Shows a barometer that is calibrated in terms of the bank rate percentage
and the emotional state of a stockbroker digesting news of the fate of his
investments. The lowest level, '10 per cent', corresponds to 'Despair' and
shows the stockbroker furiously receiving news of a bankruptcy; the highest
level, '6 per cent', corresponds to 'Joy', and shows the broker merrily tossing
his earnings between his hands. Around the top and bottom of the thermometer
are carved bulls and bears—references to the different types of stock
market trader.
Zoological Gardens, Evolution, Animal Development, Animal Behaviour,
Human Development
Shows the
Zoological Society GardensZoological Society of London —Gardens
CloseView the register entry >>,
where the animals and humans have swapped places: the humans are kept in cages,
and various animals (including elephants, hippopotamuses, and a gorilla) are
clad in the fashion of the period, and are peering into the cages and enjoying
walks around the parks.
Medical Practitioners, Gender, Periodicals, Reading, Human
Development
Shows Dr Elisabeth Squills sitting at a dinner table where she looks at a
copy of the
LancetLancet
(1823–1900+)
Waterloo
Directory CloseView the register entry >> and accepts
a cup of tea poured by her husband. Near the table, children play on a harp and
rocking-horse. The caption reveals that she is so busy that she 'has barely
time to snatch a hurried meal and hasty peep at the periodicals of the day in
her husband's boudoir'.
Depicts the story of Sam, an 'idle boy', who makes money by 'bri-bing and
cor-rup-ting ho-nest e-l-ec-tors' (a reference to bribery and corruption during
elections in 1866) and who adds to his fortunes as 'contrac-tor for the A B C
Rail-way' (a reference to
Samuel M PetoPeto, Sir Samuel Morton
(1809–89)
ODNB CloseView the register entry >> who
was contractor for the bankrupted
London, Chatham, and Dover
Railway CompanyLondon, Chatham, and Dover Railway Company
CloseView the register entry >>). The illustrations then depict the story of Tom,
the 'Industrious Apprentice' who plods his way through life but, despite making
'a fortune', in 'old age' invested his money in 'Sam's Railway' which, on going
bankrupt, could not redeem Tom's debentures. This is a further allusion to the
London, Chatham, and Dover company which failed to pay its debenture
holders.
Noting the widespread interest in weapons of war in newspapers, discusses an
extract from a report of a new aluminium cuirass, an invention that
Punch thinks will make soldiers as 'shot proof' as 'floating
turrets'.
Describes the gifts given to various European monarchs and statesmen. Notes
that
King Wilhelm
IWilhelm I, Emperor of Germany and King of
Prussia
(1797–1888)
CBD CloseView the register entry >> of Prussia received his 'passport / To power—a needle-gun',
Emperor
Napoleon IIINapoleon III, Emperor of France (originally
Louis Napoléon (Charles Louis Napoléon Bonaparte))
(1808–73)
CBD CloseView the register entry >> of France a Chassepot rifle, and John Bull a
'breech-loading, rifled / Ship cannon'.
Discusses an article in
The TimesThe Times
(1777–1900+)
Waterloo
Directory CloseView the register entry >> on
the Christmas celebrations held at
William
Lawson'sLawson, William
(fl. 1867)
PU1/52/2/3 CloseView the register entry >> farm. Ridicules the notion of a vegetarian Christmas dinner
and the 'mental provender' supplied by Lawson, the latter being a reference to
the 'lecturing on phrenology, co-operation, vegetarianism and physiology'
presented at 'intervals' during Christmas day. Suggests that phrenology would
show that 'the development of vegetarians coincided with that of teetotallers,
and that both were also equal in quantity of brain'.
A bleak assessment of the events of 1866, including laments for 'A murrain
on our herds and flocks, / With watchful Cholera at its side' and that
'Death-dealing [...] Kindled the spark the mine that fired. / Its hundreds at a
stroke to slay'.
A companion and contrasting poem to
Anon, 'Annus Plorabilis', Punch, 52 (1867), 17, this is written from the perspective
of the year 1866. Focusing on some of the issues covered in the previous poem,
1866 defends the fact that it brought 'blessing' to 'Murrain and Plague [...]
Guarding the dirt that breeds disease', and that it proved 'Pestilence another
name / For duty shirked, and work ill-done' and 'where air, light, and water
came, / How baffled Cholera must run'.
Following the discussion in
Anon, 'The Queen in the Black Country', Punch, 51 (1866), 238,
, Anon, 'The Black Country. Is it as Black as Mr. Punch has Painted it?', Punch, 51 (1866), 240–41, and
, Anon, 'The Black Country, Not all Black', Punch, 51 (1866), 262, this continues Mr Punch's defence
of his claim that Wolverhampton is an industrialised 'Black Country'. It
presents an extract from 'His correspondent' in Paris, who describes the
surprisingly civilised lifestyles of inhabitants of a 'small "black country"'
around an iron foundry in France (this is a reference to the firm established
by
Joseph E
SchneiderSchneider, Joseph Eugène
(1805–75)
WBI CloseView the register entry >> at Le Creusot). The correspondent admires the fact that
the factory workers built and owned the factory and praises the education of
the children of miners and ironworkers, children who are able to sit
'historical and scientific examinations' and who were not 'allowed to leave the
school for the workshop till they could read and write well, and do some
arithmetic'. Punch deems this 'no community of hammer-men in Utopia' but
an admirable community along the lines of 'Bilston, Tipton, or Dudley'. Admires
the way that the 'proprietors' of the iron foundry have accomplished this and
suggests that firms in 'our Black Country' should do the same.
Debates some of the questions associated with parliamentary reform and in
particular Bright's aggressive tactics. He tells Bright to 'fight through this
coming campaign like gentleman' and that he will support a reform bill that
will give suffrage 'to the intelligent, moral, self-respecting Artisan' who
'lives in a decent home' and who educates his children. He warns, however, that
the 'Constitution of England is too solemn and serious a thing to be played
with', pointing out that it 'contains its own machinery for its improvement,
and that machinery shall be worked, and it will work admirably, as of old'.
Condemns the gamekeeper who shot 'seven specimens of the Bohemian wax-wing'.
Points out that there was no reason to slaughter these 'harmless, unoffending
little birds' and that 'we ought to do our best to encourage' such 'rare and
interesting' birds to 'live with us'
Nutrition, Education, Human Development, Physiology
Discusses an article describing Victor Hugo's establishment of a programme
to feed 'forty children once or twice a week', a programme based on his belief
that 'good meat and wine [...] are necessary to the proper nurture of young
people'. Adds that Hugo 'well knows' the need to nourish the brain.
Disease, Medical Practitioners, Medical Treatment, Accidents
Describes the various ailments, diseases, and injuries from which people
suffer due to 'that wind which blows hard frost and snow', and the benefits of
this 'Medico-surgical weather' to the medical profession.
Includes a design based on the 'Telescopic Style' in which the classical
columns are carved in the shape of telescopes. The caption urges
Matthew D
WyattWyatt, Sir Matthew Digby
(1820–77)
ODNB CloseView the register entry >> that this is the way to 'get "top lights" for pictures'.
The writer complains that he has not been allowed to display his patented
inventions at the
Exposition Universelle
(1867), ParisExposition Universelle (1867), Paris CloseView the register entry >>. He proceeds to list his inventions which are all
'pocket' versions of everyday objects, including a 'Pocket Poker, with tongs
and shovel to match', and a 'Portable Stove and General Kitchen Apparatus'.
Concludes by announcing his plans to build a 'portable Zoological Gardens'.
Written from the perspective of a slightly illiterate and bluff seaman, this
letter is addressed to 'Mr Punch, at the Head of the Fleet', whom the
author urges to 'fight well no matter whether it Be with Frigates or with
Fistes', and that they should 'hit hard' and 'stand Punishment'. He praises
William
Palliser'sPalliser, Sir William
(1830–82)
ODNB CloseView the register entry >> 'Chil'd shot' and its ability to penetrate 'Oak and Iron
like a Flash of virtuous indignation', remarking 'Ain't it Wonderful what
Science can Do when stimulated By pluck and patted on the Back by the 1st Lords
of the
AdmiraltyAdmiralty
CloseView the register entry >>'. Concludes
that the Navy's use of copper shield and fast shots confirms that Britannia
'rules the Waves as heretofore', but in a postscript asks why none of the ships
that 'mrs. england' is always buying is fit for action.
Meteorology, Gas Chemistry, Chemistry, Disease, Health,
Language
Begins by pondering the connotations of ozone and then notes that it is 'An
essence rare', although 'Not much about it is known'. Describes how 'Each
weather-sage' records 'in his log' the amount of ozone as well as 'Cloud, mist
and fog' and suggests that since an excess or deficit of the substance are
'shown' to have effects on health, it could be the cause of the
ailments—such as the 'shagreen' character of the skin—associated
with cold weather. Concludes by considering the possibility that 'plague and
pest' and people's low spirits might be due to the sepulchrally sounding
ozone.
Heat, Measurement, Instruments, Meteorology, Language
Presents a question and answer from 'PROFESSOR
TINDIAL'—a reference to
John
TyndallTyndall, John
(1820–93)
DSB CloseView the register entry >>—concerning the constancy of the amount of 'caloric
possessed by two persons, one of whom is abusing the other', a question which
took Tindial and his assistant a long time to solve owing to the low state of
the thermometer.
Addressed to members of the
Houses of ParliamentHouses of Parliament
CloseView the register entry >>, the
speaker rejoices in the 'disappearance of the Cattle Plague', discusses fears
of the outbreak of a further 'Fenian plague', and notes the 'difficulties' that
her 'Constitutional advisers—my State Doctors'—have regarding
reform. She also lists a number of subjects on which she hopes parliament will
pass legislation. These include 'the prevention of lawless disregard of life
through the neglect of easy precautions against disease', the 'improvement of
the condition of my poorer subjects, especially the old and the sick in parish
and union workhouses', 'the adoption of stringent measures against delusive,
extravagant, and fraudulent public companies', 'the summary punishment of
dishonest tradesmen who cheat the poor with false weights and measures, and
poison them with adulterated food', 'the prevention of fatal accidents' in
'neglected' streets and in mines and other 'scenes of dangerous labour', and
the 'diminution of drunkenness and destruction of infant life'.
Begins with a poem based on
Queen
Victoria'sVictoria, Queen of the United Kingdom of Great
Britain and Ireland, and Empress of India
(1819–1901)
ODNB CloseView the register entry >> recent speech on the state opening of the
Houses of ParliamentHouses of Parliament
CloseView the register entry >>. This
notes Britain's successful campaigns against the Indian famine and the cattle
plague, and points out that 'Insolvent Railways' and 'the London sick and other
poor' look to Parliament 'for cure'. (63) Moving to its usual summary of
parliamentary proceedings, notes
Gathorne
Gathorne-Hardy'sGathorne-Hardy, Gathorne, 1st Earl of
Cranbrook
(1814–1906)
ODNB CloseView the register entry >> 'Sick Poor Bill' which proposes assistance to
London 'pauper lunatics, very young children, and sick', by building new
hospitals and asylums.
Politics, Government, Controversy, Medical Practitioners, Medical
Treatment, Race, Quackery, Magic, Ethnology
A response to
Benjamin
Disraeli'sDisraeli, Benjamin, 1st Earl of Beaconsfield
(1804–81)
ODNB CloseView the register entry >> recent announcement in the
House of
CommonsHouse of Commons
CloseView the register entry >> that the Tories intend to introduce a Reform Bill. Likening
the cabinet of
Edward G G S
Stanley (14th Earl of Derby)Stanley, Edward George Geoffrey Smith, 14th
Earl of Derby
(1799–1869)
ODNB CloseView the register entry >> to the chiefs of an American Indian
tribe called the 'Tor-ì-has', describes the meeting of the chiefs at the
'secret Lodge of Dow-nin [Downing Street]' where 'LOR-DER-BEE
[Derby]', 'Kau-ka-syun DEE-ZE [an allusion to Disraeli and his
Jewish ancestry], foremost of the medicine-men, the Magicians' and other
important figures ponder their mission to 'Weave the charm of the Re-for-mahs',
despite protests from anti-Tory Reform agitators outside their lodge. Disraeli
wonders whether his tribe can 'Fix the wonder-working Franch-ees, / That shall
cure the people's ailments, / Give to all what they're in want of, / Wit,
wisdom, work and wages'. Describes how 'WILL-YOU-IT, called
the Glad Stone' and 'JON-à-WO-BUN [John Bull]' and
'wonder-working Fran-chees' were ambushed 'in Adullam' by several individuals
including 'Bright the Big Tongue', who eventually drove them from 'the secret
Lodge of Down-nin'. This is a reference to
John BrightBright, John
(1811–89)
ODNB CloseView the register entry >> and the
'Whig 'Adullamite' opposition to
William E
Gladstone'sGladstone, William Ewart
(1809–98)
ODNB CloseView the register entry >> 1866 parliamentary Reform Bill, an opposition that
eventually led to the downfall of the Liberal administration. Goes on to
describe Disraeli's lament at the divisions within his tribe and his resolution
to 'deal with the Re-for-mahs', to 'make a mighty med-cine' from the 'med-cine
bag of Mo-shun', to secure the 'glory [...] Of the fixing of the Franch-ees, /
In the Wig-wam of West-min-stah', and to 'Keep the secret Lodge of Down-nin'.
Continues by noting how 'the med'cine maker' led a procession of
'Tor-ì-has' braves to 'West-min-stah' where they stood against Bright,
and 'WILL-YOU-IT, called the Glad Stone'. Turns to the
controlled speech of the 'med'cine maker', who put forward his 'medicine bag of
Mo-shuns' with one hand and a 'Peace-pipe' in the other, and then 'chaunted'
'his med'cine music', 'blew his cloud of vapour', announced that 'the war was
ended, / 'Twixt Tor-ì-has and Re-for-mahs', and urged cooperation
between the two sides for shaping Reform. Concludes by describing the amazement
of the warriors who heard the 'med-cine-man', and their feeling that 'All is
bosh and all is bunkum; / He is but a med'cine-maker, / And his medicine
moonshine'.
Politics, Zoology, Botany, Taxonomy, Narcotics, Mental Illness,
Medical Treatment, Crime
The initial letter of the article forms part of an illustration showing
several Fenians as bats, sporting large black wings and their usual hats. The
text describes a lecture given in Chester by 'PROFESSOR
VINEGAR', the geographical reference identifying this as a
response to the recent (13 February) failed attempt by Fenians to seize
Chester. The lecturer describes to his audience, who consist mainly of Fenians,
the various species of a plant 'of the natural order Cannibinaceae'. He
points out that this includes two genera, Cannabis and Humulus,
and tells his audience that they are undoubtedly familiar with the latter
genus, since its chief species is the hop plant. The lecturer then details the
properties of Cannabis sativa or hemp, noting that it not only has
narcotic properties when taken internally but, when 'twisted into rope' and
applied externally, can be used to suppress 'those disorders in the body
politic that come under the name of insurrection'. The application of a hemp
ligature around the neck of the patient exercises 'a beneficial influence on
others', he adds, and warns his audience that if they continue along their
present 'road to rebellion', John Bull will hang some of them.
Government, Military Technology, Steamships, War, Nationalism,
Commerce
Sung to the tune of 'Rule Britannia', the song laments the sorry condition
of the
Royal Navy'sRoyal Navy
CloseView the register entry >> fleet and criticises the
fact that 'Old ships are tinkered up for new, / And then sent forth upon the
main'. Wonders, 'When shall our ships be good and sound', and blames the
present situation on 'Mismanagement and jobbery'. The chorus accuses Britons of
being 'Routine's slaves'.
The initial letter forms part of an illustration showing a student at his
writing desk. Above him rises the smoke from his pipe and beneath him lie
scraps of paper—evidently drafts of his love letter. In the text, the
author tells his beloved that his second attempt at the 'Little-go' examination
at the
University of CambridgeUniversity of Cambridge
CloseView the register entry >> is
imminent and that she is a 'sad hindrance' to his 'studies for this dreadful
examination'. The rest of the letter reveals the difficulty the author has in
keeping his mind off his beloved and his interpretation of course texts in
terms of his love affair. For example, he notes, 'In my
EuclidEuclid
(fl. 295 BC)
DSB CloseView the register entry >> your happiness
is my "problem", your love my "Theorem", and that you should ever prove
faithless to me my "reductio ad absurdam"'. Similarly, he tells her that
she is 'no Vulgar Fraction', but the 'sum total' of his existence.
Discusses a petition brought to the
House of
CommonsHouse of Commons
CloseView the register entry >> from a representative of Southwark tradesmen who seek
reformation of the 'arbitrary and unjust mode of inspecting weights and
measures'. Suggests that it will only grant some of the wishes of the
petitioners. Believes that it would be quite willing to meet the petitioners'
request for a 'searching investigation' of the subject with a view to 'amending
the law that the standard may be kept correctly thereto', and for magistrates
to 'dismiss trivial complaints where no fraud or injustice is committed or
intended'. Warns, however, that the petitioners will not be successful in their
call for 'informers, and persons otherwise enforcing the law' to be given the
power to penalise those who use fraudulent scales, weights, and measures.
Government, Politics, Controversy, Railways, Transport
Exploiting an analogy between the Reform Bill and a railway locomotive, the
poet begins by lamenting the fact that the 'five-million-horse-power [a
possible reference to the adult male population of England and Wales] Engine /
Called "Reform" is off the rails' and describing the way this is hindering
oncoming trains and sparking 'bad language' between those engineers [the
statesmen] trying to rectify the situation. Proceeds to criticize these
disputes and urges statesmen to pull together. Points out that it is better for
the locomotive to 'blow off' large quantities of steam rather than 'blow up'.
Urges the railway engineers who talk about 'schemes and skills' to 'work, or
else your chalks be walking' and to stop wasting time 'in squabble sore'.
Concludes by giving each of the engineers—identified as
John Russell (1st Earl
Russell)Russell, Lord John, 1st Earl Russell
(1792–1878)
ODNB CloseView the register entry >>,
John BrightBright, John
(1811–89)
ODNB CloseView the register entry >>,
Robert LoweLowe, Robert, 1st Viscount Sherbrooke
(1811–92)
ODNB CloseView the register entry >>,
William E
GladstoneGladstone, William Ewart
(1809–98)
ODNB CloseView the register entry >>, and
Benjamin
DisraeliDisraeli, Benjamin, 1st Earl of Beaconsfield
(1804–81)
ODNB CloseView the register entry >>—instructions for restoring the train to its
tracks.
Consists of a dialogue between Uncle Teazle and Fanny. Begins with Teazle
giving his niece a microscope with which he hopes she will study botany and
entomology. He emphasises that 'Science is fashionable now' and after providing
his grateful niece with a definition of entomology, suggests that she uses her
microscope to examine the mites in cheese. Their dialogue shifts to the subject
of chignons, which prompts Teazle to suggest that his niece use the microscope
to 'quiz' her chignon and look for gregarines (a form of parasite) in it. Fanny
challenges her uncle's entomological definition of parasites, believing them to
be people who 'frequent rich tables', but is then told by Teazle of
Eduard von
Lindemann'sLindemann, Eduard von
(fl. 1867)
Lindemann 1867 CloseView the register entry >> discovery of gregarines in the free ends of hair. He
then tells his alarmed niece of the robust nature of these parasites and how
they infest chignons and ball-rooms. The dialogue concludes with Fanny refusing
to conduct a microscopic examination of the gregarines and her uncle urging her
to wear a bank-note on her head rather than a chignon.
Shows a chemist and druggist's shop into which a ''Spectable Mechanic', who
looks far from respectable, has wandered. He asks the proprietor for 'Pen'th
'Nailsh!' and is then asked to leave the shop by the proprietor who points out
that he has not got any nails. The mechanic retorts: 'Wha' d' yer scrash y'r
'ead wi' then, gov'n'r?'.
Punch, 52 (1867), 93.
The Eclipse of the Sun, On Wednesday, March 6, 1867
Begins by noting that some leading statesmen rose early on the morning of 6
March to see the eclipse of the sun. Insists that those who fail to wash and
carry out 'ablutions' in order to see such an event are 'not fit' to see it at
all. Notes that
William E
GladstoneGladstone, William Ewart
(1809–98)
ODNB CloseView the register entry >> and
Benjamin
DisraeliDisraeli, Benjamin, 1st Earl of Beaconsfield
(1804–81)
ODNB CloseView the register entry >> cared less about the clouds on the 'political horizon' than
those that obscured the eclipse. Notes that 'In the times of old' when 'party
leaders' knew no science, the eclipse would have been 'regarded as an omen of
office lost and won, / In the battle of Reform', but adds that now 'your
statesman only reads / To discover the corona, rose-flames, and
"BAILY'SBaily, Francis
(1774–1844)
DSB CloseView the register entry >> beads"'.
Begins by noting the 'wonder, pity, and contempt' with which such
philosophers as
John TyndallTyndall, John
(1820–93)
DSB CloseView the register entry >>,
John F W
HerschelHerschel, Sir John Frederick William
(1792–1871)
DSB
ODNB CloseView the register entry >>, and
Augustus De
MorganDe Morgan, Augustus
(1806–71)
DSB CloseView the register entry >> would respond to the claim that their enterprises were
delusions. Contrasts this to the aggressive way in which 'MR.
BUMPASS, the phrenologist, MR.
COLNEY, the mesmerist, MR.
HATCH, the spiritualist, and MR.
ZADKIEL [an allusion to
Richard J
MorrisonMorrison, Richard James ('Zadkiel')
(1795–1874)
ODNB CloseView the register entry >>], the astrologer' would respond to 'assailants of their
hobbies', each one calling his attackers 'FARADAYSFaraday, Michael
(1791–1867)
DSB CloseView the register entry >> and
BREWSTERSBrewster, Sir David
(1781–1868)
DSB
ODNB CloseView the register entry >> and other names'.
Asks Mr Punch to ask
Henry E
ManningManning, Henry Edward
(1808–92)
ODNB CloseView the register entry >> into which of these two categories the aggressive Irish
attackers of a 'Protestant lecturer at Wolverhampton' would fit and to explain
why 'cultivators of such sciences as astronomy and chemistry' as well as
geologists and medical practitioners do not abuse their abusers, whereas the
'votaries of phrenology, mesmerism, spiritualism, and the like, are generally
exasperated by opposition'. Argues that the reason for this difference is that
'the former feel quite sure that they are in the right and the latter do not'
and denies that those who believe 'in the marvellous' are 'not entirely
satisfied of its truth'. Concludes by pointing out that those who abuse
somebody for his religion have shaky grounds for their own faith.
Government, Politics, Surgery, Disease, Medical Treatment,
Vaccination
Reviewing the 'intentions of the Government' regarding parliamentary reform,
notes that several boroughs (including Great Yarmouth and Totnes) are to be
disenfranchised or 'cut off from the Borough-body, as members so utterly
rotten, that, being past cure, they admit of no treatment but amputation'.
Notes that Mr Punch would like this treatment to be applied to other rotten
boroughs, although he thinks this might lead to the borough-body being left
with 'very few limbs at all'. Proceeds to consider whether this treatment
should be 'dealt out' to those corrupt politicians who have 'inoculated' their
constituencies with 'plague' and made them rotten.
Animal Behaviour, Transport, Steam-power, Engineering, Cultural
Geography, Politics
Describes a meeting of 'representative horses employed in and about the
Metropolis' held at the
Agricultural Hall, IslingtonAgricultural Hall, Islington CloseView the register entry >>.
After recounting his experiences as a racehorse, the 'Chairman' of the meeting
(the oldest cab-horse in London) describes the object as being to protest
against the 'leg, back, and heart-breaking business' of walking over 'rough
granite on roads' in order to grind the material into
MacadamMcAdam, John Loudon
(1756–1836)
ODNB CloseView the register entry >>. His resolution to condemn
this practice as 'dangerous, cruel, and unnecessary' is heartily supported by
two horses who offer their pitiful accounts of the suffering they endured and
urge that Britain should follow France in using steam-rollers to crush the road
materials. The second resolution, to ask
John J R
MannersManners, John James Robert, 7th Duke of Rutland
(1818–1906)
ODNB CloseView the register entry >> why he has failed to carry out this practice, is 'carried
with enthusiasm'.
Written from the perspective of a little sparrow, the letter-writer tells Mr
Punch of his alarm at reading an advertisement for a new West End club for
shooting sparrows and starlings. Laments that while he has recently become
engaged to another sparrow he feels that his future family will be threatened
by the activities of this club. Suggests that he might have to remain a
bachelor.
Railways, Transport, Telegraphy, Periodicals, Religious
Authority
Dismisses the imminent engine drivers' strike as unimportant, pointing out
that 'we don't want to go out of town', 'see anybody', or receive letters, and
that 'the contents of Punch' will be telegraphed to the provincial
clergy who will spread its wisdom.
Attacks 'the fellows who write Almanacks' for wrongly predicting that the
recent solar eclipse would be 'visible at Greenwich'. Describes the efforts he
made to get to One Tree Hill (near Greenwich) on time to see the event but his
disappointment that his observations were ruined by clouds. In a postscript he
notes that a French scientific colleague is writing a paper on the
impossibility of observing solar eclipses from Greenwich.
Noting the prosecution of a Swiss landowner who increased the quantity of
milk by adding water, reflects on how easy it has been for some tradesmen to
escape this kind of legal action and urges that 'Now that a Reform Bill is on
the stocks' rogues using false weights and measures and adulterating
commodities should be disenfranchised.
Periodicals, Medical Practitioners, Reading, Parasitology, Amusement,
Gender
Shows an elderly man and his nephew relaxing in a parlour. The older man,
who is reading a newspaper, asks his nephew whether he has read 'that article
in the
LancetLancet
(1823–1900+)
Waterloo
Directory CloseView the register entry >> about
chignons' (a reference to
Eduard von
Lindemann'sLindemann, Eduard von
(fl. 1867)
Lindemann 1867 CloseView the register entry >> evidence of the large numbers of gregarines (parasites)
in this fashion accessory). His nephew, an 'Invalid Captain' from India,
clearly has, because he is appalled by the idea of 'Gwegowines' and thinks it
is now unsafe to attend church in the company of ladies.
Consists of an exchange between two women academics, Professor Podgers and
Dr Harriet Brown, on the question of the representation of women in
ParliamentHouses of Parliament
CloseView the register entry >>.
Shows a young man and woman sitting in a parlour. The man is a wealthy
aristocrat and statesman, while the woman is 'eight-and-twenty, with
£100,000'. Owing to the similarity of their 'political opinions' and the
prospect of mutual financial advantage, the man proposes marriage. Punch
observes: 'judging from the physiognomy of each, we do not think either
will be over-exacting on the score of conjugal tenderness' and, 'speaking
phrenologically', that the man will 'find two heads considerably more than
twice as good as one'.
Notes the remarks of
Anthony A Cooper (7th
Earl of Shaftesbury)Cooper, Anthony Ashley, 7th Earl of Shaftesbury
(formerly styled 'Lord Ashley')
(1801–85)
ODNB CloseView the register entry >> on the 'dangerous practice of releasing
criminal lunatics' and mentions a debate on the question of whether the state
should absorb the debts of railway companies (146).
Compares the ease of 'wife-killing' with the difficulty of 'wife-murder'
resulting from the tendency of juries and judges to exonerate the murderer on
the grounds that it 'Sarved her right'. Considers the possibility of slowly
killing one's wife, a method that severs the 'nuptial tie' without leading to
imprisonment or heavy sentence. Believes this method 'is to administer quiet
cruelty in small doses, and to keep it up, varying the treatment, if you like,
by more energetic exhibitions of fist or stick, starvation or exposure, from
time to time'. Insists that 'Ne quid nimis should be the motto of the
uxoricide as of the physician'.
Begins by explaining that geological studies have prompted him to challenge
'the popular belief' regarding the age of the earth—namely, the claim by
geologists that the planet is much older than five thousand years and that the
human species appeared on the planet long before then. Presents an extract from
a newspaper describing the controversy between
James HallHall, James, Jr
(1811–98)
DSB CloseView the register entry >> and
Edward MaguireMaguire, Edward
(fl. 1867)
PU1/52/15/3 CloseView the register entry >>
over the age of some bones exhumed in New York State: Hall argues that the
bones were from a Mastodon 25,604 years old, whereas Maguire insists that the
bones were from a 'menagerie elephant' that died forty years previously. This
shatters the letter writer's faith in evidence for the 'high antiquity' of the
earth and humans, and he proceeds to note reports of smoking-pipes found among
the remains of 'extinct organisations'. Thinks that the 'Mastodon' bones and
smoking pipes suggest that 'all manner of other pre-historic objects' might be
found which are 'indistinguishable from contemporary' ones, and that ancient
man had possessions more like our own.
Punch, 52 (1867), [149].
Extremes Must Meet; or, A Bit of Practical Science
Shows Professor D—r—i (Benjamin DisraeliDisraeli, Benjamin, 1st Earl of Beaconsfield
(1804–81)
ODNB CloseView the register entry >>) as a natural philosopher
standing in front of a low table on which stands a large Leyden Jar labelled
'Reform'. Behind the professor are other instruments associated with his
electrical interests including an electrostatic generator and some cells. The
professor speaks to two experimental subjects, one of whom holds a wire
connected to the outside of the jar, the other moves his hand towards the knob
connected to the inside of the jar. The experimental subjects are dressed as
representatives of the upper and lower classes and therefore of different
points on view on the question of reform. Nonetheless, the professor urges them
to 'complete the circle, positive and negative must join hands', a satire on
Disraeli's belief that his reform measures depend on collaboration between the
extremists on this question.
Notes that some people have not attended the
Exposition Universelle
(1867), ParisExposition Universelle (1867), Paris CloseView the register entry >>, on the grounds that so much of the space is 'still
left empty' owing to the difficulty that some nations have faced in
transporting their goods. Boasts that 'England on the whole looks very well in
the gasometer [a reference to the shape of the exhibition building]' and that
the
PunchPunch
(1841–1900+)
Waterloo
Directory CloseView the register entry >> trophy is attracting 'a
vast crowd of admirers'. Laments several omissions in the catalogue and lists
some of them. These include 'A specimen of roadway,
macadamMcAdam, John Loudon
(1756–1836)
ODNB CloseView the register entry >>ised upon the English plan of
using costly-carriage wheels in lieu of cheap steam-rollers', and 'Half a dozen
patent sunbeams' extracted from cucumbers.
Begins by emphasising Mr Punch's desire 'to see the best gas supplied at the
least price that can possibly be charged for it' and noting that given that
making 'bottled sunshine is all moonshine', gas is 'the cheapest light'.
Proceeds to describe how this 'necessity of life' has been debated in the
House of
CommonsHouse of Commons
CloseView the register entry >> where the Conservatives have introduced the 'liberal' bill
for reducing the price and regulating the quality of gas. Discusses a report in
The TimesThe Times
(1777–1900+)
Waterloo
Directory CloseView the register entry >> of
the parliamentary discussion which suggests that the new bill would mean
reducing the dividends allowed to gas companies and thus breaching the contract
between
ParliamentHouses of Parliament
CloseView the register entry >> and the gas
companies. Shares The Times's angry view that the bill would mean the
depreciation of investments in the company without compensation, and thus an
'Act of confiscation' by the government.
Shows five commissioners of the
Exposition Universelle
(1867), ParisExposition Universelle (1867), Paris CloseView the register entry >>, sitting around a table. Four of them have fallen
asleep out of boredom with the exhibition catalogue, but the commissioner at
the head of the table continues reading it avidly.
This considers Lydia's 'mimic ear / Cast in caoutchouc so queer', which will
'feel no nipping breezes', and which will mean that she will turn 'A cold deaf
ear' to her lover. This may refer to the female suffragist
Lydia E BeckerBecker, Lydia Ernestine
(1827–90)
ODNB CloseView the register entry >>,
who first came to public prominence in March 1867.
Shows a pool in the
Zoological Society GardensZoological Society of London —Gardens
CloseView the register entry >>.
In the middle of the pool is a wooden platform on which stands a man feeding a
fish to a seal, while around the edge of the pool are railings behind which
crowds peer in at the spectacle. In the top left and right hand corners of the
illustration are other recollections including camel rides and performing
bears.
Discusses an extract from an article in the
British Medical JournalBritish Medical Journal
(1857–1900+)
Waterloo
Directory CloseView the register entry >>
presenting the views of
Peter MillarMillar, Peter
(fl. 1867)
PU1/52/18/7 CloseView the register entry >>, a
'Baillie of Musselburgh', who claimed that the finest toddy was made from the
worst water in the town. Argues that the reason for this is because it 'forms
with whiskey a union of body and spirit' which it then develops as 'animal
matter with spirit' and 'animal spirits'.
Notes several speeches on 'Communication between Railway Passengers and
Guards' and praises
Henry B
SheridanSheridan, Henry Brinsley
(1820–1906)
Stenton and Lees 1978 CloseView the register entry >> for introducing a bill forcing railway companies to 'make
the necessary arrangements', although it notes the government's opposition to
the bill, including
Stephen Cave'sCave, Sir Stephen
(1820–80)
ODNB CloseView the register entry >>
claim that making directors take care of their customers would be a 'personal
insult'. Observes that Mr Punch means to 'insult them [the directors] a little
more'.
Punch, 52 (1867), 195.
The Strike of Army Surgeons. Concession of the Employers
Discusses an extract from a report in the
British Medical JournalBritish Medical Journal
(1857–1900+)
Waterloo
Directory CloseView the register entry >>
announcing that medical officers in the
ArmyArmy
CloseView the register entry >> are to be given higher status and
better pay. Hopes that army surgeons will benefit from these improved
conditions. Argues that, while the British Medical Journal hopes that
the
Army Medical DepartmentArmy Medical Department
CloseView the register entry >>
will soon become popular, 'Mistrust' might postpone that state of affairs
'indefinitely'. Suggests that the moment of popularity could be brought forward
with more convincing promises of higher status and better pay for army medical
officers.
Punch, 52 (1867), 195.
The Botany of the Chignon (Exclusive of the Daucus Cartota)
Begins by describing the physical characteristics of the chignon and then
discusses an advertisement for a work on 'The Chignon Fungus' in
Hardwicke's Science GossipHardwicke's Science Gossip: A Monthly Medium of Interchange and
Gossip for Students and Lovers of Nature
(1865–93)
Science Gossip: An Illustrated Monthly Record of Nature and
Country-Lore
(1893–1900+)
Waterloo
Directory CloseView the register entry >>
(Fox 1867Fox, William
Tilbury 1867. 'The Chignon Fungus', Hardwicke's Science Gossip:
An Illustrated Medium of Interchange and Gossip for Students and Lovers of
Nature, 3, 106–110
CloseView the register entry >>). Noting the scientific
credibility of
Robert
HardwickeHardwicke, Robert
(1822–75)
ODNB CloseView the register entry >>, the publisher of Science Gossip, suggests that the
chignon is like the earth in that it is globular and 'teems with life'. Goes on
to emphasise the 'philosophic foreign naturalist' (Eduard von
LindemannLindemann, Eduard von
(fl. 1867)
Lindemann 1867 CloseView the register entry >>) who has 'discovered' the 'minute organisations' living in
chignon, and
William T Fox'sFox, William Tilbury
(1836–79)
ODNB CloseView the register entry >> discovery of
'vegetable structures'—notably chignon fungus—in this fashion
accessory. Concludes by explaining allusions to these organisms in poetry.
Medical Treatment, Chemistry, Nutrition, Human Development, Animal
Husbandry
Shows a man wearing a night gown and standing before a mirror in his
bedroom. To his horror he discovers that he has sprouted small tusks on his
head. The caption reveals that he has eaten too much of
Justus von
Liebig'sLiebig, Justus von
(1803–73)
DSB CloseView the register entry >> 'Extractum Carnis'.
Parasitology, Amusement, Human Development, Microscopy, Class,
Cultural Geography
Sung to the tune of 'The Ivy Green', this begins by describing the snug and
'dainty' habitation provided by chignons for gregarine parasites, species that
are 'save by a microscope, seen' and which, as the chorus chants, creep 'where
'tis not quite clean'. Goes on to note how such parasites move between
different heads—from the 'skull of a serf' in a 'foul-smelling Russian
back-slum' to the head of an 'English beauty'—and 'tho' lowly his birth',
the parasite gains 'a free entrance [...] To the highest society here' where he
sleeps in the chignon until woken during a dance.
Describes the repugnance of the 'philosopher' to a 'lovely woman' 'enslaved'
in a 'fashionable dress', on realizing that the dress had been made by 'a poor
needlewoman' working in unhealthy conditions. Outlines one way in which these
'sad thoughts' can be dissipated—the 'Bright, clean, airy workrooms' of a
London dressmakers'. Urges husbands to buy dresses for their wives from this
firm unless the 'lady is certain that her own milliner has been equally careful
of the health and comfort of her own workpeople'.
An ironic representation of a 'dissecting room' in which 'Scientific
Celebrities' take the 'Cast of a Whale'. Far from showing a hygienic dissecting
room and orderly scientific practitioners, this illustration shows several
labourers cleaning a stranded whale with brooms and mops.
Punch, 52 (1867), 220.
The Enfranchisement of Persons (A Lecture Delivered at an Institute,
by PROFESSOR BARNOWL)
Opposes the enfranchisement of women by challenging the arguments of
John S MillMill, John Stuart
(1806–73)
DSB CloseView the register entry >> and others
that women have the qualities to make them 'free and independent' voters.
Denies that women are 'endowed with reason' and insists that they are 'actuated
by instinct', blindly driven by fashion, and governed by the heart—'a
muscle of involuntary motion' that 'pulsates under the influence of a part of
the nervous system distinct from that through which other muscles are moved and
controlled'. Argues that since 'cookery is a rational art', women only make
'good executive cooks' while men alone can act as the 'head-cook', and adds
that 'There are female mathematicians—they are very few; but perhaps a
female mathematician is less rare than a female chef'. Continuing the
culinary theme, Barnowl explains to his audience that while a woman may
obediently 'boil a round of beef [...] after the manner prescribed by
LIEBIGLiebig, Justus von
(1803–73)
DSB CloseView the register entry >>', she will not
'apprehend the principle of the process'. Concludes by conceding that there are
undeniably some women 'endowed with reason' but that since 'the rational
faculty [...] remains undeveloped' in women, they are 'unfitted to exercise
political functions'.
Discusses a report of the trial of a tradesman who was charged with 'having
sold to a publican a quantity of treacle or saccharine matter to be used in the
adulteration of beer', and describes some of the dubious substances with which
the tradesman adulterate spirits.
Supports a proposal made in the
Pall Mall
GazettePall Mall Gazette
(1865–1900+)
Waterloo Directory
CloseView the register entry >> to urge people 'plethorised with magazines and
newspapers' to save them for 'our hospitals and workhouses', where they may
'lighten many a heavy hour spent on the sick bed of a hospital' or in prison or
a workhouse. Explains how people could donate parcels of such reading matter
each month, and anticipates the 'treasure' that Punch would be in a
hospital.
Notes that the managers of the
Zoological Society GardensZoological Society of London —Gardens
CloseView the register entry >>
have been accused of cruelty by allowing the python to 'swallow rabbits alive',
and suggests that they might 'feed the reptile in public without offence if
they were to give it a Welsh rabbit'.
Insists that 'There exists no record of any supernatural occurrence which,
having been investigated, was publicly attested by competent observers'.
Discusses an extract from a report in the
TabletTablet
(1840–1900+)
Waterloo
Directory CloseView the register entry >> describing a
recent alleged liquefaction of a sample of the blood of
St
JanuariusJanuarius, Saint (or San Gennaro)
(d. c. 305)
CBD CloseView the register entry >> which was witnessed by 'thousands of the faithful'. Noting
the regularity of this occurrence, suggests two ways to demonstrate that the
phenomenon is miraculous. First, that on the day of the alleged miracle, the
vessel containing the blood should be maintained at 32ºF and that if the
blood still melts while being watched by a 'committee of chemists' it can be
declared a miracle. Second, that if the blood does not melt when heated to
212ºF (the temperature at which water boils) then the miracle is more
likely to have happened. Warns, however, that the latter would need to be
confirmed by showing that the blood (guarded against tampering) could melt 'by
any other means than a heat higher than that of boiling water'.
Military Technology, Religious Authority, Religion
Discusses an article in the
TabletTablet
(1840–1900+)
Waterloo
Directory CloseView the register entry >> describing
how a 'French nobleman' has presented the pontifical government with fifty
thousand Francs for 'breech-loaders'. Noting the 'divers breech-loading
rifles', wonders which variety will be adopted by
Pope Pius IXPius IX, Pope
(1792–1878)
CBD CloseView the register entry >>,
suggesting that he will have 'an arm of infallible precision' rather than an
Enfield 'converted to Popery'.
A reference to the prosecution of the Fenian soldier
Ricard O'Sullivan
BurkeBurke, Ricard O'Sullivan
(1838–1922)
Lynch and O'Donoghue
1999 CloseView the register entry >> who, owing to public pressure, was sent to a penal colony
rather than being hanged. The illustration shows Dr Bull standing outside the
gates of the prison, whilst talking to the allegorical figure of Ireland,
Hibernia. On the left, the prisoner in chains (Burke) stands by a guarded
prison door, awaiting the decision of Dr Bull, who tells Hibernia that he will
not adopt her suggestion of beheading the prisoner but will 'just crop him, and
shave him, and take good care that he does no more mischief'.
On the left, members of the 'Upper Class' are seen standing in a field, with
one of them shooting a pigeon. On the right members of the 'Lower Class' are
seen shooting a gull from a rowing boat at sea. The title of the illustration
questions whether the aristocratic form of hunting is any more legitimate than
that practised by the lower classes.
Hunting, Cruelty, Ornithology, Morality, Class, Government
Similar to
Charles S Keene, 'Sport (?)', Punch, 52 (1867), 238, this begins with an appraisal of
the activities of the
Gun ClubGun Club
CloseView the register entry >>, whose
aristocratic members take pleasure in injuring and crippling pigeons and whose
inhumane activities are defended as a 'purer sport' than other forms of
game-hunting which only 'slaughters for the table'. Proceeds with a defence of
the sport of 'gull-shooting' which involves working-class people massacring
'birds in comfort'. (238) Presents an account of these activities as recited by
a Cockney poacher who takes considerable pleasure in killing so many birds.
Concludes by suggesting that the Gun Club should admit the lower-class people
who practice gull-shooting, and that the statesmen who belong to this club
should also legalise 'cock-fighting and dog-fighting' because 'the lower
orders, as soon as they are represented in
ParliamentHouses of Parliament
CloseView the register entry >>, will put the
higher [classes] on an equality with themselves by constituting pigeon-shooting
unlawful on the score of cruelty' (239).
Begins by suggesting that some lines from
Milton 1667Milton, John
1667. Paradise Lost. A Poem: In Ten Books, London: Peter Parker [and 2
others]
CloseView the register entry >> (describing the
fall of the Devil, the 'architect of Pandemonium', from paradise) or some other
'warning to the same purpose' should be 'planted at convenient intervals around
Victoria ParkVictoria Park, Hackney CloseView the register entry >>'
in order to stop new buildings being erected on it by 'the building and
money-grubbing demon'. Reminds Mr Punch that although the attempt to build a
gasworks on the park was foiled, the demon is trying to perpetuate an
'abomination' in the park as he has done in other green spaces. Laments that a
Londoner will soon have nowhere to go for a 'constitutional walk' by which he
can 'refresh his soul as well as his body' and will only be able to enjoy this
luxury by travelling to it by railway. Agrees that 'it is very sentimental to
care for the preservation of landscapes' but that sentiment can also be applied
to money. Insists that 'immaterial utility' is as valid a notion as 'Material
utility' and wonders what 'Englishmen' will become when they can no longer
enjoy the landscapes that have made their character. Considering the link
between the growing population and encroachment of buildings, relishes the
stationary population in France and advocates emigration as a solution to the
problem. Fears that unless this is done 'posterity will all be turned to apes,
with foreheads villanous low, or else to a sort of human pig, having oblique
eyes like Chinamen', and that 'the day of degeneration' will be witnessed.
Concludes by upholding the need to save the park.
Begins by wondering what 'the
FARADAYSFaraday, Michael
(1791–1867)
DSB CloseView the register entry >> and
BREWSTERSBrewster, Sir David
(1781–1868)
DSB
ODNB CloseView the register entry >>' and Mr Punch will
make of a
Morning
PostMorning Post and Daily Advertising Pamphlet
(1772–1900+)
Waterloo Directory
CloseView the register entry >> report that some of the musical instruments displayed at
the
Exposition Universelle
(1867)Exposition Universelle (1867), Paris CloseView the register entry >> appeared to play by themselves. Anticipates that the
aforementioned scientists would attribute this phenomenon to the 'touch or
breath of some unseen attendant or passer-by', but points out that the author
of the report could find no such person after a diligent search. Suggests that
the music was performed by the 'spirit' of 'some great composer', in contrast
to the 'spirits of minstrels' who perform at the seances of
William H H
DavenportDavenport, William Henry Harrison
(1841–77)
WBI CloseView the register entry >> and
Ira E
DavenportDavenport, Ira Erastus
(1839–1911)
WBI CloseView the register entry >>. Notes that the principal difficulty of the 'spiritual'
theory is the 'absence of any medium' and proceeds to describe the difficulties
currently being faced by the Davenport brothers in Russia.
Shows a farmer boxing a young boy on the ear for beating his 'Goslin's'. The
weeping boy cries 'What furr'd they gors-chicks feyther boite oi then
furr?!'.
Military Technology, Exhibitions, Force, Dynamics, Music, Instruments,
Amusement, Invention
The illustration shows two large guns on miniature steam engines. The guns
possess large barrels from which emerge streams of shot produced by
organ-grinders who are cranking large wheels attached to the gun barrels. The
letter begins by explaining the accompanying illustration, which shows a 'big
gun' that the author has invented and which he wished he had displayed at the
Exposition Universelle
(1867), ParisExposition Universelle (1867), Paris CloseView the register entry >>, 'a temple of peace' but displaying many other
'articles of war'. Explains that his weapon was anticipated by another shown to
Emperor
Napoleon IIINapoleon III, Emperor of France (originally
Louis Napoléon (Charles Louis Napoléon Bonaparte))
(1808–73)
CBD CloseView the register entry >> and that it propels its shots by centrifugal force: by
turning a large crank, he claims he can achieve the same results as 'half-a-ton
of gunpowder', but that owing to its small weight, it will be suitable for
'light artillery'. Boasts that his gun also fires without making any smoke or
much noise. This will afford employment for organ-grinders who could attach a
barrel-organ to his gun and turn it into a gun-barrel-organ, an instrument that
could fire shot and a cacophony of tunes to thwart the enemy.
Government, Politics, Military Technology, Steamships, Commerce,
Vaccination, Medical Treatment, Death, Quackery
Notes a 'thundering debate on the Great Ordnance' in which
Henry J
BaillieBaillie, Henry James
(1804–85)
WBI CloseView the register entry >> announced that the 'ArmstrongArmstrong, Sir William George, Baron
Armstrong of Cragside
(1810–1900)
ODNB CloseView the register entry >> gun was chosen for jobbing
reasons' and was a failure, before denouncing other guns. Punch wonders
'where the truth lies' in this debate. Notes the progress of the 'Compulsory
Vaccination Bill' through 'Committee', and
Robert
Montagu'sMontagu, Lord Robert
(1825–1902)
ODNB CloseView the register entry >> startling claim that the number of deaths from small-pox
has risen from '4,000 to between 6 and 7,000 a year'. Insists that this
justifies Punch's attack on those 'Quacks' who rail against 'the
semi-miraculous preventive'
A serenade sung by a professor to his beloved in a zoological garden. He
notes that while they both have fangs 'named canine', which ally humans 'to the
carnivora', they eat 'all varieties of food' and so both he, his beloved, and
'the piggywiggies' are omnivorous.
Religious Authority, Natural History, Animal Behaviour
Reports on a 'great number of locusts seen about Rome'. Denominated 'L.
clericalis', these are evidently Catholic clergymen, and are described as
having 'long, black, grey, or brown envelopes' and as feeding 'on the fat of
the land'.
Proposes that now the
Zoological Society GardensZoological Society of London —Gardens
CloseView the register entry >>
are open to everybody on Sunday, 'somebody should do something to keep away the
nobodies' and suggests ways of deterring pickpockets and similar unscrupulous
individuals.