Shows the mishaps of Spriggins, who tries to participate in a fox-hunt with
his 'Rantoone'—a form of tricycle in which the driver sits over the axle
of the two fixed rear wheels and steers the smaller front wheel. During the
hunt, Spriggins falls head first over the handlebars of his machine which ends
up being crushed in a crash 'five miles from everywhere!!'.
Shows a 'Fashionable' woman patient being attended to a 'Fashionable Doctor'
in her drawing room. She is disgusted by the prospect of taking cod liver oil,
so the doctor advises 'Cream and Curaçoa'.
Animal Behaviour, Animal Development, Hunting, Transport
Shows three scenes in which animals enact the conversations and rituals of
humans. In 'Vulpine Sagacity', a mother and father fox hold their young in
their arms, the father fox telling his wife to 'chuck that cub into the water!'
and to come indoors. He explains that 'the most punctillious attention to
personal cleanliness' is the best way of baffling their 'natural enemies, the
hounds'. 'Wise Counsel' shows a conversation between a rabbit and a hedgehog,
the rabbit (oddly called 'Poor Pussy') lamenting another round of hunting by
humans, the hedgehog urging his friend to 'stick up' for himself and boasting
how he 'won't be sat upon by anybody'. In 'The Wonders of the Deep. (From
Nature)', a fish is seen tugging a large shell in which sits a large shrimp,
the whole arrangement resembling a horse and hansom cab.
Shows a large hall way in which Mr Pottleton, his wife, and several domestic
servants stand before a wooden box in which sits a sewing machine. The caption
reveals that Mrs Pottleton had 'exacted a promise from her husband of a new
harmonium' and that her unlikely reaction to the sewing machine is
'agreeable surprise'.
Natural History, Zoology, Animal Behaviour, Human Development,
Comparative Philology
The initial letter forms part of an illustration showing an impoverished
stork dressed in rags, holding in its beak a notice bearing the words, 'Have
Pity'. It is also tied to a large mouse which begs for food to be placed in a
cup which it holds in its front legs. The text describes how 'the learned
Cheilopotos' in his 'treatise upon the Science of Creative Duplication' has
argued that 'No entity can ever be lost in Nature for want of its counterpart'
and that 'the collective idiosyncrasies of all the possible varieties of Human
Individualities are to be found separately in the animal kingdom'. The author
insists on the unchanging behavioural characteristics of animals and explains
that he is to commence 'a series of sketches upon the
AesopianAesop
(c. 6th century BC)
CBD CloseView the register entry >> idea' of illustrating
'modern society' by the three estates of birds, beasts, and fishes.
Praises a recent letter in
The TimesThe Times
(1777–1900+)
Waterloo
Directory CloseView the register entry >>
entitled 'Poison for the Hair'. Explains that, using a simple chemical test, he
recently analysed a bottle purporting to contain 'a restorative of the hair',
and discovered that it contained 'sugar-of-lead' which causes 'painters' colic
and palsy' when absorbed into the scalp and skin. Tells Mr Punch that he
advises his readers to test hair restorers for similar poisons.
Following news of adulterated hair treatments (discussed in
Canissimus, 'The Chemistry of Quack Hair-Washes', Punch, 56 (1869), 21 and
, Anon, 'Motto for Wiseacres Who Paralyse Themselves by Rubbing Sugar of Lead into
Their Scalps to Darken Their Hair', Punch, 56 (1869), 24), the poet warns elderly women and men
not to wash their hair in 'darkening wash', explaining that it is a 'snare /
Contrived with deleterious lead' that may result in loss of teeth. Points out
that applying 'liquid iron' and 'juice of tan' to the scalp 'may not' be
harmful, but suggests using 'salts of Mars' and 'walnut's liquor' as a 'safe
disguise' to 'grizzled hair'. Notes the existence of mushrooms whose 'ketchup'
can serve similar purposes, but warns that it is better to leave this 'pate /
To grow as Nature wills it'. Concludes by urging the need for a sound
'philosophy of health' which when 'applied / May help you to preserve your
brains'.
Hospitals, Patronage, Periodicals, Medical Treatment
Begins by insisting that 'PUNCH is clearly not the place
for medical discussions', since its readers 'wish to be enlightened,
instructed, or amused' rather than shocked by details of hospital operations.
However, the writer praises the
Royal Free
HospitalRoyal Free Hospital
CloseView the register entry >>, which was the first 'ever freely open' hospital to admit
'any poor sick persons' as long as 'there are funds unspent, and sleeping wards
unfilled'. Explains that the hospital directors 'urgently want money' to meet
such costs as prescriptions and food, and to escape from its considerable
debts. Punch urges its readers: 'Please to fork out, therefore,
Gentlemen', and exhorts them to consider the dire consequences of allowing the
hospital to close.
Noting that 'other Social Zoologists have from time to time exhibited
their specimens', introduces 'new species of the old genus, and even the
genera themselves, under novel aspects'. Proceeds to describe three social
types as if they were animal species. Thus, the 'JOLLY
OLD COCK' is 'a Rare Old Bird' who lives in a
'compact snuggery' and who is welcome to 'drop in' on other families in their
'nests'.
Shows a crowd of seated working men and women, all of whom are shrouded in
darkness and show signs of poverty. They sit around a huge white statue of a
woman, who holds over them a long pipe from which emerges the smoke that
provides the artisans with the source of nicotine. The artisans also inhale
smoke from pipes which run, like roots from a tree, from the base of the
statue.
Presents a series of questions raised by Mr Punch, including 'Whether one
part of the Thames Embankment won't be worn away before the other is
completed?', 'When there is going to be easy communication between Guard and
Passenger on every Railway', and whether 'we must wait for some tremendous
accident or fearful crises' before these problems are solved.
Crime, Medical Practitioners, Expertise, Mental Illness, Hospitals,
Periodicals, Politics
Discusses a recent case of a cobbler who was tried for murder but whose
death sentence was commuted by the Home Secretary (Henry A BruceBruce, Henry Austin, 1st Baron Aberdare
(1815–95)
ODNB CloseView the register entry >>) because the
accused suffered from epilepsy. Defends the Home Secretary's decision from
criticism by the
Pall Mall
GazettePall Mall Gazette
(1865–1900+)
Waterloo Directory
CloseView the register entry >> and
Saturday
ReviewSaturday Review
(1855–1900+)
Waterloo
Directory CloseView the register entry >>, challenging the Pall Mall Gazette's allegation
that the evidence was not properly considered and that the Home Secretary did
not appear to base his decision on the judgement of 'a physician of skill and
experience in diseases of the brain'—a practitioner who could have shown,
by examination of the accused and sifting of evidence, whether the accused was
insane. Argues that the Home Secretary probably did consult a medical expert,
but points out that the judgements of 'a Home Secretary of long experience at
the bar, and a Chief Constable' were just as reliable. Insists that the chief
constable was just as capable of 'cross-examination and distinction and of
taking opinions of impartial experts' as the skilled physician. Notes that from
his experience of physicians in the witness-box, Mr Punch would question their
'judicial faculty'. Concludes by further questioning the assumptions made by
the Pall Mall Gazette.
Medical Practitioners, Medical Treatment, Domestic Economy,
Gender
Shows 'Our Stout Cook' standing in a scullery before her employers. She
holds a doctor's bill in her hand and complains that he charged her
'two-an'-six', even though she had to 'wait two hours in that there
surgery'.
Cruelty, Crime, Ornithology, Hunting, Animal Behaviour,
Government
Begins by discussing the physical similarities between the kestrel and the
sparrow-hawk, noting the ease with which a 'useful bird may be mistaken for a
bird of prey'. Proceeds to discuss a
Morning
PostMorning Post and Daily Advertising Pamphlet
(1772–1900+)
Waterloo Directory
CloseView the register entry >> report of a man who was arrested for carrying a large
number of weapons in his pockets—clearly a 'person of prey'. Concludes by
anticipating that a 'Reformed
ParliamentHouses of Parliament
CloseView the register entry >>' will devise the most
economical and humane way of dealing with such a person.
Shows a 'Hearty Old Gentleman' and his 'Dyspeptic Friend' sitting at a
dinner table. Responding to his friend's complaint that the dinner did not
agree with him, the old gentleman explains that he eats and drinks what he
likes, finishes his meals with a 'good stiff glass o'grog at bed-time, and
go[es] fast asleep, an' let[s] 'm fight 't out 'mong 'emselves!!!'.
Religious Authority, Religion, Faith, Scientific
Practitioners
Discusses the reports in Continental newspapers of the large number of
conversions to Catholicism taking place in Britain, including that of the
John P
Crichton-Stuart (3rd Marquess of Bute)Stuart, John Patrick Crichton-, 3rd
Marquess of Bute
(1847–1900)
ODNB CloseView the register entry >>. Argues that these reports
are false and designed to 'frighten the British Public with the idea that we
are rapidly drifting into Popery', since the 'British mind' is easily impressed
by the 'virtuous' and 'learned' people who have 'gone over to Rome'. Adds that
the 'treacherous contributor' of these reports also understood that the British
public would not ask themselves whether 'any such fish had come to the
[Catholic] fisherman's net as a
PROFESSOR
OWENOwen, Richard
(1804–92)
DSB CloseView the register entry >>, or
TYNDALLTyndall, John
(1820–93)
DSB CloseView the register entry >>, or
HUXLEYHuxley, Thomas Henry
(1825–95)
DSB CloseView the register entry >>, or a
LORD
CAIRNSCairns, Hugh McCalmont, 1st Earl Cairns
(1819–85)
ODNB CloseView the register entry >>'.
Medical Practitioners, Surgery, Religion, Government,
Politics
A commentary on the Liberal Government's attempt to disestablish the
Church of
IrelandChurch of Ireland
CloseView the register entry >>, this shows Mr Bull, 'DR.
GLADSTONEGladstone, William Ewart
(1809–98)
ODNB CloseView the register entry >>', and 'DR. BRIGHTBright, John
(1811–89)
ODNB CloseView the register entry >>' in
front of representatives of the Irish and English Churches—the Siamese
twins. John Bull asks Dr Gladstone whether the operation to separate the twins
will be 'fatal to either', Gladstone replying in the negative, and Bright
insisting that the operation will 'do 'em both all the good in the world'.
Religious Authority, Zoology, Amusement, Human Development
Shows a children's room in which a young boy is playing with a wooden ark
and some toy animals. His mother, who sits nursing a baby on a nearby chair,
asks the boy who built the ark and what it was it built for. The boy answers
'Noah' to the first question and 'For little boys to play with' to the
second.
Begins by noting how hard it is for those who gorge themselves at Christmas
to appreciate the 'unpleasant feeling' of hunger. Proceeds to discuss an
extract from a report demonstrating the low cost incurred by the committee of
the
Refuges for Homeless and
Destitute ChildrenRefuges for Homeless and Destitute Children
CloseView the register entry >> in providing their impoverished charges with
regular weekly dinners. Presents another extract illustrating the ways in which
this provision can save children from fatal diseases and from crime, and
concludes by urging readers to subscribe to this charity.
Begins by urging readers to 'Never show ignorance' and explains how to deal
with those who hold conversations on music, the sciences, religion, and
politics. Advises that 'you probably could not tell the difference between
hydrogen and oxygen, and would be puzzled to give an intelligible account of
the cause of an eclipse; but for all that, if Miss CERULIA
STOCKEN chooses to enlarge upon
HUXLEY'SHuxley, Thomas Henry
(1825–95)
DSB CloseView the register entry >> paper and
TYNDALL'STyndall, John
(1820–93)
DSB CloseView the register entry >> discourse, upon
molecules and protoplasms, spectrum analysis, and "BAILY'SBaily, Francis
(1774–1844)
DSB CloseView the register entry >>
beads", ordinary politeness, and the remembrance that you belong to the
superior sex, should save you from disclosing your ignorance'.
Discusses an extract from 'the Leading Journal' describing how San Francisco
citizens have formed a committee to 'enquire into the means of preventing or
lessening the destruction of property by earthquakes'. The extract explains
that iron rods have been suggested as means of bracing buildings, but
Punch recommends constructing houses with an iron framework and that
they be built on springs.
Discusses an extract from a report describing the diseases suffered by boys
as a result of smoking, including disorders of circulation and digestion,
disturbed sleep, and ulceration. Argues that 'Boys mostly take to smoking [...]
because they think it manly' and advises knocking pipes out of their
mouths.
Notes that the cattle plague was mentioned in the
House of
CommonsHouse of Commons
CloseView the register entry >>, a remark prompting Punch to note that
Angela
CouttsBurdett-Coutts, Angela Georgina, 1st
Baroness
(1814–1906)
ODNB CloseView the register entry >> has published a 'kindly and womanly plea [...] in behalf of
youthful cattle [...] who are cruelly treated' by farmers (87).
Zoology, Zoological Gardens, Nutrition, Human Development, Animal
Development
Shows a woman observing the hippopotamus in a large cage (presumably at the
Zoological Society GardensZoological Society of London —Gardens
CloseView the register entry >>).
The hippopotamus turns to the woman and tells her that 'Who'd ever think,
looking at us two, that you devoured bullocks and sheep, and I never
took anything but rice?'.
Noting the publication of
Eyre 1869Eyre, James 1869.
The Stomach and its Difficulties, 6th edn, ed. by
Lionel Beale, London: John
Churchill
CloseView the register entry >>, the author is
mystified by the 'difficulties' of the stomach, but suggests that one of them
is 'regularly filling it'.
Shows part of a railway platform outside a luggage office. A large old
woman, who carries a cat in her arm and pulls a dog on a lead, has left her
'Menagerie of Pets' by the office, including rabbits in a basket and a parrot
in a cage. The railway porter points to her tortoise and explains that 'Station
Master say, Mum, as cats is "dogs", and rabbits is "dogs", and so's parrots;
but this ere "tortis" is a insect, so there ain't no charge for it!'.
Pollution, Disease, Death, Sanitation, Hygiene, Public
Health
Discusses an extract from a report in
The TimesThe Times
(1777–1900+)
Waterloo
Directory CloseView the register entry >>
describing the large number of deaths in Manchester from 'personal dirt,
municipal stupidity, and social neglect'. Explains that the death rate in
Manchester is 'higher than in any other city' and links this to the city's
'dirt', suggesting that 'Manchester [...] send its dirty people to the
wash'.
Human Development, Evolution, Cell Biology, Scientific Practitioners,
Scientific Naturalism, Materialism
Begins by rhetorically asking: 'Where [...] is the man who does not slightly
feel disgusted when informed that he, in fact, is nothing more than a mere
protoplasm', a claim made in
Thomas H
Huxley'sHuxley, Thomas Henry
(1825–95)
DSB CloseView the register entry >> 'recent paper' ('On the Physical Basis of Life', a version
of which was published in
Huxley 1869Huxley, Thomas
Henry 1869. 'On the Physical Basis of Life', Fortnightly
Review, 11, 129–45
CloseView the register entry >>). Imagines how
this claim will affect dinner-table conversation, suggesting that one might
hear somebody observing that 'he had lately met a protoplasm' who told him that
income tax was going to be doubled. Concludes by emphasising that Punch
'envies the great minds that, by the aid of science' can illuminate the
'momentous question' of the nature of man, but does not envy a society where
'men are only mentioned by the name of protoplasms'.
Depicts the story of the philosopher who lives next door to a woman who
annoys him by her piano playing—her piano being on the other side of the
wall from the philosopher's study. In the first half of the story the
philosopher has an electrical machine delivered to his house; in the second
half he grows so irritated by the woman's playing that he carries the
electrical machine into his study and contemplates revenge.
Shows a decrepit man and woman standing in the street. Replying to the man's
question about her state of health, the woman explains that she has just
visited the doctor who told her that if she does not 'take the greatest care'
of herself she will 'be a complete wreck in another twenty years'.
Discusses a report of the conditions at a chicken farm in Vichy, condemning
the conditions in which the chickens are kept: they are deprived of exercise
and are brutally fed through a gullet inserted down their throats. Believing
that 'The torments of Tantalus could scarce have equalled this', asks why this
harsh regime is not adopted 'with garotters and other British gaol-birds'.
Thinks that prison food is 'sumptuous' compared with 'workhouse fare' and
suggests that food should be fed to prisoners (including 'brutes who beat their
wives') in the same way that Vichy chickens are fed.
Presents reasons why, 'When we're drawing a Bill to save sea-birds', there
should be a bill for 'protecting the Gulls in the City'. Playing on the
similarity between ornithological and financial terminology, complains about
the 'poor Gulls', 'lame ducks', and 'poor geese' who have been hit by the rise
and fall of share values. Notes that 'puffin' is enjoyed equally by poachers in
the City (who like puffing) and the 'snobs who hit fowl on the Coast'. Argues
that 'land-gulls'' eggs should be protected as much as seagulls' eggs, that we
should stop 'unfledged landgulls' risking their necks with 'paper-wings', just
as we protect young seagulls who cannot fly, and suggests having a 'close' time
for both land and seagulls.
Notes
Lord Robert
Montagu'sMontagu, Lord Robert
(1825–1902)
ODNB CloseView the register entry >> introduction of a 'Contagious Diseases in Cattle Bill',
which proposes the establishment of 'separate waterside markets' and the
prevention of 'the admission of afflicted cattle'. Adds that the government's
bill only applies to cattle after they have arrived on land, and notes the
government's opposition to Montagu (110).
Discusses
William H
Sykes'sSykes, William Henry
(1790–1872)
ODNB CloseView the register entry >> introduction to the
House of
CommonsHouse of Commons
CloseView the register entry >> of a 'Bill for the Preservation of Seabirds'. Complains
that Sykes's bill does not include land-birds, and suggests that during their
breeding period, small birds and game should be 'out of season'. After another
swipe at the 'geese' who run sparrow clubs, notes that some people consider
that there should not be a limit to the number of gamekeepers hired to destroy
'all varieties of the British fauna which they account vermin'. Adopts
the opposite view, which supports the
British
MuseumBritish Museum
CloseView the register entry >> and the
Zoological Society GardensZoological Society of London —Gardens
CloseView the register entry >>
in their concern to preserve wildlife. The author acknowledges that his
position might be sentimental but points out that if preserving such birds is
'all bosh' then so is zoology and botany. Notes that Sykes drew attention to
the important roles played by gulls in the natural and social spheres.
Medical Treatment, Internationalism, Periodicals, Commerce, Language,
Cultural Geography
Reflects on the claim of the President of the
Board of
TradeBoard of Trade
CloseView the register entry >>,
John BrightBright, John
(1811–89)
ODNB CloseView the register entry >>, that 'we
are gradually Americanising all our institutions'. Believes that 'Some little
time' will have to elapse before all British institutions are Americanised, but
laments the Americanisation of the press, citing an example of a 'facetious'
advertisement for a medical pill.
Discusses a report in the
BuilderBuilder
(1842–1900+)
Waterloo
Directory CloseView the register entry >> of the
arrival from Nicaragua of 'specimens of "one of the most gigantic plants in the
vegetable kingdom"', a species of the arum family 'closely allied' to the
aristocracy of that kingdom ('our English "Lords and Ladies"'). Notes its
extraordinary dimensions and observes that, owing to its novelty to 'men of
science', it has 'not as yet received a name'. Suggests 'Gomagogus
graveolens' as a compliment to the City of London.
Suggests that the title of a recent paper read before the
Royal SocietyRoyal Society of London
CloseView the register entry >>,
'On the Behaviour of Thermometers in a Vacuum' (later published as
Loewy 1869Loewy, Benjamin
1869. 'On the Behaviour of Thermometers in a Vacuum', Proceedings of the
Royal Society of London, 17, 319–28
CloseView the register entry >>), implies that
thermometers are living creatures, a notion which 'leads one to think of the
behaviour of Society' and of the importance of those people who fill up vacuums
or pauses in conversation. Suggests that 'The newspapers carefully examined
will often supply material' for conversation, and gives as an example a cutting
describing how
Charles T
BrightBright, Sir Charles Tilston
(1832–88)
ODNB CloseView the register entry >> 'picked up the electric cable lost last year' in the Gulf of
Mexico. Suggests that this could lead to the notion of Bright competing with
giants for the title of the 'strongest man'. Later suggests discussing the
abolition of religious tests by the
University of CambridgeUniversity of Cambridge
CloseView the register entry >> and
University of
OxfordUniversity of Oxford
CloseView the register entry >>. Ridicules the notion that study is the 'main object of a
modern University education', and observes that the study of the works of such
eminent philosophers as
AristotleAristotle
(384–322 BC)
DSB CloseView the register entry >>,
EuclidEuclid
(fl. 295 BC)
DSB CloseView the register entry >>, and
Isaac NewtonNewton, Sir Isaac
(1642–1727)
DSB CloseView the register entry >> is
generally supplanted by sport.
Industry, Manufactories, Engineering, Steamships, Military
Technology
A response to Princess Louise's christening of
HMS DruidHMS Druid CloseView the register entry >>, the
last wooden warship to be launched from
Deptford
DockyardDeptford Dockyard
CloseView the register entry >>. Proceeds to describe the passing of this dockyard,
suggesting that the 'old yard has had its day; / Time change and war-ships with
them; oak yields to iron's sway: / There are wider slips and statlier sheds,
and broader quays elsewhere'. After describing the grim state into which the
dockyard has now sunk, emphasises that it was where the
Great HarryGreat Harry, ship CloseView the register entry >> lay,
where
King Henry
VIIIHenry VIII, King of England and Ireland
(1491–1547)
ODNB CloseView the register entry >> 'among his shipwrights showed broad breast and face of cheer',
and where the
Golden HindGolden Hind, ship CloseView the register entry >>
returned with
Francis DrakeDrake, Sir Francis
(1540–96)
ODNB CloseView the register entry >> and
'spices of New Spain' and the 'spoils of Ind'. Adds that this was also the site
of the famous family of shipwrights, the Petts (the first of whom appears to
have been
Peter PettPett, Peter
(d. 1589)
ODNB CloseView the register entry >>). Concludes
by relishing the rich memories evoked by the dockyards and hopes that the
Druid will not 'disgrace the parentage she owns'.
Discusses the case of a general practitioner,
Dr James
ClarkClark, Dr James
(fl. 1869)
PU1/56/12/4 CloseView the register entry >>, who sued the guardians of two young women for failing to pay
the cost (£310 5s 6d) for his regular medical attendance. Criticises
John Romilly (1st Baron
Romilly)Romilly, John, 1st Baron Romilly
(1802–74)
ODNB CloseView the register entry >>, the Master of the Rolls, for offering Clark only one
hundred guineas, suggesting that he appears to 'depreciate' the 'commodity' of
medical attendance. Asks Romilly whether he considers Clark's claims
'unreasonable in comparison with that to which a corresponding quantity of
forensic work is commonly allowed to entitle barristers'. Concludes by
discussing further the differences in fees charged by barristers and medical
practitioners.
Continues the story of the philosopher who is irritated by the piano-playing
of his female neighbour. Begins by showing the philosopher standing by his desk
on which he has now placed his electrical machine. When the woman begins
playing her piano, he turns the handle of his machine causing sparks to jump
through the wall and to stream away from the piano. This causes the woman to
flee in terror and the philosopher to jump about in hysterical laughter. Later
the woman returns to examine the piano but in the final image we see the
philosopher writing contentedly at his desk, the woman next-door having vacated
her house.
Notes a speech by
William E
ForsterForster, William Edward
(1818–86)
ODNB CloseView the register entry >> on the 'Reform of Endowed Grammar Schools', a subject which
Punch thinks is very important, especially because it believes that boys
sent to 'a costly school' learn 'Greek and cricket', while those sent to 'a
cheap school' learn 'nothing but slang'. Insists that since it is important for
schoolboys to 'learn some classics, much science, and several modern languages,
reading, writing, and arithmetic, it is clear that our system is wrong'. Thinks
the 'wise intentions of our ancestors' should be implemented and wishes
Forster's bill 'all success'. (122)
Shows a desolate country lane on which rides a man on a velocipede. The
rider is evidently riding so fast that a frightened yokel in the foreground
thinks he is 'ridin' 'pon nawthin!'.
Medical Practitioners, Politics, Utilitarianism, Commerce,
Periodicals
Discusses a petition presented by
William T M
TorrensTorrens, William Torrens McCullagh
(1813–94)
ODNB CloseView the register entry >> on behalf of over a hundred poor-law doctors, who sought
assistance in redressing 'certain grievances imposed on them by certain Boards
of Poor-Law Guardians, who may not impossibly be viewed as part of the
Collective Folly of the country'. Explains that their grievances include
'over-work and underpay', while an extract from the petition published in the
ExaminerExaminer
(1808–81)
Waterloo
Directory CloseView the register entry >>
insists that a medical practitioner cannot satisfactorily deal with the sick
poor while there are 'paramount claims of his own household'. Considers the
Examiner to be 'a journal known for its good sound common sense', a
quality that it cannot attribute to poor-law guardians, whose 'penny wisdom'
has led to 'pound foolishness' and more sickness among the poor. Notes that the
Examiner suggests raising the number and salary of poor-law medical
officers, but expects that this plan, which would enable doctors to be freed
from private practice, will be poorly received in 'certain board-rooms'.
After noting the account 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 >> of the extraction of
sunbeams from cucumbers, the author discusses a report in the Stockholm
periodical
AftonbladetAftonbladet
(1890–91)
BUCOP CloseView the register entry >> of machines that convert the
sun's rays into a motive power equivalent to 'stopping the motion of the
earth'. Presents an extract from that periodical explaining the tremendous
power of the machine, but warns that such machines will probably not be
patented in Britain owing to its lack of sunshine and great 'smoke and fogs'.
Expresses fear that such a 'sun-machine', operated by a latter-day
ArchimedesArchimedes
(c. 287–212 BC)
DSB CloseView the register entry >>, would
'send us all to smash'. Suggests that the idea might be useful in 'a century or
two', but ends by calling for the invention of bottled sunshine.
A series of eccentric, punning observations on various creatures and their
strange behaviour. For example, an 'Arithmetical Snake' caused 'A Countryman'
to be 'much alarmed at hearing a snake doing a sum. On examining the reptile
cautiously, it proved to be an Adder'.
Shows several men holding paintbrushes near the hide of the stuffed
rhinoceros at the
British
MuseumBritish Museum
CloseView the register entry >>. The caption indicates that the animal has been 'suffering
from parasites—Gover'ment [therefore] orders him to be varnished!'.
Utilitarianism, Disease, Medical Practitioners, Medical
Treatment
The introduction explains that 'an extraordinary meeting' of the guardians
of the
Berwick
Poor-Law UnionBerwick Poor-Law Union
CloseView the register entry >> recently considered the only reply to their
advertisement for a medical officer and a porter, both of whom are to be poorly
paid. In the spoof letter of application, 'An Apothecary' offers to undertake
both roles, pointing out that he could not perform the medical officership
alone on the low salary.
Notes extensive discussion of ships following the government's receipt of
the naval estimates. Reports that the government was 'bent upon building two
grand sea-going turret-ships that will go anywhere' and was not going to build
'any more wooden men-of-war'. Adds that the First Lord of the
AdmiraltyAdmiralty
CloseView the register entry >>,
Henry T L CorryCorry, Henry Thomas Lowry
(1803–73)
ODNB CloseView the register entry >>
'denounced these great ships' and 'read heaps of letters from sea-officers, who
predicted that they would be useless'.
Begins by noting that the price of meat would force poor people to become
vegetarians, but suggests that one reason for high meat prices is that farmers
have been sowing 'Inferior German rapeseed'. Attacks farmers for this and notes
that 'a Bill has been promoted to atone for their deficiency'.
Military Technology, Invention, War, Electricity, Electrochemistry,
Zoology, Cultural Geography, Nationalism
Written from the perspective of the slightly illiterate Mother England.
Begins by complaining about how 'little good in these times one can often
mention', but praises the torpedo as a 'capital invention', noting how it is
'to serve our arbours for protection'. Notes that the invention, like a
flatfish, uses electricity to produce thunderous results, the torpedo
destroying ships by the fusion of a 'galvanic spark [...] With
nitrio-glycerine, gun-cotton, powder'. Considers the torpedo to be the best way
to 'deal with all detestable invaders' and compares the use of the invention to
that of boys who attack 'wopses' nests with fireworks'. Regards the torpedo as
a much more effective weapon than the 'Saint Chassy Pot' (the
ChassepotChassepot, Antoine Alphonse
(1833–1905)
WBI CloseView the register entry >> rifle), and proceeds to urge
that foreign naval powers be destroyed by several means, including poisoning,
burning, and sinking. Hopes that the torpedo will cause the 'end of war and
battle' and enable life 'in peace and out of danger', but ends by warning 'all
you foreigners' that those who 'dares to lay a finger on this peaceful nation'
will meet with 'Wrack, ruin, olesale, sweepin, hinstantaneous death,
annihilation' thanks to the torpedo.
Punch, 56 (1869), 144.
Curious Entomological Study: Made from Our Stall the Other Evening
Depicts the story of a greedy frog who, having seen that a duck has left one
of its eggs unattended, swallows the egg but denies knowledge of it when
quizzed by the duck. The frog leaves the duck but suffers 'self-doubts', since
the egg has turned it into a clumsy spherical animal.
Discusses a 'wonderful psycho-physiological discovery' made by 'an anonymous
philosopher' enunciated during an 'unfavourable'
Morning
PostMorning Post and Daily Advertising Pamphlet
(1772–1900+)
Waterloo Directory
CloseView the register entry >> review of a work on phrenology. Presents an extract from
the review, which argues that matter can only be arranged by spirit 'endowed'
with properties that are 'conveyed by different agencies into the human frame,
[in order] to perform their vital functions'. The extract adds that the
varieties of spirit 'ascend by the vertebral tissues into the brain, and select
the cells in which they develop the perceptions of sense and the faculties of
mind'. The Punch author attempts to decipher the obscure meaning of the
extract so as 'to see precisely how profound' it is. He begins by criticizing
the reviewer for vagueness over the source of the 'vital functions', suggesting
that the reviewer appears to endow agencies and properties with vital
functions. Questions whether the reviewer really means that the varieties of
spirit climb up the spine, and expresses astonishment at the reviewer's
mechanism by which human sense and mind are said to develop from the selections
of the properties of spirit. The author is equally astonished by the reviewer's
claim that 'The spheres of the productive energy of these varieties of
properties of spirit expand by action', and identifies the spheres as 'cerebral
cavities' which expand due to the 'productive energy' of the properties of
spirit and which 'raise the overlying portions of the cranium' beneath which
the properties work. Concludes by suggesting that the
Royal
College of SurgeonsRoyal College of Surgeons
CloseView the register entry >> award the anonymous 'discoverer of cerebral
spheres' a 'gold medal' in the 'interests of science' and that the reviewer has
'settled phrenology's hash'.
Shows a little girl peering over some iron railings at a bear who, whilst
holding into a thick wooden pole, throws his head back to look somewhat
menacingly at the girl. The caption reads: 'Oh! that I were a bird, / That I
might fly to thee!!!'.
Notes an 'inevitable' debate on the 'English gunboat' and reports that the
House of
CommonsHouse of Commons
CloseView the register entry >> has passed the 'Bill for protecting the poor dear Sea
Birds', legislation that will 'kick' Scottish fishermen 'down-stairs'.
Punch, 56 (1869), [158]–[159].
The Sunday Question. The Public-House; The House for the Public?
Engages the political debates over the opening of museums on Sundays and
over Sunday trading. In the left-hand illustration, 'The Public-House', several
dishevelled characters are seen standing near the bar. In the right-hand
illustration, 'The House for the Public?', the same (albeit better dressed)
characters are seen joining others in admiring pottery displays in a
museum.
Concerns the shortcomings of new textile machinery. Shows a respectable
looking gentleman walking down a street past an outfitters. A nearby
'Street-boy' notices something wrong with his garments and shouts: 'Your
trowsies is a-comin unsewed, sir!'.
Education, Religion, Museums, Government, Narcotics, Class
Addressing
Anthony A Cooper (7th
Earl of Shaftesbury)Cooper, Anthony Ashley, 7th Earl of Shaftesbury
(formerly styled 'Lord Ashley')
(1801–85)
ODNB CloseView the register entry >>, an ardent sabbatarian, the letter-writer
suggests that it is better for people to spend their Sunday afternoons in the
South
Kensington MuseumSouth Kensington Museum
CloseView the register entry >> than in a public house, and questions
Shaftesbury's argument that 'the people' objected to visiting museums on
Sundays. Argues that the people to whom Shaftesbury was referring were members
of the middle class, not the artisans whom the government wish to attract to
museums on Sundays. Reminds Shaftesbury that artisans, unlike the middle
classes, have few other opportunities in the week to visit museums.
The huge spherical frog is pulled up a tree by a snail, but on reaching a
high branch it falls off, smashing the egg inside and enabling it to make
'Plans for the future'.
Relishes the prospect of having a 'steam-servant' and thus being able to
'dispense with all JEMIMA'S race' (Jemima being London slang
for a servant girl). Asks 'mechanics' to construct 'such an engine'.
Shows a miserable-looking man standing outside a farmyard in the pouring
rain. The precipitation is so heavy that the lane in front of him has turned
into a river in which ducks swim. The caption reveals the shortcomings of
regarding country breaks as the cure for nervous disorders: it explains that
spending six weeks in the country, abstaining from tobacco and stimulants, and
spending the whole day in the 'open air' will not be effective unless one
cultivates 'a cheerful frame of mind'—something which the man in the
illustration evidently has failed to achieve.
Shows a cuckoo making its characteristic sound from a branch on a tree. The
caption begins with an extract from a 'Daily Paper' linking the hearing
of the cuckoo's 'welcome notes' to the 'mildness of the season'. The caption
also explains that the cuckoo 'wishes she had not been such a fool' because she
has a cold in the head which has caused her call to change to
'cuck-a'tchew'.
Dedicated to an organisation that had recently launched a systematic
investigation into spiritualism. This begins by describing some of the
spectacular phenomena produced 'Through
MR.
HOMEHome, Daniel Dunglas
(1833–86)
ODNB CloseView the register entry >>', including his ability to lift himself 'in
the air', to 'Assist him a live coal to hold', and to 'stretch and shorten him
by turns'. Compares Home favourably with the twelfth century Scottish magician
Michael ScotScot (Scott), Michael
(d. in or after 1235)
ODNB CloseView the register entry >> and Dr
Faustus. Asks why the spirits did not help Home during his celebrated recent
trial (in which he was accused by
Jane LyonLyon, Jane
(fl. 1868)
Jenkins 1982 CloseView the register entry >> of fabricating
'spiritualistic' warrant for his claim to her deceased husband's estate). Why
did the spirits not prove 'by demonstration, / In open Court, [Home's]
"levitation"', or produce spirit-writing with the Judge's pen? Concludes by
asking them to give Mr Punch a rap to produce 'conviction'.
Begins by acknowledging the importance of hunger for the appreciation of
food, but then discusses a case of a destitute woman milliner who was forced to
refuse medicine to treat her consumption because it made her hungry, 'which
she could not afford to be'. Insists that Mr Punch is not blaming
anybody—'He never blames anybody'—but that the milliner's case is
merely an 'average' one, much as 'murder, fire, starvation' 'go in
averages'.
Praises the new 'Sea-birds' Preservation Bill' currently passing through
ParliamentHouses of Parliament
CloseView the register entry >> but suggests that
a 'Landlords' Preservation Bill' is also desirable given the number of times
that they are shot (a reference to attacks on landlords in Ireland by tenant
farmers).
Asks why the buns at the
Zoological Society GardensZoological Society of London —Gardens
CloseView the register entry >>
appear to be 'expressly constructed for the beasts', and not suitable for the
humans who work up an appetite on walking about the gardens.
Begins by showing the frog egg-poacher as a 'habitual criminal' which tries
to steal another of the duck's eggs, this time hiding itself under an umbrella.
The frog steals and successfully swallows the egg but is caught by the duck,
which knocks the frog down and sits on it in order to help the egg to hatch.
'The plot thickens' and a duckling hatches through the mouth of the frog, a
result that prompts the frog and the duck to get married.
Noting the invention of the 'Sphygmograph', an instrument 'for taking
automatic tracings of the throbbing of the pulse', claims that the name of this
instrument has 'suggested the invention' of the 'Swigmograph'. This latter
instrument will trace upon paper the pulsing headache of somebody who has been
'swigging a good deal of alcoholic liquor', and thus warn the user against 'all
dangerous indulgences in the pleasures of the table'.
Shows a fashionable young woman riding a velocipede side-saddle. Behind her,
also on a velocipede, is a man who looks on puzzled. The caption begins with an
extract from the
New York
SunNew York Sun
(1833–1900+)
RLIN CloseView the register entry >>, which explains how ladies can, 'in one week's practice,
of an hour daily', ride a velocipede 'side-saddle-wise with the utmost ease'.
The caption comments that the illustration is 'what we may expect to see this
season'.
Astonished by an extract from a 'programme of "Parliamentary Business"'
noting the proposal of
Francis R
Charteris (Lord Elcho)Charteris (formerly Charteris-Wemyss-Douglas),
Francis Richard, 8th Earl of Wemyss and 3rd Baron Wemyss (formerly styled 'Lord
Elcho')
(1818–1914)
Cokayne 1910–59 CloseView the register entry >> to call the attention of the
House of
CommonsHouse of Commons
CloseView the register entry >> to 'the adulteration of manures'. Thinks those who
perpetrate this 'commercial rascality' are 'worse than
TENNYSON'STennyson, Alfred, 1st Baron Tennyson
(1809–92)
ODNB CloseView the register entry >> conception of the
pharmaceutical rogue "pestling a poisoned poison"', and should be pilloried and
pelted with their own manure.
Nutrition, Analytical Chemistry, Medical Treatment, Medical
Practitioners, Gender
Reports on an article in the
British Medical JournalBritish Medical Journal
(1857–1900+)
Waterloo
Directory CloseView the register entry >> by
Charles A
CameronCameron, Sir Charles Alexander
(1830–1921)
ODNB CloseView the register entry >> which showed that sow's milk contains more 'solid matter'
and is generally richer than cow's milk. Points out that the sow might be
disqualified by the medical faculty 'for the situation of wet-nurse', even
though she has copious saccharine in her milk, and her milk needs no stout for
its formation—an allusion to wet-nurses' notorious penchant for alcoholic
beverages.
Discusses the latest Parisian fashion in hair—having one's hair
'simply braided'. Suggests that a phrenologist seeing the braids would conclude
that his subject had prominent faculties 'of modesty and candour' but mere
cavities for 'vanity and folly'.
Discusses news that 'By an ingenious little instrument which is called a
pulexometer', the strength of the domestic flea has been established at 'eight
hundred times its specific gravity'. Mocks the idea of speaking of a flea's
specific gravity, and doubts whether the stated quantity can be
established.
Medical Treatment, Narcotics, Religious Authority, Morality
Discusses a report in
The TimesThe Times
(1777–1900+)
Waterloo
Directory CloseView the register entry >>
concerning the Bishop of Manchester,
James P LeeLee, James Prince
(1804–69)
ODNB CloseView the register entry >>, who
accused a curate,
Louis H
MordacqueMordacque, Louis Henry
(1824–70)
WBI CloseView the register entry >>, of drunkenness. Explains that when the case was taken to
the court of inquiry, it was dismissed because the curate was prescribed 'rum
and milk' by his medical attendant for treating his 'weak and nervous state'.
Ridicules Lee's belief that the curate should have used a remedy 'equally
efficacious and less equivocal', arguing that rum and milk was the only
treatment. Concludes by comparing Lee to the personification of conventional
propriety, Mrs Grundy.
Praising
ParliamentHouses of Parliament
CloseView the register entry >> for passing 'a
good law for the prevention of cruelty to Sea-birds', calls on statesmen to
consider the plight of 'certain land-birds', including skylarks, who are
imprisoned in cages on London streets, and pigeons, who are shot by members of
the
Gun ClubGun Club
CloseView the register entry >>. Urges the
establishment of an act for creating a 'close time' for hunted birds, and
concludes by lamenting that wounded birds are often left to suffer.
Shows two large bears standing outside the restaurant of the
Zoological Society GardensZoological Society of London —Gardens
CloseView the register entry >>
in the 'cool of the evening, when the public have gone'. One bear suggests that
they steal a sandwich, but the other exclaims: 'What, one of their sandwiches?
Oh, not for me thanky. You must be hungry!!'. This is an allusion
to the notoriously stale buns purchased by the public to feed the bears at the
Zoological Gardens.
In the first, larger, illustration, a man is seen running inside a large
ellipsoidal cage on the ends of which are attached giant wheels. The caption
explains that the man, Little Biffin, based his invention on the behaviour of
mice in a cage: he had 'experience of white mice' in his 'early days', and thus
invented a 'velocipede, airy, light, commodious, and entirely free from
danger'. A smaller illustration shows Biffin sitting 'In repose' at the bottom
of his stationary velocipede.
Discusses reports of the trial in New York of
William H
MumlerMumler, William H
(fl. 1870)
WBI CloseView the register entry >>, accused of producing fake spirit photographs. Notes Mumler's
defence of his photographs and his appeal to the testimony of
John W EdmondsEdmonds, John W
(1799–1874)
WBI CloseView the register entry >>,
who told the court that he clearly saw through a spirit. Punch concludes
by suggesting that a spirit photographer 'must always be a transparent medium',
but thinks that while Edmonds may have seen through a spirit, he did not 'see
through' Mumler.
Begins by reminding readers of some of the principal facts associated with
observations of the transit of Venus, including the recurrence of the event in
1874 and 1882, and that in 1769
James CookCook, James
(1728–79)
DSB CloseView the register entry >> led a
succesful expedition on board
HMS
EndeavourHMS Endeavour CloseView the register entry >> to observe the transit. Explains that the transit
will next be observable from the Antarctic and furnishes an extract from a
speech given by
Roderick I
MurchisonMurchison, Sir Roderick Impey, 1st Baronet
(1792–1871)
DSBODNB CloseView the register entry >> at a meeting of the
Royal Geographical SocietyRoyal Geographical Society
CloseView the register entry >> held at
the
Royal
InstitutionRoyal Institution of Great Britain
CloseView the register entry >>. Murchison appealed to
George B AiryAiry, Sir George Biddell
(1801–92)
DSB
ODNB CloseView the register entry >> for
strong support for the 1874 Venus transit expedition. He also complained that
'so important a branch of North Polar research [...] was slighted by too many
of my countrymen' whom (according to the report) he accused of using
'the common aphorism of cui bono' as a 'sufficient apology' for
not patronising scientific expeditions. Punch suggests that in reality
Murchison probably referred to 'cui bono?' not as an aphorism, but as an
'asinism', in reference to the 'donkeys' who questioned the use of 'every new
discovery', including 'electricity, gas, and steam'. Proceeds to discuss a
speech made at the same meeting by
Richard OwenOwen, Richard
(1804–92)
DSB CloseView the register entry >>, who
described his Nile trip with
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 >>,
who 'shot specimens' for Owen. Adds that owing to the Prince, 'our British
CUVIERCuvier, Georges
(1769–1832)
DSB CloseView the register entry >>' was able to observe a
live 'Choreutica agilis', an 'uncommonly queer sort of fish'.
Written from the perspective of the notoriously poisonous plant, deadly
nightshade, who identifies herself as the cause of a 'case of poisoning'
reported in the
Pall Mall
GazettePall Mall Gazette
(1865–1900+)
Waterloo Directory
CloseView the register entry >> in an extract copied from the
Liverpool
MercuryLiverpool Mercury
(1811–1900+)
Waterloo
Directory CloseView the register entry >>. Belladonna corrects the misidentification in the
newspapers of deadly nightshade as Solanum dulcamara, which she asserts
is the relatively harmless 'woody nightshade' that makes a 'cosmetic potion
better than anything advertised'. The narrator reveals that she is a 'distant
relation' of Solanum dulcamara who possesses more powerful properties,
and whose common name derives from her fatal 'killing qualities'.
Begins by challenging the accuracy of the report of 'the great balloon' that
'so suddenly broke from its moorings', claiming that the balloon has not yet
landed and that Punch is receiving messages from the 'Scientific
Correspondent' who drops 'scraps of intelligence' over the side of the balloon.
The rest of the article consists of jottings taken during one day of the
voyage, many of which concern measurements of temperature and pressure, and the
correspondent's eating habits. The first jottings mention his provision of
'instruments for taking and making observations' and explain how the author
fought his way onto the balloon car. Rising into the atmosphere he observes
'preparations for a new comet', which 'resembles a kite of peculiar form' and
which, when 'sufficiently weighty, [...] descends so as to trail across the
earth and other planets', and which if 'over-weighted' is in danger of
colliding with the Earth. As evening approaches, the author reports that he
found 'the Milky Way' awkward to 'steer through', and descends by controlling
the 'Gerent Coil'—a manoeuvre which he justifies with a complex algebraic
equation and a bizarre physical theory of air currents. Later in the evening he
reports that he has entered into daylight and expresses determination to
explore the races of the antipodes. Later still he claims that 'By a simple
scientific process' he ascends and anchors 'off Taurus' next to which there are
'festivities' including the 'music of the spheres'. Noting the activity in
other constellations (notably the claim that Aquarius has given up his
watering-pot and taken to organ-grinding), he resolves to complain to
Edward J LoweLowe, Edward Joseph
(1825–1900)
WBI CloseView the register entry >> at
George Bishop's
Bishop, George
(1785–1861)
ODNB CloseView the register entry >>South Villa ObservatorySouth Villa Observatory, Regent's Park CloseView the register entry >>, Regent's
Park.
Discusses news of medical students at
St
Bartholomew's HospitalSt Bartholomew's Hospital
CloseView the register entry >> who, pursuing 'the fashion which has become
prevalent among the schools in general', have started to compete in athletics.
Claims that the events in which 'surgical competitors' participated were
variants of traditional athletic games. For example, notes the 'Throwing a
Cricket Ball' performed with a cranium and that 'the Hurdle Race was managed
with frame-works composed of tibiae, fibulae, radii,
ulnae, and ribs'. Suggests that 'the study of the muscles must tend to
give a peculiar alacrity and expertness in this exercise', and that St
Bartholomew's and
Guy's HospitalGuy's Hospital
CloseView the register entry >>
should 'institute an annual boat race'.
A series of eccentric observations and suggestions concerning animals at the
Zoological Society Gardens, most of which play on the names of the animals. For
example, advises that 'Because you are a good Protestant, do not be deterred
from going into the most popular building in the gardens, on account of the
Capuchins. There is no intention of perverting the Monkey House into a
Monkery', and 'Immediately after seeing the Lyre-bird, go and look at the
Harpy'.
Written from the perspective of a small dog who urges Mr Punch's dog, Toby,
to ask his master to 'order people not to crop the ears of little dogs',
pointing out that this is a criminal offence and explaining how two 'brutes'
were recently fined for committing this act. Draws attention to the fact that
the 'brutes' claimed that cropping dogs' ears was a painless operation, but
proceeds to present an extract of a report from a veterinary surgeon of the
Royal
EngineersRoyal Corps of Engineers
CloseView the register entry >> contradicting this view. Concludes by reiterating his
call to have Mr Punch stop this brutal activity.
Societies, Sanitation, Health, Gender, Medical Treatment, Vaccination,
Disease
Discusses the 'awakening season' of the 'serious world' at a time when the
'sporting world' starts its activities. Notes the activities of the
Ladies'
Sanitary AssociationLadies' National Association for the Diffusion of Sanitary Knowledge
CloseView the register entry >>, whose object is 'to extend and popularise the
knowledge of the laws of health by means of libraries, lectures, tracts,
clothing and coal clubs, and other similar agencies'. Stresses that members of
the organisation do not 'scorn the assistance of the sterner sex', pointing out
that among those present at a recent meeting were
Edwin ChadwickChadwick, Sir Edwin
(1800–90)
ODNB CloseView the register entry >>,
William FarrFarr, William
(1807–83)
ODNB CloseView the register entry >>, and
Robert DruittDruitt, Robert
(1814–83)
ODNB CloseView the register entry >>,
the author of a treatise on light wines (a reference to
Druitt 1865Druitt, Robert
1865. Report on the Cheap Wines from France, Italy, Austria, Greece, and
Hungary: Their Quality, Wholesomeness, and Price, London: Henry
Renshaw
CloseView the register entry >>). Describes the
publishing, philanthropic, and other activities of the association, including
the disclosure by its president,
Josephine E
ButlerButler, Josephine Elizabeth
(1828–1906)
ODNB CloseView the register entry >>, of a 'goodly series of bona fide transactions', and the
printing of five hundred copies of 'essays on small-pox and vaccination'.
Universities, Progress, Environmentalism, Palaeontology, Race, Human
Development
Describes the
University of
Oxford University of Oxford
CloseView the register entry >> as if it were a university in 'A long-forgotten city',
hidden away in an 'ambrosial land', where many of the customs and vices of the
present day (including the 'Penny Press' and adulterated wine) are absent, thus
making for 'A happy life!'. Depicts the inhabitants as men who lead lives
without knowing 'Change or mutation' and who are 'Peaceful, pacific,
paneirenic'. Adds that this 'Primaeval race, with undisputed wills [...] Lapped
in the golden age of hoary time, / When pleiosauri revelled in their slime, /
And the great mastodon from dawn to day / Rood upon rood in lush morasses
lay'.
Medical Practitioners, Surgery, Medical Treatment, Patronage,
Charlatanry
Responds to an article in
The TimesThe Times
(1777–1900+)
Waterloo
Directory CloseView the register entry >> on
the need to reform the untrustworthy 'Recommendations and Testimonials which
friends give to their friend, when he wants a situation'. Presents three
specimen testimonials which embody the ways in which Punch believes the
system can be reformed. The first testimonial, from Frank Buffer to John Brown,
a 'Candidate for a House Surgeonship', recommends that he is suitable
for a position at 'St. Vitus's Hospital' because he has been 'fairly educated,
considering that [his] family was a low one', that he will make 'fewer
mistakes' once he has 'had more practice', that he has given up his drinking
habit, and that he showed 'humanity' in playing billiards when he should have
been attending a dying patient.
Appalled that sixty men were killed or injured at a recent colliery
explosion in Ferndale, and attributes the explosion to a miner lighting his
pipe with a safety lamp. Asks why the magnesium light cannot be employed in
coal-mines and thus stop flames from coming into contact with 'the "workings"'.
Suggests that consumers should meet the costs.
Discusses reports of a new mania among New York women for eating arsenic as
a way of achieving brilliant complexions. Suggests that this is another form of
'fashionable insanity' which prompts women to poison their bodies in order to
improve their appearance. Considers this and 'tight-lacing' to be forms of
'fashionable suicide'.
Shows a series of strange animals who have developed anatomical features
associated with humans. For example, the 'Gun Badger' has a head constructed
from a muzzle-loading rifle, the 'Aquarious Lawn-Bird' has a watering-can for a
beak, and the 'Long-Sighted Hornbill' has a pair of binoculars growing out of
its eye sockets.
Begins by noting the 'wise servility' with which 'things of beauty' are
sacrificed to 'Material utility'. These sacrifices include the machinery which
'Is fast improving scenery', the 'victorious' railways and 'glorious'
architecture, the public houses which 'shoot up where bloomed the thorn', and
the smoking factory chimneys which replace spires as the objects that point to
the sky. Concludes by vowing to work for 'Utility' 'with our whole ability', to
swiftly consume the fields and coal measures of 'Old England', and to yield
ourselves 'those pleasures to / Pigs which engross and make mankind
Chinese'.
Physics, Instruments, Laboratories, Universities, Patronage, Religion,
Religious Authority
Discusses a report that 'Convocation is to be asked to make a grant of
£1,000 for apparatus for the new building for Experimental Philosophy,
under the care of
PROF.
CLIFTONClifton, Robert Bellamy
(1836–1921)
ODNB CloseView the register entry >>'. Notes that 'There are [...] Convocations
and Convocations', but wonders 'who could be simple enough' to ask convocation
for money for promoting 'practical science'. (Convocation is a provincial
assembly of Anglican clergy as well as the legislative body of the the
University of
OxfordUniversity of Oxford
CloseView the register entry >>, where Clifton was Professor of Experimental
Philosophy).
The writer begins by reminding Mr Punch that the spirit photographer,
William H
MumlerMumler, William H
(fl. 1870)
WBI CloseView the register entry >>, was discharged by a New York magistrate 'for want of legal
evidence' to prove that his photographs were fraudulent. Confesses to being
uncertain 'of anything that, so far as I can see, may or may not be true'. On
the one hand, he is 'not positively certain' that there is not some truth among
the 'great deal of mis-statement, and not a little lying' in accounts of
spiritualistic phenomena. On the other hand, he suspects that 'not even one rap
upon a table, ascribed to spiritual forces, has ever been really caused by any
other agency than that of a fraudulent "medium"'. The narrator has more
confidence in '"spirit" photographs', suggesting that there may be 'disembodied
spirits' that can make themselves visible. However, he ridicules the claim that
'an object not luminous enough to form an image on the retina' could also
'reflect rays of light sufficiently strong to decompose photographic
chemicals'. Concludes by condemning spirit photographs as 'all humbug' but
insists on the need to be able to give a reason for disbelieving even something
so contrary to 'common sense'.
Notes that the question of adulteration of seeds is to be referred to a
select committee and reports
Hugh C E
Childers'sChilders, Hugh Culling Eardley
(1827–96)
ODNB CloseView the register entry >> reassurance that the government would not put the
Royal Naval Hospital,
GreenwichRoyal Naval Hospital, Greenwich CloseView the register entry >>, to any purpose which it might later regret. Later
criticises the renaming of Kirkthwaite as Cowgill, pointing out that the new
name is 'hideous' and the 'cows have no gills, except in the case of the
Cow-Fish of Madagascar (Orthrogoriscus vaccinatus) in the
South
Kensington MuseumSouth Kensington Museum
CloseView the register entry >>'.
Punch, 56 (1869), 271.
The Course of the French Atlantic Cable (In a Single
Hexameter)
Begins by noting that John Bull mocked the 'Fleet of the Future' proposed by
the Prussian navy, but warns that this has now become the 'Fleet of the
Present', with a 'respectable force of steam iron-clads', a 'first-class naval
arsenal and dockyard', and a plethora of other military vessels. Believes that
Britannia 'rejoices' to hail the Prussian navy 'alongside the true blue of the
British man-o'-war's man'.