Science in the 19th Century Periodical

Punch, Or the London Charivari [1st]

Introductory Essay
Volume 5  (July to December 1843)
Punch,  5 (1843), 3.

The Magazin of Monsieur Jullien

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Anon

Genre:

Essay, Drollery

Subjects:

Museums, Botany, Natural History, Horticulture, Commerce


    Notes that at the Magazin Boutique Magazin Boutique
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of Louis A Jullien Jullien (or Julien), Louis Antoine (1812–60) ODNB
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, visitors can see collections of flowers and 'rare exotics and bouquets of matchless elegance, from five shillings to five guineas'.



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Punch,  5 (1843), 17.

Parliamentary Commission of Lunacy

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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:

Proceedings, Spoof

Subjects:

Government, Politics, Mental Illness, Animal Behaviour, Zoological Gardens

People mentioned:

Edward Cross Cross, Edward (1774?–1854) ODNB
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Institutions mentioned:

Surrey Zoological Gardens Surrey Literary, Scientific and Zoological Institution—Gardens
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Punch,  5 (1843), 42.

Punch's Handbooks: For Holidays in and about London

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Anon

Genre:

Essay, Drollery

Subjects:

Museums, Microscopy, Astronomy, Instruments, Amusement, Display, Observation


    Describes scientific amusements at the New Cut New Cut, street
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, London. These include the 'microscopic exhibition' where, for a halfpenny, one can see 'insects in a drop of water, myriads of which are swallowed, upon the authority of the showmen, every time we drink'. Other attractions include astronomical observations, which cost halfpenny or 'whatever you chance to have in your pockets' at the time.



Punch,  5 (1843), 43.

Wellington the Alchemist

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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:

Alchemy, Chemistry, Politics, Government


    Compares Arthur Wellesley (1st Duke of Wellington) Wellesley, Arthur, 1st Duke of Wellington (1769–1852) ODNB
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to the 'alchemist' Roger Bacon Bacon, Roger (c. 1219–c. 1292) DSB
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: just as Bacon could 'transmute lead into the precious metal', so Wellington recently 'turned the Marquess of Londonderry Stewart (afterwards Vane), Charles William, 3rd Marquess of Londonderry (1778–1854) ODNB
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into "Gold Stick"'.



Punch,  5 (1843), 44.

Scientific Illustrations: Punch's Theory of Light

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Anon

Genre:

Essay, Drollery

Relevant illustrations:

wdct. [4]

Subjects:

Light, Physics


    Explains that since light is 'from its name, without weight' it 'travels with a velocity which renders it uncommonly warm when it reaches us'. Suggests various amusing experiments to test dispersion, refraction and other properties of light. For example, to prove dispersion it suggests punching somebody in the eye and noting that 'a curious dispersion of light immediately ensues, showing various lights of startling brilliancy, and leaving a ring of prismatic colours round' the eye. Warns that pencils of light 'must not be confounded with lead pencils', which produce 'shade', and that although reflection 'is best explained by reference to a glass [...] two or more glasses tend to diminish reflection'.



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Punch,  5 (1843), 61.

The Queens' Visit to the Thames Tunnel

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Anon

Genre:

Reportage, Drollery

Subjects:

Engineering, Display


    During preparations for Queen Victoria Victoria, Queen of the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Ireland, and Empress of India (1819–1901) ODNB
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and Prince Albert's Albert [Prince Albert of Saxe-Coburg and Gotha], prince consort, consort of Queen Victoria (1819–61) ODNB
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visit to the Thames Tunnel Thames Tunnel
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, the tunnel's chief engineer, Marc I Brunel Brunel, Sir Marc Isambard (1769–1849) ODNB
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was unfortunately found to be out of town, while the statesman Benjamin Hawes Hawes, Sir Benjamin (1797–1862) ODNB
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and the physician Alexander Crichton Crichton, Sir Alexander (1763–1856) ODNB
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helped pay for 'choice exotics' to decorate the stairs to the tunnel.



Punch,  5 (1843), 63.

Punch's Easy Lessons in Mechanics

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Anon

Genre:

Essay, Drollery

Subjects:

Mechanics, Dynamics, Statics, Matter Theory, Physics


    Definitions of mechanics, matter, and 'forces applied to a point' draw on examples taken from the world of legal practice, politics, and journalism, and exploit other non-scientific meanings of terms, such as motion, cause, and matter. Mechanics, for example, is defined as 'the science that treats of the motion of bodies; and a briefless barrister, being somebody without a motion', does not 'come under the law alluded to'. Defines matter as 'for the most part, material; but there is some matter, like that of Jenkins, in the Morning Post Morning Post and Daily Advertising Pamphlet (1772–1900+) Waterloo Directory
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, which though containing length and thickness, is quite immaterial'. (The reference is to Punch's spoof Morning Post journalist, Peter Jenkins, who personified the paper's sycophancy; see Altick 1997 Altick, Richard D. 1997. Punch: The Lively Youth of a British Institution 1841–1851, Colombus: Ohio State University Press
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, 77–78.) To illustrate the equilibrium of a body acted on by two equal and opposite forces it claims that if 'anybody is being sued for debts on one side, he has only to get himself sued on all sides for debts of equal amount, in order to set himself at rest'.



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Punch,  5 (1843), 77.

Statistical Society Royal Statistical Society
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Tyro Tyro
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Genre:

Reportage, Spoof

Subjects:

Statistics, Mathematics, Societies


    Describes the work of Professor Porsoff, a member of the 'Twaddle-and-Squat' Society, who has spent six months amassing statistics on walking-sticks and their possessors passing a spot in London Bridge.



Punch,  5 (1843), 78.

The Clerkenwell Earthquake

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Anon

Genre:

Reportage, Spoof

Subjects:

Public Health, Geology, Politics, Government


    Links the earthquake to the contact of a lighted cigar with sewer gases. Notes that the explosion forced the removal of the sewer's iron grating which in turn prompted a 'select Committee' of the City of London Commissioners of Sewers City of London Commissioners of Sewers
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to 'sit upon it'. Adds that a member of the Geological Society Geological Society of London
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has examined the 'ruins on a lamp post' on the spot, though his efforts have been frustrated by the gas company.



Punch,  5 (1843), 81.

Spirit of Discovery

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Anon

Genre:

News-Commentary, Drollery

Subjects:

Transport, Steamships, Engineering, Invention


    Announces feats of transportation, including the sending of a gentleman 'at one of the West End Clubs' to Coventry in 'less than five minutes'. Notes that the statesman Joseph Hume Hume, Joseph (1777–1855) ODNB
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has been appointed chairman of a company to investigate the use of screws on ships 'from his intimate knowledge of putting on the screw generally'.



Punch,  5 (1843), 82.

The Aerial Transit Company

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Anon

Genre:

Reportage, Spoof

Subjects:

Aeronautics, Invention, Politics


    Reports that this company has been asking Joseph Hume Hume, Joseph (1777–1855) ODNB
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for assistance, knowing Hume's experience of 'building castles in the air', but warns that Hume cannot be trusted in this regard, since 'his undertakings having invariably fallen to the ground'.



Punch,  5 (1843), 82–83.

The Rebecca Dramas

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Anon

Genre:

Announcement, Spoof

Subjects:

Amusement, Exhibitions, Light, Instruments

Institutions mentioned:

Royal Polytechnic Institution, Royal Polytechnic Institution
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Adelaide Gallery, Adelaide Gallery, London
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Madame Tussaud's Waxworks Madame Tussaud's Waxworks
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Punch,  5 (1843), 83.

A New Locomotive Power

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Anon

Genre:

Reportage, Spoof

Subjects:

Transport, Energy, Invention


Punch,  5 (1843), 83.

The Entomological Society Entomological Society of London
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Anon

Genre:

Reportage, Spoof

Subjects:

Societies, Entomology


    Reports that the society has made 'liberal offers' to the Covent Garden Theatre Covent Garden Theatre
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for the purchase of stage 'flies' and the 'British moths in the wardrobe'.



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Punch,  5 (1843), 91.

The People's Hand-Book to the Polytechnic Institution

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Anon

Genre:

Essay, Drollery

Subjects:

Museums, Engineering, Invention, Amusement, Display, Machinery, Microscopy, Pneumatics


    Describes the setting and entrance fee to the Royal Polytechnic Institution Royal Polytechnic Institution
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, a building 'founded for the exhibition of objects of art among its curiosities and occasional objects of nature amongst its visitors'. Notes that the 'Hall of Manufactures' contains 'a whirlwind of machinery in full action' and discusses the analysis of the water contained in a tank used to display model ships by the professor of chemistry (an allusion to John Ryan Ryan, John (1810–1876) WBI
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). Discusses the 'Diving Bell', which the institution's guide-book claims is raised and lowered by a 'crab', and the 'wringing-machine', which is regarded as a promising way of removing the society's 'wet blankets'. Notes that on the Institution's roof, visitors are 'regaled' with microscopes, dissolving views, and electrical machines. Each 'exhibition' contains a 'joke': for example, the 'display of various animated tadpoles of restless habits, who perform an intricate quadrille amidst the cheers of the spectators'. Concludes that at the end of the demonstration 'the lecturer becomes nearly as exhausted as the receivers of his own air-pump'.



Punch,  5 (1843), 94.

The British Association at Cork

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Anon

Genre:

Reportage, Drollery

Subjects:

Societies, Scientific Practitioners, Mechanics, Meteorology, Instruments


    Believes the 'sinking' British Association for the Advancement of Science British Association for the Advancement of Science
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'shows its tact in trying to hold on at Cork' and adds that it should explore a cave near Cork which is alleged to have no end. Notes papers by Professor Wollops on the 'eccentric motion of the common jack-towel round the ordinary roller' and Professor Spooney's paper on 'The Phenomena of Fixed Weather-Cocks'.



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Punch,  5 (1843), 96.

The British Association at Cork

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Anon

Genre:

Reportage, Drollery

Subjects:

Societies, Ethnology, Comparative Philology, Mathematics, Domestic Economy


    Brief descriptions of the alleged activities of the British Association for the Advancement of Science British Association for the Advancement of Science
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. These include Professor Luddyfuddy on 'the probable length of the whiskers of the Aborigines of Ancient Jericho' and the association's 'experiments with the ordinary knife and fork'.



Punch,  5 (1843), 102.

The Springs of London: St Chad's Wells

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Anon

Genre:

Essay, Drollery

Relevant illustrations:

wdct.

Subjects:

Hydropathy, Medical Treatment, Charlatanry


    Notes the rising interest in London's water prompted by Theobald Mathew's Mathew, Theobald ('Father') (1790–1856) ODNB
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mission and Dr Granville's Granville, Dr (fl. 1843) PU1/5/10/2
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work on German spa towns. A boy operating the pump for the 'Mineral Springs' at 'St. Chad's Wells' claimed that the water from the pump was 'good for everything' but the reporter argues that 'as nothing is usually the matter with those who drink it, it is equally good for nothing'. A 'treatise' on the springs boasts that they 'approach nearer to that universal remedy, so much sought after by mankind in all ages'. One of the illustrations shows bottles of St Chad's water dancing about.



Punch,  5 (1843), 103.

Speaking Machine

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Anon

Genre:

News-Commentary, Drollery; Letter, Spoof

Subjects:

Invention, Amusement, Sound, Politics, Discovery


    Notes that following the claim of the Hamburg correspondent of the Athenaeum Athenaeum (1828–1900+) Waterloo Directory
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that Prof. Faber's Faber, Prof (fl. 1846) PU1/11/7/1
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'Sprach-machine' is a 'novel invention', 'all sorts of individuals' in England have come forward 'to claim the merit of the discovery'. Spoof letters, from such personalities as Queen Victoria Victoria, Queen of the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Ireland, and Empress of India (1819–1901) ODNB
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and Arthur Wellesley (1st Duke of Wellington) Wellesley, Arthur, 1st Duke of Wellington (1769–1852) ODNB
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, tell Punch that the invention has been taken away from them, the second, multi-authored letter, insisting that the '"speaking-machine" was first established in the person of Lord Brougham Brougham, Henry Peter, 1st Baron Brougham and Vaux (1778–1868) ODNB
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' whose mechanical lungs and tongue were worked by the authors of the letter.



Punch,  5 (1843), 103.

Prizes Awarded by the British Association British Association for the Advancement of Science
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Anon

Genre:

Announcement, Spoof

Subjects:

Societies, Transport, Crime, Aeronautics, Astronomy, Mechanics, Chemistry, Meteorology


    Announces awards to personalities of the day for undertaking their dubious activities. For example, 'Davy Doddle' was awarded 2s. 6d. for his 'continuing observations at Charing Cross on the ordinary omnibuses, and for applying to them the principles of perpetual motion, by means of the ordinary time keeper', while Alfred Bunn Bunn, Alfred (1796–1860) ODNB
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was awarded 5s. 'for unfixing some of the fixed stars [actors], and causing them to come down very considerably', and Robert Kane Kane, Sir Robert John (1809–1890) DSB
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was awarded 1s. 'for some experiments in tanning, as applicable to the human hide'.



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Punch,  5 (1843), 106.

The Irish Agricultural Association

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Anon

Genre:

News-Commentary, Drollery

Subjects:

Animal Husbandry, Breeding, Cultural Geography


    Reports that Ireland, like England, now fattens up cattle so much that the animals can neither see nor walk. Notes that the Irish Agricultural Association Irish Agricultural Association
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awarded a medal to a 'corpulent' cow which was entitled to the appellation 'the Daniel Lambert Lambert, Daniel (1770–1809) ODNB
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of quadrupeds', a reference to one of the world's largest men.



Punch,  5 (1843), 108.

Lady Londonderry's Hospital

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Anon

Genre:

Essay, Drollery

Subjects:

Hospitals, Class, Medical Treatment, Human Species, Politics


    Examines the objects of a hospital 'to be founded on foolscap'. Reveals that the building is to be constructed so that 'no patient should see what is going on about him'. Adds that on the completion of the building, 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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will be removed into 'Vanity Ward', where he will be prevented from writing and nobody will be able to listen to him. Notes the large number of patients expected at the 'Selfishness Ward' and the construction of the 'Idleness Ward—Arrogance Ward—Bribery and Corruption Ward', the wards being 'peculiarly adapted to the diseases of the aristocracy'.



Punch,  5 (1843), 113.

Medical Reports

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Anon

Genre:

News-Commentary, Drollery

Subjects:

Medical Treatment, Neurology, Politics, Government


    Includes Punch's argument that the head of 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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is not 'turned' because he 'turned altogether' and that the cerebral apoplexy of Charles W Stewart (3rd Marquess of Londonderry) Stewart (afterwards Vane), Charles William, 3rd Marquess of Londonderry (1778–1854) ODNB
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has been contradicted by the fact that 'his head was never a full habit'.



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Punch,  5 (1843), 131.

A Column for the Scientific: The New Electricity

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Anon

Genre:

Essay, Drollery

Subjects:

Electricity, Display, Railways, Lecturing, Popularization, Steam-power, Military Technology, War, Chemistry, Photography


    Describes Mr Punch's investigation of the hydroelectric machine at the Royal Polytechnic Institution Royal Polytechnic Institution
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. Likening the machine to a 'maimed locomotive upon wooden legs', Punch explores its powers of responding, by electricity, positively and negatively to questions put to it via 'metal notes'. The 'lecturer' then explained 'the theory of steam electricity' and when the steam was let off to produce electricity, it rapidly melted the tin, which mitigated against the machine's 'pecuniary success'. It also produced a 'series of bright reports' which suggests to Mr Punch that the Polytechnic would be powerful enough to prevent an invasion by such foes as Caesar, with the 'electrical lecturer' commanding the batteries, the 'professor of chemistry' arranging the mortars, and the 'Daguerrotypist' taking off 'anybody in a minute'. Notes the 'spirit of philosophical liberality' shown at a banquet attended by the lecturers and spectators. Punch's scientific description of the event includes the observation that when the grog arrived there was a 'decrease in the volume and evolution of caloric upon mixing alcohol with water'. Among the toasts proposed at the dinner was one to the 'mental electrotype, which invests all it publishes with gold'.



Punch,  5 (1843), 134.

Hybrid Extraordinary

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Anon

Genre:

News-Commentary, Drollery

Relevant illustrations:

wdct.

Subjects:

Breeding, Animal Development, Menageries, Monstrosities


    Reports that John Austen Austen, John (fl. 1843) PU1/5/13/2
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, the 'naturalist' running a menagerie near the National Gallery National Gallery
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, has discovered in his collection a cat with a wing, tail, and foot of a bird. The illustration shows this strange beast.



Punch,  5 (1843), 134.

Never too Wise to Learn

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Anon

Genre:

Reportage, Spoof

Subjects:

Mesmerism, Animal Magnetism, Government, Politics


    Reports that 'Robert Peel Peel, Sir Robert, 2nd Baronet (1788–1850) ODNB
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[the Prime Minister] has been studying animal magnetism under Dr. Elliotson Elliotson, John (1791–1868) ODNB
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' for the purpose of mesmerising the Irish politician Daniel O'Connell O'Connell, Daniel (1775–1847) ODNB
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and developing clairvoyant powers.



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Punch,  5 (1843), 144.

British Association at Cork

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Anon

Genre:

News-Commentary, Drollery

Subjects:

Societies, Human Species, Invention


    Responds to news that a shoemaker was invited to 'uphold the credit of his trade' at the meeting of the British Association for the Advancement of Science British Association for the Advancement of Science
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. The shoemaker has devoted his life to 'the human understanding by taking models of his customers' feet in gypsum' and he offers to apply the principles of Euclid Euclid (fl. 295 BC) DSB
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to the ordinary ankle-jack'. Believes he has done for the boot 'what Newton Newton, Sir Isaac (1642–1727) DSB
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did for the Ribston pippin—investing the article in question with high scientific interest'.



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Punch,  5 (1843), 146–47.

The Institution at Hookham-cum-Snivey

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Anon

Genre:

Proceedings, Spoof

Subjects:

Societies, Lecturing, Periodicals


    Continues coverage of activities of this fictional institution (last reported on in Anon, 'Antiquarian Society: The Sniveyson Marbles', Punch, 4 (1843), 214). The spoof proceedings of the institution begin with a list of lectures to be delivered, including 'Brook Green' on the 'Impropriety of Pyrotechnics (addressed especially to the junior classes)' (146). Adds that the institution's 'Reading Room' has acquired several periodicals including the fictional 'Monthly Medical Gazette of Parr Parr, Bartholomew (1750–1810) ODNB
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, Cockle Cockle, Mr (fl. 1843) PU1/5/15/1
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, and Morrison Morison, James (1770–1840) ODNB
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'.



Punch,  5 (1843), 151.

Punch's Gossip: Forks!

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Anon

Genre:

Essay

Subjects:

Public Health, Manufactories, Disease


    Includes extracts from G Calvert Holland's Holland, George Calvert (1801–65) ODNB
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Vital Statistics of Sheffield Holland, George Calvert 1843. The Vital Statistics of Sheffield, London: Robert Tyas
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, a work describing the 'tragic history of the iron fork-grinder'. The author of the article reports that 'nearly one-third' of the fork-grinders examined suffered from an incurable lung disease caused by the inhalation of 'fine particles of stone and metal' produced in fork grinding. Punch believes these statistics might 'spoil a good man's dinner' and show that forks are 'Death's most handy weapon'.



Punch,  5 (1843), 151.

The Caputometer

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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:

Politics, Government, Invention, Measurement, Psychology


    Following James R G Graham's Graham, Sir James Robert George, 2nd Baronet (1792–1861) ODNB
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savage remarks about the 'general run of heads of the Commons House of Commons
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', this reports that Graham has 'ordered a machine to be constructed, to be called, the Caputometer, with which all members of Parliament will be duly measured; and those who are found to have the least head among them will, for the proper working out of Sir Robert's Peel, Sir Robert, 2nd Baronet (1788–1850) ODNB
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measures, be immediately promoted to the ministry'.



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Punch,  5 (1843), 162–63.

A Hint to Young Medical Men

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Anon

Genre:

Essay, Drollery

Subjects:

Medical Practitioners, Medical Treatment, Education, Temperance, Commerce, Publishing, Textbooks


    Offers 'young medical practitioners' advice on how to write a book that will make them 'notorious'. Responding to Theobald Mathew's Mathew, Theobald ('Father') (1790–1856) ODNB
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attempts to ban liquor consumption, Punch suggests a treatise on the 'diseases of intemperance'. This 'Medicina Teetotalis' will describe the symptoms 'arising from the abrupt disuse of beer, wine and spirits' and will draw on experiments on the many patients who will 'pour in'. Describes, in the language of apothecaries, several formulas for mixtures that 'imitate' alcoholic beverages and which can be prescribed by the medical practitioner. The first mixture, for example, is composed of 'Compound Tincture of Cardamoms' and 'Crystal Spring' and will 'form a mixture resembling cold brandy and water'. (162) Believes that by devising 'many variations' on these formulas the medical practitioner will secure fame, fortune, and 'the girl of his heart' (163).



Punch,  5 (1843), 164.

Advice to Young Gentleman: On Taking Young Ladies About

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Anon

Genre:

Essay, Drollery

Subjects:

Botany, Steam-power, Gender, Education


    Punch shows how 'young gentleman' can bluff their way in dealing with ladies' questions on botany and the steam engine. For example, having been asked 'what is the name of that lovely flower', the young man is advised to reply: 'Constantine Palaeologus. A decasyllabic plant; native of Polynesia. Class Alexandria; order, Viriginia'. Included in Punch's suggested explanation of a steam-engine is the sentence, 'That part of the machine which you can see moving up and down is the hypothesis, the tube which it moves in is termed the dilemma'.



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Punch,  5 (1843), 167.

Fourth Meeting of the Brightish Association for the Advancement of Everything: Section A—Mathematical and Physical Science  [1/6]Anon, 'The Brightish Association: Section B—Chemistry and Mineralogy', Punch, 5 (1843), 212
Anon, 'The Brightish Association: Section C—Geology and Physical Geography', Punch, 5 (1843), 224
Anon, 'The Brightish Association: Section D—Zoology and Botany', Punch, 5 (1843), 245
Anon, 'The Brightish Association: Section E—Medical Science', Punch, 5 (1843), 265
Anon, 'The Brightish Association: Section F—Statistics', Punch, 5 (1843), 272

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Anon

Genre:

Serial, Proceedings, Spoof

Subjects:

Light, Astronomy, Mathematics, Societies, Physics


    A parody of the British Association for the Advancement of Science British Association for the Advancement of Science
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proceedings, it opens with a report on a paper by Dr Spectrum on the 'Presence of Prismatic Colours in Potatoes'. This discusses the presentation of 'prismatic colours' to the eye and the appearance of purple rays on the skin around the eyelid when the author was hit in the eye by a potato. Attributes this effect to a rainbow imparting some of its colour to the potato plant. Reports that Mr C Sharpe told the association that the sudden cracking of glass in a pair of spectacles testifies to 'the tangibility and force in the impact of the visual ray'. Announces that Mr Alfred Bunn read 'the report of the Committee for the Reduction of Stars on a Method of Hypothetical Representation, as applied to Impossible Results, by Professor Muddlewitz'. The report is short and full of confusing mathematical and physical terms. The association's president explains the report in 'a more familiar way' and agrees that Muddlewitz's method only applies to 'impossible results'.



Punch,  5 (1843), 168.

A New Musical Instrument

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Anon

Genre:

Essay, Drollery

Relevant illustrations:

wdct.

Subjects:

Mesmerism, Animal Magnetism, Medical Practitioners, Phrenology, Music


    Believes traditional musical instruments must 'cede' to John Elliotson's Elliotson, John (1791–1868) ODNB
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'wonderful instrument'. Elliotson is reported to have touched the cerebral organs of a mesmerized young woman and accordingly compelled the woman to act in a manner corresponding to the nature of the organ touched. For example, when he moved his finger to 'benevolence' the woman became silent and 'amiable'. Elliotson believes he can 'play upon her head as upon a piano'. Punch agrees that the lady 'appears to be a sort of piccolo', but thinks the instrument is out of tune and criticises Elliotson for occasionally hitting 'the wrong key' and for mistaking the 'character of the tune he produces'. The illustration shows Elliotson standing over a seated mesmerized woman, his hands placed over her head as if he were playing a piano.



Punch,  5 (1843), 171.

Post Mortem Examination of a Sharp-Practice Lawyer

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Anon

Genre:

Essay, Drollery

Subjects:

Medical Treatment, Physiognomy, Anatomy, Soul, Physiology


    Punch recounts its examination of the cadaver of Mr Caveat Club, a recently deceased lawyer notorious for his 'pettifogging'. Describing the cadaver's exterior features, it notes that the body 'presented an intense expression of roguery' and resembled an animal. Having opened up the chest, Punch notes that the heart was in the 'wrong place', 'small', 'stony', and 'black'. Its description of the inside of the body also includes the observation that the 'pineal gland, which is said to be the seat of the soul, was altogether in a state of disease', and that the 'anterior lobes' showed signs of such base activities as 'quibbling', 'cavilling', and 'plotting'.



Punch,  5 (1843), 173.

Progress of Science

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Anon

Genre:

Notes, Drollery

Subjects:

Geology


    Suggests that the prices of advertised 'geological coats' indicate that such garments 'belong to the secondary formation'.



Punch,  5 (1843), 173.

Astronomical Notice

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Anon

Genre:

Announcement, Spoof

Subjects:

Astronomy, Politics


    Notes that the moon will be eclipsed at the 'inauguration of the sheriff's dinner next year' and that 'Moon in perigee, going home therefrom'. The allusion is to the Sheriff of London and Middlesex, Francis G Moon Moon, Sir Francis Graham (1796–1871) ODNB
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.



Punch,  5 (1843), 174.

Extracts from a Star-Gazer's Diary

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John Stump MD Stump, John
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Genre:

Letter, Drollery; Diary, Spoof

Subjects:

Astronomy

People mentioned:

John Dollond Dollond, John (1706–61) DSB
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    The author believes his observations will clear up the problem of the spots that John F W Herschel Herschel, Sir John Frederick William (1792–1871) DSB ODNB
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and James South South, James (1785–1867) DSB
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discovered on Jupiter. His diary records the increase of red spots on Jupiter's 'face' and ends with the conclusion that 'Jupiter has got the—Measles'.



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Punch,  5 (1843), 177.

Medical Examination—University College

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Anon

Genre:

Exam Paper, Spoof

Subjects:

Medical Treatment, Education, Instruments, Medical Practitioners


    Questions at University College Hospital University College Hospital Medical School
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include the definition of 'Tic douloureux', the answer to which is 'borrowing ten shillings on a three guinea case of instruments over night, and loosing the duplicate in the morning'.



Punch,  5 (1843), 178.

The Levelling System

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Anon

Genre:

Reportage, Spoof

Subjects:

Engineering, Politics, Government


    Reports that Marc I Brunel Brunel, Sir Marc Isambard (1769–1849) ODNB
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was offered the speeches of the Prime Minister Robert Peel Peel, Sir Robert, 2nd Baronet (1788–1850) ODNB
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to help him level Battersea embankment with the Houses of Parliament Houses of Parliament
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. Brunel refused because 'he did not wish to take Parliament to the level to which Sir Robert Peel has reduced it'.



Punch,  5 (1843), 182.

Phrenological Examination of an Actor's Head

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Anon

Genre:

Reportage, Spoof

Subjects:

Phrenology


    A spoof report on a meeting of the London Phrenological Society London Phrenological Society
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where Mr MacCalliper discussed the cerebral organs of a 'tragedian', Mr Peter Wildrave. The lecturer notes the abnormally large size of the organs of 'Love of Approbation', 'Self-Esteem', 'Veneration', and 'Marvellousness'. Many other organs were abnormally small. The minuteness of 'Comparison' and 'Causality', for example, was linked to the fact that Wildrave 'never could perceive the reason why his performances did not draw'.



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Punch,  5 (1843), 197.

The Weather

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Anon

Genre:

Notes, Drollery

Subjects:

Meteorology, Instruments, Amateurism


    Reports various crude means of gauging the weather. For example, the 'Meteorological Register' of Mr Spiff of Hackney consists of the thermometer being at its 'height' on one day and lowest the day after, when it fell to the ground.



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Punch,  5 (1843), 206.

Punch Among the Roses

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Anon

Genre:

Essay

Subjects:

Botany, Horticulture, Education, Taxonomy, Amusement, Aesthetics


    Believes botany and horticulture are eminently 'liberal' sciences. Adds that 'we mean by Botany, the knowledge—and by Horticulture, the cultivation—of plants and flowers, in subservience to utility and to the gratification of the sense of Beauty. It is, we apprehend, through their operation on this sense, that they ameliorate the mind'. Thinks the 'botanical researches' in the recently improved Kensington Gardens Kensington Gardens
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'tend to soften' the manners of visitors.



Punch,  5 (1843), 206.

Exhibition of Products of Street Industry

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Anon

Genre:

Notes, Drollery

Subjects:

Astronomy, Instruments, Invention, Light, Amateurism, Charlatanry


    Describes the 'new and improved telescope' of a Mr Flit Flit, Mr (fl. 1843) PU1/5/20/2
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of Regent Circus. Explains that the instrument allows the user to observe the moon 'equally well on cloudy nights, or when there was none at all, the case inclosing an ingenious transparency of that body, behind which a small oil lamp was hung'.



Punch,  5 (1843), 211.

Novel and Scientific Scheme

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Anon

Genre:

Essay, Drollery

Relevant illustrations:

wdct.

Subjects:

Exhibitions, Amusement, Invention, Electricity, Instruments, Manufactories, Microscopy, Nutrition


    Reports on the dining rooms at the Royal Polytechnic Institution Royal Polytechnic Institution
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. Observes that the 'Professors of Chemistry and Experimental Philosophy will be appointed the chief cooks' and that the steam-engine in the Hall of Manufactures will 'cook the potatoes'. Reassures readers that the oxy-hydrogen microscope will be used to check for deposits in the drinking water, and that the diving bell will be used to see 'if it is possible to pickle trout alive'. Other innovations include the weighing of visitors on the patent dial machine (which will determine how much they pay), the preservation of fruit in the institution's air-pump, the conversion of grass and buttercups into milk and cream by Kreüzer's 'artificial gastric machine', and seats 'formed by Leyden jars, attached to Armstrong's Armstrong, Sir William George, Baron Armstrong of Cragside (1810–1900) ODNB
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Hydro-electric machine' for exciting the liver 'to its proper sense of duty'. The illustration shows a thin and a fat man being weighed on dial machines at the entrance and exit of the Royal Polytechnic Institution.



Punch,  5 (1843), 212.

The Brightish Association: Section B—Chemistry and Mineralogy  [2/6]Anon, 'Fourth Meeting of the Brightish Association for the Advancement of Everything: Section A—Mathematical and Physical Science', Punch, 5 (1843), 167
Anon, 'The Brightish Association: Section C—Geology and Physical Geography', Punch, 5 (1843), 224
Anon, 'The Brightish Association: Section D—Zoology and Botany', Punch, 5 (1843), 245
Anon, 'The Brightish Association: Section E—Medical Science', Punch, 5 (1843), 265
Anon, 'The Brightish Association: Section F—Statistics', Punch, 5 (1843), 272

Close

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Anon

Genre:

Serial, Proceedings, Spoof

Subjects:

Societies, Chemistry, Mineralogy, Heat, Cultural Geography, Politics, Government


    A parody of the activities of the British Association for the Advancement of Science British Association for the Advancement of Science
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, this article announces that the president of the 'Chemistry and Mineralogy' Section is Dr Alkey Line and its vice-presidents are the 'Marquis of Coalhampton and Professor Copperas'. A Dr Murphy presents a paper 'On the Heat of Combination' which leads to the conclusion that 'if the salts called "justice for Ireland" be placed in combination with a diluted solution of "government", and elevation of temperature occurs during the decomposition of the former by the latter'. The observed consequences of this reaction include 'Repeal' which, in combination with 'Dannic acid, of the formula O'C' (an allusion to the radical Irish politician Daniel O'Connell O'Connell, Daniel (1775–1847) ODNB
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) produces much heat. Reports on a paper by Mr Bang on the claim that the shadow of an American clerk remained fixed on a wall for weeks after his death. The claim is supported by 'recent discoveries in Thermography'.



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Punch,  5 (1843), 220–22.

Father Mathew's Polly—Put—The—Kettle—On—Icon

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Anon

Genre:

Illustration, Satire; Essay, Satire

Relevant illustrations:

wdct. [2]



[1] The Water Drop

Subjects:

Microscopy, Public Health, Pollution, Temperance


    The essay notes the recent revelation by the 'Solar Microscope' of the gruesome creatures inhabiting a single drop of London's water. Seeks to show how Theobald Mathew Mathew, Theobald ('Father') (1790–1856) ODNB
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, the prominent temperance campaigner, would show in his 'drop of water'. Believes the scene would contain 'bags of money [...] swimming about with fins', and a happy family at tea 'and all the volumes of Punch on the bookshelf'.



[2] The Gin Drop

Subjects:

Microscopy, Public Health, Temperance, Pollution


    Depicts the infernal scene in a 'drop of gin' when magnified '3,000,000,000 times' by the 'Solar Microscope'. The scene includes such terrible images as the devil, monsters, a hanging, and a suicide. The 'abominations abounding' in the drop tell Punch how 'weak and poverty-striken' was the journal's imagination.




Punch,  5 (1843), 224.

The Brightish Association: Section C—Geology and Physical Geography  [3/6]Anon, 'Fourth Meeting of the Brightish Association for the Advancement of Everything: Section A—Mathematical and Physical Science', Punch, 5 (1843), 167
Anon, 'The Brightish Association: Section B—Chemistry and Mineralogy', Punch, 5 (1843), 212
Anon, 'The Brightish Association: Section D—Zoology and Botany', Punch, 5 (1843), 245
Anon, 'The Brightish Association: Section E—Medical Science', Punch, 5 (1843), 265
Anon, 'The Brightish Association: Section F—Statistics', Punch, 5 (1843), 272

Close

View full article text

Anon

Genre:

Serial, Proceedings, Spoof

Subjects:

Societies, Geology, Physical Geography


    A parody of the activities of the British Association for the Advancement of Science British Association for the Advancement of Science
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. Reveals that the 'Geology and Physical Geography Section' is presided over by Sir Grey Whackie and has vice-presidents, Professors Hämmer and Töngs. Reports on Mr Sappy's paper, 'proving the impossibility of being able to see into the middle of next week, from known facts with regard to the Equation of Time'. Sappy concludes from his paper that having sailed round the world, a 'sailor [...] finds himself to be "a man in advance of his age" by one day'. The 'Report of the Committee on Earthquakes in Ireland' describes fears that an 'irruption' would break out in 'Conquer Hill' near Dublin. Mr Cole Vane's paper 'On the Geology of Hearts' reveals, for example, that a lawyer's heart was 'of the trap formation', and that the heart of a habitual drunkard was 'changed entirely into quartz'.



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Punch,  5 (1843), 228.

Horticultural Society Royal Horticultural Society
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View full article text

Anon

Genre:

Reportage, Spoof

Subjects:

Horticulture, Exhibitions, Botany


    Reports that Mr Solomon Levi exhibited some specimens of Cuba inodorifera and established that the plants are connected by a 'cell'. Reports the award of the 'Victoria medal' to a Mrs Tickall for her 'fine bunches of grapes', and Mr Figgin's exhibition of some 'Rhizanthaceous plants [...] developed by a peculiar process of pruning, from the roots of turnips'.



Punch,  5 (1843), 230–31.

Private Correspondence

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Richard Sammins, Royal Managery, Commercial Road Sammins, Richard
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Genre:

Letter, Spoof

Subjects:

Animal Species, Natural History, Zoological Gardens

Institutions mentioned:

Zoological Society—Gardens Zoological Society of London —Gardens
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    Written in Cockney, Sammins laments the slaying of the 'Hindian Hox or Bamin Bull' at Windsor. He is 'cut up [...] at sich a Waste of Nateral Histery' and believes the animal was 'a regler Phinumenon, with a Scientifficle Name and all, namely Zebu alias Boss Tauris Alias Hindicusm and a purdigus fine specimen of the Specious with a remarkable Ump, and altogether quite a Site for the admirers of Creation'. (230)



Punch,  5 (1843), 236.

The Chemist to His Love

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Anon

Genre:

Poetry, Drollery

Subjects:

Chemistry, Gender, Psychology

People mentioned:

Ben Jonson Jonson, Benjamin ('Ben Johnson') (1572–1637) ODNB
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    Compares the attraction between him and his beloved Mary to that between chemical elements and compounds. Likens his affinity for Mary to that between Potassium and Oxygen. Wishes that 'I, my Mary, were an acid, / A living acid; thou an alkali' / Endow'd with human sense, that brought together, / We might both coalesce into one salt'. Other chemical combinations to which he compares his relationship include sulphuric acid and soda (resulting in Glauber's salt) and potassa and aqua-fortis (resulting in saltpetre). Believes that 'We'd live and love together, until death / Should decompose the fleshly tertium quid, / Leaving our souls to all eternity / Amalgamated'.



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Punch,  5 (1843), 238.

Jobs for Medical Gentlemen

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Anon

Genre:

News-Commentary, Drollery

Subjects:

Medical Practitioners, Medical Treatment, Accidents


    Believes that the injuries caused to the eye by umbrella-points and walking sticks provides 'oculists' with great numbers of patients. Thinks it is a 'pity, that eyes should be absolutely destroyed' because merely a seriously injured eye would 'suffice for professional purposes'. Congratulates the surgical profession on the 'state of the metropolitan thoroughfares' because the latter present obstructions which 'give rise to an immense number of fractures and dislocations'.



Punch,  5 (1843), 245.

The Brightish Association: Section D—Zoology and Botany  [4/6]Anon, 'Fourth Meeting of the Brightish Association for the Advancement of Everything: Section A—Mathematical and Physical Science', Punch, 5 (1843), 167
Anon, 'The Brightish Association: Section B—Chemistry and Mineralogy', Punch, 5 (1843), 212
Anon, 'The Brightish Association: Section C—Geology and Physical Geography', Punch, 5 (1843), 224
Anon, 'The Brightish Association: Section E—Medical Science', Punch, 5 (1843), 265
Anon, 'The Brightish Association: Section F—Statistics', Punch, 5 (1843), 272

Close

View full article text

Anon

Genre:

Serial, Proceedings, Spoof

Subjects:

Zoology, Botany, Natural History, Societies


    Parody of the activities of the British Association for the Advancement of Science British Association for the Advancement of Science
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. The president of the spoof association, Sir Guy Raffe, communicated a letter from Professor De Lenz on a 'skeleton of a male flea in the folds of a mummy-cloth'. The professor observed that the flea returned to life on exposure to the air, and bit him. Reports on a paper by Mr Slick of Slickville on the 'live oak', an American tree that grows so rapidly that it enabled the author's friend to quickly assemble a boat. The president argues that this tree is the same as that which allegedly 'grew from the horse of the Baron Munchausen', a sample of which the president possessed. Concludes with the report of the 'committee appointed to investigate whether female oysters have beards'.



Punch,  5 (1843), 246.

[Advertisement]

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Anon

Genre:

Advertisement, Spoof

Relevant illustrations:

wdct.

Illustrators:

J Leech Leech, John (1817–64) ODNB
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Spielmann, Marion Harry Alexander 1895. The History of "Punch", London: Cassell
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Subjects:

Mesmerism, Animal Magnetism, Music, Mental Illness


    A 'Professor' seeks an 'aged Lady, of a very nervous temperament', to mesmerize all the 'organs in her street'. The illustration depicts an organ-player.



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Punch,  5 (1843), 249.

"Bolsters for Behind-hand Botanists"

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Anon

Genre:

Exam Paper, Spoof

Subjects:

Botany, Mathematics


    Series of questions and answers on botany, in which the answers are puns on botanical terms. For example, the answer to the question, 'What are the most difficult roots to extract from the ground', is, 'the Cube root'.



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Punch,  5 (1843), 265.

The Brightish Association: Section E—Medical Science  [5/6]Anon, 'Fourth Meeting of the Brightish Association for the Advancement of Everything: Section A—Mathematical and Physical Science', Punch, 5 (1843), 167
Anon, 'The Brightish Association: Section B—Chemistry and Mineralogy', Punch, 5 (1843), 212
Anon, 'The Brightish Association: Section C—Geology and Physical Geography', Punch, 5 (1843), 224
Anon, 'The Brightish Association: Section D—Zoology and Botany', Punch, 5 (1843), 245
Anon, 'The Brightish Association: Section F—Statistics', Punch, 5 (1843), 272

Close

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Anon

Genre:

Serial, Proceedings, Spoof

Subjects:

Societies, Medical Practitioners, Medical Treatment, Physiology, Human Species


    Parody of the activities of the British Association for the Advancement of Science British Association for the Advancement of Science
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. Reports on Dr Nobbe's paper, 'On the Influence of Coronary Circulation on the Heart's Action', which explores the connection between hats worn on the head and the effect on the wearer's philanthropic feelings. Dr Grubb's paper, 'On a General Law of Vital Periodicity', observes that the 'entire population' is pervaded by a period of four hours—that which interposes between feelings of hunger.



Punch,  5 (1843), 265.

The New Comet

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Anon

Genre:

Reportage, Drollery

Subjects:

Astronomy, Crime, Observatories, Observation


    Describes the movements of the comet as if it were a criminal. Notes that a policemen has been placed in attendance near the Royal Observatory, Greenwich Royal Observatory, Greenwich
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, and has been ordered, 'immediately, on the comet showing itself, to lose no time in springing his rattle', when John F W Herschel Herschel, Sir John Frederick William (1792–1871) DSB ODNB
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'will tumble out of bed at once, and continue his observations'. Notes James South South, James (1785–1867) DSB
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and George B Airy's Airy, Sir George Biddell (1801–92) DSB ODNB
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observations of the comet.



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Punch,  5 (1843), 270.

Dialogue Between a Bilious Patient and a Physician

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Anon

Genre:

Dialogue, Spoof

Relevant illustrations:

wdct.

Illustrators:

J Leech Leech, John (1817–64) 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, Disease


    A patient describes his symptoms to a physician who, on questioning and physically examining the patient, repeatedly insists that the patient's problem derives from bile. Whichever 'symptom' the patient describes, however mundane, the physician argues that bile is the cause. For example, the patient complains: 'I have an itching sensation occasionally at the end of the nose, and a burning of the tips of the ears, a soreness of the chest when I go to breath, a trembling at the knees, and a sensation of cold, like water poured down the back'. The physician simply replies: 'All owing to bile, Sir'. The physician proceeds to explain the biliary organs, prescribes pills, and advises on a suitable diet. The illustration shows a physician and his sorry-looking patient.



Punch,  5 (1843), 272.

The Brightish Association: Section F—Statistics  [6/6]Anon, 'Fourth Meeting of the Brightish Association for the Advancement of Everything: Section A—Mathematical and Physical Science', Punch, 5 (1843), 167
Anon, 'The Brightish Association: Section B—Chemistry and Mineralogy', Punch, 5 (1843), 212
Anon, 'The Brightish Association: Section C—Geology and Physical Geography', Punch, 5 (1843), 224
Anon, 'The Brightish Association: Section D—Zoology and Botany', Punch, 5 (1843), 245
Anon, 'The Brightish Association: Section E—Medical Science', Punch, 5 (1843), 265

Close

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Anon

Genre:

Serial, Proceedings, Spoof

Subjects:

Statistics, Societies


    Continuing the parody of the activities of the British Association for the Advancement of Science British Association for the Advancement of Science
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, the spoof statistical section's luminaries have names based on statistical practices: for example, the vice-presidents are Mr Littel Witte and Dr Addem. Reports on Mr Boy's paper on 'Contributions to Academical Statistics', which concerns itself with such recondite information as the 'average length of slate pencils' and the use of sponges to clean slates.



Punch,  5 (1843), 272.

The Aerial Ship

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Anon

Genre:

News-Commentary, Spoof

Relevant illustrations:

wdct.

Subjects:

Aeronautics, Transport, Invention


    Reports on another scheme for 'guiding balloons through the air by means of whirligigs'. The scheme involves positioning the hands in front of the nose and then moving the hands up and down in a vertical plane. The illustration shows a cad attempting the scheme.



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