Science in the 19th Century Periodical

Punch, Or the London Charivari [1st]

Introductory Essay
Volume 62  (January to June 1872)
Punch,  62 (1872), [i].

Vol LXII

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L Sambourne Sambourne, Edwin Linley (1844–1910) ODNB
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Genre:

Illustration, Drollery

Relevant illustrations:

wdct.

Illustrators:

L Sambourne Sambourne, Edwin Linley (1844–1910) ODNB
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Subjects:

Photography


Punch,  62 (1872), [i].

Jan. XXI Days

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Anon

Genre:

Notes, Drollery

Subjects:

Scientific Practitioners, Natural History, Physiognomy, Electricity, Natural Philosophy, Engineering, Steam-power

People mentioned:

Carl Linnaeus, Linnaeus (or von Linné), Carl (1707–78) DSB
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Johann K Lavater, Lavater, Johann Kaspar (1741–1801) CBD
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Benjamin Franklin, Franklin, Benjamin (1706–90) DSB
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James Watt Watt, James (1736–1819) DSB
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Punch,  62 (1872), [i].

Feb. XXIX Days

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Anon

Genre:

Notes, Drollery

Subjects:

Scientific Practitioners, Electricity, Astronomy, Philosophy

People mentioned:

Luigi Galvani, Galvani, Luigi (1737–98) DSB
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Nicholas Copernicus, Copernicus, Nicholas (1473–1543) DSB
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David Hume Hume, David (1711–76) DSB
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Punch,  62 (1872), [ii].

March XXXI Days

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Anon

Genre:

Notes, Drollery

Subjects:

Scientific Practitioners, Electricity, Chemistry, Natural Philosophy

People mentioned:

Joseph Priestley Priestley, Joseph (1733–1804) DSB
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Punch,  62 (1872), [ii].

Signs of the Modern Zodiac

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Anon

Genre:

Notes, Drollery

Subjects:

Steamships, Military Technology, Medical Practitioners


Punch,  62 (1872), [iii].

April XXX Days

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Anon

Genre:

Notes, Drollery

Subjects:

Scientific Practitioners, Light, Botany, Natural History, Statistics, Mathematics, Philosophy

People mentioned:

Thomas Young, Young, Thomas (1773–1829) DSB
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Georges L Leclerc, comte de Buffon, Buffon, Georges-Louis Leclerc, comte de (1707–88) DSB
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John Graunt, Graunt, John (1620–74) DSB
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David Hume Hume, David (1711–76) DSB
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Punch,  62 (1872), [iv].

May XXXI Days

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Anon

Genre:

Notes, Drollery

Subjects:

Scientific Practitioners, Natural History, Astronomy

People mentioned:

Georges Cuvier, Cuvier, Georges (1769–1832) DSB
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Nicholas Copernicus Copernicus, Nicholas (1473–1543) DSB
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Punch,  62 (1872), [iv].

New Patents

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Anon

Genre:

Announcement, Spoof

Subjects:

Invention, Domestic Economy, Industry


Punch,  62 (1872), [iv].

Astronomical Error

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Anon

Genre:

Notes, Drollery

Subjects:

Astronomy, Error


Punch,  62 (1872), [v].

Something for the British Association British Association for the Advancement of Science
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Anon

Genre:

Notes, Drollery

Subjects:

Societies, Geology


    Suggests that the reason why geologists display the most energy and perseverance is because they 'leave no stone unturned to accomplish their object'.



Punch,  62 (1872), [v].

Etymological

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Anon

Genre:

Notes, Drollery

Subjects:

Medical Treatment, Nomenclature


    Believes 'Odontology' is an appropriate name for the 'science which treats of teeth' because '"O! don't O!" is heard too often in a Dentist's room'.



Punch,  62 (1872), [v].

Natural History

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Anon

Genre:

Notes, Drollery

Subjects:

Natural History, Ornithology, Hunting


    Notes that ornithologists have argued that there are no braver birds than the partridge and the pheasant because they 'die game'.



Punch,  62 (1872), [v].

June XXX Days

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Anon

Genre:

Notes, Drollery

Subjects:

Scientific Practitioners, Natural Philosophy

People mentioned:

Roger Bacon Bacon, Roger (c. 1219–c. 1292) DSB
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Punch,  62 (1872), [v].

The Birthday of Harvey Harvey, William (1578–1657) DSB
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Anon

Genre:

Notes, Drollery

Subjects:

Medical Practitioners, Physiology


Punch,  62 (1872), [vii].

August XXXI Days

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Anon

Genre:

Notes, Drollery

Subjects:

Industry

People mentioned:

Matthew Boulton Boulton, Matthew (1728–1809) ODNB
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Punch,  62 (1872), [viii].

Geography Paper

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Anon

Genre:

Exam Paper, Spoof

Subjects:

Physical Geography


Punch,  62 (1872), [viii].

Planetary Influence

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Anon

Genre:

Notes, Drollery

Subjects:

Astronomy, Light


    Reports that Mars appears in conjunction with Orion's Belt in which 'spectral analysis immediately detects pipeclay'.



Punch,  62 (1872), [viii].

Vegetable Medicine for Farmers

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Anon

Genre:

Notes, Drollery

Subjects:

Agriculture, Disease


Punch,  62 (1872), [ix].

Insane Things to do

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Anon

Genre:

Notes, Drollery

Subjects:

Medical Practitioners


Punch,  62 (1872), [x].

November XXX Days

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Anon

Genre:

Notes, Drollery

Subjects:

Scientific Practitioners, Mathematics

People mentioned:

Gottfried W Leibniz Leibniz, Gottfried Wilhelm (1646–1716) DSB
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Punch,  62 (1872), [x].

Zoological Nomenclature

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Anon

Genre:

Notes, Drollery

Subjects:

Zoology, Taxonomy, Gender, Darwinism


    Reports that Darwinians have named a female gorilla in the Regent's Park Collection Zoological Society of London —Gardens
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, 'Mary Anthropoid Ape'.



Punch,  62 (1872), [x].

To Remove Doubts

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Anon

Genre:

Notes, Drollery

Subjects:

Chemistry, Sanitation, Domestic Economy


Punch,  62 (1872), [xi].

A Good Turn

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Anon

Genre:

Notes, Drollery

Subjects:

Medical Practitioners


Punch,  62 (1872), [xi].

Question for Zadkiel Morrison, Richard James ('Zadkiel') (1795–1874) ODNB
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Anon

Genre:

Notes, Drollery

Subjects:

Astrology


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Punch,  62 (1872), 2.

Utile Cum Dulce

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D M Du Maurier, George Louis Palmella Busson (1834–96) ODNB
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Spielmann, Marion Harry Alexander 1895. The History of "Punch", London: Cassell
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Genre:

Illustration, Drollery

Relevant illustrations:

wdct.

Illustrators:

D M Du Maurier, George Louis Palmella Busson (1834–96) ODNB
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Spielmann, Marion Harry Alexander 1895. The History of "Punch", London: Cassell
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Subjects:

Sanitation, Public Health, Engineering


    An 'Inquisitive Gent' mistakes the drainage system of his 'Fastidious Host'—a decorated set of pipes emerging from the floor of the dining room—for an elaborately carved ornament.



Punch,  62 (1872), 2.

Old Ghosts and New

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Anon

Genre:

Poetry, Drollery

Subjects:

Spiritualism, Superstition, Belief


    Considering Christmas ghosts to be obsolete, the writer suggests their replacement by 'Spirit Lights' and other phenomena associated with spiritualism. 'Instead of groaning, Ghosts rap tables', while '"mediums" rise by "levitation" / And subject them to elongation' and perform such feats as floating out of two-storey windows and materialising fruit on tables. Warns that 'There is a lady, MRS. GUPPY Guppy, Agnes (née Nicholl) (1838–1917) ODNB
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, / Mark, shallow scientific puppy', the 'heaviest' medium in London who was carried three miles by spirits to a séance. Concludes by describing other spiritualistic phenomena and suggests, 'How much more credible and pleasant / Than the old Spirits are the present'.



Punch,  62 (1872), 3.

Medical Bars

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Bung Bung
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Genre:

Letter, Drollery

Subjects:

Government, Public Health, Temperance


    Writing in Cockney dialect, the letter writer objects strongly to medical legislation that would restrict the sale of alcohol.



Punch,  62 (1872), 3.

A Minor Cannon

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Anon

Genre:

News-Commentary, Drollery

Subjects:

Military Technology, Language


Punch,  62 (1872), 5.

Horoscope for 1872

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Anon

Genre:

Notes, Drollery

Subjects:

Instruments, Prognostication, Astronomy, Zoological Gardens, Meteorology, Scientific Practitioners, Methodology, Charlatanry


    Begins by introducing the 'horoscope', an 'ingenious little instrument' which, fitted with a 'self-acting forecaster', enables several predictions to be made. These bogus predictions include the occurrence of a full moon on 24 February, the addition of 'several new animals' to the collection at the Zoological Society Gardens Zoological Society of London —Gardens
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, and the gulf stream being 'heard of again, probably for the last time, the tendency of modern scientific investigation being to show up that bugbear as a humbug'.



Punch,  62 (1872), 9–10.

My Health  [43/45][Francis C Burnand], 'My Health', Punch, 60 (1871), 101
[Francis C Burnand], 'My Health', Punch, 60 (1871), 111–12
[Francis C Burnand], 'My Health', Punch, 60 (1871), 149
[Francis C Burnand], 'My Health', Punch, 60 (1871), 163–64
[Francis C Burnand], 'My Health', Punch, 60 (1871), 173–74
[Francis C Burnand], 'My Health', Punch, 60 (1871), 195
[Francis C Burnand], 'My Health', Punch, 60 (1871), 227–28
[Francis C Burnand], 'My Health', Punch, 60 (1871), 242
[Francis C Burnand], 'My Health', Punch, 60 (1871), 246, 251
[Francis C Burnand], 'My Health', Punch, 61 (1871), 17
[Francis C Burnand], 'My Health', Punch, 61 (1871), 27–28
[Francis C Burnand], 'My Health', Punch, 61 (1871), 132–33
[Francis C Burnand], 'My Health', Punch, 61 (1871), 154–55
[Francis C Burnand], 'My Health', Punch, 61 (1871), 180–81
[Francis C Burnand], 'My Health', Punch, 61 (1871), 183–84
[Francis C Burnand], 'My Health', Punch, 61 (1871), 237
[Francis C Burnand], 'My Health', Punch, 61 (1871), 260–61
Anon, 'My Health', Punch, 62 (1872), 29–30

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

Notes, Drollery, Serial

Subjects:

Mechanics, Dynamics, Hunting

Reprinted:

Burnand 1872 Burnand, Francis Cowley 1872. My Health, London: Bradbury, Evans & Co.
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Punch,  62 (1872), 10.

Railway Reform

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Anon

Genre:

News-Commentary

Subjects:

Railways, Accidents


Punch,  62 (1872), 11.

Science for the Season

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Anon

Genre:

News-Digest, Drollery

Subjects:

Geology, Travel, Scientific Practitioners


    Responds to Charles Lyell's Lyell, Sir Charles, 1st Baronet (1797–1875) DSB ODNB
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remark that the three things necessary for a geologist are travel, travel, and travel. Infers that geologist must travel over the earth's surface in order to explore its interior. Glad that this does not apply to the exploration of other objects that are round (plum-puddings) and which have crusts (mince-pies).



Punch,  62 (1872), 12.

Twelfth Night

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Anon

Genre:

Reportage, Drollery

Subjects:

Education, Physics, Superstition, Meteorology, Astrology, Cultural Geography


    Notes that in some rural districts, where 'the study of physics is still in its infancy', people consider foul weather or the 'appearance of the Aurora over the Bank of England Bank of England
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' to be a 'favourable augury', the Zodiacal light to be a 'forerunner of the turnip-fly', and the parhelion to betoken drought.



Punch,  62 (1872), 12.

Mrs. Washtub on Telegrams

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Anon

Genre:

Poetry, Drollery

Subjects:

Technology, Progress


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Punch,  62 (1872), 13.

The Best Tonic

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Anon

Genre:

Notes, Drollery

Subjects:

Medical Practitioners, Medical Treatment, Narcotics


Punch,  62 (1872), 13.

Mathematical Intelligence

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Anon

Genre:

Notes, Drollery

Subjects:

Mathematics


Punch,  62 (1872), 14–15.

Evenings from Home  [2/17]Anon, 'Evenings from Home', Punch, 62 (1872), 24–25

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Anon

Genre:

Diary, Drollery, Serial

Subjects:

Astronomy, Amusement


Punch,  62 (1872), 15.

Sanitary Sermons

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Anon

Genre:

Essay, Drollery

Relevant illustrations:

wdct.

Illustrators:

A C Chasemore, A (fl. 1871) Spielmann 1895
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Spielmann, Marion Harry Alexander 1895. The History of "Punch", London: Cassell
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Subjects:

Pharmaceuticals, Disease, Sanitation, Public Health, Medical Treatment, Medical Practitioners, Periodicals


    The initial letter forms part of an illustration showing two humanoid figures, their bodies being made from the containers of medical treatments. One figure, whose body is made from a 'powder' bottle and whose head is made from a bottle of 'stomach black draught', talks to a figure whose head is made from a box of 'blue pills'. The text refers to a recent discussion in newspapers concerning the sources of an outbreak of typhoid fever. However, while the newspapers suggest that the source lies in people's drains, Punch counsels: 'Look to yourselves'. Agrees that sewers generate a 'pestiferous' atmosphere in which rats and labourers work and explains that the latter, and also 'medical men', consume gin 'which is medicinal' unless drunk in large doses. Advises that people should look at their drains but also 'to the natural gates and alleys of the body', which should be kept 'clear, and permeable, and pervious'. Suggests that people can expel the 'poisonous or morbid effluvia' from their bodies by ministering alcohol to themselves or by visiting a doctor. However, the writer suggests that Punch itself is a 'popular panacea' which the patient will find 'invariably efficacious'.



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Punch,  62 (1872), 24–25.

Evenings from Home  [3/17]Anon, 'Evenings from Home', Punch, 62 (1872), 14–15

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Anon

Genre:

Diary, Drollery, Serial

Subjects:

Mechanics, Dynamics

People mentioned:

Isaac Newton Newton, Sir Isaac (1642–1727) DSB
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Punch,  62 (1872), 29–30.

My Health  [45/45][Francis C Burnand], 'My Health', Punch, 60 (1871), 101
[Francis C Burnand], 'My Health', Punch, 60 (1871), 111–12
[Francis C Burnand], 'My Health', Punch, 60 (1871), 149
[Francis C Burnand], 'My Health', Punch, 60 (1871), 163–64
[Francis C Burnand], 'My Health', Punch, 60 (1871), 173–74
[Francis C Burnand], 'My Health', Punch, 60 (1871), 195
[Francis C Burnand], 'My Health', Punch, 60 (1871), 227–28
[Francis C Burnand], 'My Health', Punch, 60 (1871), 242
[Francis C Burnand], 'My Health', Punch, 60 (1871), 246, 251
[Francis C Burnand], 'My Health', Punch, 61 (1871), 17
[Francis C Burnand], 'My Health', Punch, 61 (1871), 27–28
[Francis C Burnand], 'My Health', Punch, 61 (1871), 132–33
[Francis C Burnand], 'My Health', Punch, 61 (1871), 154–55
[Francis C Burnand], 'My Health', Punch, 61 (1871), 180–81
[Francis C Burnand], 'My Health', Punch, 61 (1871), 183–84
[Francis C Burnand], 'My Health', Punch, 61 (1871), 237
[Francis C Burnand], 'My Health', Punch, 61 (1871), 260–61
[Francis C Burnand], 'My Health', Punch, 62 (1872), 9–10

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Anon

Genre:

Notes, Drollery, Serial

Subjects:

Medical Practitioners, Health


Punch,  62 (1872), 31.

"If" (A Channel Sketch)

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Anon

Genre:

Poetry

Subjects:

Transport, Engineering, Steamships, Travel, Disease, Railways


    Describes a journey by steamboat from Dover to Boulogne-sur-Mer which has been marred by foul weather and heaving waves. Proceeds to describe a dream of 'spring-seated' steamboats with padded passages, and wonders whether John Fowler Fowler, Sir John, 1st Baronet (1817–98) ODNB
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or anybody else could design a boat that 'won't roll' and therefore does not make people sick.



Punch,  62 (1872), 31.

[The Rainbow: Noah's Arc]

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Anon

Genre:

Notes, Drollery

Subjects:

Light, Meteorology


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Punch,  62 (1872), 34.

Extracts from the Diary of the Coming Woman

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Anon

Genre:

Diary, Spoof

Subjects:

Gender, Education, Museums, Natural History, Medical Treatment, Magnetism, Light, Instruments


    Recounts visits to the Natural History Museum British Museum (Natural History)
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and St Paul's Cathedral St Paul's Cathedral
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, illuminated by a 'Tyndaluminospectric light'. Concludes: 'We women have yet something to learn in physical science'. Notes that her female doctor applied a 'magnetic detonator' to her spine and ears. Claims that her sister has mastered several intellectual disciplines, including 'political economy, statistics, aerostatics, electrology, hygiene and thermapeutics'.



Punch,  62 (1872), 35.

Organs of Offence

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Anon

Genre:

News-Commentary, Drollery

Subjects:

Military Technology, Experiment, Sound, Instruments

Institutions mentioned:

Army Army
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    Discusses the trial of a British version of the American Gatling Gatling, Richard Jordan (1818–1903) CBD
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gun. Reports that several Royal Artillery officers thought that the weapon would not stand up against artillery and compares the new gun to an 'Italian Grinding Organ'.



Punch,  62 (1872), 35.

A Profession's Union

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Anon

Genre:

News-Commentary, Drollery

Subjects:

Medical Practitioners, Politics


    Discusses a report in the Swiss Times SwissTimes (cited 1872) PU1/62/4/2
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of the strike by Arcadian physicians demanding higher fees and the suggestion that patients might respond with a strike of their own. Thinks that medical practitioners in England would be justified in staging a strike given their 'ridiculously low wages', which would also legitimate the formation of a professional union. Suggests that medical practitioners could stage their strike much less aggressively than members of other trades' unions and without 'filching away their physic, stethoscopes, and surgical instruments'.



Punch,  62 (1872), 35.

Ominous Indeed!

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Anon

Genre:

News-Commentary, Drollery

Subjects:

Military Technology, Accidents, Politics


Punch,  62 (1872), 35.

Dignity for Doctors

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Anon

Genre:

Notes, Drollery

Subjects:

Medical Practitioners, Heroism


Punch,  62 (1872), 36.

A Seat on the Safety-Valve

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Anon

Genre:

Poetry, Drollery

Subjects:

Railways, Steam-power, Government, Politics, Commerce


Punch,  62 (1872), [37].

Too Much Pressure

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

Illustration

Relevant illustrations:

wdct.

Illustrators:

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

Railways, Steam-power, Engineering, Politics, Commerce, Government, Cultural Geography


    Similar to Anon, 'A Seat on the Safety-Valve', Punch, 62 (1872), 36, this shows the Chancellor of the Exchequer, Robert Lowe Lowe, Robert, 1st Viscount Sherbrooke (1811–92) ODNB
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, as a locomotive 'stoker' conversing with the French head of state, Adolphe Thiers Thiers, Louis Adolphe (Adolphe) (1797–1897) CBD
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. Both stand in front of a locomotive, John Bull, whose smoke stack is covered with a 'safety valve' held down by a lever on the end of which is a large weight labelled 'Income Tax—Surcharge'. The locomotive represents the booming British economy of the early 1870s. Lowe points to the weight and explains to Thiers that 'that's the way we "raise the wind;"—simplest thing in the world!'. Thiers is more sceptical and replies that he thinks John Bull will '"blow up" one day!'.



Punch,  62 (1872), 39.

Fresh, Not Tight

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L Sambourne Sambourne, Edwin Linley (1844–1910) ODNB
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Genre:

Illustration, Drollery

Relevant illustrations:

wdct.

Illustrators:

L Sambourne Sambourne, Edwin Linley (1844–1910) ODNB
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Subjects:

Phrenology, Anatomy


Punch,  62 (1872), 42.

We Can't See It

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Anon

Genre:

News-Commentary, Drollery

Subjects:

Animal Development, Zoological Gardens


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Punch,  62 (1872), 44.

Doctors in Court

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Anon

Genre:

Notes

Subjects:

Medical Practitioners, Language, Crime


    Thinks that 'Medical men, experts and others, in the witness-box, are unfortunately apt to use technical terms for which there are no equivalents in plain English'. Agrees with judges for rejecting such incoherent witnesses, adding that 'There are no hard words of phrases, of which the use, by Judges or Counsel, is sometimes unavoidable in law'.



Punch,  62 (1872), 45.

Owls That Is Not Horgans

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Anon

Genre:

News-Commentary, Drollery

Subjects:

Medical Practitioners, Language

People mentioned:

James Paget Paget, Sir James, 1st Baronet (1814–99) ODNB
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    Notes Mr Punch's praise of the skill of the 'great Healers' who have improved the health of Prince Edward Edward VII, King of Great Britain and Ireland and of the British Dominions Beyond the Seas, Emperor of India (1841–1910) ODNB
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, but adds Mr Punch's complaint about the number of jests on the names of the attendant doctors.



Punch,  62 (1872), 46.

A Temperance Hospital

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Anon

Genre:

News-Commentary

Subjects:

Hospitals, Narcotics, Temperance, Pharmaceuticals, Medical Practitioners, Medical Treatment, Measurement, Health


    Notes that the '"anti-alcoholic" manifesto lately put forth by two hundred and fifty first-class doctors' has aided the foundation of a 'movement' to establish a hospital for the 'treatment of diseases apart from the ordinary administration of alcoholic liquors'. Puzzled by this claim, the author stresses that most doctors treat diseases rather than administer alcoholic beverages. Suggests that the doctors might want to establish a hospital where alcohol will not be used to treat diseases and that 'nearly every article in the Materia Medica' might be banned owing to its toxic effects. Asks who the doctors have in mind when they claim that 'it is believed' that the prescription of alcohol for medical purposes has caused intemperate habits, and wonders how many readers attribute their taste for alcohol to its medical consumption. Appreciates that alcohol should be administered with as much care as 'any other drug' and speculates that this will lead to carefully graduated 'physic glasses' which will replace wine glasses at tables.



Punch,  62 (1872), 46.

Dufferton and Blunderburgh

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Anon

Genre:

Reportage, Spoof

Subjects:

Hunting, Cruelty, Ornithology


Punch,  62 (1872), 46.

Science Gossip

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Anon

Genre:

New Digest, Drollery

Subjects:

Zoology, Animal Behaviour


    Responds to news that Louis Agassiz Agassiz, Louis (Jean Louis Rodolphe) (1807–73) DSB
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has discovered a fish which builds a nest. Anticipates the discovery of similarly strange phenomena, including glow-worms living in hives, tortoises hopping from bough to bough, and the existence of pigeon's milk.



Punch,  62 (1872), 48, 51.

The "Phantom Board" (See Mr. Vernon Lushington's Lushington, Vernon (1832–1912) ODNB
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Evidence before the HMS Magaera HMS Magaera
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Commission)

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Anon

Genre:

Poetry

Subjects:

Military Technology, Steamships, Accidents, Government, Politics

Institutions mentioned:

Royal Navy Royal Navy
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    Describes the shadowy figures—the 'ghosts'—who constitute the lords of the Admiralty Admiralty
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. They attempt to abrogate responsibility for such naval disasters as a 'ship ill-found, or fleet ill-led', and make such poor decisions as to work troop ships until they grow rotten and to allow the 'squalls that blow about REID Reed, Sir Edward James (1830–1906) ODNB
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AND CO.' to send 'Captains HMS Captain
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' to the bottom.



Punch,  62 (1872), [49].

The "Phantom Board"

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

Illustration, Satire

Relevant illustrations:

wdct.

Illustrators:

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

Military Technology, Steamships, Accidents, Government, Politics

Institutions mentioned:

Royal Navy Royal Navy
Close   View the register entry >>


    Similar to Anon, 'The "Phantom Board" (See Mr. Vernon Lushington's Evidence before the HMS Magaera Commission)', Punch, 62 (1872), 48, 51, this shows John Bull peering over a door into a room where the shadowy and aged lords of the Admiralty Admiralty
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conduct their business. Scattered on the floor are various scrolls of paper labelled with the topics on which Punch has found them wanting. These include the names of the ships lost through Admiralty incompetence (the HMS Captain HMS Captain
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and HMS Magaera HMS Magaera
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) and such issues as 'armaments', 'dockyards', and 'ironclads'.



Punch,  62 (1872), 51.

Literature, Science, and Art

View full article text

Anon

Genre:

Regular Feature, News-Digest, Spoof

Subjects:

Physical Chemistry, Controversy


    Reports that the new metal Fluozinium is 'making its way against the current of scientific prejudice'. Describes several of the metal's properties, including the fact that it emits fumes that can be inhaled safely and that it has unprecedented porosity, frangibility, and opalescence.



Punch,  62 (1872), 52.

Inquests Quite Unnecessary

View full article text

Anon

Genre:

News-Commentary

Subjects:

Utilitarianism, Medical Practitioners, Health, Politics


    Discusses a report of the meeting of the guardians of the St Pancras Poor Law Union St Pancras Poor Law Union
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, at which an increase in the number of inquests held upon the bodies of paupers dying in the workhouse was revealed. The meeting also insinuated that this increase was caused by avaricious medical officers seeking fees for conducting more inquests. Punch agrees that such inquests are unnecessary because it believes most pauper deaths to be due to misery rather than 'special neglect'.



Punch,  62 (1872), 52.

Victoria Victoria, Queen of the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Ireland, and Empress of India (1819–1901) ODNB
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and Hahnemann Hahnemann, Christian Friedrich Samuel (1755–1843) DSB
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View full article text

Anon

Genre:

New-Commentary, Drollery

Subjects:

Hospitals, Amusement, Homeopathy

Institutions mentioned:

Consumption Hospital Consumption Hospital
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Punch,  62 (1872), 52.

The South Kensington Bazaar

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Anon

Genre:

News-Commentary, Drollery

Subjects:

Industry, Exhibition


Punch,  62 (1872), 54.

Spiritualism for Sailors

View full article text

Anon

Genre:

News-Commentary

Subjects:

Military Technology, Accidents, Steamships, Politics, Government, Spiritualism

People mentioned:

Vernon Lushington Lushington, Vernon (1832–1912) ODNB
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Institutions mentioned:

HMS Magaera HMS Magaera
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Punch,  62 (1872), 66.

Distinterested Doctors

View full article text

Anon

Genre:

News-Commentary, Drollery

Subjects:

Medical Practitioners, Narcotics, Medical Treatment


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Punch,  62 (1872), 67–68.

Punch's Essence of Parliament

View full article text

Anon

Genre:

Regular Feature, Reportage, Drollery

Relevant illustrations:

wdct.

Illustrators:

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

Chemistry, Instruments, Government, Politics


    The initial letter forms part of a large illustration showing the complex distilling apparatus by which Mr Punch (shown) produces 'essence' of Parliament Houses of Parliament
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. It is dominated by large glass vessel in which stand leading statesmen of the day and the Palace of Westminster Palace of Westminster
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. Into this vessel flow glass tubes which are secured to the vessel with bungs made from royal crowns.



Punch,  62 (1872), 69.

Parallel under Parliament

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Anon

Genre:

News-Commentary

Subjects:

Military Technology, Politics

People mentioned:

John Percy Percy, John (1817–89) ODNB
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Publications cited:

The Times The Times (1777–1900+) Waterloo Directory
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Punch,  62 (1872), 75.

Expelled

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Anon

Genre:

News-Commentary, Drollery

Subjects:

Societies, Chemistry, Temperance


    Responds to a Royal Society Royal Society of London
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paper on the 'Elimination of Alcohol' (a version of which was later published as Dupré 1871–72 Dupré, August 1871–72. 'On the Elimination of Alcohol', Proceedings of the Royal Society of Lonon, 20, 268–77
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). Concludes that publicans have accordingly 'cause to be out of spirits'.



Punch,  62 (1872), 75.

Ghostly Travelling

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A Nervous Man Nervous Man, A
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Genre:

Letter, Spoof

Subjects:

Railways, Transport, Travel


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Punch,  62 (1872), 78–79.

Punch's Essence of Parliament

View full article text

Anon

Genre:

Regular Feature, Reportage, Drollery

Subjects:

Government, Politics, Telegraphy, Mining, Sanitation


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Punch,  62 (1872), 87.

"Woman! Spare that Bird"

View full article text

Anon

Genre:

Essay, Drollery

Subjects:

Gender, Zoology, Ornithology, Aesthetics, Extinction


    Links the 'improvement of man' to the 'elevation' in the 'ideas of ornamental art' held by women. Thinks that women's use of certain 'objects of natural history'—notably, small birds—for decoration shows the rise in civilisation but threatens the extinction of various species. Requests women to exploit less appealing creatures such as frogs and cockroaches.



Punch,  62 (1872), 88–89.

Punch's Essence of Parliament

View full article text

Anon

Genre:

Regular Feature, Reportage, Drollery

Subjects:

Railways, Engineering


    Notes discussion of a plan to construct an underground railway from Kilburn to Limehouse.



Punch,  62 (1872), 89.

The Fair and the Unfair

View full article text

Anon

Genre:

Essay

Subjects:

Gender, Medical Practitioners, Universities, Politics, Government


    Concerns the refusal by the University of Edinburgh University of Edinburgh
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to allow women to graduate in medicine. Notes that women cannot get justice through an act of Parliament Houses of Parliament
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because they are not represented there. Considers this is an argument in favour of women's suffrage.



Punch,  62 (1872), 95.

Father Thames' Tea-Urn

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Anon

Genre:

News-Commentary

Subjects:

Sanitation, Analytical Chemistry, Pollution, Adulteration, Public Health


    Discusses a report in the South London Courier South London Courier (1869–72) British Library Newspaper Catalogue
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of an investigation into South London water by M'Cormack, Dr. (fl. 1871) PU1/62/9/4
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a Lambeth medical officer. His conclusion is that the water is 'totally unfit for human consumption' and consists of 'diluted sewage' prompts Punch to argue that it is appropriate that such noxious water should be supplied to 'fraudulent South London Grocers' who make adulterated tea.



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Punch,  62 (1872), 105.

The Parks Bill

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Anon

Genre:

News-Digest

Subjects:

Botany, Education, Class


    Notes that the chief commissioner of Hyde Park Hyde Park
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will run botanical classes during the summer months in order 'to promote natural sciences amongst the upper classes'.



Punch,  62 (1872), 107.

The Harp in the Air

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C K Keene, Charles Samuel (1823–91) ODNB
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Spielmann, Marion Harry Alexander 1895. The History of "Punch", London: Cassell
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Genre:

Illustration, Drollery

Relevant illustrations:

wdct.

Illustrators:

C K Keene, Charles Samuel (1823–91) ODNB
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Spielmann, Marion Harry Alexander 1895. The History of "Punch", London: Cassell
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Subjects:

Telegraphy, Technology, Race, Cultural Geography


    Depicts an 'Irish Gentleman' who tries to dance to the 'fitful music of the telegraph wires' and complains that whoever is responsible for the music 'can't play a bit' or 'kape thime'.



Punch,  62 (1872), 107.

Changing Our Mind

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Anon

Genre:

News-Commentary, Drollery

Subjects:

Exploration, Discovery

People mentioned:

Christopher Columbus Columbus, Christopher (1451–1506) CBD
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Punch,  62 (1872), 109.

Soul and Shoe

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Anon

Genre:

News-Commentary, Drollery

Subjects:

Spiritualism, Force, Language, Imposture


    Notes that an 'eminent Spiritualist' has claimed that 'Psychics' is the cause of tables making noises during séances: Punch wonders whether this is a misprint for 'Sly kicks'.



Punch,  62 (1872), 115.

Can a Lady Keep a Secret?

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Anon

Genre:

News-Commentary, Drollery

Subjects:

Mathematics, Gender, Societies, Patronage


    Notes from the Graphic Graphic (1869–1900) Waterloo Directory
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that 'A lady has found the principle which differentiates the finite from the infinite' and wants the 'Academy of Sciences' to pay her 'a million sterling for the secret'. Surmises that the secret must be worth keeping at this price, but would hesitate to buy it 'with a pretty strong persuasion that the secret, after all, being in a lady's keeping, would not very long be kept'.



Punch,  62 (1872), 117.

Who Are They?

View full article text

Anon

Genre:

Notes, Drollery

Subjects:

Astrology, Superstition, Quackery

Publications cited:

Zadkiel's Monthly Almanac Zadkiel's Almanac and Herald of Astrology (1836–1900+) BUCOP
Close   View the register entry >>


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Punch,  62 (1872), 120–21.

Punch's Essence of Parliament

View full article text

Anon

Genre:

Regular Feature, Reportage, Drollery

Subjects:

Political Economy, Mining


Punch,  62 (1872), 121.

Fiends of the Fireside

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Wierus, Junior Wierus, Junior
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Genre:

Letter, Spoof

Subjects:

Spiritualism, Supernaturalism, Psychology, Imposture


    Discusses an extract from a 'provincial journal' by its 'London Correspondent'. The reporter observes that spiritualism is 'exciting more and more attention in London' but opines that 'the belief in the spiritual nature of the manifestations is decreasing in proportion as the belief in the reality of the manifestations themselves increases'. The letter-writer agrees with this suggestion, but criticises 'your Sadducees' for referring such phenomena to '"unconscious cerebration", and "muscular action"', because such causes cannot account for séance manifestations such as tunes being played on accordions without fingers touching the keys. Believes spiritualists are equally at fault in their explanations. Notes that Joseph Glanvill's Glanvill, Joseph (1636–80) DSB
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Daemon of Tedworth (a version of which was published in Glanvill 1726 Glanvill, Joseph 1726. Sadduciums Triumphatus; Or, a Full and Plain Evidence, Concerning Witches and Apparitions. In Two Parts, the First Treating of their Possibility, the Second of their Real Existence [...] 4th edn, London: A. Bettesworth and J. Batley
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) describes how chairs moved about by themselves in a way reminiscent of spiritualist séances. Doubts whether this was caused by 'muscular action, voluntary or involuntary', although allows for the possibility that it might have been due to a tricky medium using 'an invisible wire'. Denies that such 'spiritual' manifestations are caused by the spirits of 'defunct relations' and, appealing to 'mythology and etymology', suggests that they are caused by 'demons or goblins'. Concludes with the claim that 'the spirits of Spiritualism are either Hobgoblins or Humbugs'.



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Punch,  62 (1872), 135.

Sacerdotal Spiritualism

View full article text

Anon

Genre:

News-Digest

Subjects:

Spiritualism, Proof


    Questions whether any spiritualist would bet that spiritualism could be 'proved true', were an instance of 'alleged spiritual or supernatural fact or phenomenon capable of proof or disproof by investigation' to be investigated to the satisfaction of John Tyndall Tyndall, John (1820–93) DSB
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, Thomas H Huxley Huxley, Thomas Henry (1825–95) DSB
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, and the Lord Chief Justice of the Queen's Bench, Alexander J E Cockburn Cockburn, Sir Alexander James Edmund (1802–80) ODNB
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.



Punch,  62 (1872), 137.

Towns on the Thames

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Anon

Genre:

News-Digest

Subjects:

Pollution, Analytical Chemistry, Public Health, Government


    Responds to Edward Frankland's Frankland, Sir Edward (1825–99) DSB DNODNBB
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chemical analysis of the metropolitan water companies' output. Notes that the water supplied by the Kent Water Works Company Kent Water Works Company
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is much purer than that supplied by other metropolitan companies, which is only suitable for horticultural purposes. Given the amount of living matter that Frankland traced in water, suggests that 'all flesh is grass'. Criticizes the legislation for forcing householders to pay more for being supplied with water that still contains dubious substances.



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Punch,  62 (1872), 141.

Husbands and Hearts

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Anon

Genre:

News-Digest

Subjects:

Disease, Gender, Psychology, Domestic Economy


    Comments on the British Medical Journal's British Medical Journal (1857–1900+) Waterloo Directory
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report that the number of deaths from heart disease in middle-aged men is increasing. Therefore urges people to reduce 'muscular exertion' and 'anxious effort' in their lives. Not surprised by the statistics, since middle age is the period of 'man's struggle to maintain a wife and a family'. Links the increased incidence of heart disease to an increase in the price of 'feminine dress and ornamentation'. Urges men not to marry unless they can 'well afford it'.



Punch,  62 (1872), 142.

A New Benefactor

View full article text

Anon

Genre:

Notes, Drollery

Subjects:

Steam-power


Punch,  62 (1872), 146.

The Two Thunderers

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Anon

Genre:

Poetry, Drollery

Subjects:

Steamships, Military Technology, Comparative Philology

Institutions mentioned:

Royal Navy Royal Navy
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    An exchange between Jupiter and other gods of Greek mythology over the launch of a new thirty-five ton turret-ship, the HMS Thunderer HMS Thunderer
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. Jupiter ponders the immense fire power of the ship and the boldness of the British in arming its fleet.



Punch,  62 (1872), 147.

Zoological

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D M Du Maurier, George Louis Palmella Busson (1834–96) ODNB
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Spielmann, Marion Harry Alexander 1895. The History of "Punch", London: Cassell
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Genre:

Illustration, Drollery

Relevant illustrations:

wdct.

Illustrators:

D M Du Maurier, George Louis Palmella Busson (1834–96) ODNB
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Spielmann, Marion Harry Alexander 1895. The History of "Punch", London: Cassell
Close   View the register entry >>

Subjects:

Human Development, Animal Development, Zoology, Physiology, Instruments


    Shows a mother and her son walking in a park. They head towards a man wearing a respirator which makes his face look decidedly simian. The boy asks his mother whether the gentleman bites.



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Punch,  62 (1872), 151.

At Last!

View full article text

Anon

Genre:

News-Commentary

Subjects:

Engineering, Railways, Accidents, Government, Pharmaceuticals, Charlatanry

Institutions mentioned:

Royal Navy Royal Navy
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    Laments the fact that fatalities are needed to prompt the abolition of such hazardous processes as trains running without block-telegraphing and 'unqualified' chemists and druggists making up prescriptions. Lamenting the recent death of a boat-crew, the writer urges the Admiralty Admiralty
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to fit ships with Clifford's Clifford, Mr (fl. 1872) PU1/62/15/1
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boat-lowering apparatus. Thinks Britain has 'offered up enough lives to Admiralty prejudice'.



Punch,  62 (1872), 156.

The Interesting Event

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D M Du Maurier, George Louis Palmella Busson (1834–96) ODNB
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Spielmann, Marion Harry Alexander 1895. The History of "Punch", London: Cassell
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Genre:

Illustration, Drollery

Relevant illustrations:

wdct.

Illustrators:

D M Du Maurier, George Louis Palmella Busson (1834–96) ODNB
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Spielmann, Marion Harry Alexander 1895. The History of "Punch", London: Cassell
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Subjects:

Human Development, Medical Practitioners


    Shows two young boys standing before their mother in a parlour. The mother cradles a young baby. One boy notes that this is 'the new baby the doctor has sent here to mama', and his brother replies: 'Yes. And don't it squeal? And I do say it's a great shame of the doctor to send babies when people are ill, like poor mama. I hate him!'.



Punch,  62 (1872), 157.

A Dangerous Example

View full article text

Anon

Genre:

News-Commentary, Drollery

Subjects:

Hospitals, Mental Illness, Crime

People mentioned:

William Lash Lash, William (fl. 1872) PU1/62/15/3
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Institutions mentioned:

Colney Hatch Asylum Colney Hatch Asylum
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Punch,  62 (1872), 159.

Green Park v. Black Moor

View full article text

Anon

Genre:

News-Commentary

Subjects:

Railways, Environmentalism, Economic Geology


Punch,  62 (1872), 160–61.

Punch's Essence of Parliament

View full article text

Anon

Genre:

Regular Feature, Reportage, Drollery

Subjects:

Railways, Environmentalism, Economic Geology, Meteorology


Punch,  62 (1872), 161.

A Case for Crying Odorous Fish

View full article text

Anon

Genre:

News-Commentary

Subjects:

Pollution, Public Health, Medical Practitioners, Scientific Practitioners, Crime, Controversy, Manufactories, Sanitation, Government


    Reports on the trial of Mr Salmon Salmon, Mr (fl. 1872) PU1/62/16/3
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, a manure manufacturer accused of injuring the public's health with offensive odours from his factory. Notes that Salmon's business exploits fish-heads and garbage from slaughter-houses, and relates the testimony of the local medical officer concerning the smell. Describes the 'usual arraying of eminent "scientific witnesses"' to prove that great efforts had been made to remove the odour and that 'there were no BAD smells'. Cynically notes how sanitary officers, agricultural chemists, and chemical lecturers 'came forward to testify on behalf of Salmon and his sweetness'. Reports that the judge and jury inspected the factory and that, whatever the analytical chemist Henry Letheby Letheby, Henry (1816–76) ODNB
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may have done for manure manufacture, they were still overwhelmed by the smell. Citing the sanitary measures undertaken by James Stansfeld Stansfeld, Sir James (1820–1898) ODNB
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, Alexander J E Cockburn Cockburn, Sir Alexander James Edmund (1802–80) ODNB
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, and Edward H Stanley (15th Earl of Derby) Stanley, Edward Henry, 15th Earl of Derby (formerly styled 'Lord Stanley') (1826–93) ODNB
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, believes the nation should be 'progressing fast and far on the way to that cleanliness which is next to godliness'. Laments the lack of parliamentary and public interest in 'Public Health'.



Punch,  62 (1872), 167.

Literature, Science, and Art

View full article text

Anon

Genre:

Regular Feature, News-Digest, Spoof

Subjects:

Societies, Botany, Geology, Ethnology, Human Development, Anthropology


    Reports that experiments at the 'Royal Farinaceous Society' prove that a substance produced by the roots of the cassava plant is a 'sure prophylactic against lassitude' when drunk with brandy. Reports the discovery of a waistcoat button in the older pliocene beds of Bedfordshire, and regards this as evidence for the existence of man 'at a period long anterior to the dates hitherto current in geological circles'. Expects such news will lead to a 'serious revolution in anthropological science'.



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Punch,  62 (1872), 173.

The Descent of Man

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Anon

Genre:

News-Commentary, Drollery

Subjects:

Descent, Politics, Domestic Economy, Gender, Human Species


    Strongly objects to a lecture given by an American woman on 'Whether man, being the inferior animal, had a right to the suffrage'. Thinks women may consider men so inferior that they should change places with women, with men fulfilling domestic roles and women having sole authority over national affairs. Doubts whether Charles R Darwin Darwin, Charles Robert (1809–82) DSB
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'ever dreamed of [man] descending to a level such as this'.



Punch,  62 (1872), 174.

Taken Short

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Anon

Genre:

Announcement, Drollery

Subjects:

Language, Darwinism


    Noting that Friedrich Max Müller Max Müller, Friedrich (1823–1900) ODNB
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is to give a lecture on 'DARWIN'S Darwin, Charles Robert (1809–82) DSB
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View of Language', Punch offers to condense it for him to 'A mere monkey-trick!'.



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Punch,  62 (1872), 180.

Medical Dissenters

View full article text

Anon

Genre:

News-Commentary

Subjects:

Medical Treatment, Heterodoxy, Mesmerism, Homeopathy


    Reports on an evangelical sect, the Peculiar People, who prefer to treat disease by prayer and the laying on of hands, rather than by medical treatment. Reports that a verdict of manslaughter was passed on one member of the sect who denied medical treatment to his child who subsequently died of small-pox. Questions whether this is legal and wonders what would happen to those whose children die of small-pox, having only received treatment from a mesmerist and homeopath.



Punch,  62 (1872), 181.

Too Hot to Handle

View full article text

Anon

Genre:

News-Commentary, Drollery

Subjects:

Heat, Force


Punch,  62 (1872), 183.

Floreat Etona!

View full article text

Anon

Genre:

News-Commentary, Drollery

Subjects:

Societies, Geography, Schools, Colleges, Patronage, Education


    Notes that the Royal Geographical Society Royal Geographical Society
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is awarding medals to boys 'of various schools' who have excelled in examinations on physical and political geography. Notes that boys from Liverpool College Liverpool College
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did just as well as those from Eton College Eton College, Berkshire
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and wonders whether 'in all useful knowledge and science such as schools can teach, Eton men are beaten men'.



Punch,  62 (1872), 183.

The Competitive Examination Age

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Anon

Genre:

Essay, Drollery

Subjects:

Education, Geography, Ornithology


Punch,  62 (1872), 184.

Forests v. Foresters

View full article text

Anon

Genre:

News-Commentary, Drollery

Subjects:

Environmentalism, Patronage


Punch,  62 (1872), 184.

Animal Magnate-ism

View full article text

Anon

Genre:

Drollery

Subjects:

Menageries, Exhibitions, Commerce


    Notes the high price fetched by wild animals. Thinks that a man, 'to make money by a wild-beast show, must indeed drive a "roaring" trade', as the 'magnates in the animal line do'.



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Punch,  62 (1872), 209.

Old Alderney Milker

View full article text

Anon

Genre:

Poetry, Drollery

Subjects:

Engineering, Government


Punch,  62 (1872), 210.

Domestic Bliss (Poem by a Paterfamilias)

View full article text

Anon

Genre:

Poetry, Drollery

Subjects:

Human Development, Disease, Education


    Notes the struggles 'to get your children on in life', including contending with a variety of diseases, schooling, and the task of finding marriage partners for the children.



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Punch,  62 (1872), [215].

Under the Dark Blue Waters

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

Illustration, Satire

Relevant illustrations:

wdct.

Illustrators:

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

Telegraphy, Technology, Politics, War, Internationalism, Comparative Philology


    Like many Tenniel illustrations of the 1865 and 1866 Atlantic cable enterprises, this shows Father Neptune talking to his mermaids about the trans-Atlantic telegraph. He relaxes on a rock, smoking a pipe, and looks down at the cable which is inscribed with the words 'Alabama Squabble'—a reference to a long-running dispute between Britain and the United States of America concerning the damage done to the interests of the Union states during the American Civil War by the CSS Alabama CSS Alabama
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, a Confederate ship built in Britain. Neptune says to his mermaids: 'Why there's nothing but messages! Look here, girls. If they can't come to terms one way or tother, and let me enjoy my Whits'n holidays in peace and quiest—blest if I don't break the cable'.



Punch,  62 (1872), 217.

Botanical Crackjaw

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Anon

Genre:

News-Commentary, Drollery

Subjects:

Taxonomy, Botany, Natural History


    Responds to a report in The Times The Times (1777–1900+) Waterloo Directory
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showing the complex new Latin names of flowers at the Crystal Palace Crystal Palace
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. Demonstrates the unsatisfactory effect on poetry if the vernacular names of flowers are replaced by their corresponding Latin names.



Punch,  62 (1872), 218.

The Comet is Coming!

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Anon

Genre:

Announcement, News-Commentary

Subjects:

Astronomy, Superstition


    Announces the imminent arrival of a comet that is expected to 'terrify everybody'. Extracts a report anticipating the comet's 'terrible growth' in the sky, its dramatic raising of the earth's temperature, and its 'hideous collision' with the earth. The report suggests that there will be no time for 'an ejaculation' and that small insects will be instantaneously killed. Punch notes that the report has the sanction of several learned authorities, including the Astronomer Royal (George B Airy Airy, Sir George Biddell (1801–92) DSB ODNB
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), and that the comet's nose has already been seen above the horizon. Urges readers to hurry their subscriptions.



Punch,  62 (1872), 220.

"Size—A Weak Glue."—Webster

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Anon

Genre:

News-Commentary, Drollery

Subjects:

Philosophy, Metaphysics, Supernaturalism


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Punch,  62 (1872), 222.

We Will Torpedo Them

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Anon

Genre:

News-Commentary, Drollery

Subjects:

Military Technology, Language


Punch,  62 (1872), 224.

Peace Without Panic

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Anon

Genre:

Poetry, Drollery

Subjects:

Military Technology, War


    Responding to debates about Britain's coastal defences, the author notes the vulnerability of 'transport ships of wood' which would make 'all hands a holocaust' with one shell. Urges that if coastal defences are 'right' then 'You'll ne'er have foes ashore to fight', but upholds the importance of securing a strong army that is 'fit to meet / The biggest that could dodge our fleet' or the possibility that Britain's 'torpedoes' and 'rams' will prove ineffective.



Punch,  62 (1872), 232.

The Liberty of the Letter-Box

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Anon

Genre:

Essay, Drollery

Subjects:

Futurism, Railways, Transport, Telegraphy


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Punch,  62 (1872), 233.

Pythagorean Pythagoras of Samos (c. 560–c. 480 BC) DSB
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Patriots

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Anon

Genre:

News-Commentary, Drollery

Subjects:

Supernaturalism


Punch,  62 (1872), 235.

Literature, Science, and Art

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Anon

Genre:

Regular Feature, News-Digest, Spoof

Subjects:

Light, Exhibition


Punch,  62 (1872), 239.

Tremendous Telegram

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Anon

Genre:

News-Commentary

Subjects:

Telegraphy, Electricity, Religious Authority, Superstition, Progress


    The writer reports that he has received, by electric telegraph, the news that the Ecumenical Patriarch of Constantinople, Anthimos VI Anthimos VI (1782–1877) WBI
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, has excommunicated the Bulgarian Patriarch, anathematised two Bulgarian bishops, and inflicted 'eternal pains of hell' on another bishop. Thinks this news 'smacks of the pre-scientific ages', when electricity was considered a 'supernatural phenomenon', and when 'Patriarchs and Popes were commonly believed to be supernaturally endowed by fulminating powers'. Thinks such fulminations, 'anachronistically reported by the lightning wire', are out of date.



Punch,  62 (1872), 240.

International Exhibitions

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Anon

Genre:

Introduction, Drollery; Announcement, Drollery

Subjects:

Exhibitions, Invention, Technology, Domestic Economy


    Presents a programme 'of the various classes of objects, intended to be shown at the International Exhibitions during the remainder of the period which commenced in 1871, and will terminate in 1880'. Given the time needed to prepare the artefacts, considers the publication of this schedule to be advantageous to future exhibitors. Each programme consists of a bizarre array of household and other 'things'. The programme for 1879, for example, will display 'Agricultural implements, sewing machines, swimming apparatus, diving-bells, dry docks, dentistry, and gums'.



Punch,  62 (1872), 242.

Similar Streams

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Anon

Genre:

News-Commentary, Drollery

Subjects:

Pollution, Public Health, Language


    Noting Henry Letheby's Letheby, Henry (1816–76) ODNB
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support for the high quality of London water, christens Letheby 'a sort of Champion of the Thames' and a 'Thamesby'. Similarly, considering that the Thames is enriched by tributaries from Kingston-on-Thames, postulates that the rivers Thames and Lethe are so much alike that 'Thamesby and Letheby are really equivalent names'.



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Punch,  62 (1872), 243.

Our Baroness for Our Birds

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Anon

Genre:

Poetry

Subjects:

Ornithology, Cruelty, Hunting, Crime


    Inveighs against 'the destroyers / Of our native British birds' whom the author considers as disreputable as 'greedy Lords of Manors' and 'Railway wretches'. Laments the loss of various species of British bird and suggests various ways of punishing the bird-destroyers, including hanging. In conclusion asks readers to read the plea of Angela G Burdett-Coutts (1st Baroness Burdett-Coutts) Burdett-Coutts, Angela Georgina, 1st Baroness (1814–1906) ODNB
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for the protection of birds in a recent issue of The Times The Times (1777–1900+) Waterloo Directory
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.



Punch,  62 (1872), 245.

The Popjoys at Paris

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Anon

Genre:

News-Commentary

Subjects:

Cruelty, Hunting, Ornithology


Punch,  62 (1872), 246.

Geology for Jackasses

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Anon

Genre:

Poetry, Drollery

Subjects:

Geology, Superstition


    Notes that fools think that the earth, owing to its crust, is 'a pudding, or pie', that 'Vesuvius, at seasons, let out / The gravy within it has got', and that lava indicates that 'Inside the meat is all hot'.



Punch,  62 (1872), 249.

Meteorological Observations

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Anon

Genre:

Essay, Drollery

Subjects:

Meteorology, Controversy, Observatories


    Reports that three out of five conversations open with the subject of the weather. Notes that the ancient Greeks built a 'Temple of the Winds' and boasted a playwright (Aristophanes Aristophanes (c. 448–c. 388 BC) CBD
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) who wrote The Clouds. Notes the number of people who are trying to raise the wind and that, despite scientific discoveries, the exact composition of the clouds remains unknown. Distinguishes morning from night dew and insists that since there are 'four quarters of the wind' there should be two halves, but adds that nothing is known of this at the Royal Observatory, Greenwich Royal Observatory, Greenwich
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.



Punch,  62 (1872), 251.

Ayrton's Ayrton, Acton Smee (1816–86) ODNB
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Illumination

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Anon

Genre:

Poetry, Drollery

Subjects:

Light, Electricity, Instruments, Technology, Politics, Government


    The subject of this article is the light recently installed on the clock tower of the Palace of Westminster Palace of Westminster
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, which will shine when the House of Commons House of Commons
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is in session. The poem, written from the perspective of the Chief Commissioner of the Metropolitan Board of Works Metropolitan Board of Works
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, Acton Ayrton, describes his unsmiling expression and uncompromising attitude. The narrator notes that he has given the light to the House of Commons gratis. He insists that 'To hire electric light I'm loth', and claims that his choice of gas lighting was prompted by the fact that 'cheap gas' was plentiful, Ayrton liking anything that is 'cheap and nasty'. Boasts that his lamp, 'Backed with reflectors through the gloom', will 'illume' one half of London, a symbol of the House of Commons where 'but one side can be right'. Adds that his clock will also show how the House of Commons 'takes no note of time', but both the light from the lamp and political 'wisdom' will have to shine through 'a weary length / Of leaden spouting'. Concludes by insisting that his light will keep the 'balance right' and is better than 'costlier, brighter, broader light' that would have 'conveyed' less meaning.



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Punch,  62 (1872), 254–55.

Punch's Essence of Parliament

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Anon

Genre:

Regular Feature, Reportage, Drollery

Subjects:

Railways, Hunting


Punch,  62 (1872), 255.

Chemistry for Countrymen

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Anon

Genre:

Essay, News-Commentary

Subjects:

Agriculture, Adulteration, Charlatanry, Analytical Chemistry, Education


    Concerns the ways farmers are 'cheated' by the producers of adulterated fertilisers. Describes how the principal fertiliser, superphosphate of lime, 'can be watered as easily as rum; and with less risk of detection'. Reports on a letter to the Chemical News Chemical News (1859–1900+) Waterloo Directory
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by Mr Little Little, Mr (fl.1871) PU1/62/25/2
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, noting the lack of consensus among chemists over the analysis of fertiliser. Little also calls for the establishment of a 'chemical school' where prospective farmers can learn to analyse manure, and to protect themselves from 'fraudulent artificial manure manufactures'. He claims that farmers would save money by taking his advice. Punch praises Little's scheme.



Punch,  62 (1872), 260.

Programmes of Royal Societies. (Special of Course)

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Anon

Genre:

Announcement, Spoof

Subjects:

Societies, Narcotics, Chemistry, Astronomy, Mathematics, Amusement


    Announces the presentation of several academic papers including Dr Tippler on the 'Use and Effect of Alchol', Dr Smuggins on the 'employment of the Star in (a) billiards, (b) in theatrical entertainments', Dr Terfytte on 'a mathematical enquiry into the state of the odds in connection with individual happiness', and Dr Squib on 'Two Ugly Persons waltzing illustrative of Two Revolving Planes''.



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Punch,  62 (1872), 261.

Angelæ Debitum; or, A Bird-Debt to Burdett

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Anon

Genre:

Poetry

Subjects:

Cruelty, Hunting, Ornithology


    Describes the public attack by Angela G Burdett-Coutts (1st Baroness Burdett-Coutts) Burdett-Coutts, Angela Georgina, 1st Baroness (1814–1906) ODNB
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on the cruel practices of gun clubs, detailing the fate of many British birds. The author calls on birds to 'repay' Burdett-Coutts's support for their protection.



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