood of a centaur,
but by the toxic aniline compound from which the shirt was dyed red—the
same compound 'which in coloured socks are blistering the feet and ankles of
the British Public'.
Discussing 'women's intellectual fitness to vote', a subject which the
writer urges should not be 'dismissed with shallow levity', she points out that
women do not reach positions of high authority in cookery (for example, chefs)
and that this is because 'cookery is a scientific art' and 'women do not seem
to be capable of the grasp of principles which applied science demands'. Adds
that women make 'good cookmaids' but only men make good cooks. Urges the
suffragist
Lydia E BeckerBecker, Lydia Ernestine
(1827–90)
ODNB CloseView the register entry >>
to compel women to 'apply their minds' to cookery and demonstrate their 'claim
to the electoral franchise' by producing an excellent dish.
Time, Measurement, Instruments, Nationalism, Progress
Shows a Yankee, rocking back in his chair, in conversation with an artist
friend. Replying to his friend's alarm at 'How quickly time does fly now', the
Yankee argues that this is 'all owin' to the vast improvements effected in
clocks by our great country'.
Shows a young servant boy, Buttons, bursting into the bedroom of his master,
a 'Scientific Old Gent'. Having just seen a display of shooting stars, Buttons
tells his employer that 'them meteors is a goin' off ag'in!'. 'Misunderstanding
the intelligence', the scientific gentlemen tells the boy to 'turn it off as
the Main' (i.e. he confused meteors for gas meters).
Societies, Ethnology, Anthropology, Gender, Race, Human Development,
Animal Behaviour, Religion, Religious Authority
Noting the amalgamation of the
Ethnological
SocietyEthnological Society of London
CloseView the register entry >> and the
Anthropological SocietyAnthropological Society of London
CloseView the register entry >>, points out
that since women have been allowed to hear discussions, some members are afraid
that discussion of the 'habits of certain savages' and other 'delicate
revelations' 'may be slurred over' and that the 'Mosaic records' will be
'treated with too much respect'. Explains that
Thomas H
HuxleyHuxley, Thomas Henry
(1825–95)
DSB CloseView the register entry >> has entreated 'the public' that these fears are unfounded,
and suggests that those entertaining themselves with the 'doings of foreign
savages' should attend to the problem of 'civilising savages at home'. Also
points out that worries about the Bible are without foundation because there
are places in London where this book has 'ever been seen'.
Discusses an extract from an article describing how a family narrowly
escaped being poisoned by 'vermin powder' which a maidservant had mistaken for
baking powder. Urges caution in using baking and egg powders, drawing attention
to the
Lancet'sLancet
(1823–1900+)
Waterloo
Directory CloseView the register entry >> evidence
of the adulteration of these substances with toxic and 'innutritious'
compounds. Recommends reading 'a fourpenny pamphlet, On the Practice of
Employing Certain Substitues for the Genuine Ingredients of Some Articles of
Daily Food. By a Lady', and suggests that baking powder is so adulterated
that it may as well be used as vermin powder.
Begins by arguing that even Liberal statesmen would 'vote for the
Conservation of Force', if not the conservation of the British constitution,
and that members of both Conservative and Liberal parties will praise
John EricssonEricsson, John
(1803–89)
CBD CloseView the register entry >> for
'collecting and applying' the force that 'radiates from the sun'. Suggests that
there are a 'few ladies who do not know that the sun is the one sole origin of
all force' and that although some girls have laughed at
Jonathan
Swift'sSwift, Jonathan
(1667–1745)
ODNB CloseView the register entry >> notion of extracting 'sunbeams from cucumbers' (in
Swift 1726[Swift,
Jonathan] 1726. Travels into Several Remote Nations of the World.
In Four Parts. By Lemuel Gulliver, First a Surgeon, and then a Captain of
Several Ships, 2 vols, London, B. Motte
CloseView the register entry >>), they should know
that they gain energy from digesting cucumbers. Mr Punch had already suggested
the idea of storing the energy (for steam engines) from the sun (see
, Abel Handy, 'Hard Labour in Store', Punch, 46 (1864), 151), although he envisaged that the
energy could be stored by convicts, and a 'strong rogue' could store his energy
by 'condensation of air confined in iron cylinders'. Concedes, however, that
Ericsson's method of storing energy is preferable, but warns against the
wastage of force by convicts, urging that just as the 'sun must needs shine
both upon the just and the unjust', so the latter should likewise put its force
to good use. Proceeds to consider the possibility of exploiting the otherwise
unproductive force of dancing and rowing, both of which could be of wider
social benefit.
The initial letter of the text forms part of an illustration showing a court
jester looking through a telescope resting on his knees and feet. The text
ponders the new connection between Wales and the Nile (a reference to the
Prince
Edward'sEdward VII, King of Great Britain and Ireland and
of the British Dominions Beyond the Seas, Emperor of India
(1841–1910)
ODNB CloseView the register entry >> trip down the Nile), suggesting that it might be a
reference to the Prince's sudden desire to 'study
PIAZZI
SMYTH'SSmyth, Charles Piazzi
(1819–1900)
DSB CloseView the register entry >> Pyramidal Theory'.
Gender, Education, Nutrition, Politics, Domestic Economy, Human
Development, Animal Behaviour
Describes her attendance of the recent meeting of the
Social
Science CongressSocial Science Congress
CloseView the register entry >> at Birmingham. Reminding her daughter of her
support for the 'Rights of Both Sexes of Man', she explains how she planned to
address the audience on the subject of 'Digestion and Dinners', which she
considers to be just as important as the favourite topic at the
meeting—education. She explains that while she hails 'with delight' the
'dawning' of the 'Golden Age', when the 'higher privileges of education will be
open to all who prove themselves worthy of them', the cooking of dinners must
remain with the woman. Explains that she is not insinuating that 'our daughters
must become cooks and kitchen-maids', but urges all women to master 'the alpha
and omega of the science of dinners'. Proceeds to insist that her husband will
only support the proposed new 'College for Women' if 'some such person as
DR.
LANKESTERLankester, Edwin
(1814–74)
ODNB CloseView the register entry >>' provides instruction on the subject of
'eating and drinking'. Explains to her daughter that women should 'exercise a
sort of lofty pity' for men and 'keep up the poor gorillas' fire as the savages
do, since they cannot keep it up for themselves'. Reiterates the importance of
women cooks to men's careers and concludes by imagining some of the cooking
prizes that would be awarded at a 'Ladies' College'.
Suggests that the latest invention in guns—'PARSON'S
CONVERTED CANNON'—will be very useful
in the 'coming battle' over the disestablishment of the
Church of
IrelandChurch of Ireland
CloseView the register entry >>.
Suggests that one of the best ways of spending a 'long November evenings' is
to 'attend a meeting of the
Cambridge Philosophical
SocietyCambridge Philosophical Society
CloseView the register entry >>' and listen to papers on such topics as 'On some Porismatic
Problems' (a reference to a paper of which a version which later published as
Clifford
1864–76Clifford, William Kingdon 1864–76. 'On Some
Porismatic Problems', Proceedings of the Cambridge Philosophical
Society, 2, 120–23
CloseView the register entry >>).
Written to suggest a reader's typical experiences of a range of human
characters, the author describes the behaviour of Norringer, a tall,
middle-aged man with a soft voice, who gives a detailed medical explanation of
the sensitivity of his throat. Explains that if one were to compliment
Norringer on his medical knowledge, one would be met with his boast that,
although he is a solicitor, he studied medicine with
Astley P
CooperCooper, Sir Astley Paston, 1st Baronet
(1768–1841)
ODNB CloseView the register entry >>, who told him that he would 'beat us all, if you only stick
to it'. Proceeds to explain Norringer's appreciation of the discovery of ozone
which is 'the thing for my [vocal] organ'.
Time, Progress, Transport, Railways, Accidents, Medical Practitioners,
Telegraphy, Political Economy
Compares the 'old days' of England to the present, noting that ''Tis true no
railways then we had', it was a time when people travelled by coach or on
horseback and when 'surgeons had some work to do / On them that were upset, or
flung [from horses and carriages]', but that 'monster accidents we knew / Not'.
Adds that in his youth there were no telegrams or India-rubber, which he
regards as the 'chief good Free Trade has done'. (236)
Describes the characteristics of Puttyk, a male human with a nose capable of
remarkable sounds, muscular tension, membraneous irritation, and pressure on
the nervous system. His nasal deformity interferes with his progress at
university and cause interruptions at theatres. Explains how Puttyk converses
with medical friends and reads 'medical treatises', after which he is convinced
that his nasal 'nuisance' is caused by his liver. Adds that he made this
discovery while working as a 'perambulating druggist's shop', a trade which
reflects the number of pills secreted about his person and his perpetual
hypochondria. Describes how Puttyk's 'chronic state of poisoning and antidote'
affects his eating habits and causes him to seek antidotes to dishes.
Energy, Economic Geology, Political Economy, Nutrition, Futurism,
Domestic Economy
Begins by noting that
William S
JevonsJevons, William Stanley
(1835–82)
DSB CloseView the register entry >> and other men of science 'differ in their estimates of the
time which we shall take in using up all our coal, at our present rate of
consumption', and the difficulty of economising on this natural resource.
Suggests that one way to conserve coal is to follow a Norwegian method of
cooking meat in a saucepan lined with insulating felt—a technique that
significantly reduces the time during which the meat has to be in boiling water
and thus cuts down the heat consumption. Concludes by upholding other virtues
of the invention.
Ponders an extract from a newspaper report of a recent railway accident in
which the victim—the 'driver of an express train'—is described as
an 'unfortunate fellow'. Insisting that 'every fellow who meets with a bad
accident is an unfortunate fellow', suggests that if the victim had been
travelling in the first-class carriage, then he would have been described as
'the unfortunate gentleman', and second-class, 'the unfortunate man'. Concludes
by pointing out that 'on the principle of equality, we are all fellows', but
that this convention is never followed 'in our British journals'.
Written from the perspective of a policeman who expresses relief at the
revocation of
Richard Mayne'sMayne, Sir Richard
(1796–1868)
ODNB CloseView the register entry >>
law on vagrant dogs. He relishes the prospect of not being the subject of
'Amusement and delight' when a dog eludes his grasp, as well as the prospect of
'No more of these ignoble scars' and hydrophobia.
Reports that Australia is in 'danger of being eaten up' by rabbits imported
from England, and suggests that the Australians should import foxes to control
the rabbit population.
Ridicules an advertisement of a 'Telegraph Company' that promises to lay a
cable 'Connecting All the Ports on the Asiatic Coast, Whose Foreign Commerce
Amounts to One Thousand Millions Annually!'.
Discusses an extract from a paper by
Luke O PikePike, Luke Owen
(b. 1835)
WBI CloseView the register entry >> read
before the
Anthropological SocietyAnthropological Society of London
CloseView the register entry >>. Pike claimed
that 'however great the capacity of the female mind [...] it has a natural
tendency to occupy itself with those pursuits that most adorn the mother'.
Agrees with this claim, adding that the pursuit of fashion 'adorns' the
daughter as well as the mother.
Noting the enthusiasm for velocipedes in Paris, discusses the possibility of
perambulator races in Britain, in which nursemaids would be the chief
participants.
Begins by asking Mr Punch whether it is 'absolutely indispensable to be
versed in the geography of Central Asia'. Proceeds to discuss the attack in an
'evening Gazette' on the low level of knowledge of this region, an attack which
makes the author lament his poor geographical education.
Reflects on the decision of the
St
Petersburg ConferenceSt Petersburg Conference (1868)
CloseView the register entry >>, held to determine rules of warfare, to stop
using rifle-shells. Considers the argument that the more 'murderous' weapons
become, 'the sooner will war become so terrible that nations will shrink from
incurring its horrors'. Asserts that the
Peace SocietyPeace Society
CloseView the register entry >>
is consequently encouraging the development of inventions of war, and suggests
that this organisation will also promote a joint-stock company for making bombs
capable of scattering poisonous snake venom. Notes that 'all projectiles hurt
dreadfully when they smash bones or inflict lacerated wounds' and that the
decision of the St Petersburg Conference to ban shells under one pound in
weight would lead to 'sovereigns and peoples' thinking that projectiles 'are
not so much less horrid as to be allowable'. Concludes by asking whether it is
absurd to think that mankind will consider armed conflict to be 'an obsolete
atrocity'.
Architecture, Physical Geography, Cultural Geography, Nationalism,
Scientific Practitioners, Medical Practitioners, Heroism, Hospitals
Begins by comparing London unfavourably to Paris, emphasising that the
French capital has cleaner and grander streets where 'steam rollers' for
flattening the road 'abound'. Parisian streets have been 'christened after men
of art and science and philosophy and state-craft, and poetry and medicine',
including Englishmen. Speculates on the consequences of installing the French
architect and town-planner
Georges E
HaussmannHaussmann, Georges Eugène
(1809–91)
CBD CloseView the register entry >> in London, and urges that royal street-names be replaced
by 'NewtonNewton, Sir Isaac
(1642–1727)
DSB CloseView the register entry >> Street',
'HerschelHerschel, Sir William
(1738–1822)
DSB
ODNB CloseView the register entry >>
Street and 'Punch Street'. Also suggests that England should return the
compliment paid by the French in 'La Rue
FaradayFaraday, Michael
(1791–1867)
DSB CloseView the register entry >>' by
introducing 'BuffonBuffon, Georges-Louis Leclerc,
comte de
(1707–88)
DSB CloseView the register entry >> Street'. Finally,
suggests that England could improve on the French example by naming streets
after persons associated with the area and gives many examples including
'AbernethyAbernethy, John
(1764–1831)
ODNB CloseView the register entry >>
Street' and 'BrodieBrodie, Sir Benjamin Collins, 1st Baronet
(1783–1862)
DSB
ODNB CloseView the register entry >> Street' near hospitals.
Asks the Lord Chief Justice of the Queen's Bench,
Alexander J
E CockburnCockburn, Sir Alexander James Edmund
(1802–80)
ODNB CloseView the register entry >>, to reconsider his argument (presented in an extract of a
report of a recent trial) that 'because a man was subject to delusions' and was
dangerous to himself and others, it 'did not follow' that he should be 'placed
under restraint' or sent to a lunatic asylum. Punch warns that 'because
a man is subject to delusions' there is always the danger that he will harm
himself and others, and urges Cockburn to consider the consequences of his
view.
Written by a semi-literate woman who addresses her readers as the upholders
of science, but who shares the sceptical attitude of Zadkiel's Almanack
towards the sciences. She begins by condemning 'all your science' and
anticipating the day when readers, who 'places sitch entire reliance' on
science, will find themselves 'mistaken'. Agrees that they can 'foretell
eclipses and the weather', but 'disregards' their 'vain therios [theories]',
notably the heliocentric theory of the solar system. Contrasts the poor fruit
grown on their 'tree of science' with Zadkiel's Alamnack, which is a
'show up of
NEWTONNewton, Sir Isaac
(1642–1727)
DSB CloseView the register entry >>' and is written by a man
who has the courage 'the truth to utter'. Suggests that the 'monsters'
described by 'LYALLLyell, Sir Charles, 1st Baronet
(1797–1875)
DSB
ODNB CloseView the register entry >>' and 'JOE
MILLERMiller, Hugh
(1802–56)
DSB CloseView the register entry >>' might be the slain dragons of folklore, and
that the geocentric system may be true. Urges that it is best to 'smother'
facts that contradict others or 'what they didn't ought', and that 'scientific
wonders' are the invention of the Devil. Suggests that if 'feelosifers' were
proved wrong and endorsed her views about 'the world's creation', then 'there
would be joy in Convocation'. She relishes the day when 'Gash, electricity, and
steam' will be vanquished in favour of 'ile and candles'.
Shows a portly man about to consume a meal in a restaurant. He asks his
friend, who stands near him, what he thought of the cattle show (the annual
Smithfield Club Cattle ShowSmithfield Club—Cattle Show
CloseView the register entry >>), to
which his friend replies: 'Pretty fair. But the way they feed those poor beasts
I call a disgrace to humanity'.
Discusses a report of a case of a 'brute' who was acquitted of unlawfully
breaking the wings of a canary, and urges that maltreatment of birds should be
recognised by English law as a punishable offence.
Palaeontology, Ancient Authorities, Religion, Natural History,
Zoology, Comparative Philology, Human Development, Reading
Shows a snow-bound street on which a gigantic woolly mammoth (whose trunk
ends with the head of sharp-fanged beast) chases a small boy. The caption
explains the artist's attempt to follow
Louis Figuier'sFiguier, Louis
(1819–94)
CBD CloseView the register entry >>
view, presented in his work on the 'world before the flood' (Figuier 1865Figuier, Louis
1865. The World Before the Deluge [...] Containing Twenty-Five Ideal
Landscapes of the Ancient World, Designed by Riou, and Two Hundred and Eight
Figures of Animals, Plants, and Other Fossil Remains and Restorations,
trans. by W. S. O., London: Chapman and Hall
CloseView the register entry >>), that it is better
to awaken the imagination of children by the 'study of the natural history of
the world' rather than by 'fables and fairy tales'. Accordingly, the
illustration shows the author's 'imaginative' six-year old son being introduced
to some of the 'fauna of the preadamite world, as they appear restored in Mr.
Figuier's book'.
Discussing the apparently 'foolish' decision of a gamekeeper to advertise
the details of a 'big battue' in the newspapers, suggests that 'all noble
swells who like to see their battues recorded in the newspapers' should follow
the example of the
Prince EdwardEdward VII, King of Great Britain and Ireland and
of the British Dominions Beyond the Seas, Emperor of India
(1841–1910)
ODNB CloseView the register entry >>
and donate their 'butchered' game to a hospital.