Science in the 19th Century Periodical

Punch, Or the London Charivari [1st]

Introductory Essay
Volume 7  (July to December 1844)
Punch,  7 (1844), 37.

The Blessing of Bad Health

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[Douglas W Jerrold] Jerrold, Douglas William (1803–1857) ODNB
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Jerrold, Walter. 1910. Douglas Jerrold and 'Punch', London: Macmillan and Co.
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Genre:

News-Commentary, Drollery

Subjects:

Politics, Government, Disease, Medical Practitioners, Medical Treatment, Morality, Crime


    Discusses the activities of Alexander O'Driscoll O'Driscoll, Alexander (fl. 1844) WBI
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, 'a gentleman of exceeding bad health, and with a temper to match', who was 'removed by Ministers from the magistracy'. Reports that O'Driscoll has now been reinstated as a magistrate, partly on the grounds that the 'bodily ailment' that prevented him from undertaking his duties has now been 'amended'. Denies that it objects to the 'charitable construction of the causes of human infirmity', and hails it as 'increasing philosophy'. Believes it illustrates the fact that Robert Peel Peel, Sir Robert, 2nd Baronet (1788–1850) ODNB
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'was called in as a "Doctor" to watch over the condition of the state'. Wonders why Daniel O'Connell O'Connell, Daniel (1775–1847) ODNB
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, James R G Graham Graham, Sir James Robert George, 2nd Baronet (1792–1861) ODNB
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, and other statesmen appeal to bodily ailments as excuses for their dubious political activities. Charitable indulgence, the author believes, should be exacted 'for all parties'. Concludes by suggesting that ' a certain number of physicians should be appointed to sit with the judges' and should ask the accused to show his tongue rather than plead his guilt or innocence.



Punch,  7 (1844), 41.

In My Cottage Near a "Rail"

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Anon

Genre:

Poetry

Subjects:

Railways, Transport, Environmentalism, Domestic Economy


    Begins by complaining of the 'horrid row' caused by the steam-locomotives that pass the railway line built next to the cottage in which he tries to enjoy 'Bliss' and his young wife, Betsy. Laments the fact that the noise 'Always drowns' songs sung by his wife, and that the vibrations of the machine causes his crockery to 'reel' and his whole house to shake. In conclusion, he yearns for 'some sequester'd spot, / Far from stokers and from steam', where he can enjoy marital bliss.



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Punch,  7 (1844), 51.

The Railway Telegraph

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Anon

Genre:

News-Digest, Drollery

Subjects:

Telegraphy, Railways


    Reports on the 'application of the Electro-Magnetic Telegraph to the Great Western Railway Great Western Railway Company
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'. Notes that the line is connected to such places as 'Wormwood Scrubs, Kensington, Warwick Square and Paddington Canal'. States that 'it's been all play and no work' on the line and illustrates the banality of this communication by specimen messages: for example, 'Kensington, 7.20. A.M. Has the policeman finished his breakfast? No answer. Kensington, 11 A.M., How are you? Wormwood Scrubs, 11.5 A.M. Tol lollish'.



Punch,  7 (1844), 52.

The New Comet

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Anon

Genre:

Reportage, Spoof

Subjects:

Astronomy, Observation


    Written by Punch's 'astronomer', the article describes the author's attempt to improve upon the efforts of James South South, James (1785–1867) DSB
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, who told The Times The Times (1777–1900+) Waterloo Directory
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that he had only 'seen the comet for a fraction of a second, but could make no observation of it'. With an eye-glass in hand, the author gets drunk on wine and the 'dazzled' state of his vision induces him to conclude that he had seen the comet and can thus support South's claims.



Punch,  7 (1844), 53.

Captain Warner's Discovery

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Brougham Brougham
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Genre:

Introduction, Drollery; Letter, Drollery

Subjects:

Military Technology, Invention, Chemistry, Light, Magic

Publications cited:

Long, ed. 1833–43 [Long, George], ed. 1833–43. Penny Cyclopaedia for the Society for the Diffusion of Useful Knowledge, 27 vols, London: Charles Knight
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    The letter by Brougham (an allusion to Henry P Brougham (1st Baron Brougham and Vaux) Brougham, Henry Peter, 1st Baron Brougham and Vaux (1778–1868) ODNB
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) includes an explanation of 'Captain Warner's Warner, Samuel Alfred (1793/4–1853) ODNB
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' method of blowing up ships. Explains that the explosion was caused by 'something that floated up to the ship which pulled a trigger'—a 'trick' which, in Brougham's opinion, anybody could do. Explains the complex chemical reactions causing the explosion on board ship and insists that the feat was 'a semi-optical delusion' rather than a 'great truth in science'.



Punch,  7 (1844), 53.

Dread of Clairvoyance

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Anon

Genre:

News-Commentary, Drollery

Subjects:

Mesmerism, Spiritualism


    Reports that at the British and Foreign Institute British and Foreign Institute
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, the 'Boy Alexis' tried to 'see through' James S Buckingham Buckingham, James Silk (1786–1855) ODNB
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but the latter would not 'submit to the experiment'.



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Punch,  7 (1844), 57.

The British Pharmacopoeia; or, Farmer's First Lesson in Chemistry

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Anon

Genre:

Reportage, Drollery

Subjects:

Agriculture, Chemistry, Education, Matter Theory

People mentioned:

Justus von Liebig Liebig, Justus von (1803–73) DSB
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    Reports on classes on agricultural chemistry held in Hampshire. Attaches a report of one lesson written in a parody of the West Country dialect. Examples of the statements made in the lesson include, 'An atom is a mossel o'zummut; a bit o' dust or zand, loike', 'Soda is stuff as washerwomen uses. Ammonia is one o' them fine names as your gentlefolks gives their daaters', and 'Chemical Affinity, Attraction, Cohesion, Composition, Decomposition, Analysis, Synthesis, is a parcel of outlandish gibberish'. The reporter adds that the latter statements 'exhibit some slight discrepancy with the views of Faraday Faraday, Michael (1791–1867) DSB
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'.



Punch,  7 (1844), 62.

Meteorological Intelligence

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Anon

Genre:

Reportage, Drollery

Subjects:

Meteorology, Electricity


    Reports that a passenger on board an omnibus observed that 'lightning was scarcely visible in consequence of the conductor having stepped inside', and that on the same day three dinner-party guests were 'laid prostrate' by 'a sort of fluid [...] with which they had charged their glasses'.



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Punch,  7 (1844), 67.

The Great Agricultural Show

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Anon

Genre:

Reportage, Drollery

Subjects:

Agriculture, Technology, Exhibitions


    Describes an 'exceedingly unsatisfactory' visit of a Punch correspondent to the show. He was so affected by the noise that he was 'unable to remember anything' and found the 'agricultural implements' to be 'completely beyond [...] comprehension'.



Punch,  7 (1844), 68.

Educational Handkerchiefs

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Anon

Genre:

News-Commentary, Drollery

Relevant illustrations:

wdct.

Subjects:

Education, Mathematics, Physical Geography, Schools


    Responds to news that a schoolmaster is teaching by illustrating silk handkerchiefs with the '"great facts" in reading, writing, or arithmetic' and 'science of every description'. Notes that some were worried that applying pocket handkerchiefs to science would deal it 'a very severe blow' but adds that the 'public are easily led by the nose'. Relishes the fact that the educational 'experiment is to be tried' and describes the geography and arithmetic handkerchiefs. The illustration depicts the statesman Henry P Brougham (1st Baron Brougham and Vaux) Brougham, Henry Peter, 1st Baron Brougham and Vaux (1778–1868) ODNB
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standing in front of a group of children whilst pointing to one of the inscribed handkerchiefs.



Punch,  7 (1844), 74.

Railway Intelligence

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Anon

Genre:

Reportage, Spoof

Subjects:

Railway, Transport, Commerce


    Reports on the sorry state of Punch's spoof 'Kensington and Wormwood Scrubs Little Western and No-Junction Railway'. The railway clerk is impressed with his position at a 'private station', a reflection of poor public interest in the line. Notes that the directors of the company are contemplating allowing the public to hire carriages 'at any particular hour'.



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Punch,  7 (1844), 77.

Migration of the Italian Singing Birds

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Anon

Genre:

Essay, Drollery

Subjects:

Ornithology, Animal Behaviour, Music


    Contrasts the migrating habits of Italian singing birds with those of martins and swallows. A description of habitats, physical features, and singing qualities of individual birds reveals that the 'birds' are in fact Italian opera singers.



Punch,  7 (1844), 78.

Music for the Railways

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Anon

Genre:

Reportage, Spoof

Subjects:

Telegraphy, Railways, Transport, Commerce, Music


    Reports that the wires of the 'Electro-Telegraph' are to be 'tuned' so that they can produce musical notes. Provides the lyrics for a 'duet between the Kensington and the Great Western Great Western Railway Company
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Railways'. In the duet, 'Kensington' complains of its failure to make it as a railway enterprise, while 'Great Western' boasts of its technological and commercial success.



Punch,  7 (1844), 78.

The Warner Warner, Samuel Alfred (1793/4–1853) ODNB
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Invention

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Anon

Genre:

News-Commentary, Drollery

Subjects:

Military Technology, Invention, Commerce, War


    Reports that 'maritime geniuses', driven by the prospect of considerable remuneration, have started working on economical schemes for blowing up ships. Punch suggests that if money is to be given to 'explosive' inventors then they should get paid to 'blow-up that crazy old funny', the statesman Henry P Brougham (1st Baron Brougham and Vaux) Brougham, Henry Peter, 1st Baron Brougham and Vaux (1778–1868) ODNB
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.



Punch,  7 (1844), 82.

The Philosopher's Stone

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Anon

Genre:

News-Commentary, Drollery

Subjects:

Invention, Discovery, Publishing, Nationalism


    Reponding to the fledgling Club des Inventeurs Club des Inventeurs, Paris
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in Paris, proposes that a prize be awarded to 'the person who discovers an article in the French press that is written with the least good feeling towards England'.



Punch,  7 (1844), 84.

Birds of a Feather

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Anon

Genre:

News-Commentary, Drollery

Subjects:

Medical Treatment, Mesmerism, Quackery, Politics, Government


    Responds to the Home Secretary James R G Graham's Graham, Sir James Robert George, 2nd Baronet (1792–1861) ODNB
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discussion in Parliament Houses of Parliament
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of medical quackery. Rephrases an extract from Graham's speech so that he claims that given the revenue 'derived by Government from the duty on quack medicines' it is not surprising that 'Ministers should uphold quackery'. Challenges Graham's belief that the act of being imposed on by medical quacks is pleasurable, and laments Graham's toleration of quackery.



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Punch,  7 (1844), 88.

Punch's Complete Letter-Writer: Letter 15: From a Maiden Aunt to a Niece, on the Imprudence of Marriage  [15/51]Claribel Maydew, 'Punch's Complete Letter-Writer: Letter 16, The Niece's Answer', Punch, 7 (1844), 88-89

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Lucretia Dragonmouth Dragonmouth, Lucretia
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Genre:

Serial, Letter, Spoof

Subjects:

Gender, Geology, Astronomy, Botany


    In a letter from 'A Maiden Aunt to a Niece, on the Imprudence of Marriage', Dragonmouth compares the insignificance of the wife who is studious of domestic affairs to 'the nobler woman' who knows all about astronomy. Considers the 'smallness of the wedding-ring' insulting to the 'greatness of the female mind', especially when the woman can 'own' Saturn's ring 'with no incumbrance to Saturn himself'. Upholding geology as an elevating pursuit for women, she adds that 'what really great woman would study the mere heart of a mere man, when she might discover fossil shrimps and caterpillars in marble'. Concludes with a similar argument about botany.



Punch,  7 (1844), 88-89.

Punch's Complete Letter-Writer: Letter 16, The Niece's Answer  [16/51]Lucretia Dragonmouth, 'Punch's Complete Letter-Writer: Letter 15: From a Maiden Aunt to a Niece, on the Imprudence of Marriage', Punch, 7 (1844), 88

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Claribel Maydew Maydew, Claribel
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Genre:

Serial, Letter, Spoof

Subjects:

Gender, Geology, Astronomy, Botany


    In a reply to her aunt's letter [Lucretia Dragonmouth, 'Punch's Complete Letter-Writer: Letter 15: From a Maiden Aunt to a Niece, on the Imprudence of Marriage', Punch, 7 (1844), 88], 'Claribel' appreciates the benefits of astronomy, geology, and botany but compares the subjects of these scientific pursuits ('the Great and Little Bear', 'feldspar and quartz') to the beautiful qualities of her lover, Alfred. (88)



Punch,  7 (1844), 90.

Prince Albert's Bees

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[Douglas W Jerrold] Jerrold, Douglas William (1803–1857) ODNB
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Jerrold, Walter. 1910. Douglas Jerrold and 'Punch', London: Macmillan and Co.
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Genre:

Reportage, Spoof

Subjects:

Zoology, Natural History, Menageries, Manufactories, Artisans, Commerce, Politics


    Describes a visit to the royal beehives, to which the author was invited by Prince Albert Albert [Prince Albert of Saxe-Coburg and Gotha], prince consort, consort of Queen Victoria (1819–61) ODNB
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. Noting the 'political principles' on which the beehives are formed and the 'outward resemblance' between working-bees and 'British mechanics', explains how the bees are only allowed enough honey to sustain themselves, and thus 'pay a very large property-tax' but do not suffer like 'their fellow-subjects' (presumably British mechanics). Anticipates the 'wholesome social and political lesson' conveyed by the hives to Edward, Prince of Wales 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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.



Punch,  7 (1844), 91.

Prince Albert's Bee-Hives

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Anon

Genre:

Illustration, Drollery

Relevant illustrations:

wdct.

Subjects:

Zoology, Menageries, Artisans


    Shows Prince Albert Albert [Prince Albert of Saxe-Coburg and Gotha], prince consort, consort of Queen Victoria (1819–61) ODNB
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and Queen Victoria Victoria, Queen of the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Ireland, and Empress of India (1819–1901) ODNB
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inspecting some large bee hives in what appear to be Royal gardens. The bee-hive closest to the reader, however, contains tiny artisans, all of whom are seen performing their labours. The caption notes, from a 'Morning Paper', that 'These Hives are so constructed, that the HONEY may be removed without DESTROYING THE BEES'.



Punch,  7 (1844), 93.

Agricultural College

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Anon

Genre:

News-Commentary, Drollery

Subjects:

Agriculture, Education, Class, Colleges, Mathematics


    Suggestions for the organisation of the imminent 'College of Agriculture Royal Agricultural College, Cirencester
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'. These include professorial chairs in such subjects as 'new-laid eggs', lectures on 'the philosophy of making hay while the sun shines', degrees of 'Bachelors of Barley', and examination questions such as 'Find the square root of a stick of horse radish'.



Punch,  7 (1844), 95.

The Ioways—"The Lost Tribe"—And Young England

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Anon

Genre:

News-Commentary, Drollery

Subjects:

Anthropology, Ethnology, Race, Exhibitions, Politics, Human Development, Medical Treatment, Medical Practitioners, Class


    Reports on an 'agreeable incident' that 'powerfully supports' George Jones's Jones, George (1810–79) COPAC
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theory (articulated in Jones 1843 Jones, George 1843. The History of Ancient America, Anterior to the time of Columbus: Proving the Identity of the Aborigines with the Tyrians and the Israelites; and the Introduction of Christianity into the Western Hemisphere by the Apostle St. Thomas, London: Longman [and 3 others]
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) 'that the Red Men [of the Americas] are no other than the descendants of the lost tribe of Israel'. Adds that 'Young England—it is proved by Young BEN Disraeli, Benjamin, 1st Earl of Beaconsfield (1804–81) ODNB
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—is also a section of the wandered race'. Describes how the Ioway Indians, then being exhibited at the Egyptian Hall Egyptian Hall, Piccadilly
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, visited the Grosvenor Gate residence of the spirit of 'Young England', Benjamin Disraeli. Insists that the real object of the visit was 'to fraternise, as the remnant of the tribe of Israel, with Young England', and to admit Disraeli and other 'illustrious spirits of the regenerating party, as brothers of the tribe'. Notes how a 'suitable oration' was delivered by 'the Medicine Man, how excited the Indians became on seeing the ball-cock in Disraeli's kitchen, and how the 'Medicine Man' 'cured most of his patients' by immersing them in the cold water in Disraeli's kitchen. Concludes by reminding Disraeli that 'there are thousands of darkened souls in London, equally ignorant of that Paradise, Grosevnor-Gate, as his guests the Red Indians'.



Punch,  7 (1844), 95.

Nota Bene

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Anon

Genre:

News-Commentary, Drollery

Subjects:

Race, Exhibitions

Institutions mentioned:

Egyptian Hall Egyptian Hall, Piccadilly
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Punch,  7 (1844), 95.

Yankee Doctors

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Q, pseud.  [Douglas W Jerrold] Jerrold, Douglas William (1803–1857) ODNB
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Jerrold, Walter. 1910. Douglas Jerrold and 'Punch', London: Macmillan and Co.
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Genre:

News-Commentary, Drollery

Subjects:

Government, Politics, Medical Practitioners, Medical Treatment, Cultural Geography


    Anticipates that, with the passage of James R G Graham's Graham, Sir James Robert George, 2nd Baronet (1792–1861) ODNB
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medical bill, 'Doctors will spring up among us as they do in America'. Relates a joke describing an Englishman who lived in Boston and was shocked to learn that his doctor had been a bookbinder only two years previously.



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Punch,  7 (1844), 99.

Medical Reform

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Anon

Genre:

Essay, Drollery

Subjects:

Medical Practitioners, Medical Treatment, Animal Magnetism, Mesmerism, Homeopathy, Charlatanry, Education


    Punch's 'plan of the Council of Health and Medical Education'. The plans include: having 'different patent medicine vendors', 'advertising surgeons', and 'itinerant lecturers upon Animal Magnetism' on the council; setting examination questions that test the 'ability of the candidates to concoct puffs and posters'; establishing professorships in such subjects as 'Universal Medicine' and 'Homeopathy and Humbug'; and having lectures on such subjects as 'On Nervous and Mental Complaints; with the Cure for Benevolence rather than Gain'.



Punch,  7 (1844), 100.

Ben Sidonia Smoking the Calumet with the Ioways

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Anon

Genre:

News-Commentary, Drollery

Relevant illustrations:

wdct.

Illustrators:

['D' with a bird], pseud.  [Richard Doyle]
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Spielmann, Marion Harry Alexander 1895. The History of "Punch", London: Cassell
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Subjects:

Race, Politics, Ethnology, Anthropology


    Following Punch's last treatment of this subject (Anon, 'The Ioways—"The Lost Tribe"—And Young England', Punch, 7 (1844), 95), this explains the theory of George Jones Jones, George (1810–79) COPAC
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that the Ioways (an American Indian tribe, some of whom were then on show at the Egyptian Hall Egyptian Hall, Piccadilly
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) are the 'descendants of the lost tribe of Israel'. Reports that they visited Benjamin Disraeli Disraeli, Benjamin, 1st Earl of Beaconsfield (1804–81) ODNB
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, the 'champion of all the tribes of the Hebrews'. Explains that the event is considered 'worthy of immortality on our pages' and that an illustration is included representing the moment when Disraeli 'drew his first puff at the calumet of peace—surrounded by the Ioways, their squaws and papooses'.



Punch,  7 (1844), 103–04.

Punch in the Provinces.—Clifton

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Anon

Genre:

Reportage, Drollery

Subjects:

Railways, Engineering, Steamships


    Praises the Great Western Railway Great Western Railway Company
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as a 'wonderful triumph of cash and pick-axes over obstacles of a fiscal as well as of an earthy nature'. Likens the Great Britain Great Britain, ship
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, a steamer that, despite its powerful engines, could only get out to sea if all the docks and half the city of Bristol were pulled down, to 'GEORGE THE THIRD'S apple [...] in the dumpling'. (103) Compares the Clifton Suspension Bridge Clifton Suspension Bridge, Bristol
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unfavourably to the Hungerford Suspension Bridge Hungerford Suspension Bridge
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.



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Punch,  7 (1844), 110.

The Wooden-Shoe and the Indians

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Anon

Genre:

Essay, Spoof

Subjects:

Race, Politics, Human Development

People mentioned:

George Jones Jones, George (1810–79) COPAC
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Punch,  7 (1844), 116.

The Impudence of Steam

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Anon

Genre:

Poetry, Drollery

Subjects:

Steam-power, Transport, Railways, Progress


    Wonders whether Godfrey of Bouillon Godfrey of Bouillon (c. 1060–1100) CBD
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and King Richard I Richard I, King of England, Duke of Normandy and of Aquitaine, and Count of Anjou ('Richard Coeur de Lion') (1157–99) ODNB
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could have imagined a journey to the Holy Land by steam. Continues with examples of the rough language spoken by steamer crew. For example, '"Ease her, stop her!" / "Any gentleman for Joppa?" / "'Mascus, 'Mascus?" / "Ticket, please, sir"'. Wonders what 'next marvel Time will show' but thinks it won't be long before one can pay sixpence for a 'Buss' to Jericho.



Punch,  7 (1844), 117.

The Kensington Railway. A Passenger at Last!

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Anon

Genre:

Reportage, Spoof

Subjects:

Railways, Transport, Amusement


    Reports on an event at this absurdly unsuccessful railway line owned by Punch.



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Punch,  7 (1844), 137.

Another New Comet

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Anon

Genre:

News-Commentary, Drollery

Subjects:

Astronomy


    Following James South's South, James (1785–1867) DSB
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letter in The Times The Times (1777–1900+) Waterloo Directory
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, Punch's 'own astronomer' tries to observe the comet. Initially he mistakes a piece of 'flough' stuck to the end of his opera-glass for the comet, and presents dubious evidence to support his claim to have actually observed the object.



Punch,  7 (1844), 138.

The Hungerford Suspension Bridge

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Anon

Genre:

News-Commentary, Drollery

Subjects:

Railways, Engineering, Commerce


    Suggests that money could be made from the Hungerford Suspension Bridge Hungerford Suspension Bridge
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by uniting it with the destitute Kensington Railway. Believes that 'two negatives' ('a bridge that nobody wants to go over' and 'a railway nobody wants to go by') might make an 'affirmative' profit.



Punch,  7 (1844), 138.

The Archaeological Society

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Anon

Genre:

Announcement, Spoof

Subjects:

Societies, Periodicals, Archaeology


    Offers Punch's apologies to the British Archaeological Society British Archaeological Society
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for not devoting as many columns to its proceedings as it had wished. Explains that it will make amends, and announces a manuscript of a forthcoming paper by James R Planché Planché, James Robinson (1796–1880) ODNB
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'On the Origin, Progress, and Uses of the Shoulder-knot'.



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Punch,  7 (1844), 141.

The Archaeological Society British Archaeological Society
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J R Planché Planché, J R
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Genre:

News-Commentary, Drollery / Paper, Spoof

Subjects:

Archaeology, Societies, Mental Illness


    Regards archaeologists as 'a body of savans who devote their whole lives, to the unrolling of mummies, the opening of barrows, and the pick-axing of tumuli'. Criticises an archaeological exploration that threatens the foundations of Canterbury Cathedral Canterbury Cathedral
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. Thinks Thomas J Pettigrew's Pettigrew, Thomas Joseph (1791–1865) ODNB
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'unrolling of mummies is a sort of monomania' and considers James R Planché's Planché, James Robinson (1796–1880) ODNB
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paper on the buckle to be the 'most interesting part of the proceedings'.



Punch,  7 (1844), 141.

Rival Rogues

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A Pettifogger Pettifogger, A
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Genre:

Letter, Spoof

Subjects:

Medical Practitioners, Medical Treatment, Government, Charlatanry, Quackery


    Addresssing himself to the Home Secretary James R G Graham Graham, Sir James Robert George, 2nd Baronet (1792–1861) ODNB
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, 'A Pettifogger' identifies himself as one of the 'unqualified practitioners' or 'quacks' to be penalised in Graham's Medical Reform Bill. Seeks protection for himself and for his 'fraternity' and hopes that Graham will reform the law as well as medicine, since 'the unskilful physician can only kill a few patients' while the 'ignorant attorney can but ruin a client or two'.



Punch,  7 (1844), 147.

Snails on Ribands

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Anon

Genre:

News-Commentary, Drollery

Subjects:

Archaeology, Palaeontology, Gender


    Attempts to correct a report in the Athenaeum Athenaeum (1828–1900+) Waterloo Directory
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concerning William Buckland Buckland, William (1784–1856) DSB
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, who sought to demonstrate that the acid produced by snails will discolour the lilac riband of a lady's bonnet. Insists that the lady did not decline to testify to Buckland's claim but wrote to complain of her ruined bonnet and to ask Buckland for a new one.



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Punch,  7 (1844), 155.

British Association for the Advancement of Science  [1/2]Anon, 'British Association for the Advancement of Science', Punch, 7 (1844), 159

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Anon

Genre:

Serial—Reportage, Drollery; Proceedings, Spoof

Subjects:

Societies, Experiment, Discovery, Politics, Disease, Botany, Natural History, Radicalism


    Introduces a report of the activities of the British Association for the Advancement of Science British Association for the Advancement of Science
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by noting the capacity of the association's members 'to keep science on the move' but wonders what the association 'is about'. The 'proceedings' begin with Edward Sabine's Sabine, Edward (1788–1883) DSB
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reading of the report on a committee's activities. These activities include 'experiments on a captive balloon', and sending out Edward Forbes Forbes, Edward, Jr (1815–54) DSB
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'with a dredging machine'. During his presentation, Sabine is interrupted by the president and a new member with various remarks and questions. For example, when Sabine announces that Forbes has discovered 150 new species in his dredging expedition, the new member demands names for such animals, to which the president quickly replies: 'Suppose we say Cockleuis Scollopoeculus, or Cockle good for scolloping [...] I can't think of any more right now'. After Sabine's presentation, a 'warm discussion' ensued on the proper section in which to discuss the 'Daddy Longlegs'. Summarises the content of other papers including those by Dr Hunt (an allusion to Robert Hunt Hunt, Robert (1807–87) ODNB
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), who discussed the influence of light on plants and ended up burning a flower, and Dr Heming (an allusion to G Oakley Heming Heming, G Oakley (fl. 1831) COPAC
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) who described a disease of the tongue which was 'found a good deal among Radical Members of Parliament and Chartist demagogues'.



Punch,  7 (1844), 157–58.

Peter the Great

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Anon

Genre:

Essay, Drollery

Subjects:

Discovery, Invention, Physics, Gravity, Vaccination, Disease


    Notes the 'ecstasy of the soul that possessed Isaac Newton Newton, Sir Isaac (1642–1727) DSB
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'when he invented the law of gravitation', and the 'moral transport' of Edward Jenner Jenner, Edward (1749–1823) DSB
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when he 'grasped the antidote to fell disease'.



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Punch,  7 (1844), 159.

British Association for the Advancement of Science  [2/2]Anon, 'British Association for the Advancement of Science', Punch, 7 (1844), 155

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Anon

Genre:

Reportage, Spoof

Subjects:

Societies, Meteorology, Zoology


    Reports on a 'stormy' meeting of the Meteorological Section of the British Association for the Advancement of Science British Association for the Advancement of Science
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in which 'speakers kept bouncing backwards and forwards, in and out at the door, to have the last reply to something' said by a section member who had not already left. Describes a 'most successful' paper on the dog by Dr Hodgkin (an allusion to Thomas Hodgkin Hodgkin, Thomas (1798–1866) ODNB
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), who 'imitated the barkings' and 'various looks' of dogs. Concludes by remarking that the association has brought science 'to exactly where it was thirteen years ago' when they first met.



Punch,  7 (1844), 168.

Meeting for the Advancement of British Cookery

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Anon

Genre:

Announcement, Spoof; Illustration, Drollery

Relevant illustrations:

wdct.

Subjects:

Societies, Theory, Nutrition, Chemistry


    Announces the imminent formation of an association for the 'Advancement of Cookery', intended as branch of the British Association for the Advancement of Science British Association for the Advancement of Science
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. Proposed sections of the association include 'Section A, Soupology, including the philosophy of oxtails, and the theory of turtle', and 'Section D, Tartology', which will 'examine into the question whether puff-paste has any analogy with scissors and paste'. The illustration depicts a man whose head has blown off owing to 'incautiously taking too much soda to correct acidity'.



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Punch,  7 (1844), 177.

The Students' Gratitude to Graham

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Anon

Genre:

Reportage, Spoof

Subjects:

Medical Practitioners, Medical Treatment, Charlatanry, Education, Anatomy


    Reports on a meeting of medical students for thanking the Home Secretary James R G Graham Graham, Sir James Robert George, 2nd Baronet (1792–1861) ODNB
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for his medical reform bill. Much of the report is devoted to the speech of a 'young gentlemen in a Tweed wrapper' who analyses his disappointing examination performance and hopes that Graham's bill will 'settle' his brutal examiners, and put an end to the Apothecaries' Hall Worshipful Society of Apothecaries of London—Apothecaries' Hall
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and to 'grinding'. This is followed by others praising Graham and discussing the use of such subjects as anatomy and Latin to the medical practitioner.



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Punch,  7 (1844), 195.

The Noble Science of Warfare

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Anon

Genre:

News-Commentary, Drollery; Illustration, Drollery

Relevant illustrations:

wdct.

Subjects:

Military Technology, War

People mentioned:

Archimedes Archimedes (c. 287–212 BC) DSB
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    Reports that some 'scientific folks' occupying an 'establishment at Fulham', 'issued a prospectus' undertaking to blow up schooners cheaply and annihilate fortresses quickly. Notes that the scheme is to be 'done by shells' but needs the public to 'shell-out as a preliminary', and that these scientific folks' 'benevolent object' is to 'put an end to war' by making it highly self-destructive. Punch observes that it is 'a rum idea to destroy life wholesale, for the purpose of saving it in detail'. The illustration shows a soldier pouring water from a watering-can onto a cannon—one way of 'destroying the enemy's guns'.



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Punch,  7 (1844), 223.

The Fall of London

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Anon

Genre:

News-Commentary, Drollery

Subjects:

Geology, Discovery


    Reports on a discovery by 'some scientific gentleman' that London rests on a 'sort of clay-pit' which, if dried, would lead to the city tumbling 'through into the Antipodes'. Accordingly advises Londoners to 'swap their kitchens once a week' and regards the fluid foundations of the British and Foreign Institute British and Foreign Institute
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to be a 'good omen of its stability'.



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Punch,  7 (1844), 227.

Street Thoughts

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Anon

Genre:

Diary, Spoof

Subjects:

Medical Practitioners, Medical Treatment, Commerce, Accidents


    The thoughts of a surgeon are focused on the ways in which he can make money out of the dangerous aspects of street life. Relishes the number of 'fractures and dislocations' that will result from a gentleman falling over a hoop trundled by a ragamuffin, and refuses to remove orange peel from the pavement, 'the blessings of the whole profession' being on those who scattered the peel. Equally 'amazed and delighted' to see ladies 'going about in thin shoes' on damp and muddy streets, a fashion that he expects to result in broken ankles and numerous interesting afflictions, including catarrh and coughs.



Punch,  7 (1844), 227.

The Health of Towns Commission

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Anon

Genre:

News-Digest, Drollery

Subjects:

Public Health, Pollution, Disease


    Reports on the investigation by Professor Fairplay (a possible reference to Lyon Playfair Playfair, Sir Lyon, 1st Baron Playfair of St Andrews (1818–98) DSB
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) of the diseases caused by living in cellars. Notes that 'Fairplay occupies the chair of Rheumatics in a cellar under the Royal Institution Royal Institution of Great Britain
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' and has successfully caught a number of respiratory diseases.



Punch,  7 (1844), 235.

A Most Useful Invention

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Anon

Genre:

Announcement, Drollery

Subjects:

Invention, Government, Metallurgy, Industry


    Announces a process for increasing the hardness of wood by impregnating it with iron. Adds that the inventor intends to convert the wood prepared in this manner into 'Boards of Guardians'.



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Punch,  7 (1844), 257.

A Swimming Match

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Anon

Genre:

News-Commentary, Drollery

Subjects:

Transport, Engineering, Steamships


    Likenening the Great Britain SS Great Britain
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steamship to a swimmer, reports that, on being launched from her Bristol dock, 'her timbers shivered very much' but she 'soon struck out, smoking all the time'.



Punch,  7 (1844), 258.

The Railway Monitor. To Travellers

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Anon

Genre:

Instructions, Drollery

Relevant illustrations:

wdct. [3]

Subjects:

Railways, Transport, Class, Accidents


    Describes the disadvantages of travelling first, second, and third class on a railway. It includes the observation that first-class travellers should be prepared to have their necks broken by an accident. Advises second-class passengers: 'you will do well to wear a respirator, unless you wish to be choked with dust and ashes from the engine close in front of you'. Suggests that third-class passengers should make up their minds 'for unmitigated hail, rain, sleet, snow, thunder and lightning'. The illustrations represent some of these hazards.



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Punch,  7 (1844), 268.

The New Patent Novel Writer

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J Babbage Babbage, J
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G P R James James, G P R James
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E L Bulwer Lytton Lytton, E L Bulwer
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William Lennox Lennox, William
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Genre:

Letter, Illustration, Publishing

Relevant illustrations:

wdct.

Subjects:

Invention, Technology


    After announcing that he was unsuccessful in manufacturing a 'Lawyer's Clerk', J Babbage (an allusion to Charles Babbage Babbage, Charles (1792–1871) DSB
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) informs Punch that he has completed a 'New Patent Mechanical Novel Writer, adapted to all styles, and all subjects; pointed, pathetic, historic, silverfork, and Minerva'. Supports his invention with testimonials purportedly from some distinguished writers. G P R James (an allusion to the novelist George P R James James, George Payne Rainsford (1801–60) ODNB
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) claims that the invention can produce a 3-volume novel in 48 hours while E L Bulwer Lytton, (an allusion to the novelist Edward G E L Bulwer-Lytton Lytton, Edward George Earle Lytton Bulwer-, 1st Baron Lytton (1803–73) ODNB
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) stresses that the machine produces novels with such attractive features as 'capital situations, ornate descriptions', and 'accommodating morality'. The illustration shows the machine in action.



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Punch,  7 (1844), 269.

Statistics of Drunkenness

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Anon

Genre:

News-Commentary, Drollery

Subjects:

Statistics, Physiology, Narcotics


    Analyses a report on the 'origin, causes, results, metaphysics, philosophy, and physiology of drunkenness'. Mystified by the statistics suggesting such things as 'birthdays', 'taking up a bill', and 'arrival of a friend from the country' are causes of drunkenness.



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