Science in the 19th Century Periodical

Punch, Or the London Charivari [1st]

Introductory Essay
Volume 21  (July to December 1851)
Punch,  21 (1851), 3.

Constitutional Zoology

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Anon

Genre:

News-Commentary

Subjects:

Zoological Gardens, Religious Authority


    Considers the arrival of 'An ELEPHANT CALF and its MOTHER' at the Zoological Society Gardens Zoological Society of London —Gardens
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to be more welcome than the coincident arrival of 'HIS EMINENCE CARDINAL WISEMAN Wiseman, Nicholas Patrick Stephen (1802–65) ODNB
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[the Cardinal Archbishop of Westminster] in full costume'.



Punch,  21 (1851), 4.

Homeopathy for the Families

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Anon

Genre:

Essay, Drollery

Subjects:

Homeopathy, Pharmaceuticals


    Reports Mr Punch's response to letters defending homeopathy and notes Punch's wife's conversion to the doctrine of Christian F S Hahnemann Hahnemann, Christian Friedrich Samuel (1755–1843) DSB
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. Argues that the 'infinitessimal doses' of homeopathy are 'the best remedies' for excessive drinking and medicine-taking, but points out that they are only suitable for curing 'infinitessimal diseases'. Ridicules the claim of a correspondent, Judy, that her baby's sickness was cured homeopathically. Refuses to 'investigate a theory which carries apparent absurdity on the face of it', and considers that it rests with the homeopathic practitioners to 'prove their doctrines'.



Punch,  21 (1851), 4–5.

A Journey Round the Globe

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Anon

Genre:

Diary, Drollery

Subjects:

Display, Geology, Physical Geography


    Describes a journey around Wyld's Great Globe Wyld's Great Globe, Leicester Square
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. Claims that James Wyld Wyld, James, the younger (1812–87) ODNB
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has disproved the theories of Louis Agassiz Agassiz, Louis (Jean Louis Rodolphe) (1807–73) DSB
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, Jean B J Fourier Fourier, Jean Baptiste Joseph (1768–1830) DSB
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, and Thomas Burnet Burnet, Thomas (1635–1715) DSB
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regarding the earth's interior, and has shown it to be filled with staircases. Observations include the fact that the earth's crust resemble an overdone 'beefsteak pie' and that the temperature of the globe increases towards the Artic regions (owing to the number of gas lamps). Enjoys the spectacle of having 'All the World [...] before you' and the opportunity of comparing the sizes of the earth's physical features, but is disappointed with the minute size of England. Discusses the colours given to different geographical regions—specifically, 'warm colours to warm climates', 'dead colours to barren districts', and 'neutral colours' to unknown regions.



Punch,  21 (1851), 9.

Total Eclipse of the Industry of All Nations!

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Anon

Genre:

Essay, Drollery

Subjects:

Psychology, Machinery, Materialism, Exhibitions, Electricity, Mesmerism


    Following Alfred Smee's Smee, Alfred (1818–77) ODNB
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claim, published in his Process of Thought Smee, Alfred 1851. The Process of Thought Adapted to Words and Language: Together with a Description of Relational and Differential Mechanics, London: Longman, Brown, Green, and Longmans
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, that 'mechanical contrivances' could be devised to imitate the actions of the mind, anticipates what a future Great Exhibition Great Exhibition of the Works of Industry of All Nations (1851)
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might feature. Discusses the implications of such machines including the idea that the insane will be able to have 'artificial brains' installed in their heads and the construction of 'mechanical SHAKESPEARES and BEETHOVENS—actuated by steam and electricity, instead of genius'. Ridicules the feasibility of producing 'cogitative machines'.



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Punch,  21 (1851), 13.

The Crystal Palace—to the Rescue

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Anon

Genre:

Essay

Subjects:

Exhibitions, Botany, Natural History, Ornithology, Education, Botanical Gardens


    Discusses possibility that the Crystal Palace Crystal Palace
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may be turned into a 'Winter Park under Glass', a 'home to English Flora'. Notes Joseph Paxton's Paxton, Sir Joseph (1803–65) ODNB
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intention to stock the garden with 'animate beauty' in order to familiarise everybody with the 'science of Geology' and 'practical Botany, Ornithology, Geology'. Anticipates a development from John Gould's Gould, John (1804–81) DSB
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stuffed hummingbird display—live hummingbirds in the Great Exhibition Great Exhibition of the Works of Industry of All Nations (1851)
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.



Punch,  21 (1851), 14.

The Grand Hatching Year

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Anon

Genre:

Essay, Drollery

Subjects:

Breeding, Invention, Technology


    Describes some of the 'things that were to have been hatched' in 1851, as if relating a visit to Mr Cantelo's Cantelo, Mr (fl. 1848) PU1/14/1/2
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'Incubator' in Leicester Square. Thinks most of the 'Golden Eggs' that were supposed to have 'brought forth anything' were, like the eggs from Cantelo's machine, 'cracked'.



Punch,  21 (1851), 19.

Mesmerism for the Member for Lincoln

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Anon

Genre:

News-Commentary, Drollery

Subjects:

Mesmerism, Spiritualism, Exhibitions


    Recommends that the statesman Charles L W Sibthorp Sibthorp, Charles de Laet Waldo (1783–1855) ODNB
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be mesmerised so that he can visit the Great Exhibition Great Exhibition of the Works of Industry of All Nations (1851)
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from 'his arm-chair'.



Punch,  21 (1851), 20.

The Chemistry of Slush

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Anon

Genre:

News-Commentary, Drollery

Subjects:

Analytical Chemistry, Sanitation, Public Health, Politics, Government


    Discusses the report by 'Several scientific gentlemen' on the 'great Water Question', an allusion to Graham, Miller, and Hofmann 1851 Graham, Thomas, Miller, William Allen and Hofmann, August Wilhem von 1851. 'Chemical Report on the Supply of Water to the Metropolis', Journal of the Chemical Society, 4, 375–415
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. Notes that the report declares the Thames to be '"the main drain of a large and populous city", full of corruption' and capable of 'self-purification', but that it ignores the 'remarkable allegorical fact that the Thames is exactly parallel to the British Senate'.



Punch,  21 (1851), 21.

A Second Journey Round the World

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Anon

Genre:

Diary, Drollery

Subjects:

Display, Geology, Physical Geography, Astronomy

People mentioned:

Galileo Galilei, Galilei, Galileo (1564–1642) DSB
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Thomas R Malthus Malthus, Thomas Robert (1766–1834) DSB
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    Description of a second visit to Wyld's Great Globe Wyld's Great Globe, Leicester Square
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, with observations of the features of the 'earth' as if it were a real place. These include the fact that the earth does not move, the cessation of daytime on Sunday, the great variation in population on the globe, and the high temperatures of its Arctic regions as a result of the globe being 150 feet closer to the Sun than the Earth.


See also:

Anon, 'A Journey Round the Globe', Punch, 21 (1851), 4–5


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Punch,  21 (1851), 23.

Paxton's Atmospheric Hospital

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Anon

Genre:

News-Commentary

Subjects:

Exhibitions, Hospitals


    Discusses Joseph Paxton's Paxton, Sir Joseph (1803–65) ODNB
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proposal to turn his Crystal Palace Crystal Palace
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into a sanatorium which would provide patients with 'the same atmosphere both in winter and summer', the atmosphere being purified to feed plants which would supply oxygen to the sick.



Punch,  21 (1851), 25.

A Call on Mr Cantelo

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Anon

Genre:

News-Commentary, Drollery

Subjects:

Breeding, Invention, Technology


    Discusses the visit to Mr Cantelo's Cantelo, Mr (fl. 1848) PU1/14/1/2
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'Hydro-Incubator' by members of the 15th Hussars and 16th Lancers who took such interest in the exhibition that they requested eggs produced by the machine to be sent to them.



Punch,  21 (1851), 25.

Chemists and Druggists

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Anon

Genre:

News-Commentary, Drollery

Subjects:

Chemistry, Pharmaceuticals, Scientific Practitioners, Charlatanry, Education, Patronage


    Agrees with Mr Bernal's criticism of the poor scientific education of chemist's assistants, but warns that such practitioners must receive 'better reward' for 'better education'.



Punch,  21 (1851), 26.

An Illustrious Foreigner

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Anon

Genre:

News-Commentary, Drollery

Subjects:

Exhibitions, Zoological Gardens, Animal Behaviour, Animal Development

Institutions mentioned:

Zoological Society Zoological Society of London
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    Describes the imminent arrival at the Great Exhibition Great Exhibition of the Works of Industry of All Nations (1851)
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from Borneo of an 'Uran Utan'. Notes that despite the death of its 'wife', the orang-utan is in 'the best health and spirits' and that 'his forehead has the intellectual development that marks his early years; a development that becomes more purely animal as he grows to the adult'.



Punch,  21 (1851), 30.

Mesmerism at the Custom House

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Punch Punch
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Genre:

Letter, Spoof

Subjects:

Mesmerism, Gender

Publications cited:

Gregory 1851 Gregory, William 1851. Letters to a Candid Enquirer on Animal Magnetism, London: Taylor [and 2 others]
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    Asks William Gregory Gregory, William (1803–58) DSB
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whether Major Buckley, a figure who claimed to have produced 'a degree of clairvoyance' in over 140 people, can 'magnetise the Custom House officials' so they can see inside trunks, especially those owned by ladies.



Punch,  21 (1851), 31.

A Gap in the Great Exhibition!

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Anon

Genre:

Essay, Drollery

Subjects:

Exhibitions, Invention, Technology, Crime, Religion


    Complains that the Great Exhibition Great Exhibition of the Works of Industry of All Nations (1851)
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lacks the appearance of a 'BENEVOLENT MACHINE', a machine for providing 'the vilest, the most atrocious criminal, a passage to the realms of endless bliss'—the next life.



Punch,  21 (1851), 31.

Agriculture and Pharmacy

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Anon

Genre:

Letter, Spoof

Subjects:

Agriculture, Chemistry, Pharmaceuticals, Government, Politics


    Responding to Jacob Bell's Bell, Jacob (1810–59) ODNB
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'Farmacy Bill' (a parliamentary bill for regulating the qualifications and practices of pharmaceutical chemistry), rejects the uses of drugs as a 'remedy for agricultur' and urges Bell to 'mind his own bisnus'.



Punch,  21 (1851), 32.

"Venus's Looking-Glass" in the Winter Garden

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Anon

Genre:

News-Commentary, Drollery

Subjects:

Exhibitions, Hospitals

People mentioned:

Joseph Paxton Paxton, Sir Joseph (1803–65) ODNB
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    Thinks the conversion of the Crystal Palace Crystal Palace
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into a winter garden will greatly benefit outpatients of the Brompton Hospital Brompton Hospital, Frimley
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.



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Punch,  21 (1851), 34.

The Crystal Palace Doomed

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Anon

Genre:

News-Commentary

Subjects:

Exhibitions, Botanical Gardens


    Laments the London alderman Peter Laurie's Laurie, Sir Peter (1778–1861) ODNB
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opposition to the transformation of the Crystal Palace Crystal Palace
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into a winter garden.



Punch,  21 (1851), 34.

The Forthcoming Eclipse

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Anon

Genre:

Essay, Drollery

Subjects:

Astronomy, Human Species, Government, Politics


    Discusses some of the possible 'strange freaks performed [...] by the lower animals' during the imminent eclipse of the sun. These include 'Members of Parliament' who 'will go down to the "House" House of Commons
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wondering how the time has flown so fast'. Adds that the eclipse is a good time for observing sunspots.



Punch,  21 (1851), 35.

The Fire of Genius

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Anon

Genre:

Essay, Drollery

Subjects:

Domestic Economy, Heat, Invention, Technology, Crime


    Speculates on the purposes of the 'Pocket Stove', suggesting, for example, that it is to be kept in the pocket as a deterrent against pickpockets. Warns the inventor that he has picked the wrong time of year to expect the public to 'take up' his invention.



Punch,  21 (1851), 42.

Punch's Bull and Indulgencies

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Punch U Punch
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Dick, Nuncio in Ordinary Office U Dick, Nuncio in Ordinary Office
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Tom, Legate à latere to the Contributors and Artists U Tom, Legate à latere to the Contributors and Artists
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Genre:

Essay, Spoof; Polemic

Subjects:

Education, Religious Authority, Cultural Geography, Superstition, Anti-Scientism


    Upholds the argument that 'there is no greater auxiliary to the inculcation of virtuous precepts, than instruction in the laws that govern the system of nature'. Lamenting the 'Cimmerian darkness' covering 'natural and political science' in Italy, calls for the establishment of a mechanics' institute in Rome. Hopes this move will convert the Italian people to the great ideas of Isaac Newton Newton, Sir Isaac (1642–1727) DSB
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, Jeremy Bentham Bentham, Jeremy (1748–1832) ODNB
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, and Adam Smith Smith, Adam (1723–90) ODNB
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. Decrees that the institute be christened the 'Baconian Mechanics' Institute' and that it be staffed by Englishmen trained at the University of London University of London
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and renowned for expertise in 'physical sciences' and liberalism in political and religious matters. Hopes this will 'dissipate' the 'dark clouds of superstition' that have overshadowed Italy and will result in English control over that country's ideas.



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Punch,  21 (1851), 45.

Campbell's Pleasures of Hope

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Anon

Genre:

Notes, Drollery

Subjects:

Exhibitions, Botanical Gardens, Disease, Public Health

People mentioned:

Peter Laurie Laurie, Sir Peter (1778–1861) ODNB
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    Purporting to be a prose rendition of Thomas Campbell's Campbell, Thomas (1777–1844) ODNB
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poem, The Pleasures of Hope, comically outlines the criticisms made by John Campbell (1st Baron Campbell) concerning the proposal to turn the Crystal Palace Crystal Palace
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into a winter garden. The criticisms include the possibility that it will cause such diseases as 'rheumatisms, coughs and agues' and prove to be a 'huge hot-house of consumption'.



Punch,  21 (1851), 47.

Punch Among the Pens

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Anon

Genre:

Essay, Drollery

Subjects:

Agriculture, Animal Husbandry, Animal Behaviour, Human Species, Physiognomy


    Describes Mr Punch's observations at the Royal Agricultural Society's Royal Agricultural Society of England
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show area in Windsor Home Park Windsor Home Park
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. Claims that the physiognomy of the pigs and bulls resembled that 'characteristic of agricultural gentlemen'. The bulls, for example, showed 'a doggedness of will', while the pigs sense of 'persecution and wrong' was accompanied by 'continual grunting and squeaking in terms of angry complaint'. Adds that the animals, like agricultural workers, were 'groaning and squealing, as if for hunger' while they were 'stuffing themselves'.



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Punch,  21 (1851), 57.

A Regular Stand-Still

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Anon

Genre:

Notes, Drollery

Subjects:

Astronomy, Animal Behaviour, Politics


    Responds to an astronomer's claim that the 1812 solar eclipse brought horses 'to a stand-still' and forced oxen to form a circle. Likens the immobility of 'some political parties' to a 'moral eclipse' and wonders why oxen have not formed a circle to protest against the threatened closure of Smithfield Market Smithfield Market
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.



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Punch,  21 (1851), 66.

Our Own View of the Eclipse

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Anon

Genre:

Essay, Drollery

Subjects:

Astronomy, Observation, Instruments


    Shares the public's disappointment with the solar eclipse. The author explains how he prepared a smoked-glass plate through which to observe the phenomenon but was dismayed to find that the sun did not disappear.



Punch,  21 (1851), 68.

The Eclipse out of England

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Anon

Genre:

Notes, Drollery

Relevant illustrations:

wdct.

Illustrators:

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

Astronomy, Instruments, Observation, Politics


    Presents non-technical accounts of the eclipse as seen from such European cities as Rome and Naples. The report from Paris records that 'The moon—as described by M. Arago Arago, Dominique François Jean (1786–1853) DSB
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appeared like a pitch plaster upon the face of the sun. Certain deputies, however, declared it to be like a monstrous blot of censor's ink'. The illustration shows Mr Punch looking through a telescope while sailing in a wooden tub.



Punch,  21 (1851), 71.

The Winter Gardens in Paris

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Henry Stretcher MD Stretcher, Henry
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Genre:

Notes, Spoof

Subjects:

Hospitals, Exhibitions, Disease, Public Health


    Presents a pessimistic report concerning the Jardin d'Hiver Jardin d'Hiver, Paris
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in Paris, putatively prepared for John Campbell (1st Baron Campbell) Campbell, John, 1st Baron Campbell (1779–1861) ODNB
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by his commissioner 'Henry Stretcher M.D.', in response to Joseph Paxton's Paxton, Sir Joseph (1803–65) ODNB
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proposal to turn the Crystal Palace Crystal Palace
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into a winter garden. The observations underline the claim that the winter garden would foster illness and raise the mortality rate.



Punch,  21 (1851), 74.

The Crystal Festival in Paris

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Anon

Genre:

Essay

Subjects:

Exhibitions, Electricity, Futurism

People mentioned:

Galileo Galilei, Galilei, Galileo (1564–1642) DSB
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William Harvey, Harvey, William (1578–1657) DSB
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Isaac Newton, Newton, Sir Isaac (1642–1727) DSB
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Edward Jenner, Jenner, Edward (1749–1823) DSB
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Charles Wheatstone Wheatstone, Charles (1802–75) DSB
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Punch,  21 (1851), 74.

Railway Dialogues

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Anon

Genre:

Dialogue, Spoof

Subjects:

Exhibitions, Instruments, Invention, Technology


    Two gentlemen on a train returning from the Great Exhibition Great Exhibition of the Works of Industry of All Nations (1851)
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discuss such familiar and less familiar instruments as the 'sphaero-Condenser', 'the Zinickotimodai, for the waistcoat-pocket', and 'the Antephlebotomon for children'.



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Punch,  21 (1851), 79.

Mr John Bull in his Winter Garden

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Anon

Genre:

Illustration, Drollery

Relevant illustrations:

wdct.

Subjects:

Exhibitions, Botanical Gardens

Institutions mentioned:

Crystal Palace Crystal Palace
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Publications cited:

Lindley and Paxton 1851–53 Lindley, John and Paxton, Joseph 1851–53. Paxton's Flower Garden, 3 vols, London: Bradbury & Evans
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Punch,  21 (1851), 81.

The Song of the Pump

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Anon

Genre:

Song, Drollery

Subjects:

Medical Treatment, Disease


    A song allegedly sung at a recent 'Great Teetotal Demonstration', notes the 'delusion [...] That punch cures gout, cholic, and phthistic [...] Or in any way answers as physic!'.



Punch,  21 (1851), 83.

The Green Ones

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Anon

Genre:

Essay, Drollery

Subjects:

Nutrition, Morality


    Criticizes the 'principle' and goals of vegetarians. Drawing parallels between animal and vegetable foods, questions the statesman Joseph Brotherton's Brotherton, Joseph (1783–1857) ODNB
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conviction that vegetables are not harmed in their consumption. Believes the 'philosophy that renounces animal food because of the pain inflicted upon animal sensation' applies to vegetables, and wants vegetarians to prove the 'want of sensation' in vegetables. Hopes to see a day when philosophers 'entirely subsist on air'.



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Punch,  21 (1851), 91.

A Night with Hahnemann at the Freemason's Tavern

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Anti-Humbug Anti-Humbug
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Genre:

Letter, Spoof

Subjects:

Homeopathy, Medical Treatment, Quackery, Health, Heterodoxy

People mentioned:

Christian F S Hahnemann, Hahnemann, Christian Friedrich Samuel (1755–1843) DSB
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James Morison, Morison, James (1770–1840) ODNB
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Thomas Holloway Holloway, Thomas (1800–83) ODNB
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Institutions mentioned:

Consumption Hospital Consumption Hospital
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    Identifying himself as a 'valetudinarian' who has become a homeopath, explains how the 'infinitesimal globules' cured his 'nervous depression', and analyses a report in The Times The Times (1777–1900+) Waterloo Directory
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of a meeting of the Homeopathic Association Homeopathic Association
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. Praises John Kennaway's Kennaway, Sir John, 2nd Baronet (1797–1873) WBI
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'masterpiece of homeopathic reasoning' at the meeting, upholding Kennaway's identification of the need to investigate homeopathy for oneself and his stress on the efficacy of the treatment. Valorises the remarks of Mr Shaen Shaen, Mr (fl. 1851) PU1/21/9/1
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who defended the claim that his recovery to health was due to homeopathy rather than 'change of diet, habits, or other trivial and unimportant circumstances'. Believes 'Homeopathic truth' has been 'laid down' by the Royal College of Physicians Royal College of Physicians
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and was originally established by either Thomas Sydenham Sydenham, Thomas (1624–89) DSB
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and William Harvey Harvey, William (1578–1657) DSB
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. Thinks homeopathy will put an end to 'that overpaid fraternity of impostors, medical practitioners'. Praises John Epps Epps, John (1805–69) ODNB
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for singing 'a poem in honour of Homeopathy'.



Punch,  21 (1851), 91.

Strange Insect in the Crops

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Anon

Genre:

Reportage, Drollery

Subjects:

Agriculture, Entomology, Microscopy, Commerce


    Reports the existence of 'a curious kind of insect' in ripe ears of corn which, according to Mr Punch's examination of the species under a microscope, is distinguished by the white letters '5d'. Explains that the blight at present found among the 'British Farmers' wheat predicts, 'The Best Quartern Loaf, price 5d.'



Punch,  21 (1851), 93–94.

Total Abstinence and Moderation

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Anon

Genre:

Proceedings, Spoof

Subjects:

Medical Practitioners, Quackery, Narcotics


    One participant, Mr Stunner, attacks the medical profession for 'withholding their sanction against total abstinence' owing to their self-interest in 'disease and suffering' and also for employing 'medicated grog' in their practice.



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Punch,  21 (1851), 95.

Jeremiah, You Needn't Blow the Fire

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Anon

Genre:

News-Commentary, Drollery

Subjects:

Domestic Economy, Heat, Invention, Technology


    Discusses the invention of a 'ventilating stove'.



Punch,  21 (1851), 97.

The Winter Garden

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Anon

Genre:

Song, Drollery

Subjects:

Exhibitions, Botanical Gardens


    Describes the narrator's imagined tour, with 'the gallant COLONEL [a reference to Charles L W Sibthorp Sibthorp, Charles de Laet Waldo (1783–1855) ODNB
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]', of winter gardens established in the Crystal Palace Crystal Palace
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. Having formerly opposed the plans for the palace, the colonel now admires the fauna, flora, and fruit of 'foreign climates'.



Punch,  21 (1851), 101.

Punch at the Play

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Anon

Genre:

Diary, Drollery

Subjects:

Zoology, Animal Behaviour, Human Species


    Includes a description of a visit to Drury Lane Theatre Drury Lane Theatre
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during a performance of 'Acknowledged Man-Monkey'. Considers the 'delineations of the monkey tribe' to be 'rather deceptive' and warns the 'student of the habits of monkey life' not to trust the drama 'too implicitly'.



Punch,  21 (1851), 102.

Literary Eclipse

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Anon

Genre:

News-Commentary, Drollery

Subjects:

Astronomy, Periodicals, Electricity, Metallurgy


    Responds to the grossly poetic way in which a 'Sunderland paper' described the recent solar eclipse. Comparing the luminosity of the report to that of the sun, urges readers to peruse the report through 'a piece of smoked glass'. The report includes the remark that the sun '"stood trembling at the gates of the west," electro-plating with burnished gold every hill and tree'.



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Punch,  21 (1851), 105.

From Our London Correspondent

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Anon

Genre:

Essay, Drollery; Polemic

Subjects:

Cultural Geography, Agriculture, Invention, Machinery, Astronomy, Religious Authority, Lecturing, Anti-Scientism


    Laments the fact that the wrongs England has inflicted upon Ireland are 'full and running over'. Points out that not only was the Crystal Palace Crystal Palace
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'raised by Irish skill' but that the exhibition commissioners have awarded a lucrative prize to an Irishman for inventing a steam-powered reaping-machine. Anticipates the consequent exultations of 'Saxon' farmers and the 'well-understood confusion' of the 'armies' of Irish reapers whose livelihoods will be destroyed by the machine. Continues with a description of the 'beautiful scene' of the Roman Catholic lecturer Daniel W Cahill Cahill, Daniel William (1796–1864) ODNB
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, 'as an astronomical lecturer', trying to teach the 'bigoted Saxon' the 'principles of astronomy—as set forth by the College of Rome Gregorian University, Rome
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'.



Punch,  21 (1851), 108.

What an Eye Dear

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Anon

Genre:

News-Commentary, Drollery

Subjects:

Anatomy, Light, Invention, Technology


    Discusses the invention of a 'false moveable eye' that can perform all the operations of a real eye except seeing. Objects to the 'prismatic head of hair' caused by attempts to dye hair and questions how far the 'false' can 'supersede the true' in the case of the human body.



Punch,  21 (1851), 112.

The Episcopus Vastator

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Anon

Genre:

Illustration, Caricature; Address, Spoof

Relevant illustrations:

wdct.

Illustrators:

L, pseud.  [John 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:

Religious Authority, Entomology, Natural History


    Subtitled 'A Lecture addressed to the National Entomological Society', describes the 'Episcopus Vastator', a 'variety of the Moth Tribe' notable 'for the damage it does to the cloth'. The description of the 'voracity' and physical appearance of 'Episcopus', and the illustration, reveal that the insect is a Roman Catholic bishop.



Punch,  21 (1851), 113.

The Iron Duke at the Iron Bridge

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Anon

Genre:

News-Commentary

Subjects:

Engineering, Engineers

People mentioned:

George Stephenson, Stephenson, George (1781–1848) ODNB
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Joseph Paxton Paxton, Sir Joseph (1803–65) ODNB
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    Reports on the visit of Arthur Wellesley (1st Duke of Wellington) Wellesley, Arthur, 1st Duke of Wellington (1769–1852) ODNB
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to Robert Stephenson's Stephenson, Robert (1803–59) ODNB
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'Britannia Bridge'. Believes Wellington was contemplating the replacement of military generals by engineers. Describes a banquet held in Stephenson's honour.



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Punch,  21 (1851), 123.

We all Have our Hobbies

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Anon

Genre:

News-Commentary, Drollery

Subjects:

Engineering


    Reports that the 'philosophical world' has only just woken up to the agitation over the 'Lock question' and that the Philosophical Transactions Philosophical Transactions of the Royal Society (1665–1900+) Waterloo Directory
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will contain an analysis of the 'relative merits of the philosophy of Lock Locke, John (1632–1704) DSB
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and HOBBS Hobbes, Thomas (1588–1679) DSB
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'.



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Punch,  21 (1851), 126.

Agricultural Intelligence

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Bumpkin Bumpkin
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Genre:

Letter, Spoof

Subjects:

Agriculture, Invention, Machinery


    Written from the perspective of a rustic, rejects the 'reapun masheen' forced upon agricultural workers by the 'Mericans' and threatens to beat the machine 'any day, wi a hook'.



Punch,  21 (1851), 134.

Something to Take a Sight At

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Anon

Genre:

News-Commentary, Drollery

Subjects:

Medical Practitioners, Commerce


    Discusses an advertisement from a surgeon seeking an assistant who wishes to 'see practice' without a salary. Unless the applicant can manage to live without an income, the author points out that 'the mere fact of "seeing practice"' will 'amount to a very visionary sort of benefit'.



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Punch,  21 (1851), 137.

Palmer's Legs

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Anon

Genre:

News-Commentary, Drollery

Subjects:

Invention, Anatomy


    Announces the invention of an artificial leg by an American named Mr Palmer Palmer, Mr (fl. 1851) PU1/21/14/1
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, and discusses its implications, including the fact that injured seamen will now be 'refitted and sent back to active duty', and the possibility of having taller footmen and better ballet dancers.



Punch,  21 (1851), 137.

The Dignity of Military Surgery

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Anon

Genre:

Essay

Subjects:

Medical Practitioners, Medical Treatment, Quackery

Institutions mentioned:

Army


    Fiercely attacks medical practitioners as 'vile and infamous wretches' who 'get a disgraceful living by administering to the hard exigencies' of the sick with the 'resources of a paltry science' or a 'low mechanical art'. Condemns the easy studies and avaricious existence enjoyed by medical practitioners, and praises the Army Commander-in-Chief's Office (Horse Guards) Army—Commander-in-Chief's Office (Horse Guards)
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for branding deserting army medical officers with the letter 'D'.



Punch,  21 (1851), 143.

A Pretty Kettle of Tea!

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Wm Cobbett Cobbett, William
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Genre:

Letter, Spoof

Subjects:

Nutrition, Adulteration, Domestic Economy, Gender, Reading

Institutions mentioned:

Lancet—Analytical Sanitary Commission Lancet—Analytical Sanitary Commission
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    Stresses 'how much badness the body and soul destroying tea-trash contains' and, urging women to read the Lancet Lancet (1823–1900+) Waterloo Directory
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instead of 'foolish novels and unmeaning poetry', describes the 'nasty and pernicious' substances with which various types of tea are adulterated.



Punch,  21 (1851), 144.

Punch's Anniversaries—No. 6 The First Balloon Ascent in England, September 15, 1784

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Anon

Genre:

Illustration, Drollery

Relevant illustrations:

wdct.

Illustrators:

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

Aeronautics, Invention, Technology, Amusement


    Subtitled 'Vincent Lunardi Lunardi, Vincenzo (1759–1806) ODNB
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Throwing Out a Little Ballast', depicts two aeronauts rising from a crowd of people in a balloon. One aeronaut is throwing some foul-looking fluid out of the basket to lighten the balloon.



Punch,  21 (1851), 144.

The Hippopotamus, the Elephant, and the Uran Utan

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Anon

Genre:

News-Commentary, Drollery

Subjects:

Zoological Gardens, Display, Animal Behaviour


    Reports on the resolution of the 'little jealous differences' between the hippopotamus, the infant elephant, and the orang-utan of the Zoological Society Gardens Zoological Society of London —Gardens
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.



Punch,  21 (1851), 144.

A Serious Difference of the Doctors

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Anon

Genre:

News-Commentary, Drollery

Subjects:

Pharmaceuticals, Medical Treatment, Cultural Geography, Narcotics


    Discusses the London Pharmacopoeia Nevins, John Birkbeck 1851. A Translation of the New London Pharmacopoeia: Including the New Dublin and Edinburgh Pharmacopoeia with a Full Account of the Chemical and Medicinal Properties of their Contents; Forming a Complete Materia Medica, London: Longman, Brown, Green, and Longmans
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and stresses the existence of considerable differences between the same 'medicine' as prescribed in London, Edinburgh, and Dublin. Noting the potentially fatal nature of these medicines, concludes that 'what is one man's physic, may be another man's poison'.



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Punch,  21 (1851), 148.

A Bolus for Bad Judges

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Anon

Genre:

News-Commentary, Drollery

Subjects:

Medical Practitioners, Societies, Medical Treatment, Psychology, Gender


    Discusses the Royal College of Physicians' Royal College of Physicians
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proposal to establish a 'Chair of Psychological Therapeutics, or Medicine as applied to moral and intellectual diseases', a move prompted by the need to evaluate compensation for broken-hearted or bereaved women. Relishes the prospect of a remedy for curing the 'ailments of the inner senses' and notes that a College of Physicians professor has already discovered medicines for lawyers whose 'fallacies have become chronic'. Believes the materia medica may be enriched by 'psychological physic'.



Punch,  21 (1851), 148.

"There's Poison in the (Tea) Cup!"– Hamlet's Mother

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Anon

Genre:

Essay, Drollery

Subjects:

Nutrition, Adulteration, Commerce


    Describing the adulteration of tea, castigates grocers as 'THE POISONERS OF THE NINETEENTH CENTURY' and urges that 'The Act for Prevention of the Sale of Poisons' be applied to these tradesmen.



Punch,  21 (1851), 153.

No More Low Spirits

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J Briefless Briefless, J
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Mr Dunup Dunup, Mr
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Genre:

Essay, Drollery / Letter, Spoof

Subjects:

Electricity, Medical Treatment, Psychology, Mental Illness


    Introduces a 'Hydro-Electric Chain', a machine that claims to raise the spirits, dissipate depression and neutralise feelings of nervousness. Supplies testimonials from J Briefless and Mr Dunup supporting the efficacy of the machine.



Punch,  21 (1851), 153.

Song for Harvest-Home

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Anon

Genre:

Song, Drollery

Subjects:

Agriculture, Machinery, Steam-power, Animal Husbandry, Progress


    Subtitled 'Adapted to the Improved System of Agriculture', reflects on the fact that his master employs only 'two men and a boy; / The rest is Machines [...] and the chief of his servants is osses and steam'. Anticipates that 'gentlefolks' dining at the 'fat cattle show' will now drink to 'the Machine'.



Punch,  21 (1851), 155.

Ballooning at Home and Abroad

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Anon

Genre:

Essay, Drollery

Subjects:

Aeronautics, Technology, Display, Cultural Geography

People mentioned:

Mme Poitevin Poitevin, Mme. (fl. 1850) http://www.balloonlife.com/publications/balloon_life/9512/history.htm
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    Responding to news of another balloon bursting, notes that the balloon has long been regarded as a 'perfectly useless invention'. Compares English balloon displays to the more dramatic French variety, where the aeronauts have no 'scruples about risking their necks' and where the objects raised by balloon include an 'eight-oar boat' and a 'four-roomed house, with its furniture and occupants'.



Punch,  21 (1851), 156.

Odds Fish

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Anon

Genre:

News-Commentary, Drollery

Subjects:

Telegraph, Zoology, Animal Behaviour


    Points out that fish would probably not injure the submarine telegraph because they would regard it as another fish—an electric eel.



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Punch,  21 (1851), 160.

The Marvels of Medicine

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Anon

Genre:

News-Commentary, Drollery

Subjects:

Quackery, Medical Treatment, Mental Illness, Commerce


    Discusses a report of a man who was cured of his mental illness with 'quack medicines'. Observes that 'we should expect none but madmen could have been attracted by the puffing advertisements' of quack medicine vendors, and that such a person would come to his senses after entering a course of quack medicine.



Punch,  21 (1851), 164.

The Sub-Marine Telegraph

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Anon

Genre:

Essay, Drollery

Subjects:

Telegraphy, Accidents, Internationalism


    Expresses disappointment at news that the attempt to connect London and Paris by a 'sub-marine telegraph' collapsed owing to the shortness of the cable.



Punch,  21 (1851), 164.

New Manual for Military Surgeons.—Review

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Anon

Genre:

Review, Spoof

Subjects:

Medical Practitioners, Medical Treatment, Education

Institutions mentioned:

Army


    A spoof review of 'Punch's Outlines of Military Surgery', a work notable for its discussion of branding those who disgrace 'an honourable profession', and of 'corporal and capital punishment'. Adds that army surgeons should learn clinical medicine in the 'school of [the hangman] JACK KETCH Ketch, John ('Jack') (d. 1686) ODNB
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', and that they have now been 'allotted' a 'D' tattoo.



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Punch,  21 (1851), 169.

Sudden Indisposition of the French Telegraph

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Anon

Genre:

Essay, Drollery

Subjects:

Telegraphy, Accidents, Politics, Cultural Geography, Medical Practitioners


    Describes how a long spell of fog caused a 'sudden paralysis' of the arms of the French telegraph midway through the transmission of political intelligence. Speculates on what King Louis-Phillipe Louis-Phillipe, King of the French (1773–1850) CBD
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of France will do once conventional telegraphy is replaced by its electric counterpart, removing the excuse that it is the fog that keeps 'France in a perpetual fog'. Suggests that Louis-Phillipe will blame such events as geese snapping the telegraph wires. Calls for French physicians to observe the French telegraph.



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Punch,  21 (1851), 177.

'Accidentally Speaking'

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Anon

Genre:

News-Commentary

Subjects:

Railways, Accidents


    Observes that railway accidents 'have become so numerous' that public interest would only be excited if a week were to pass without an accident happening.



Punch,  21 (1851), 184.

What is the Water-Bailiff

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Anon

Genre:

Poetry, Drollery

Subjects:

Monstrosities, Zoology, Government


    Asks Richard Owen Owen, Richard (1804–92) DSB
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to identify the 'the Creature with a sturgeon / That was sent before the QUEEN Victoria, Queen of the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Ireland, and Empress of India (1819–1901) ODNB
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'. Remainder of the poem poses several questions regarding the possible characteristics of the 'Water-Bailiff'.



Punch,  21 (1851), 184–85.

Prudence and Mesmerism at Hungerford Hall

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The Sceptical Gentleman Sceptical Gentleman, The
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Genre:

Letter, Spoof; Polemic

Subjects:

Animal Magnetism, Mesmerism


    Describes his visit to an 'exhibition of animal magnetism' at the Hungerford Hall Hungerford Hall
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in London. Reports that Auguste Lassaigne Lassaigne, Auguste (1819–1885) WBICOPAC
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sent Prudence Bernard Bernard, Prudence (fl. 1851) Lassaigne 1851
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to sleep and 'caused her to do things that make her appear extremely wide awake'. These 'things' include moving a magnet 'without touching it', a feat that the author ascribed to either a 'magnetic influence' or by 'communicating vibration through the floor'. Adds that the stage managers tried unsuccessfully to show him that it was the former. In a description of a 'thought-reading' display, records how Lassaigne made Prudence Bernard believe she was walking over flowers. The author records how he established that 'grasping the hand of the somnambulist', an apparently important condition of the display, had no effect on the somnambulist. He is confident that 'Collusion or trick seemed impossible' but denies that he should believe in a miracle because he 'cannot imagine how it is done'. (184) Concludes by criticising mesmerists for not allowing analysis of their 'extraordinary phenomena' and compares them to 'friars and quacks'.



Punch,  21 (1851), 185.

The Law of Domestic Storms

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Anon

Genre:

Essay, Drollery

Relevant illustrations:

wdct.

Subjects:

Meteorology, Gender, Observation, Domestic Economy


    Following the scientific study of 'storms in general', proposes investigating 'the theory and causes of domestic storms', with a thinly-veiled comparison of wives to storms. The author reports having kept a log of the behaviour of 'her condition' under various weather conditions and makes several observations including the prevalence of storms 'about Christmas time', the protection from the storm offered by 'a bank', and the fact that storms sometimes begin 'with trifling airs, but these often increase suddenly to a squall of the most alarming character'. Likening husbands to mariners and wives to wayward sea-vessels, suggests methods for dealing with 'domestic storms' including 'taking [a vessel] out of her stays' and 'cutting her rigging'. The illustration shows a woman's head in a storm cloud and a man being blown away by the wind emerging from her mouth.



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Punch,  21 (1851), 196.

A Chemical Preventive Force Wanted

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Anon

Genre:

News-Commentary, Drollery

Subjects:

Adulteration, Nutrition, Public Health, Analytical Chemistry

Institutions mentioned:

Lancet—Analytical Sanitary Commission Lancet—Analytical Sanitary Commission
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Publications cited:

Liverpool Journal Liverpool Journal (1830–84) Waterloo Directory
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    Reports that the Lancet's Lancet (1823–1900+) Waterloo Directory
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exposure of the 'horrid adulterations of tea' has prompted a decline in tea-drinking and the 'totality of teetotalism'. Wishes the government could have provided against' this 'state of things' and argues that adulteration could be checked by hiring 'a Chemical Officer, to be employed [by custom houses] as a Preventive against that sort of smuggling by which our foods and medicines are poisoned and polluted'.



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Punch,  21 (1851), 207.

Punch's Sanitary Commission

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Anon

Genre:

News-Commentary, Drollery

Subjects:

Sanitation, Public Health, Reading, Periodicals


    Demands that the 'thinking, the reading public, be protected as well as the eating one' from adulterated products, and following the Lancet's Lancet (1823–1900+) Waterloo Directory
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Analytical Sanitary Commission Lancet—Analytical Sanitary Commission
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, reports Punch's 'scientific analysis' of adulterated literature. 'The Common Penny Titillator', for example, was found to contain 'much lead' and 'granules of old jokes, in a state of decomposition'.



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Punch,  21 (1851), 211.

Kossuth and the Doctors

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Anon

Genre:

News-Commentary, Drollery

Subjects:

Medical Practitioners, Medical Treatment


    Reports that the physician James Clark Clark, Sir James (1788–1870) ODNB
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has offered his services to the exiled Hungarian national hero, Lajos Kossuth Kossuth, Lajos (1802–94) CBD
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.



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Punch,  21 (1851), 222.

The Wonders of Hungerford Hall

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The Sceptical Gentleman Sceptical Gentleman, The
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Genre:

Essay, Rejoinder

Subjects:

Mesmerism, Animal Magnetism, Experiment, Homeopathy, Quackery, Phrenology, Spiritualism, Telegraphy, Belief


    Responds to a reply to his communication on mesmerism at the Hungerford Hall Hungerford Hall
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(see The Sceptical Gentleman, 'Prudence and Mesmerism at Hungerford Hall', Punch, 21 (1851), 184–85). Defends his approach to mesmerism by pointing out that the 'marvellousness of [mesmerists'] assertions induces close scrutiny of their facts' and implies that mesmerists, owing to their 'Intolerance of scepticism, in matters of science', are guilty of the 'imposture of enthusiasm'. Insists that he is not denying the possibility of phenomena produced between Prudence Bernard Bernard, Prudence (fl. 1851) Lassaigne 1851
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and Auguste Laissaigne Lassaigne, Auguste (1819–1885) WBICOPAC
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, only that it is 'not proven'. Argues for a series of experiments by candid persons on the effect of the will on Prudence Bernard's ability to behave as if she were really walking on a bed of serpents. Denies the existence of corroborative evidence for her supposed thought-reading powers and urges that such evidence can only be produced in the Royal Institution Royal Institution of Great Britain
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. Adds that Michael Faraday Faraday, Michael (1791–1867) DSB
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should be asked to verify her apparent power to 'attract the magnet', and insists that the action of the electric telegraph, unlike 'Mesmeric miracles', can be verified 'at any time for the sum of one shilling, with no extra change of scepticism'.



Punch,  21 (1851), 222.

Sonnet on the Submarine Telegraph

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Anon

Genre:

Poetry

Subjects:

Telegraphy, Technology


    Reflects on the completion of a submarine telegraph between England and France. Notes the speed with which messages will be sent between these nations and asks, 'What great marvel could a wizard boast? / No worse explosion, no more fearful shock'. Expects the rapid transmission of news through the telegraph will cause 'fish that flock / Around it' to 'gape with all their jaws'.



Punch,  21 (1851), 223.

The Last Irish Grievance

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[William M Thackeray] Thackeray, William Makepeace (1811–63) ODNB
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Spielmann, Marion Harry Alexander 1899. The Hitherto Unidentified Contributions of W. M. Thackeray to "Punch": With a Complete and Authoritative Bibliography from 1843 to 1848, London: Harper & Brothers
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Genre:

Reportage, Spoof; Poetry, Drollery

Subjects:

Religious Authority, Education, Anti-Scientism


    Introduces a poem by 'MOLLOY MOLONY', who is indignant at the appointment of 'a Scotch Professor [the philosopher James McCosh McCosh, James (1811–94) ODNB
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] to one of HER MAJESTY'S Victoria, Queen of the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Ireland, and Empress of India (1819–1901) ODNB
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Godless Colleges [the nondemoninational Queen's College, Belfast Queens' College, Belfast
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]'. Threatens to 'stamp under feet the base book of [Saxon] science', and hopes to study science at a college built by Nicholas P S Wiseman Wiseman, Nicholas Patrick Stephen (1802–65) ODNB
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, John Machale Machale, John (1791–1881) ODNB
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('Chume'), and Paul Cullen Cullen, Paul (1803–78) ODNB
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—namely the planned Catholic University of Ireland Catholic University of Ireland, Dublin
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.



Punch,  21 (1851), 228.

Electrical Clocks

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Anon

Genre:

Essay

Subjects:

Time, Instruments, Technology, Electricity, Government


    Discusses the possibility of using electricity to control clocks 'on every floor, in every man's house'. Suggests establishing a central electrical clock in the Horse Guards Army—Commander-in-Chief's Office (Horse Guards)
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which would 'regulate all the Electrical Clocks in the Metropolis', and believes that this system would make for 'greater degree of regularity [...] in our daily engagements', including 'getting up of a morning' and railway travel.



Punch,  21 (1851), 229.

The Law of Domestic Storms

View full article text

Anon

Genre:

Essay, Drollery

Subjects:

Meteorology, Gender, Domestic Economy, Electricity


    Continues observations on domestic storms begun in Anon, 'The Law of Domestic Storms', Punch, 21 (1851), 185. These include the claim that 'Domestic Storms, like other storms [...] come round at regular intervals' and increase with the trade winds, an observation supported by an account of a shipmate losing all control of 'Eliza'. Compares the showers of fish accompanying violent sea storms to the shower of crockery accompanying domestic storms, and explains that 'sparks' are the cause of these storms. Considers the best remedy to be 'a good conductor' or 'meeting the sparks with an opposing battery'.



Punch,  21 (1851), 229.

Medicine for the Million

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Anon

Genre:

Essay

Subjects:

Quackery, Pharmaceuticals, Medical Treatment, Statistics, Narcotics


    Notes the changing fashions in quackery including those for pills and lozenges. Discusses and repudiates the mania for sarsaparilla, a drink that is 'said to "destroy every kind of humour"'. Asks the editor of Notes and Queries Notes and Queries (1849–1900+) Waterloo Directory
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why 'anybody dies at all' given the large consumption of supposedly life-saving medicine. Criticises the statistics used by quacks to puff their medicines.



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Punch,  21 (1851), 231.

Time's Out of Mind

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Anon

Genre:

News-Commentary

Subjects:

Telegraphy, Time


    Claims that the submarine telegraph will stop people being 'tied to time' and that it has taken over from mail as the route for 'all the important French news'. Thinks that the consequences of the rapidity of news transmission via the electric telegraph will be 'watches and clocks' becoming 'obsolete', time being 'set at nought', and the possibility of being 'knocked into next week'.



Punch,  21 (1851), 235.

The New Siamese Twins

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Anon

Genre:

Illustration, Drollery

Relevant illustrations:

wdct.

Subjects:

Telegraphy


    Representation of the Dover-Calais submarine telegraph of 1851. Shows John Bull standing on the cliffs of Dover wrapped in an 'electric wire' which extends across the Channel to a French policeman on the distant shores of Calais.



Punch,  21 (1851), 239.

The Counsel's Tear

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Anon

Genre:

Poetry, Drollery

Subjects:

Chemistry, Crystallography


    Claims that 'If FARADAY's Faraday, Michael (1791–1867) DSB
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or LIEBIG's Liebig, Justus von (1803–73) DSB
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art / Could crystallise this legal treasure' then 'Long might a pleader, near his heart, / The jewel wear with chuckling pleasure'.



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Punch,  21 (1851), 247.

Literary Intelligence

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Anon

Genre:

Reportage, Spoof

Subjects:

Mesmerism, Animal Magnetism, Periodicals


    Claims to be using a clairvoyant whose 'prophetic revelations' will 'startle the literary world'. Boasts that the clairvoyant's 'Mesmeric Telescope' enables him to see through such objects as the 'walls of Grubb Street' and the thoughts of journalists.



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Punch,  21 (1851), 251.

Effect of the Submarine Telegraph

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Anon

Genre:

News-Commentary, Drolley; Illustration, Drollery

Relevant illustrations:

wdct.

Illustrators:

Mc C, pseud.  [William McConnell] McConnell, William (1831–67) ODNB
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Spielmann, Marion Harry Alexander 1895. The History of "Punch", London: Cassell
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Subjects:

Telegraphy, Crime, Progress


    Discusses a letter complaining that the submarine telegraph will give some people 'unpleasant facilities' for 'interfering with other people'. Points out that the telegraph can help catch criminals and debtors and asks whether 'the progress of science shall be stopped'. The illustration shows two gentleman responding to the news of a siege in Paris which had reached them, via the telegraph, only twenty-five minutes after the event occurred.



Punch,  21 (1851), 252.

The Boa and the Blanket. An Apologue of the Zoological Gardens

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Anon

Genre:

Poetry, Drollery; Illustration

Relevant illustrations:

wdct. [5]

Illustrators:

Mc C, pseud.  [William McConnell] McConnell, William (1831–67) ODNB
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Spielmann, Marion Harry Alexander 1895. The History of "Punch", London: Cassell
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Subjects:

Zoological Gardens, Animal Behaviour

People mentioned:

Isaac Newton Newton, Sir Isaac (1642–1727) DSB
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    Describes a visit to the Zoological Society Gardens Zoological Society of London —Gardens
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and offers observations on the behaviour of the boa constrictor and other animals. The illustrations depict the visit to the gardens.



Punch,  21 (1851), 257.

"Who is Le Newton?"

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Anon

Genre:

News-Commentary

Subjects:

Scientific Practitioners, Heroism


    Criticizes the decision of the French to name a 'steam-sloop' after Isaac Newton Newton, Sir Isaac (1642–1727) DSB
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.



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Punch,  21 (1851), 261.

The Clock Epidemic at St. Pancras

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Anon

Genre:

News-Commentary, Drollery

Subjects:

Time, Instruments, Disease, Electricity


    Describes the spread of the 'chronic' London clock disease to the St Pancras clock. Suggests that, 'as the electric clock had something to do with lightning', the clock 'may be literally thunder-struck'.



Punch,  21 (1851), 264.

Sketch of the Patent Street-Sweeping Machines Lately Introduced at Paris

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Anon

Genre:

Illustration, Drollery

Relevant illustrations:

wdct.

Illustrators:

A, pseud.  [A]
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Subjects:

Military Technology, Invention


    Shows two cannons.



Punch,  21 (1851), 267.

The Convent Bells of Clapham; or, Soltau v. De Held

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Anon

Genre:

Poetry, Drollery

Subjects:

Mathematics, Instruments, Technology, Medical Treatment

People mentioned:

Charles Babbage Babbage, Charles (1792–1871) DSB
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Punch,  21 (1851), 268.

Punch's Museum of Extinct Races

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Anon

Genre:

Essay, Drollery; Illustration, Drollery

Relevant illustrations:

wdct.

Illustrators:

Mc C, pseud.  [William McConnell] McConnell, William (1831–67) ODNB
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Spielmann, Marion Harry Alexander 1895. The History of "Punch", London: Cassell
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Subjects:

Museums, Menageries, Race


    Responding to news that George Catlin Catlin, George (fl. 1841–48) WBI
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is proposing to 'collect a Museum, consisting of all the individuals of all the tribes that are now passing away', suggests forming collection of the 'numerous races' that are 'on the eve of becoming extinct among our own countrymen'. Describes four of these races: the 'Protectionist', the 'Stage Coachman', the 'Watchman', and the 'Irish Repealer'. Illustrations depicts Mr Punch and John Bull visiting the menagerie displaying these races.



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Punch,  21 (1851), 274.

The Light of all Nations

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Anon

Genre:

Editorial, Drollery

Subjects:

Astronomy, Cultural Geography, Analogy


    Makes favourable and unfavourable comparisons between France and a celestial body.



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