Science in the 19th Century Periodical

Punch, Or the London Charivari [1st]

Introductory Essay
Volume 63  (July to December 1872)
Punch,  63 (1872), iii–iv.

Preface

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Anon

Genre:

Preface, 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:

Exploration, Zoology, Travel, Transport


    The illustration shows Mr Punch waving goodbye to HMS Challenger HMS Challenger
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. The text describes a conversation between Mr Punch and 'the Expedition'.



Punch,  63 (1872), 2.

A Terrible Invention

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Anon

Genre:

News-Commentary, Drollery

Subjects:

Animal Behaviour, Invention


    Discusses an article in a 'Transatlantic newspaper' for a 'Patent Cat Exterminator' which consists of a clockwork-driven cast-iron cat that attracts and kills real cats. The author is dismayed by the prospect of cast-iron cats prowling on housetops and caterwauling all night.



Punch,  63 (1872), 4.

Politicians and Pedlers

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Anon

Genre:

News-Commentary, Drollery

Subjects:

Politics, Animal Behaviour, Instinct, Morality


Punch,  63 (1872), 7.

Happy Thoughts. Another Day at Little Shrimpton  [2/31][Francis C Burnand], 'Happy Thoughts', Punch, 63 (1872), 87
[Francis C Burnand], 'Happy Thoughts', Punch, 63 (1872), 148
[Francis C Burnand], 'Happy Thoughts', Punch, 63 (1872), 180–81
[Francis C Burnand], 'Happy Thoughts', Punch, 63 (1872), 205–06
[Francis C Burnand], 'Happy Thoughts', Punch, 63 (1872), 222–23
[Francis C Burnand], 'Happy Thoughts', Punch, 63 (1872), 256

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

Diary, Spoof, Serial

Subjects:

Medical Treatment, Zoological Gardens, Animal Behaviour

Institutions mentioned:

Zoological Society—Gardens Zoological Society of London —Gardens
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Punch,  63 (1872), 8.

Damages Really Due

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Anon

Genre:

News-Commentary

Subjects:

Railways, Accidents, Crime


Punch,  63 (1872), 9.

Honour to Harvey Harvey, William (1578–1657) DSB
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Anon

Genre:

News-Commentary

Subjects:

Medical Practitioners, Physiology, Heroism, Patronage


    Noting the approaching tercentenary of William Harvey's birth, discusses the proposal by the people of Folkstone (where Harvey was born) to erect a statue of the 'great Physician'. Applauds the scheme and presents the address to which donations should be sent for building the statue.



Punch,  63 (1872), 10.

Stones from the Sky

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Anon

Genre:

Poetry, Drollery

Subjects:

Astronomy, Religious Authority, Politics, Imperialism, Superstition


    Notes that Pope Pius IX Pius IX, Pope (1792–1878) CBD
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urged his audience to pray that 'the stone will fall' and 'overthrow that Colossus'. Punch thinks the Pope meant to pray that 'an aerolite [...] may the German Empire smite'. Notes that the 'Pope's Bull [...] Is against a Comet unerring' and so 'an Asteroid 't will compel / To pound you dead as a herring'. Warns Prince Otto E L von Bismarck Bismarck, Prince Otto Edward Leopold von, Duke of Lauenburg (1815–98) CBD
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about the appearance of shooting stars and meteors.



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Punch,  63 (1872), 14.

New Companies

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Anon

Genre:

Announcement, Spoof

Subjects:

Engineering, Railways, Transport, Agriculture, Commerce


    A list of several recently registered companies with details of their starting capital, including 'Mid-World Railway', 'Great Desert Fertilisation', and 'Himalayan Tramways'.



Punch,  63 (1872), 14.

Sunday Lions for the Select

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Anon

Genre:

News-Commentary, Drollery

Subjects:

Animal Behaviour, Exhibition, Zoological Gardens, Menageries, Religion, Religious Authority


Punch,  63 (1872), 15.

Examinations at the Royal Academy

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Anon

Genre:

Essay

Subjects:

Representation, Education, Expertise, Physics, Chemistry, Biology, Geology, Natural History, Mathematics, Anatomy, Physiology, Botany, Light


    Contends that the most promising way to cultivate artistic genius and increase the number of good pictures at the Royal Academy Royal Academy of Arts
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is to subject artists, like scientists, to written examinations. Proposes to examine candidates on several technical aspects of their work including the chemistry, specific gravity, and biological provenance of paints, and the botanical, geological, and natural historical aspects of animal and landscape painting. Thinks artists should also master geometry and optics to help them with perspective, and should learn anatomy and physiology to improve their depictions of the human form. Recognises that 'no artist [...] could possibly make himself master of all the sciences' and reflects on the deficiencies of cramming.



Punch,  63 (1872), 16.

Classical Collision

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Anon

Genre:

Poetry, Drollery

Subjects:

Steamships, Accidents, Comparative Philology

Institutions mentioned:

HMS Minotaur, HMS Minotaur
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HMS Bellerophon HMS Bellerophon
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Punch,  63 (1872), 21.

High Art

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W M Mackay, Wallis (1852–1907) WBI
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Spielmann, Marion Harry Alexander 1895. The History of "Punch", London: Cassell
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Genre:

Illustration, Drollery

Relevant illustrations:

wdct.

Illustrators:

W M Mackay, Wallis (1852–1907) WBI
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Spielmann, Marion Harry Alexander 1895. The History of "Punch", London: Cassell
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Subjects:

Representation, Machinery, Invention


    Depicts Mr Punch's suggestion to the Royal Academy of Arts Royal Academy of Arts
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for a device to enable critics to 'study every picture, from the highest to the lowest, with equal comfort': it consists of a seat that can be raised, by a gear mechanism, up a wooden tower.



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Punch,  63 (1872), 23.

More Taxes on Knowledge

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Anon

Genre:

Notes, Drollery

Subjects:

Amusement, Zoology, Geology, Engineering

Institutions mentioned:

Thames Tunnel Thames Tunnel
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    A list of 'taxes' levied in polite society. These include 'Being asked to take down LADY HUMGRIFFYN to dinner, instead of pretty little MRS. PRATTLETON, because you happen to know something of the Troglodytes, or the Dolomites, or the Zoophytes, or something which happens to be her Ladyship's pet theme for conversation'.



Punch,  63 (1872), 24–25.

Punch's Essence of Parliament

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Anon

Genre:

Regular Feature, Reportage, Drollery

Subjects:

Vaccination


Punch,  63 (1872), 31.

Song by a "Noble Savage"

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Anon

Genre:

Song, Satire

Subjects:

Botanical Gardens, Botany, Expertise, Government, Class


    'Noble Savage' is a satirical depiction of the First Commissioner of Works, Acton S Ayrton Ayrton, Acton Smee (1816–86) ODNB
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. He denies being a market gardener, having any knowledge of botany, or having any breeding, yet proclaims himself 'King of Kew'. He adds that he occupies 'an office of inferiority', but is superior to the Director of the Royal Botanical Gardens, Kew Royal Botanical Gardens, Kew
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, Joseph D Hooker Hooker, Sir Joseph Dalton (1817–1911) DSB ODNB
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. Ayrton recognises Hooker's botanical expertise, but aserts that either Hooker will have to resign or he will. Notes that when he and Hooker, a 'scientific gentlemen' who 'expects to have his way', disagree about 'a plan / As it ever has been since the world began', Hooker must obey him. Admits that he is no 'respecter of gentlemen / Nor of scientific swells', and urges people to talk to the bear in the Zoological Society Gardens Zoological Society of London —Gardens
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about courtesy. Admits that he lacks Ædile's taste, but defies the reader's indignation in wanting Hooker to be dismissed.



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Punch,  63 (1872), 34–35.

Punch's Essence of Parliament

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Anon

Genre:

Regular Feature, Reportage, Drollery

Subjects:

Astronomy, Heat, Meteorology, Controversy, Government, Politics, Pollution, Public Health, Mining


    Notes that while the sun is 'in his present excited state' and is emitting 'quadrillions of tons of whatever it is that he makes us hot with', a wise man will be brief. Adds that 'heat expands some things (as the dear little girl knew, who explained that the days were long in hot weather on that account), but does not expand paragraphs'. Also notes that 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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called attention to Acton S Ayrton's Ayrton, Acton Smee (1816–86) ODNB
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'behaviour' towards Joseph D Hooker Hooker, Sir Joseph Dalton (1817–1911) DSB ODNB
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. Thinks that Derby is 'the man to right the wrongs of "the judicious HOOKER"'. Also notes the complaint by the Archbishop of Canterbury, Archibald C Tait Tait, Archibald Campbell (1811–82) ODNB
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, concerning the 'abominable nuisance of the Lambeth Potteries' Smoke', Benjamin Disraeli's Disraeli, Benjamin, 1st Earl of Beaconsfield (1804–81) ODNB
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discussion of the 'Public Health Bill', and the debates on the bills for coal mines and Irish railways. (34)



Punch,  63 (1872), 41.

Sweet Phosphor, Bring the Day

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Anon

Genre:

News-Commentary, Drollery

Subjects:

Agriculture, Analytical Chemistry, Charlatanry


    With a title taken from Francis Quarles Quarles, Francis (1592–1644) ODNB
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, Mr Punch informs the 'British Farmer' that in his recent article on manures (Anon, 'Chemistry for Countrymen', Punch, 62 (1872), 255), he did not intend to claim that everything called 'Phospho-Guano' was worthless. Appeals to Justus von Liebig's Liebig, Justus von (1803–73) DSB
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favourable views on the substance. Advises the British Farmer to 'doctor his land' with these 'medicaments'. Adds that Mr Little Little, Mr (fl.1871) PU1/62/25/2
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, on whose views he based his article, 'disclaims any idea of confounding a worthy manufacture with a quack compound'.



Punch,  63 (1872), 41.

A Cad on Cruelty to Animals

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Anon

Genre:

Poetry, Satire

Subjects:

Cruelty, Animal Behaviour, Class, Crime


    Possessing the accent of an English cad, the author describes how the 'Nobillaty and Gentery' have two gun clubs, and shoot pigeons at Wormwood Scrubs and at Hurlingham Park. Callously insists that 'The Pidgeons ain't of No Account / If their Leggs and Wings is broke' and points out that since dog-fighting and badger-baiting are illegal, pigeons are 'Priviledged Creeters in the Site / Of the Blessèd British Lawr'.



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Punch,  63 (1872), 43–44.

Punch's Essence of Parliament

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Anon

Genre:

Regular Feature, Reportage, Drollery

Subjects:

Sanitation, Mining, Health, Adulteration


Punch,  63 (1872), 45.

A National Warning

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Anon

Genre:

News-Commentary

Subjects:

Nutrition, Cultural Geography


Punch,  63 (1872), 48.

Chit-Chat

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Anon

Genre:

Reportage, Spoof

Subjects:

Invention, Public Health, Amusement


    A series of news reports, one of which claims that 'A new system of ventilation has been invented for the use of some of our theatres. Two or three stupid plays, and nothing attractive in artistes, and the house, will be quite empty and charmingly cool'.



Punch,  63 (1872), 49.

"Adolphe the Alchemist"

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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, Caricature

Relevant illustrations:

wdct.

Illustrators:

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

Alchemy, Commerce, Politics


    Subtitled 'A Tale of Wonder and Enchantment', the illustration shows French head of state, Adolphe Thiers Thiers, Louis Adolphe (Adolphe) (1797–1897) CBD
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, as an alchemist, dressed in a black cape covered with alchemical symbols. He stirs a black cauldron, on which are inscribed the words 'Credit' and 'Confidence', and out of which flows a stream bearing the words '£120,000,000 Loan'. He is flanked by a princess and a witch-like figure who wears a hat bearing the word 'communism'.



Punch,  63 (1872), 51.

Pre-Consumption of Food

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Anon

Genre:

News-Commentary

Subjects:

Agriculture, Nutrition

Publications cited:

Lancet Lancet (1823–1900+) Waterloo Directory
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Punch,  63 (1872), 51.

Sagacity of the Snake

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Anon

Genre:

News-Commentary, Drollery

Subjects:

Animal Behaviour, Zoological Gardens


    Discusses a report in The Times The Times (1777–1900+) Waterloo Directory
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of a boa-constrictor that 'moped, slept, and refused to be comforted' after its owners departed, but excitedly greeted them on their return. Suggests that future issues of the The Times might include advertisements for lost snakes, and that these animals might fulfil the role of dogs, as they could be burglar deterrents and companions.



Punch,  63 (1872), 53.

A Narcotic

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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:

Narcotics, Medical Treatment, Gender, Medical Practitioners, Religious Authority, Religion


    The illustration shows a doctor conversing with Mrs McCawdle, whose husband can be seen lying ill in bed. The doctor warns Mrs McCawdle to stop giving her husband medicine, adding that 'A sound sleep will do him more good than anything'. Mrs McCawdle agrees but wishes they 'could only get him taw the kirk!!'—a reference to the tedium of sermons.



Punch,  63 (1872), 53.

A Lofty Example

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Anon

Genre:

News-Commentary

Subjects:

Sanitation, Pollution, Public Health


    Discusses news that 'extensive plans are now in progress' to utilise the sewage of Windsor Castle Windsor Castle
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and Frogmore House. Considers that this will provide water without the harmful 'additions'. Thinks the water from Windsor Castle will be 'an example to many towns' which could 'utilise' the sewage with which they 'infect' rivers.



Punch,  63 (1872), 53.

Birds out of the Bill

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Anon

Genre:

Poetry

Subjects:

Ornithology, Hunting, Cruelty, Politics, Government


    Comprises the utterances of various species of birds which complain about being excluded from the wildfowl bill and thus not protected from game-hunters.



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Punch,  63 (1872), 56–57.

Punch's Essence of Parliament

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Anon

Genre:

Regular Feature, News-Commentary, Drollery

Subjects:

Botanical Gardens, Government, Politics, Controversy, Environmentalism, Hunting, Ornithology


    Reports on the discussion, prompted by 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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, of the dispute between the First Commissioner of Works, Acton S Ayrton Ayrton, Acton Smee (1816–86) ODNB
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and and the Director of the Royal Botanical Gardens, Kew Royal Botanical Gardens, Kew
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, Joseph D Hooker Hooker, Sir Joseph Dalton (1817–1911) DSB ODNB
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. Notes that several distinguished figures have signed a memorandum complaining of Ayrton's behaviour, including Charles Lyell Lyell, Sir Charles, 1st Baronet (1797–1875) DSB ODNB
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, Charles R Darwin Darwin, Charles Robert (1809–82) DSB
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, Thomas H Huxley Huxley, Thomas Henry (1825–95) DSB
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, John Tyndall Tyndall, John (1820–93) DSB
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, James Paget Paget, Sir James, 1st Baronet (1814–99) ODNB
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, Henry Holland Holland, Sir Henry (1788–1873) ODNB
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, Henry C Rawlinson Rawlinson, Sir Henry Creswicke (1810–95) ODNB
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, William Spottiswoode Spottiswoode, William (1825–83) ODNB
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, and the presidents of the Royal College of Physicians Royal College of Physicians
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, the Royal College of Surgeons Royal College of Surgeons
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, and the Linnean Society Linnean Society
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. William A A de V Beauclerk (10th Duke of St Albans) Beauclerk, William Amelius Aubrey de Vere (10th Duke of St Albans) (1840–98) WBI
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declared that the Metropolitan Board of Works Metropolitan Board of Works
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wished to retain Hooker's services. Punch expects Ayrton, the 'wrong-doer', to apologise for his behaviour. Reports the passage of a bill for protecting wild birds. Notes that George D Campbell (8th Duke of Argyll) Campbell, George Douglas, 8th Duke of Argyll (1823–1900) ODNB
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argued in favour of protecting the brown owl, a species whose nests he had 'ransacked' for eggs.



Punch,  63 (1872), 58.

No Rose Without a Thorn

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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:

Disease, Medical Treatment


    Shows a young 'son and heir', just home from school, 'surrounded by his adoring womankind'—his mother, sisters, and nurse. They all hold objects indicating that they are preparing for the summer holidays: the mother, for instance, holds a butterfly net, and one older sister holds a toy yacht. The boy, whose enjoyment of his holidays appears to have been spoiled by a toothache, exclaims that it 'just wouldn't the holidays be jolly, if it wasn't for the dentist'.



Punch,  63 (1872), 62.

Anti-Sanitary Initials

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Anon

Genre:

News-Commentary

Subjects:

Disease, Animal Husbandry, Nomenclature, Government, Dissent


    Discusses recent government orders relative to the Contagious Diseases (Animals) Act, specifically as regards the slaughter of infected livestock. Thinks animals would call such acts the 'C. D. Acts' and that those animals hostile to the legislation would call them 'Contagious Dissenter Acts'.



Punch,  63 (1872), 63.

Sporting and Meteorological Question

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Anon

Genre:

Notes, Drollery

Subjects:

Amusement, Meteorology, Language


Punch,  63 (1872), 63.

Malapropiana

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Anon

Genre:

Drollery

Subjects:

Collecting, Entomology, Physics


    Reports that Mrs Malaprop is collecting butterflies to understand the theory of 'caterpillary attraction'. Notes that she has been reading Alfred R Wallace's Wallace, Alfred Russel (1823–1913) DSB
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Malay Archipelago Wallace, Alfred Russel 1869. The Malay Archipelago: The Land of the Orang-Utan and the Bird of Paradise; a Narrative of Travel, with Studies of Man and Nature, &c., 2 vols, London: Macmillan
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, which she calls the 'Himmalayan Archipelago'.



Punch,  63 (1872), 64.

Words and Wind

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Anon

Genre:

Poetry

Subjects:

Nomenclature, Gas Chemistry, Disease, Scientific Practitioners, Religious Authority, History of Science


    Observes that in the days of Humphrey Ditton Ditton, Humphrey (1675–1714) ODNB
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and William Whiston Whiston, William (1667–1752) DSB
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, 'hypothetical chemistry' spoke of 'phlogiston', and fevers and tumours 'were set down to "humours"'. Adds that science had other words whose senses have been 'divested' by 'researches exact', and that 'the Sages of Nature have had their ontology / To revise'. Concludes by pointing out that the 'old Schoolmen's expressions of "Substance" and "Person"' were once imposed upon mankind but now 'contain no idea for kernel'.



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Punch,  63 (1872), 65–67.

Punch's Essence of Parliament

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Anon

Genre:

Regular Feature, News-Commentary, Drollery

Subjects:

Scientific Practitioners, Botanical Gardens, Controversy, Government, Politics


    Reports on further parliamentary debate over the controversy between the First Commissioner of Works, Acton S Ayrton Ayrton, Acton Smee (1816–86) ODNB
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, and Joseph D Hooker Hooker, Sir Joseph Dalton (1817–1911) DSB ODNB
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. Provides John Lubbock's Lubbock, Sir John, 4th Baronet and 1st Baron Avebury (1834–1913) DSB ODNB
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case against Ayrton. Ralph Bernal Osborne Bernal Osborne, Ralph (1808?–82) ODNB
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is reported to have said that Ayrton was 'audacious, and also orchidaceous' regarding Hooker, but that he wants them to 'make it up'. Ayrton claimed that he had 'done what he believed to be his duty' and that Hooker did not make himself easily available for 'public service'. Ayrton claimed that his profession (politics) receives 'higher consideration than the science of organic and inorganic matter'. Reports that Ayrton claimed that Hooker had made 'grave charges against him' and that Hooker accused Ayrton of 'evasions and misrepresentations'. Adds that it was left to the Prime Minister, William E Gladstone Gladstone, William Ewart (1809–98) ODNB
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, to resolve the controversy. (66)



Punch,  63 (1872), 67.

Natural Query

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Anon

Genre:

Drollery, Drollery

Subjects:

Government, Politics, Scientific Practitioners, Status, Controversy


    Notes that the First Commissioner of Works, Acton S Ayrton Ayrton, Acton Smee (1816–86) ODNB
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, considers his standing as a politician to be on a par with the standing as scientists of Charles Lyell Lyell, Sir Charles, 1st Baronet (1797–1875) DSB ODNB
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, Thomas H Huxley Huxley, Thomas Henry (1825–95) DSB
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, and James Paget Paget, Sir James, 1st Baronet (1814–99) ODNB
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. Questions why Ayrton is, accordingly, 'so low down the Government stairs'.



Punch,  63 (1872), 67.

Comic "Mens Conscia Recti"

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Anon

Genre:

News-Commentary, Drollery

Subjects:

Phrenology

Publications cited:

Hampshire Independent Hampshire Independent (1834–1900+) Waterloo Directory
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Punch,  63 (1872), 72.

The Anti-Philosopher

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Anon

Genre:

Poetry, Drollery

Subjects:

Botanical Gardens, Botany, Government, Politics, Controversy, Patronage


    Assuming the role of the 'Noble Savage', the poet 'clearly' but 'merely' sees the 'slighted' Joseph D Hooker Hooker, Sir Joseph Dalton (1817–1911) DSB ODNB
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. Asks if 'Him of fair name would substitution rob / For Noble Savage of Ignoble Snob?'.



Punch,  63 (1872), 72–73.

The Tourists' Remembrancer (For This Year only)  [2/5]Anon, 'The Tourists' Remembrancer (For This Year only)', Punch, 63 (1872), 86

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Anon

Genre:

Notes, Drollery, Serial

Subjects:

Travel, Navigation, Exploration, Geography

People mentioned:

Marco Polo, Polo, Marco (1254–1324) CBD
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James Cook Cook, James (1728–79) DSB
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Punch,  63 (1872), 76.

An Anti-Anti Association

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Anon

Genre:

Essay

Subjects:

Societies, Temperance


    Notes that most gatherings of 'professors and philosophers', including the British Association for the Advancement of Science British Association for the Advancement of Science
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and Social Science Congress Social Science Congress
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, are 'perfectly harmless'. Adds that congregations of 'fanatics and fools', including the United Kingdom Alliance United Kingdom Alliance
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and the Anti-Tobacco Society Anti-Tobacco Society
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, are 'essentially conspiracies against personal freedom'.



Punch,  63 (1872), 78.

The Idea of an Ogre

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Anon

Genre:

Notes, Drollery

Subjects:

Human Development, Medical Treatment


Punch,  63 (1872), 84.

Black Diamonds

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Anon

Genre:

Notes, Drollery

Subjects:

Mineralogy, Chemistry, Commerce


    Argues that the 'chemical difference between the Diamond and Coal is so little, that Coal may be regarded as a form of Carbon approximating to that of Diamond'. Adds that while the difference in value between the substances was 'considerable', the price of coal is now so high that 'Coals are rapidly getting approximated to Diamonds'.



Punch,  63 (1872), 84.

A Trifle from the British Association British Association for the Advancement of Science
Close   View the register entry >>

View full article text

Anon

Genre:

Notes, Drollery

Subjects:

Astronomy, Language


^^ Back to the top of this issue

Punch,  63 (1872), 86.

The Tourists' Remembrancer (For This Year only)  [3/5]Anon, 'The Tourists' Remembrancer (For This Year only)', Punch, 63 (1872), 72–73

Close

View full article text

Anon

Genre:

Notes, Drollery, Serial

Subjects:

Zoological Gardens, Societies, Natural History

People mentioned:

Carl Linneaus Linnaeus (or von Linné), Carl (1707–78) DSB
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Institutions mentioned:

Zoological Society—Gardens, Zoological Society of London —Gardens
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Royal Swedish Academy of Sciences, Upsala Royal Swedish Academy of Sciences, Upsala
Close   View the register entry >>


Punch,  63 (1872), 87.

Happy Thoughts  [10/31][Francis C Burnand], 'Happy Thoughts. Another Day at Little Shrimpton', Punch, 63 (1872), 7
[Francis C Burnand], 'Happy Thoughts', Punch, 63 (1872), 148
[Francis C Burnand], 'Happy Thoughts', Punch, 63 (1872), 180–81
[Francis C Burnand], 'Happy Thoughts', Punch, 63 (1872), 205–06
[Francis C Burnand], 'Happy Thoughts', Punch, 63 (1872), 222–23
[Francis C Burnand], 'Happy Thoughts', Punch, 63 (1872), 256

Close

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

Diary, Spoof, Serial

Subjects:

Agriculture, Education, Colleges


Punch,  63 (1872), 88.

Touchy Travellers

View full article text

Anon

Genre:

News-Commentary

Subjects:

Physical Geography, Travel, Controversy, Phrenology


    Noting that the source of the Nile has only been conjectured, rather than discovered, by David Livingstone Livingstone, David (1813–73) ODNB
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, notes that 'Other travellers are still at loggerheads about the question', their fierce letters to newspapers being explained by 'the preponderance of "Locality" and other perceptive organs over those of reflection, which contributes to make men roam, regardless of consequences, among cannibals'.



Punch,  63 (1872), 93.

Mysterious Machinery

View full article text

Anon

Genre:

News-Commentary, Drollery

Subjects:

Invention, Language


    Discusses an advertisement for a 'Vowel Washing Machine'. Asks how it works and what function it serves. Wonders whether the machine would be of any service to foul-mouthed individuals, and whether it could be used to purify slang.



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Punch,  63 (1872), 95.

A Nictonised Nation

View full article text

Anon

Genre:

News-Commentary

Subjects:

Narcotics, Health, Government, Politics


Punch,  63 (1872), 96.

New to Me  [1/3]

View full article text

Ignoramus Ignoramus
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Genre:

Diary, Drollery, Serial

Subjects:

Societies

Institutions mentioned:

British Association for the Advancement of Science British Association for the Advancement of Science
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Punch,  63 (1872), 97.

A Philosopher's Pet

View full article text

Anon

Genre:

News-Commentary

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:

Entomology, Animal Behaviour, Industry, Societies, Cultural Geography, Politics


    Relates the story of a pet eel kept by a 'learned Fellow of a certain University'. Reports on the account of a 'tame wasp' given by John Lubbock Lubbock, Sir John, 4th Baronet and 1st Baron Avebury (1834–1913) DSB ODNB
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at the meeting of the British Association for the Advancement of Science British Association for the Advancement of Science
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. Notes that Lubbock's taming of the wasp was not unprecedented and cites the example of 'Industrious Fleas'. Hopes other insects could be 'brought up to practise some branch of industry' and lists a wide variety of insects that Lubbock might be able to tame. Suggests that anyone who can tame hornets should be appointed Lord Lieutenant of Ireland and pacify the 'Irish hornet's nest'. Believes that Lubbock is suitable for this position, owing to his gentility and 'extraordinary attainment in science'.



Punch,  63 (1872), 97.

The Autumn Ologies

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Anon

Genre:

Poetry

Subjects:

Taxonomy, Nomenclature, Scientific Practitioners, Archaeology, Anthropology, Phrenology, Biology, Physiology, Entomology, Ornithology, Zoology, Spectroscopy, Astrology, Anatomy, Rationalism, Religious Authority


    Believes that lovers of knowledge must be glad 'when the season comes [...] Of philosophers' meets and fruit, / Of science and sociology'. Notes Augustus H L Fox's Pitt-Rivers, Augustus Henry Lane Fox (1827–1900) DSB
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claim that archaeology is a branch of anthropology, itself, according to Punch, a 'subject that's full of doubt'. Notes that 'the Sages' ignore phrenology but study biology, which it believes is another term for physiology. Considers physiology to be a branch of zoology and notes that some 'names' of fields, notably entomology, conchology and ornithology, 'tax dunces' etymology'. Claims that every science 'has with every other analogy' and accordingly notes that astronomy is related to mineralogy. Believes that 'spectral analysis proves / Things unforetold by Astrology' and that the particulars of Alexander Pope's Pope, Alexander (1688–1744) ODNB
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ontology will consequently become 'husks of terminology'. In anatomy, praises homology. Scorns tautology, a lesson that it believes the 'Rationalist School' apply to their 'neology'. Respects 'the wise men's rule, / Which from Science excludes theology'.



Punch,  63 (1872), 102.

Exemplary Heathen

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Anon

Genre:

News-Commentary

Subjects:

Geography, Exploration, Race, Religion, Unbelief, Morality, Cultural Geography


    Comments on a Pall Mall Gazette Pall Mall Gazette (1865–1900+) Waterloo Directory
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report containing the 'geographical results of the Looshai Expedition'. Draws attention to the part of the report claiming that the native women do not put rings in their ears and noses or blacken their teeth. Believes native women differ greatly from 'our own' and have not yet 'experienced the benefit of missionary enterprise'. Thinks the Archbishop of Canterbury, Archibald C Tait Tait, Archibald Campbell (1811–82) ODNB
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, would regard such 'heathen' women as capable of promoting (rather than corrupting) 'good manners'.



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Punch,  63 (1872), 107.

Automaton Bakers

View full article text

Anon

Genre:

News-Commentary, Drollery

Subjects:

Nutrition, Machinery, Invention


Punch,  63 (1872), 113.

An Old Partridge's Complaint

View full article text

Anon

Genre:

Poetry

Subjects:

Hunting, Cruelty, Class, Politics


Punch,  63 (1872), 113.

The Coming Race

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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:

Medical Practitioners, Medical Treatment, Anaesthetics, Gender


    In a hospital, Dr Evangeline, a female practitioner, asks Mr Sawyer whether he is busy tomorrow afternoon, for she has an amputation to perform. Mr Sawyer agrees to do the operation for her but Dr Evangeline points out that she only wants him to 'administer the chloroform'.



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Punch,  63 (1872), 115.

Mystery and Medicine

View full article text

Anon

Genre:

News-Commentary

Subjects:

Medical Practitioners, Disease


    Perplexed by an advertisement placed by a surgeon who, 'being about to retire from ill health', wishes to 'dispose of a first-rate Business'. Notes that, although a surgeon has some control over ill-health, it is not clear how he could 'retire from it', unless by retirement to that place 'from which no traveller returns'.



Punch,  63 (1872), 116.

Fact

View full article text

Anon

Genre:

News-Commentary, Drollery

Subjects:

Medical Practitioners, Surgery


Punch,  63 (1872), 123.

Arduous Experiment

View full article text

Anon

Genre:

News-Commentary

Subjects:

Supernaturalism, Miracle, Experiment, Natural Law, Medical Treatment, Controversy, Faith


    Comments on a controversy sparked by the proposal of Henry Thompson Thompson, Henry (1815–97) WBI
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in the Contemporary Review Contemporary Review (1866–1900+) Waterloo Directory
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to assess the efficacy of prayer experimentally (Thompson 1872 Thompson, Henry 1872. 'The "Prayer for the Sick": Hints Towards a Serious Attempt to Estimate Its Value', Contemporary Review, 20, 205–10
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). In the proposed experiment, two hospitals are built, and to each are admitted 'the same number and the same class of patients', but prayers are said for only one group of patients. If more patients are cured in the prayed-for group, then prayer is efficacious. Notes that the Morning Post Morning Post and Daily Advertising Pamphlet (1772–1900+) Waterloo Directory
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objects to this, asking whether anybody would 'assay the coin' or 'test the bread' given to them by a 'a monarch or learned professor'. Punch thinks that this 'à fortiori argument derived from human dignity' is 'infinitely illogical', because 'under the laws which govern the physical universe, the test of truth, sine quâ non, is crucial experiment'. Nevertheless thinks it a 'blunder' to use the same method in both 'natural and supernatural research'. Points out that the 'experimenter could not be sure of his conditions' and could not be certain that prayers were genuine or being said at all. Proposes that the safest plan would be to execute the experiments in veterinary hospitals because 'dumb animals' would not pray in the vicinity of the patients.



Punch,  63 (1872), 126.

Horrors of Hair-Dressing

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Benjamin Brown Brown, Benjamin
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Genre:

Letter, Spoof

Subjects:

Gender, Disease, Zoology, Medical Practitoners


    Addressed to his recent seaside companion, Mrs Smythe, the letter-writer criticises her daughters for wearing 'monstrous' chignons and expresses relief that the girls have now removed these 'hideous' excrescences. Supports his argument with an extract from a a 'clever medical paper' which describes Eduard von Lindemann's Lindemann, Eduard von (fl. 1867) Lindemann 1867
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continuing investigations into the parasitic bodies found in chignons and other false tresses, animals that eventually 'penetrate into the interior of the human organism' and produce a range of disorders. The letter-writer urges the recipient that they should both 'raise their voices against flaunting of false hair, with all its nasty, noxious, horrors'.



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Punch,  63 (1872), 133.

A Triumph of Spiritualism

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Anon

Genre:

Reportage, Spoof

Subjects:

Spiritualism, Botanical Gardens, Government, Politics


    Claims that a 'London Correspondent of a respectable country paper states that "it is rumoured that MR. AYRTON Ayrton, Acton Smee (1816–86) ODNB
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has turned Spiritualist"'. Adds that the report also claims that Ayrton has developed into a medium in which capacity he has 'laid out a market-garden, carved a statuette, painted a picture, made a copy of verses, and dictated (in a trance-state) a courteous official letter'.



Punch,  63 (1872), 133–34.

Literature, Science, and Art

View full article text

Anon

Genre:

Regular Feature, News-Digest, Spoof

Subjects:

Astronomy, Chemistry, Monstrosities, Zoological Gardens, Comparative Philology, Zoology


    Promises readers that they will be 'the first to hear from the ardent astronomer' when a 'new planet swims into his ken' (a quote from John Keats's Keats, John (1795–1821) ODNB
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Sonnet IX), and when the philosopher 'discovers another lustrous metal'. Announces that it had hoped to give information on the 'elusive' 'Sea Serpent' and expects to see the creature in the Zoological Society Gardens Zoological Society of London —Gardens
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within a year. Thinks an expedition should be organised to search for other mythical creatures, including the mermaid, unicorn, and phoenix. Reminds readers of new creatures at the zoo, including mammals and marsupials. Notes the increasing vogue for aquaria and a proposal to display a turtle in one of them. (133)



Punch,  63 (1872), 134.

Science in Season

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Anon

Genre:

Reportage, Spoof

Subjects:

Societies

Institutions mentioned:

British Association for the Advancement of Science, British Association for the Advancement of Science
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Social Science Congress Social Science Congress
Close   View the register entry >>


^^ Back to the top of this issue

Punch,  63 (1872), 139.

An Autumn-Manoeuvring Cricket-Match. Reported by a Very Old Friend as Taking Place Between the Eleven of Colwell Hatchney Colney Hatch Asylum
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and the Sixty-Four of Any Other Place

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The Real Sir Jellyboy Jampot Real Sir Jellyboy Jampot, The
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Genre:

Reportage, Spoof

Subjects:

Mental Illness

People mentioned:

Forbes B Winslow Winslow, Forbes Benignus (1810–74) ODNB
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Punch,  63 (1872), 140.

Sea-Side Drama

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Anon

Genre:

Illustration, Drollery

Relevant illustrations:

wdct.

Subjects:

Human Development, Disease


    Shows the de Tomkyns and Jenkins families on a crowded beach. Mrs de Tomkyns tells her husband to stop their son playing with a 'strange child' and to do so by telling the lie that their child is 'just recovering from scarlet fever'. Mr Tomkyns does so, but the parents of the 'strange child', Mr and Mrs Jenkins, reply that 'It's all right, Sir!' because their child is also just recovering from the disease.



Punch,  63 (1872), 140.

The Golden Age

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Anon

Genre:

News-Commentary, Drollery

Subjects:

Alchemy, Commerce, Political Economy


    Announces that a person in California has discovered how to transmute baser metals into gold, and to produce it 'by the ship-load'. Thinks this means that the United States of America will not take the '(comparatively) few sovereigns MR. LOWE [the Chancellor of the Exchequer, Robert Lowe Lowe, Robert, 1st Viscount Sherbrooke (1811–92) ODNB
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] was going to send over [...] between now and next "Fall"'.



Punch,  63 (1872), 144.

Scientific Jotting

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Anon

Genre:

News-Commentary

Subjects:

Animal Husbandry, Disease, Pollution, Analytical Chemistry


    Announces that a chemist has claimed that cattle disease is caused by a 'noxious principle' in the atmosphere which also causes the 'Strike epidemic'. Adds that the 'principle' is imponderable and only detectable by its effects on 'unthinking creatures'.



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Punch,  63 (1872), 148.

Happy Thoughts  [16/31][Francis C Burnand], 'Happy Thoughts. Another Day at Little Shrimpton', Punch, 63 (1872), 7
[Francis C Burnand], 'Happy Thoughts', Punch, 63 (1872), 87
[Francis C Burnand], 'Happy Thoughts', Punch, 63 (1872), 180–81
[Francis C Burnand], 'Happy Thoughts', Punch, 63 (1872), 205–06
[Francis C Burnand], 'Happy Thoughts', Punch, 63 (1872), 222–23
[Francis C Burnand], 'Happy Thoughts', Punch, 63 (1872), 256

Close

View full article text

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

Diary, Spoof, Serial

Subjects:

Medical Treatment, Medical Practitioners


    The narrator considers that he would have made a 'capital Doctor'. He explains that he would have allowed the patient to 'prescribe for himself, unconsciously' and details the ways in which he would cross-examine and handle patients.



Punch,  63 (1872), 149.

To Artists, Amateurs, and Others

View full article text

Anon

Genre:

Notes, Drollery

Subjects:

Photography, Language


Punch,  63 (1872), 149.

What Have They All Been Doing?

View full article text

Anon

Genre:

Reportage, Spoof

Subjects:

Scientific Practitioners, Animal Behaviour, Natural History


Punch,  63 (1872), 154.

One to Rome

View full article text

Anon

Genre:

News-Commentary, Drollery

Subjects:

Religious Authority, Superstition, Astronomy, Scientific Practitioners

People mentioned:

Galileo Galilei Galilei, Galileo (1564–1642) DSB
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Punch,  63 (1872), 155.

Discoveries for a Discoverer

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Anon

Genre:

Notes, Drollery

Subjects:

Discovery, Mechanics, Charlatanry


    Following Henry M Stanley's Stanley, Sir Henry Morton (1841–1904) ODNB
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discovery of David Livingstone Livingstone, David (1813–73) ODNB
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, suggests that Stanley should 'set to work to discover' a number of notorious chimeras. These include 'Perpetual Motion' and 'Who takes the Umbrellas'.



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Punch,  63 (1872), 157.

The Mouser

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Anon

Genre:

News-Commentary, Drollery

Subjects:

Military Technology, Crime


    Notes from The Times The Times (1777–1900+) Waterloo Directory
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that the Prussians have 'invented a most destructive gun called "the Mouser"' (a mis-spelling of 'Mauser'). Suggests that the Prussians use the gun on 'our garotters' to 'save us the trouble of applying the cat'.



Punch,  63 (1872), 159.

Physic Gratis

View full article text

Anon

Genre:

Essay

Subjects:

Hospitals, Medical Treatment, Pharmaceuticals


    Laments the fact that remedies for one's 'maladies' can be obtained without a ticket and without attendance at dispensaries, hospitals, or infirmaries. Explains that there are some 'Philanthropic Chemists' who sell medicine 'at any time, by ringing the bell' of their shop.



Punch,  63 (1872), 160.

A Railway Company's Question (Chairman Sings.)

View full article text

Anon

Genre:

Song, Drollery

Subjects:

Railways, Accidents, Commerce, Skill


    Addressing company directors, the singer begins by noting 'Lots killed and maimed' in another collision; thus, 'There will be much to pay' in 'damages' which will 'Reduce our dividends'. Suggests that an actuary should compute how much money the company looses from accidents and asks whether it would be more cost-effective to spend more money on wages 'To make collisions rare'. Concludes by affirming that the company needs 'more skilled hands', so that 'each pointman' is 'no mere clown'.



Punch,  63 (1872), 163.

Another Extinguisher Wanted

View full article text

Anon

Genre:

News-Commentary, Drollery

Subjects:

Vulcanism, Geology


Punch,  63 (1872), 166.

A Companion to the Bull's-Eye

View full article text

Anon

Genre:

News-Commentary

Subjects:

Medical Practitioners, Instruments, Invention, Narcotics, Measurement


    Discusses a recent inquest at which it was revealed that the police had wrongly concluded that the insensibility of the victim had been caused by drunkenness. The inquest found that his insensibility was due to a fracture of the skull, which the man had received during an assault. Criticizes the police for their blundering and suggests that an 'ingenious medical mechanician' should devise an instrument for measuring drunkenness.



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Punch,  63 (1872), 168.

Indexing

View full article text

Anon

Genre:

News-Commentary, Drollery

Subjects:

Religious Authority, Religion, Publishing, Mathematics, Pharmaceuticals


Punch,  63 (1872), 175.

Questions for Naval Competitive Examination

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Anon

Genre:

Exam Paper, Spoof

Subjects:

Steamships, Navigation, Engineering, Instruments, Instrument-Makers, Railways

Institutions mentioned:

Royal Navy Royal Navy
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    A series of ridiculous nautical questions for naval cadets, many of which pun on nautical terms. These include: 'Can you procure, at a Nautical Instrument Makers, any spectacles specially adapted for Dead-Eyes?'.



Punch,  63 (1872), 178.

The D. C.

View full article text

Anon

Genre:

News-Commentary, Drollery

Subjects:

Religion, Scientific Practitioners

People mentioned:

Emanuel Swedenborg Swedenborg, Emanuel (1688–1772) DSB
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^^ Back to the top of this issue

Punch,  63 (1872), 180–81.

Happy Thoughts  [19/31][Francis C Burnand], 'Happy Thoughts. Another Day at Little Shrimpton', Punch, 63 (1872), 7
[Francis C Burnand], 'Happy Thoughts', Punch, 63 (1872), 87
[Francis C Burnand], 'Happy Thoughts', Punch, 63 (1872), 148
[Francis C Burnand], 'Happy Thoughts', Punch, 63 (1872), 205–06
[Francis C Burnand], 'Happy Thoughts', Punch, 63 (1872), 222–23
[Francis C Burnand], 'Happy Thoughts', Punch, 63 (1872), 256

Close

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

Diary, Spoof, Serial

Subjects:

Animal Development, Animal Husbandry

People mentioned:

Charles R Darwin Darwin, Charles Robert (1809–82) DSB
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Punch,  63 (1872), 182.

ΑΝΤΙΠΟΔΕΣ ΣΥΜΠΑΘΕΙΣ

View full article text

Anon

Genre:

Poetry

Subjects:

Telegraphy, Electricity, Imperialism, Internationalism


    Responds to messages exchanged by telegraph between the Lord Mayor of London, Sills J Gibbons Gibbons, Sir Sills John (1809–76) WBI
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, and the Lord Mayor of Adelaide, Adolph H F Bartels Bartels, Adolph Heinrich Friedrich (d. 1878) WBIhttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_Mayors_and_Lord_Mayors_of_Adelaide
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. The author boasts that telegraphy can place a 'girdle round about the earth' in half the time Puck took to do the same feat. Notes that the 'tie' that hitherto bound Britain and the antipodes was made of gold, but adds that, owing to the 'electric fire', the tie now consists of 'a few strands of copper' that 'is likelier to last'. The electric wire enables the antipodes to be 'one in soul' with Britain, to be 'still at home, howe'er far off you settle', and to flash its 'warmth of kindred' to Britain. Despite the size of the world, where 'seasons stand reversed and nature new', the telegraph keeps 'Australian hearts and English true'.



Punch,  63 (1872), 186.

A Yogi on the Koos

View full article text

Anon

Genre:

News-Commentary, Drollery

Subjects:

Spiritualism, Mesmerism, Psychology, Photography, Human Development


    Discusses a lecture on mesmerism in the Spiritualist Spiritualist (1869–82) Psyche (1882) Waterloo Directory
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describing how an Indian yogi sought to purify his soul by sitting on sacred grass, called koos, and concentrating 'on one object alone'. Wishes to procure a photograph of the 'self-mesmerising' yogi whose trance reminds the author of a baby mesmerised by a wafer stuck on its nose by a 'naughty little clown of a boy'.



Punch,  63 (1872), 188.

A Deep Subject

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Anon

Genre:

Notes, Drollery

Subjects:

Animal Behaviour, Language


    Noting that naturalists have concluded that 'fishes have a language', suggests that 'it is most probably Finnish'.



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Punch,  63 (1872), 190.

Punch at Lunch  [1/8]Anon, 'Punch at Lunch', Punch, 63 (1872), 210
Anon, 'Punch at Lunch', Punch, 63 (1872), 219
Anon, 'Punch at Lunch', Punch, 63 (1872), 231
Anon, 'Punch at Lunch', Punch, 63 (1872), 244
Anon, 'Punch at Lunch', Punch, 63 (1872), 266

Close

View full article text

Anon

Genre:

Notes, Drollery, Serial

Subjects:

Darwinism, Animal Behaviour


    A series of statements from Mr Punch to his dog, Toby. In one statement he claims that he does not 'hold with Darwinism. We are not related to the animals. See here. Among birds the hen is always the dowdy, quietly feathered, humble looking creature, while the cock (peacock and pheasant, for instance) blazes out in splendour. While among ourselves—but you perceive the argument'.



Punch,  63 (1872), 196.

A Second Opinion

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G B Bowers, Georgina (b. 1836) WBI
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Spielmann, Marion Harry Alexander 1895. The History of "Punch", London: Cassell
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Genre:

Illustration, Drollery

Relevant illustrations:

wdct.

Illustrators:

G B Bowers, Georgina (b. 1836) WBI
Close   View the register entry >>
Spielmann, Marion Harry Alexander 1895. The History of "Punch", London: Cassell
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Subjects:

Disease, Medical Treatment, Veterinary Science


    Shows an equestrian 'Noble Sportsman' at a hunt talking to a 'Huntsman' standing beside the horse. The noble sportsman complains that his doctors advise him not to hunt this season owing to difficulties he experiences in breathing. The huntsman suggests ignoring the doctors and trying 'a mild blister', and the noble sportsman agrees and resolves to 'consult the 'vet'.



Punch,  63 (1872), 197.

Chastisement by Machinery

View full article text

Anon

Genre:

Essay

Subjects:

Animal Magnetism, Invention, Machinery, Crime


    Recognises that animal magnetism is 'still in its infancy' but thinks it will develop to the point where mesmerists will be able to 'place any number of criminals convicted of robbery with violence en rapport with each other; so that one flogging will do for them all'. Proposes the invention of a 'whipping-engine or thrashing-machine, wherewith garotters could be steam-flogged'. Believes that had our ancestors possessed 'modern mechanical knowledge and resources' they would have invented a steam-powered machine for flogging, branding, and shaving rogues.



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Punch,  63 (1872), 205–06.

Happy Thoughts  [21/31][Francis C Burnand], 'Happy Thoughts. Another Day at Little Shrimpton', Punch, 63 (1872), 7
[Francis C Burnand], 'Happy Thoughts', Punch, 63 (1872), 87
[Francis C Burnand], 'Happy Thoughts', Punch, 63 (1872), 148
[Francis C Burnand], 'Happy Thoughts', Punch, 63 (1872), 180–81
[Francis C Burnand], 'Happy Thoughts', Punch, 63 (1872), 222–23
[Francis C Burnand], 'Happy Thoughts', Punch, 63 (1872), 256

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

Diary, Spoof, Serial

Subjects:

Animal Development, Breeding, Darwinism


    The narrator writes memos to ask Charles R Darwin Darwin, Charles Robert (1809–82) DSB
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whether larks derive from fowls, and whether apes can become cows. (205)



Punch,  63 (1872), 208.

"Pity the Poor Teacher"

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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:

Education, Schools, Geography, Religion


    Shows a young woman teacher in a classroom in which several boys and girls stand. She asks them to name the four quarters of the world. One pupil answers 'air, earth, fire, and water', but another interjects with 'No teacher,—Matthew, Mark, Luke and John'.



Punch,  63 (1872), 208.

Mems. for "My Lords"

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Anon

Genre:

Poetry

Subjects:

Military Technology, Steamships, Government, Politics


    Addressed to the lords of the Admiralty Admiralty
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, the writer argues that 'One gun that will pierce, mind, is worth any number / Which will not' and that small ships loaded with large guns are better and safer than large ships.



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Punch,  63 (1872), 209.

Great News

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Anon

Genre:

News-Commentary, Drollery

Subjects:

Engineering, Steamships, Darwinism, Human Development, Gender


    The author is happy to announce that Henry Bessemer Bessemer, Sir Henry (1813–98) DSB ODNB
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is likely to 'abolish' mal de mer, but he is not pleased to learn from a review of Charles R Darwin's Darwin, Charles Robert (1809–82) DSB
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Darwin, Charles Robert 1872. The Expression of the Emotions in Man and Animals, London: John Murray
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Descent of Man Darwin, Charles Robert 1871a. The Descent of Man and Selection in Relation to Sex, London: John Murray
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that 'blushing "seems likely to be lost"', since he considers women look 'so charming under their flying colours'.



Punch,  63 (1872), 210.

Punch at Lunch  [3/8]Anon, 'Punch at Lunch', Punch, 63 (1872), 190
Anon, 'Punch at Lunch', Punch, 63 (1872), 219
Anon, 'Punch at Lunch', Punch, 63 (1872), 231
Anon, 'Punch at Lunch', Punch, 63 (1872), 244
Anon, 'Punch at Lunch', Punch, 63 (1872), 266

Close

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Anon

Genre:

Diary, Spoof, Serial

Subjects:

Force, Lecturing


    Remembers hearing a lecture by Michael Faraday Faraday, Michael (1791–1867) DSB
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on the 'Conservation of Forces' (possibly a reference to Faraday 1854–58 Faraday, Michael 1854–58. 'On the Conservation of Force', Proceedings of the Royal Institution, 2, 352–65
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) and boasts that he was 'the only person in the room, except the lecturer, who understood it'. Suggests that somebody should lecture on the 'Conservation of Farces'.



Punch,  63 (1872), 217.

Progress in Fireproof

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Anon

Genre:

Poetry, Drollery

Subjects:

Domestic Economy, Technology, Heat


    Notes that since stone and iron are no longer considered 'good' for fire-proofing a building, 'we must go back, 'tis said, to wood'. Questions whether brick burns faster than timber, and suggests that india-rubber may provide the best solution.



Punch,  63 (1872), 217.

A Trap to Catch a Joke

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Anon

Genre:

News-Commentary

Subjects:

Mesmerism, Charlatanry


    Responds to news of a Parisian man who has established himself as a mesmerist. Notes that he is called 'the Zouave JACOB' and considers him the modern counterpart to Valentine Greatrakes Greatrakes, Valentine ('the Stroker') (1629–83) ODNB
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. Noting that Jacob bolsters his income by working as a hatter, anticipates that some readers will think Jacob is 'as mad as a hatter'. However, Jacob should be considered 'as mad as a mesmerist'.



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Punch,  63 (1872), 219.

Punch at Lunch  [4/8]Anon, 'Punch at Lunch', Punch, 63 (1872), 190
Anon, 'Punch at Lunch', Punch, 63 (1872), 210
Anon, 'Punch at Lunch', Punch, 63 (1872), 231
Anon, 'Punch at Lunch', Punch, 63 (1872), 244
Anon, 'Punch at Lunch', Punch, 63 (1872), 266

Close

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Anon

Genre:

Diary, Spoof, Serial

Subjects:

Exploration, Engineering, Transport, Heroism

People mentioned:

William E Parry, Parry, Sir William Edward (1790–1855) ODNB
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Henry Bessemer Bessemer, Sir Henry (1813–98) DSB ODNB
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Punch,  63 (1872), 221.

Ayrton again

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Anon

Genre:

Poetry

Subjects:

Government, Politics, Botanical Gardens, Convtroversy


    Points out that the First Commissioner of Works, Acton S Ayrton Ayrton, Acton Smee (1816–86) ODNB
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, 'thrust the phalanx of Science, contemptuous aside', and 'slapped Hooker's Hooker, Sir Joseph Dalton (1817–1911) DSB ODNB
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face, in the teeth, black and blue'. Tells Ayrton that he now faces the 'rough tongues' of Charles Bradlaugh Bradlaugh, Charles (1833–91) ODNB
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and George Odger Odger, George (1813–77) ODNB
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on a very different charge from that which Hooker and Lubbock Lubbock, Sir John, 4th Baronet and 1st Baron Avebury (1834–1913) DSB ODNB
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'o'erbore'.



Punch,  63 (1872), 222.

Piety and Parallel

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Anon

Genre:

Essay, Drollery

Relevant illustrations:

wdct.

Subjects:

Religious Authority, Crime, Darwinism, Animal Behaviour, Evolution, Human Development

Publications cited:

Darwin 1871a, Darwin, Charles Robert 1871a. The Descent of Man and Selection in Relation to Sex, London: John Murray
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Darwin 1872 Darwin, Charles Robert 1872. The Expression of the Emotions in Man and Animals, London: John Murray
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    The initial letter of the text forms part of an illustration showing a monkey sitting on a tree, while holding a book labelled 'Darwin'. The text notes that Richard Baxter Baxter, Richard (1615–91) ODNB
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allegedly exclaimed, on seeing a criminal on his way to the gallows, 'There, but for divine grace, goes RICHARD BAXTER'. Imagines that Charles R Darwin Darwin, Charles Robert (1809–82) DSB
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would utter a 'corresponding though different reflection'. On seeing a monkey scratching itself in the Zoological Society Gardens Zoological Society of London —Gardens
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, Darwin might observe, 'There, but for Natural Selection and the Struggle for Existence, sits Charles Darwin'.



Punch,  63 (1872), 222–23.

Happy Thoughts  [23/31][Francis C Burnand], 'Happy Thoughts. Another Day at Little Shrimpton', Punch, 63 (1872), 7
[Francis C Burnand], 'Happy Thoughts', Punch, 63 (1872), 87
[Francis C Burnand], 'Happy Thoughts', Punch, 63 (1872), 148
[Francis C Burnand], 'Happy Thoughts', Punch, 63 (1872), 180–81
[Francis C Burnand], 'Happy Thoughts', Punch, 63 (1872), 205–06
[Francis C Burnand], 'Happy Thoughts', Punch, 63 (1872), 256

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

Diary, Spoof, Serial

Subjects:

Pharmaceuticals, Agriculture


Punch,  63 (1872), 223.

Mr. Punch's Parliamentary Notice for Sessions, 1872–3. Aërial Railways

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Anon

Genre:

Advertisement, Spoof

Subjects:

Railways, Transport, Commerce, Government, Politics, Imperialism, Charlatanry


    Describes an application made to Punch in the ensuing parliamentary session for an act to incorporate the 'Aërial Railway Company' which will begin 'at a point 10,000 feet or thereabouts above the Treasury in Downing Street' and 'terminating at a point 10,000 feet or thereabouts above the White House' and at a similar location above the imperial palace in Berlin. The promoters also wish to build 'Castles, Stations, Liquor-bars' and other conveniences along the line, to pay for the scheme by selling important British buildings and also 'JOHN BULL and the British Lion', and to amalgamate 'dignitaries and undignified persons whose names create discord and excitement'.



Punch,  63 (1872), 224.

A Sad Case

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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:

Medical Practitioners, Psychology, Gender


    Shows a group of people conversing in a drawing room. In the foreground, several men gather around a young woman, and in the background the woman's husband talks to a doctor. The husband, Mr Kiljoye, tells the doctor that he thinks his wife has 'Such fearful depression of spirits!'. But when the doctor interjects that his wife looks like the 'life of the party', Mr Kiljoye points out that while she 'bears up in company' she is not so happy 'when we are together alone'.



Punch,  63 (1872), 224.

Quis Custodiet?

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Anon

Genre:

Poetry

Subjects:

Time, Instruments, Transport, Military Technology, Astronomy


    Addressing policemen, who were recently on strike, the poet had 'no more dreamed of thee being false to thy beat / Than the choicest chronometer that for the fleet / Ever Airy Airy, Sir George Biddell (1801–92) DSB ODNB
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at Greenwich Royal Observatory, Greenwich
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did choose!'.



Punch,  63 (1872), 227.

Dr. Cullen's Cullen, Paul (1803–78) ODNB
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Cookery Book

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Anon

Genre:

News-Commentary

Subjects:

Religious Authority, Education, Universities, Patronage


    Responding to news that Irish Catholics wish the Catholic University of Ireland, Dublin Catholic University of Ireland, Dublin
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, to be funded by the state, asks why academic subjects, including astronomy, physiology, geology, and chemistry, 'should be adapted for the Romish Church' as much as 'wines and some other goods are qualified for the British market'. Asks whether history and science should be 'doctored' and 'cooked' by doctors of theology.



Punch,  63 (1872), 227.

Colossal Farming at the Cape

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Anon

Genre:

News-Commentary, Drollery

Subjects:

Animal Husbandry, Breeding, Technology, Agriculture


    Discusses news that a Cape Town farmer has hatched ostrich eggs by an incubator of his own construction. Surmises that to cope with such large eggs the farm would have to be of 'Brobdingnagian dimensions' and speculates on the large size of the incubator.



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Punch,  63 (1872), 230.

An Old Story

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Anon

Genre:

News-Commentary, Drollery

Subjects:

Lecturing, Astronomy, Cosmology

People mentioned:

Peter M Duncan Duncan, Peter Martin (1824–91) ODNB
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Institutions mentioned:

South Kensington Museum South Kensington Museum
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Punch,  63 (1872), 231.

Punch at Lunch  [5/8]Anon, 'Punch at Lunch', Punch, 63 (1872), 190
Anon, 'Punch at Lunch', Punch, 63 (1872), 210
Anon, 'Punch at Lunch', Punch, 63 (1872), 219
Anon, 'Punch at Lunch', Punch, 63 (1872), 244
Anon, 'Punch at Lunch', Punch, 63 (1872), 266

Close

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Anon

Genre:

Diary, Spoof, Serial

Subjects:

Race, Language, Cultural Geography

People mentioned:

John Lubbock Lubbock, Sir John, 4th Baronet and 1st Baron Avebury (1834–1913) DSB ODNB
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Punch,  63 (1872), 232.

The Right Name for Him

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Anon

Genre:

Poetry

Subjects:

Engineering, Steamships, Transport, Comparative Philology


    Hails Henry Bessemer Bessemer, Sir Henry (1813–98) DSB ODNB
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, whose invention for keeping a ship level in the water scorns 'Neptune's bile-disturbing state' and, 'more than Britannia's self aspires to do', rules the waves. Believes those who cross the English Channel pray that Bessemer will 'thrive' in his 'match 'gainst Neptune'. Like the Greeks, who 'read fates in names', the poet changes the letters of Bessmer's name to read 'Baissez-mer' or 'Sea, lie low!'.



Punch,  63 (1872), 233.

The Freedom of the Bridges (A Recitation by a Ratepayer)

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Anon

Genre:

Poetry, Drollery

Subjects:

Sanitation, Public Health, Engineering


Punch,  63 (1872), 235.

Ballad of the Babes in the Sea

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Anon

Genre:

Poetry

Subjects:

Military Technology, Steamships, Government, Politics, Commerce, Morality


    Describes the fate of two iron-clads from Woolwich Dockyard Royal Navy—Woolwich Dockyard
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as if they were twins, raised by their uncle, the First Lord of the Admiralty Admiralty
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, George J Goschen Goschen, George Joachim, 1st Viscount Goschen (1831–1907) ODNB
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, who, unable to 'maintain' the infants considered it 'best to murder them [...] by accident'. Despite a bloody struggle, Goschen succeeds in drowning his infants near Chatham Dockyard Chatham Dockyard
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, 'in ancient Medway's arms'. The author thinks it a 'shame for Merry England that her Children should thus drown' and points out that there are 'thirty thousand Englishmen' who would throw Goschen overboard. It ends on a happier note, however, with the Royal Humane Society Royal Humane Society
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exacting its revenge on Goschen by hoisting the vessels to the surface and returning them to Woolwich.



Punch,  63 (1872), 242.

Three Good Courses

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Anon

Genre:

Essay, Drollery

Subjects:

Mapping, Navigation, Geography


^^ Back to the top of this issue

Punch,  63 (1872), 244.

Punch at Lunch  [6/8]Anon, 'Punch at Lunch', Punch, 63 (1872), 190
Anon, 'Punch at Lunch', Punch, 63 (1872), 210
Anon, 'Punch at Lunch', Punch, 63 (1872), 219
Anon, 'Punch at Lunch', Punch, 63 (1872), 231
Anon, 'Punch at Lunch', Punch, 63 (1872), 266

Close

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Anon

Genre:

Diary, Spoof, Serial

Subjects:

Phrenology, Exploration, Natural History, Collecting


    Wonders whether the study of phrenology makes 'folks mean': proceeds to relate the story of a phrenologist who was anxious to study 'some poor man's head, so got him to shave it'. He then dismissed the man, who was too poor to buy a wig. The author also describes a recent dinner party where a lady referred to 'this grand new sea-bottom exploration' (a reference to the HMS Challenger HMS Challenger
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expedition) and said that 'it was delightful to learn that invisible shells could be found at awful depths, but that it would be much more delightful to hear that the dredgers had brought up some real Treasures of the Deep'.



Punch,  63 (1872), 245.

The Challenger and Her Challenge

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Anon

Genre:

Poetry

Subjects:

Exploration, Oceanography, Zoology, Meteorology, Astronomy, Hydrography, Observation, Exhibitions, Patronage, Government

People mentioned:

Charles W Thomson Thomson, Sir Charles Wyville (1830–82) DSB
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    Written from the perspective of HMS Challenger HMS Challenger
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, which describes its physical appearance and points out that its voyage is neither 'a cruise to train' seaman, nor an expedition to 'practise manoeuvres, or study steam-tactics'. Rather, it is heading for an expedition to 'sound Ocean', 'to dredge up samples precise of [Neptune's] mattress's stuffing', to 'study the dip and dance of the needle', and 'test the currents of ocean and air'. After learning whether the 'Austral Antarctic Aurora' outdoes the aurora in the Isle of Kerguelen, it will 'look on at the transit of Venus'. Notes how the ship has turned into a 'peripatetic / Polytechnic Royal Polytechnic Institution
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marine exhibition'. To John Bull's question regarding the funding of the expedition, the ship replies that the Chancellor of the Exchequer, Robert Lowe Lowe, Robert, 1st Viscount Sherbrooke (1811–92) ODNB
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, decided that the expedition would 'cost no more than keeping my hull in commission' and would 'pay by results'. Proud to be sailing on a 'grand cruise of science' on which 'high souls have reliance', despite the fact that Lowe has 'no objection to knowledge / So long as it don't cost a bob'. Wants to challenge the notion that 'nothing of nothing can come'.



Punch,  63 (1872), 246.

A Song About Shooting-Stars

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Anon

Genre:

Song

Subjects:

Astronomy, Meteorology


    Ponders the composition of the meteors 'which of late across the sky have shot'. Denies that they are aerolites and proposes that they bear some relation 'to the quantity of water that has floated in the air'. Inspired by reports that 'washy weather' commonly follows the 'celestial fireworks' produced in meteors' 'nocturnal flight'. Notes that some think that Biela's Biela, Wilhelm von (1782–1856) DSB
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comet has arrived prematurely and 'burst up into' the meteors. Claims that the earth may have had a 'brush' with its tail, thus explaining why 'it has rained cats and dogs like mad'. Notes the persistence of wet and muggy weather despite changes in pressure and wind speed. Believes that the earth may have just had an 'escape' from the comets which 'may but vapour be, or gas'. Expects that the comet, which has 'switched us with its tail', will be seen for earth.



Punch,  63 (1872), 246.

Darwin, Not Dogberry

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Anon

Genre:

Review

Publications reviewed:

Darwin 1872 Darwin, Charles Robert 1872. The Expression of the Emotions in Man and Animals, London: John Murray
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Subjects:

Descent, Darwinism, Evolution


    Responds to Darwin's claim that 'our male semi-human progenitors "possessed great canine teeth"' and 'if our ears had remained moveable, their movements would have been highly expressive'. Links this to Dogberry's remark in William Shakespeare's Shakespeare, William (1564–1616) ODNB
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Much Ado About Nothing: 'Dost thou not suspect my ears?'. Believes that 'nobody can suspect' Darwin's ears, otherwise Punch would have suspected 'the ears of the philosopher [...] of egregrious longitude'.



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Punch,  63 (1872), 256.

Happy Thoughts  [26/31][Francis C Burnand], 'Happy Thoughts. Another Day at Little Shrimpton', Punch, 63 (1872), 7
[Francis C Burnand], 'Happy Thoughts', Punch, 63 (1872), 87
[Francis C Burnand], 'Happy Thoughts', Punch, 63 (1872), 148
[Francis C Burnand], 'Happy Thoughts', Punch, 63 (1872), 180–81
[Francis C Burnand], 'Happy Thoughts', Punch, 63 (1872), 205–06
[Francis C Burnand], 'Happy Thoughts', Punch, 63 (1872), 222–23

Close

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

Diary, Spoof, Serial

Subjects:

Agriculture, Publishing


Punch,  63 (1872), 257.

All Round the World

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Anon

Genre:

Essay, Drollery

Subjects:

Exploration, Education, Oceanography, Ornithology, Geology, Physical Geography, Botany, Meteorology, Comparative Philology, Societies, Patronage


    Argues that the purpose of the HMS Challenger HMS Challenger
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voyage is to inculcate interest in topography and a greater appreciation of 'round the world' expeditions. Describes the places to be visited and the tasks to be completed during the expedition. In most cases, the task is related to the place. For example, the ship will explore 'the seas that wash the coasts' of Sweden and Switzerland, it will dredge the Atlantic, 'German', and other oceans, and will visit the Canaries 'for the information of the ornithologists of the party'. It will visit Australia to procure 'tinned meat and kangaroo soup' and 'explore the mountains which are believed to project from the bottom of the Antipodean Sea'. It will explore the Gulf of Carpenter, 'out of respect' for William B Carpenter Carpenter, William Benjamin (1813–85) DSB
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. On its return journey, it will investigate 'the Fauna and Flora of the various Pacific Oceans', attempt to explore the Gulf Stream 'and its influence on the weather and conversation', and to determine whether the 'Bight of Benin' is dangerous or not. By the time it returns the expedition will have 'mixed in best Arctic Circles' and dredged the Spanish Main for galleons and the Cape for 'warm clothing'. The author attributes any inaccuracies that may have crept into his account of the expedition on his lack of the latest edition of Alexander K Johnston's Johnston, Alexander Keith, the elder (1804–71) ODNB
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atlas. Remarks that several learned institutions, including the Royal Society Royal Society of London
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, Zoological Society Zoological Society of London
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, and the Admiralty Admiralty
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, consider the most important part of the expedition to be the 'acquisition of a Sea Serpent and capture of a live Mermaid'. Believes the cost of the voyage can be met from the sale of 'stuffed remains' of creatures to learned institutions, such as the British Museum British Museum
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and the Royal College of Surgeons Royal College of Surgeons
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.



Punch,  63 (1872), 261.

Mesmeric Bliss

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Anon

Genre:

News-Commentary

Subjects:

Mesmerism, Mental Illness, Psychology, Homeopathy, Medical Practitioners, Gender


    Responds to a report in the Homeward Mail Homeward Mail from India, China and the East (1857–1900+) Waterloo Directory
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of a woman who fell into an 'insensible' state whenever she was in the presence of her husband, even when the latter was 'carefully disguised'. The woman's parents tried to legally separate the couple on grounds of the woman's health. The case was investigated by Dr Cullen Cullen, Dr (fl. 1872) PU1/63/24/2
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and the court concluded that, since the husband 'unconsciously mesmerised' his wife, the couple should be legally separated. Punch doubts the authenticity of the story, not least because it believes 'there are more facts in physiology and psychology than are dreamt of in Incredulity's philosophy'. Notes that homeopaths and mesmerists would recommend that the husband, having involuntarily mesmerised his wife into unconsciousness, should mesmerise her out of it. Believes this is more humane practice than that used by most husbands dealing with their cataleptic wives, and that marital happiness should result from a wife being able to share all her husband's pleasures 'by mesmeric sympathy'.



^^ Back to the top of this issue

Punch,  63 (1872), 266.

Punch at Lunch  [8/8]Anon, 'Punch at Lunch', Punch, 63 (1872), 190
Anon, 'Punch at Lunch', Punch, 63 (1872), 210
Anon, 'Punch at Lunch', Punch, 63 (1872), 219
Anon, 'Punch at Lunch', Punch, 63 (1872), 231
Anon, 'Punch at Lunch', Punch, 63 (1872), 244

Close

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Anon

Genre:

Diary, Spoof, Serial

Subjects:

Scientific Practitioners, Universities

People mentioned:

Thomas H Huxley Huxley, Thomas Henry (1825–95) DSB
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Institutions mentioned:

University of Aberdeen University of Aberdeen
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Punch,  63 (1872), 266.

"Crackers" for Christmas Parties

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Anon

Genre:

Notes, Drollery

Subjects:

Zoology, Nomenclature