Science in the 19th Century Periodical

Punch, Or the London Charivari [1st]

Introductory Essay
Volume 45  (July to December 1863)
Punch,  45 (1863), [v]–[vii].

Introduction

Anon

Genre:

Notes

Subjects:

Railways, Engineering


    Summarises an article on the new railway bridge over Ludgate Hill (see Anon, 'Last Few Days of St Paul's', Punch, 45 (1863), 62).



Punch,  45 (1863), 1–2.

Punch's Essence of Parliament

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Anon

Genre:

Regular Feature, Proceedings, Drollery

Subjects:

Engineering, Sanitation, Government


    Reports discussion of the proposed embankment to the south side of the Thames, and the debate on the poor ventilation of places of work, prompted by the death of a woman who worked in an overcrowded dressmaker's sweat-shop. Notes Edwin Lankester's Lankester, Edwin (1814–74) ODNB
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inspection of the premises. (2)



Punch,  45 (1863), 2.

Too Frightful to Contemplate!

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Anon

Genre:

News-Commentary, Drollery

Subjects:

Microscopy, Light, Instruments, Exhibitions

People mentioned:

Francis Fowke Fowke, Francis (1823–65) ODNB
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    Discusses news of the invention of a microscope that magnifies '56,000,000 times', noting the distress caused by looking at the building of the International Exhibition International Exhibition (1862), London
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at this magnification.



Punch,  45 (1863), 3.

The Speke-and-Grant Night

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Anon

Genre:

Reportage, Drollery

Relevant illustrations:

wdct. [2]

Subjects:

Exploration, Physical Geography, Societies, Heroism, Discovery


    The initial letter forms part of an illustration showing Mr Punch represented as he 'intended to appear, enlightening the scientific world', in a lecture to the Royal Geographical Society Royal Geographical Society
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in honour of John H Speke Speke, John Hanning (1827–64) ODNB
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and James A Grant Grant, James Augustus (1827–92) ODNB
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. Noting the society's reception of Speke and Grant, 'the heroes of the Nile', the author describes Mr Punch's struggles to enter the society's rooms. Having obtained entrance, Mr Punch loudly praises the explorers and Roderick I Murchison Murchison, Sir Roderick Impey, 1st Baronet (1792–1871) DSBODNB
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, but his outbursts provoke scorn from illustrious members. Mr Punch meets Speke, who tells him that he is 'far from delighted at being lionised in this fashion', but that the thought of seeing Mr Punch afterwards will keep him 'up to the mark'. The final illustration shows Mr Punch peering into a window, 'Endeavouring to Discover the Sources of the Geographical Society'.



Punch,  45 (1863), 4.

Managerial Motto (For the Ghost Houses)

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Anon

Genre:

Notes, Drollery

Subjects:

Light, Amusement, Technology, Supernaturalism


    'He who PEPPERS Pepper, John Henry (1821–1900) ODNB
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most highly is certain to please'.



Punch,  45 (1863), 8.

Shadows of the Week

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Anon

Genre:

Regular Feature, Reportage, Spoof

Subjects:

Geology, Societies, Mathematics, Universities

People mentioned:

William Whewell Whewell, William (1794–1866) DSB
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Institutions mentioned:

Trinity College, Cambridge Trinity College, Cambridge
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Punch,  45 (1863), 8.

'Ifs' and 'Ands'

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Anon

Genre:

Poetry, Drollery

Subjects:

Exhibitions, Commerce

Institutions mentioned:

International Exhibition International Exhibition (1862), London
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Punch,  45 (1863), 9.

Omitted Presentations

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Anon

Genre:

Introduction, Drollery; Reportage, Spoof

Subjects:

Vaccination, Botany, Societies

Institutions mentioned:

Royal Botanic Society Royal Botanic Society of London
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Punch,  45 (1863), 10.

University Intelligence

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Anon

Genre:

News-Commentary, Drollery

Subjects:

Mathematics, Universities

Institutions mentioned:

University of Cambridge University of Cambridge
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Punch,  45 (1863), 11–12.

Punch's Essence of Parliament

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Anon

Genre:

Regular Feature, Proceedings, Drollery

Subjects:

Education, Mathematics, Metrology, Nationalism, Exhibitions, Government


    Reports on the House of Commons House of Commons
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debate on a bill to introduce new arithmetical tables in schools, to which Punch adds that 'if the Boys of England have true British pluck they will demand to be taught the metrical system, and will meantime refuse to learn the ridiculous old one'. Later notes the debate on the buildings of the International Exhibition International Exhibition (1862), London
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. (12)



Punch,  45 (1863), 12.

To the Grumbling Boy, Beke

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Punch Punch
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Genre:

Letter, Spoof

Subjects:

Exploration, Physical Geography, Discovery, Periodicals


    Describes the attempt by 'three intelligent little boys' called Talk, Give, and Magistrate, to find the 'Source of the Great River Punch'.



Punch,  45 (1863), 12.

Who Discovered the Source of the Nile?

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Anon

Genre:

Poetry, Drollery

Subjects:

Physical Geography, Discovery, Controversy


    Responding to Charles T Beke's Beke, Charles Tilstone (1800–74) ODNB
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answer to the question posed in the title, Punch insists that since '"Guess" is a worse dog than "Seek"' and Beke only 'marked in some map / What SPEKE Speke, John Hanning (1827–64) ODNB
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went to', then he 'musn't cheek GRANT Grant, James Augustus (1827–92) ODNB
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and SPEKE'.



Punch,  45 (1863), 13.

A Cool Draught of Burton

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Anon

Genre:

Notes, Drollery

Subjects:

Anthropology, Language

Publications cited:

Burton 1863 Burton, Richard 1863. 'A Day Amongst the Fans', Anthropological Review, 1, 43–54
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Punch,  45 (1863), 14.

Question?

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Anon

Genre:

News-Commentary, Drollery

Subjects:

Astrology, Crime, Charlatanry

People mentioned:

Richard J Morrison, Morrison, Richard James ('Zadkiel') (1795–1874) ODNB
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Edward Belcher Belcher, Sir Edward (1799–1877) ODNB
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Punch,  45 (1863), 17.

Parisian Theatricals

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Anon

Genre:

Introduction, Drollery; Drama, Drollery

Subjects:

Amusement, Light, Invention, Supernaturalism

People mentioned:

Henry Dircks, Dircks, Henry (1806–73) ODNB
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John H Pepper Pepper, John Henry (1821–1900) ODNB
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Punch,  45 (1863), 17.

Sauce from the Gander

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Anon

Genre:

Notes, Drollery

Subjects:

Physical Geography, Discovery, Language


Punch,  45 (1863), 20.

Zadkiel's Spiritual Vision

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Anon

Genre:

News-Commentary, Drollery

Subjects:

Astrology, Crime, Imposture, Prognostication, Supernaturalism


    Notes that the jury at the trial of Richard J Morrison Morrison, Richard James ('Zadkiel') (1795–1874) ODNB
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and Edward Belcher Belcher, Sir Edward (1799–1877) ODNB
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decided that it is libellous to call Morrison ('Zadkiel') an impostor. Scorns Morrison's claim to have seen spirits in a crystal ball.



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Punch,  45 (1863), 22–23.

Punch's Essence of Parliament

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Anon

Genre:

Regular Feature, Proceedings, Drollery

Relevant illustrations:

wdct.

Subjects:

Railways, Engineering, Architecture, Exhibitions, Government, Patronage, Zoological Gardens, Ornithology, Cruelty, Crime, Providence, Environmentalism, Agriculture


    Noting the prevalence of engineering work being undertaken for the London, Dover, and Chatham Railway London, Chatham, and Dover Railway Company
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, laments the fact that the railway will block the view of St Paul's Cathedral St Paul's Cathedral
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and ironically suggests that 'in these days' such ancient buildings should not stand in the way of railway projects. Later reports on Acton S Ayrton's Ayrton, Acton Smee (1816–86) ODNB
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'profane proposition to put an end to the Commissioners of the 1851 Exhibition Royal Commission for the Exhibition of 1851
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'. Goes on to note Ayrton's attack on the International Exhibition International Exhibition (1862), London
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and its commissioners. Notes the position taken by Henry J Temple (3rd Viscount Palmerston) Temple, Henry John, 3rd Viscount Palmerston (1784–1865) ODNB
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on the exhibition and on fortifications. Later notices the House of Commons House of Commons
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debate on Henry Paull's Paull, Henry (b. 1822) WBI
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bill to prevent the murder of 'small birds'. Punch wholeheartedly supports the bill, believing that 'Nothing but the law, and a good kick' can persuade the bird killers 'that Providence did not send birds to do no good'. (22) The illustration (23) shows a disgruntled farmer standing in a field infested by giant insects. The caption reveals that this is the 'Splendid crop after a course of poisoned wheat'.



Punch,  45 (1863), 23.

First Metric Lesson

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Schoolmaster Punch Schoolmaster Punch
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Genre:

Poetry, Drollery

Subjects:

Measurement, Metrology, Mathematics, Education


    Describes Mr Punch's attempts to teach the 'little British Blockhead' how to count and weigh by 'the Metric Weights and Measures', and urges him that he will soon appreciate 'what toil it saves' and consider 'its foes [...] fools or knaves'. Proceeds to define the metre ('Tis ten millionth of the distance / From th' Equator to the Pole'), upholds the ease of multiplication and division using the metric system, and then explains and gives an example of the use of Greek prefixes used in metric measures. Further ridicules opponents of the system and concludes by insisting that 'we'll have the Metric system' and that opponents to it 'Shall be trampled down by Punch'.



Punch,  45 (1863), 24, 27.

Stay-at-Home Travellers; Or, Where Are We To Go To?

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Anon

Genre:

Poetry, Drollery

Subjects:

Exploration

People mentioned:

John H Speke, Speke, John Hanning (1827–64) ODNB
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James A Grant Grant, James Augustus (1827–92) ODNB
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Punch,  45 (1863), 29.

A Savage Reproof

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Ojawaway Ojawaway
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Genre:

Letter, Spoof

Subjects:

Cruelty, Industry, Manufactures, Gender, Disease, Pollution


    Addressed to the president of the Royal Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals
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, the spoof letter-writer Ojawaway identifies himself as 'the Soft-Buffalo, Chief of the North American Association for preventing the Massacre of Milliners' and opens by lamenting the number of 'youthful Milliners' amongst Britons. Acknowledges the way in which Britain rightly reproached his ancestors for 'barbarities in war', but now asks the president, 'Benefactor of Badgers', to 'ameliorate' Britain's harmful 'court millinery' just as he ameliorated our brutal 'military code'. Explains the formation of a 'mission of young Indians' to travel to Belgravia and slay the 'false Ogre of Economy' that leads to 'sedentary damsels' being killed by 'carbonic gas'. Discusses, however, the possibility that his missionaries will 'themselves be led into fatal dalliance' with these women, and urges the president to ensure that the missionaries do not end up marrying them.



Punch,  45 (1863), 30.

Canine

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Anon

Genre:

Notes, Drollery

Subjects:

Natural History, Taxonomy


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Punch,  45 (1863), 33.

Questions on Bird-Murder (Nursery Rhymes for Farmers)

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Anon

Genre:

Song, Drollery

Subjects:

Cruelty, Ornithology, Agriculture, Crime, Politics, Government


    This parodies the nursery rhyme 'Who killed Cock Robin?' to represent the recent political debate on a bill to prevent the killing of small birds. The song contains the remarks of several yokels, all of whom confess to killing a particular small bird and explain their brutal acts. The last verse reflects Punch's cyncism about legislation to protect small birds: 'Who'll go on killing the Small Birds? / Says the Farmer, He-hee! / You wun't convince we; / We'll goo un killun the Small Birds'.



Punch,  45 (1863), 34.

Badly Hit During the Recent Encounter with the Guards

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

Illustration, Drollery

Relevant illustrations:

wdct.

Illustrators:

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

Medical Treatment, Mental Illness, Disease, Gender


    Shows a doctor, a disgruntled-looking young woman (dressed for a ball and staring at a bouquet), and her mother, arrayed around a table. Having heard the mother explain that her daughter had persisted in keeping silent and staring at her bouquet, the doctor advises that 'We must first get the ball out of her head, and then perhaps the nervous system may right itself!'.



Punch,  45 (1863), 34.

Crack Goes the Rifle

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Anon

Genre:

Song, Drollery

Subjects:

Military Technology


    Sung to the tune of 'Pop Goes the Weasel', the song describes the practice of rifle-shooting, with Enfield and Whitworth Whitworth, Sir Joseph, 1st Baronet (1803–87) ODNB
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guns, 'Up and down to Wimbledon / In and out at Putney'.



Punch,  45 (1863), 34.

A True Ghost Story

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Anon

Genre:

News-Commentary, Drollery

Subjects:

Spiritualism, Supernaturalism


Punch,  45 (1863), [35].

Humble Pie at the Foreign Office

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

Illustration, Caricature

Relevant illustrations:

wdct.

Illustrators:

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

Politics, Government, Medical Treatment, Medical Practitioners


    Shows John Russell (1st Earl Russell) Russell, Lord John, 1st Earl Russell (1792–1878) ODNB
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as a little boy eating pie at a dinner table. Around him stand King Leopold I Leopold I, King of Belgium (1790–1865) CBD
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of Belgium and Britannia, who tells Russell that the 'Brazil-Nuts' have disagreed with him and that 'Doctor Belgium says you did wrong, and that a little humble pie will do you good'. This refers to Russell's involvement in a dispute between the British and Brazilian governments over the arrest of some British officers in Rio de Janerio, a dispute resolved in favour of the Brazilians by Leopold.



Punch,  45 (1863), 37.

Shadows of the Week

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Anon

Genre:

Regular Feature, Reportage, Spoof

Subjects:

Societies, Education, Gender, Hospitals


    Announces a 'Ladies' Conversazione at Chat-Moss', which will 'provide a really scientific and philosophical entertainment, which shall not degenerate into a mere Chit-Chat Moss', and the establishment in 'Whim-bledon' of a 'New Hospital for people troubled with Queer Fancies'.



Punch,  45 (1863), 38.

Metrical System

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Anon

Genre:

Essay, Drollery

Subjects:

Measurement, Metrology, Commerce


    Playing on the poetic and metrological connotations of 'metre', the author argues that 'the increasing taste for poetry' will 'attain its legitimate development in the universal adoption of a Metrical System of Coinage'. Supposes that the Poet Laureate may be appointed 'Deputy Assistant Chancellor of the Exchequer', but is being 'consulted as to the New Metrical Terms in all Commercial Dealings' and preparing the public for this change by composing lines of poetry to be used in commercial transactions. These include the shopkeeper's line, 'Sir are you willing / To pay a shilling', or the consumer's retort 'That would rob / Me of a Bob'.



Punch,  45 (1863), 39.

The Wonders of the Sea-Shore

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Anon

Genre:

Notes, Drollery

Subjects:

Physical Geography, Discovery, Comparative Philology, Zoological Gardens


    The seaside thoughts of '"GLAUCUS" who is staying at a quiet watering-place, five miles from anywhere, and three from a Railway Station'. These idle ruminations include whether 'there ever was such as creature as a mermaid', 'what SPEKE Speke, John Hanning (1827–64) ODNB
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and GRANT Grant, James Augustus (1827–92) ODNB
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had for dinner to-day', and 'if the Zoological Gardens Zoological Society of London —Gardens
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are open at sunrise'.



Punch,  45 (1863), 39.

Jokes for 'Laughing Jackasses'

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Anon

Genre:

Introduction, Drollery; Proceedings, Drollery

Subjects:

Scientific Practitioners, Mental Illness, Government


    Noting the jokes made by members of Parliament Houses of Parliament
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during discussion of Michael T Bass's Bass, Michael Thomas (1799–1884) ODNB
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motion for the suppression of street musicians. One claim that raised a laugh was Bass's report of the amount of time ('one fourth') that Charles Babbage Babbage, Charles (1792–1871) DSB
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had lost owing to interruptions by street bands.



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Punch,  45 (1863), 41.

Punch's Essence of Parliament

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Anon

Genre:

Regular Feature, Proceedings, Drollery

Subjects:

Railways, Government


    Notes the decision by Parliament Houses of Parliament
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to allow the Great Eastern Railway Company Great Eastern Railway Company
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'to have steamboats in connection with its lines' and, playing on the notorious sluggishness of steamboats, notes that its 'naval correspondent' informs Punch that the names of the new vessels will include 'Dawdle' and 'Laggard'.



Punch,  45 (1863), 42.

Thoughtful Editing

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Anon

Genre:

News-Commentary, Drollery

Subjects:

Periodicals, Glaciology, Religious Authority, Spiritualism

Publications cited:

Hopkins 1863, Hopkins, William 1863. 'Glacial Theories', Quarterly Review, 114, 76–125
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Robertson 1863, Robertson, James Craigie 1863. 'Rome as it is', Quarterly Review, 114, 250–273
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Mansel 1863 Mansel, Henry Longueville 1863. 'Modern Spiritualism', Quarterly Review, 114, 179–210
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    Thinks the articles in the latest issue of the Quarterly Review Quarterly Review (1809–1900+) Waterloo Directory
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appear to be 'arranged with reference to the [hot] season. The prominent articles are, the Glacial Theory, the Church of Rome, and Spiritualism. Come, Ice, Wafer, and Liqueur are not bad hints in this weather'.



Punch,  45 (1863), 49.

Shadows of the Week

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Anon

Genre:

Regular Feature, Reportage, Spoof

Subjects:

Physical Geography, Meteorology, Aeronautics, Language

People mentioned:

James Glaisher Glaisher, James (1809–1903) DSB
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Institutions mentioned:

Royal Geographical Society Royal Geographical Society
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Punch,  45 (1863), 50.

[Cut Off His Animal Aliment]

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F B Barnard, Frederick (1846–96) ODNB
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Spielmann, Marion Harry Alexander 1895. The History of "Punch", London: Cassell
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Genre:

Illustration, Drollery

Relevant illustrations:

wdct.

Illustrators:

E J Ellis, Edwin John (fl. 1870) WBI
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Spielmann, Marion Harry Alexander 1895. The History of "Punch", London: Cassell
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Subjects:

Medical Practitioners, Medical Treatment, Human Development


    Shows an elderly doctor standing in front of a small boy and his mother. The doctor informs the mother that 'we must cut off his animal aliment', which prompts the boy to wonder whether it will hurt.



Punch,  45 (1863), 51.

Live and Let Die

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Anon

Genre:

News-Commentary, Drollery

Subjects:

Medical Practitioners, Death, Commerce


    Discusses an alarming Lancet Lancet (1823–1900+) Waterloo Directory
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report describing how some doctors enjoy commissions from undertakers 'for recommending the latter to the notice of afflicted survivors'. Points out that since the commission is more than a doctor's bill, then a doctor is more likely to 'make an Undertaker necessary'. Expresses hostility to undertakers, and recommends that readers should follow its lead and seek a cheap funeral.



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Punch,  45 (1863), 54.

Notes Taken at the Worcester Meeting of the Royal Agricultural Society Royal Agricultural Society of England
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Anon

Genre:

Introduction, Drollery; Instructions, Spoof

Subjects:

Agriculture, Animal Husbandry, Exhibitions, Measurement, Amateurism


    Presents 'hints' to 'non-farming readers' for judging the quality of animals on display at agricultural meetings and cattle shows. The hints parody the vague and coarse methods by which farmers assess an animal's weight, coat, and other characteristics.



Punch,  45 (1863), 55.

The Fata Morgana

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Anon

Genre:

News-Commentary, Drollery

Subjects:

Education, Reading, Amusement


    Praises Augustus De Morgan De Morgan, Augustus (1806–71) DSB
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for advising his boys at University College, London University College London
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, not to spend their holidays reading books but to 'be a great deal in the open air'.



Punch,  45 (1863), 55.

Not Right to A T

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Anon

Genre:

Reportage, Spoof

Subjects:

Zoological Gardens, Religion


    Reports on the appearance of some 'strange' visitors to the Zoological Society Gardens Zoological Society of London —Gardens
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who dress in dark and 'sad' colours. Implies that these are followers of Charles H Spurgeon Spurgeon, Charles Haddon (1834–92) ODNB
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who have read a report in the Walworth Chronicle Walworth Chronicle (cited 1863) PU1/45/6/3
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suggesting that the preacher is to be seen daily swimming in the pond. Explains that the word 'Sturgeon' has been mis-spelt in the report as 'Spurgeon'.



Punch,  45 (1863), 56.

[Photography in Hyde Park]

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

Illustration, Drollery

Relevant illustrations:

wdct.

Illustrators:

J L 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:

Photography, Amusement


    Shows one of the keepers at Hyde Park having his photograph taken, while several small children watch.



Punch,  45 (1863), 59.

The Companies in Their Cups

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Anon

Genre:

Poetry, Drollery

Subjects:

Industry, Commerce, Railways, Light, Instruments

People mentioned:

John Dollond Dollond, John (1706–61) DSB
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Punch,  45 (1863), 60–61.

Punch's Essence of Parliament

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Anon

Genre:

Regular Feature, Proceedings, Drollery

Subjects:

Metrology, Measurement, Education, Government


Punch,  45 (1863), 61.

Horticultural

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Anon

Genre:

Notes, Drollery

Subjects:

Horticulture, Language


Punch,  45 (1863), 62.

Last Few Days of St Paul's

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Anon

Genre:

Illustration, Drollery; Essay

Relevant illustrations:

wdct.

Subjects:

Railways, Engineering, Aesthetics, Architecture, Progress, Environmentalism


    The illustration shows a view along Ludgate Hill, but with the traditional view of St Paul's Cathedral St Paul's Cathedral
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now obscured by an ugly railway bridge built between buildings on both sides of the street. The text urges people to take their last glimpse of Christopher Wren's Wren, Sir Christopher (1632–1723) DSB
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'remarkable edifice' which 'will become invisible, owing to the great improvements which the march of intellect and the progress of commerce' have forced upon London.



Punch,  45 (1863), 62.

Shadows of the Week

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Anon

Genre:

Regular Feature, Reportage, Drollery

Subjects:

Physical Geography, Mapping, Railways, Publishing, Technology


    Notes the view of the Royal Geographical Society Royal Geographical Society
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that the location of the equator was chosen because of the need to 'draw the line somewhere'. Also discusses the installation of communication bells in railway carriages, and the production of 'wishy-washy' works from 'the Great Hydraulic Press Great Hydraulic Press, steam-roller
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'.



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Punch,  45 (1863), 65.

How, When, and Where? or, The Modern Tourist's Guide to the Continent  [1/21]Anon, 'How, When, and Where? Or, the Modern Guide to the Continent', Punch, 45 (1863), 142–43
Anon, 'How, When, and Where? or, The Modern Tourist's Guide to the Continent', Punch, 45 (1863), 152–53
Anon, 'How, When, and Where? or, The Modern Tourist's Guide to the Continent', Punch, 45 (1863), 162
Anon, 'How, When, and Where? or, The Modern Tourist's Guide to the Continent', Punch, 45 (1863), 172
Anon, 'How, When, and Where? or, The Modern Tourist's Guide to the Continent', Punch, 45 (1863), 202
Anon, 'How, When, and Where? or, The Modern Tourist's Guide to the Continent', Punch, 45 (1863), 212–13
Anon, 'How, When, and Where? or, The Modern Tourist's Guide to the Continent', Punch, 45 (1863), 227
Anon, 'How, When, and Where? or, The Modern Tourist's Guide to the Continent', Punch, 45 (1863), 252

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Anon

Genre:

Serial, Essay, Drollery

Subjects:

Travel, Railways, Supernaturalism, Technology, Light, Exhibitions, Meteorology, Aeronautics


    Provides advice to tourists about suitable clothes, railway habits, and conversation. Its 'Scheme for a Railway Conversation with an entire stranger' suggests that the tourist boast about and attempt to imitate (for the benefit of his unworldly stranger) his somewhat unlikely experiences on the underground railway. He should also discuss Henry Dircks Dircks, Henry (1806–73) ODNB
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and John H Pepper's Pepper, John Henry (1821–1900) ODNB
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'Ghost' (which he attempts to show 'the way it's done') and his ascent in James Glaisher Glaisher, James (1809–1903) DSB
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and Henry T Coxwell's Coxwell, Henry (Tracey) (1819–1900) ODNB
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balloon.



Punch,  45 (1863), 67.

More Men of Business

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Lionel Rattlecash Rattlecash, Lionel
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Genre:

Letter, Spoof

Subjects:

Railways, Commerce


Punch,  45 (1863), 71.

Splitting 'Airs

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Archimedes Screwster Screwster, Archimedes
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Genre:

Letter, Spoof

Subjects:

Mathematics, Music, Pollution, Race


    Introducing himself as 'by profession, a Mathematician', whose studies are being 'pursued [...] by Bands of Inharmonious Blackguards', the writer of the letter parodies Charles Babbage's Babbage, Charles (1792–1871) DSB
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notorious attacks on street musicians. He complains about his daughter's habit of practising refined music and complains that his preparation of 'a work on the Differential Calculus' has been thwarted by singing 'Niggers' and bagpipe-playing highlanders.



Punch,  45 (1863), 72.

Shadows of the Week

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Anon

Genre:

Regular Feature, Reportage, Spoof

Subjects:

Physical Geography, Discovery


    Reports that the explorer Nathan Davis Davis, Nathan (1812–82) ODNB
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has not only discovered the source of the Nile but that John H Speke Speke, John Hanning (1827–64) ODNB
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and James A Grant Grant, James Augustus (1827–92) ODNB
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have discovered this before him.



Punch,  45 (1863), 74.

Statues at Large Called In

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Anon

Genre:

Proceedings, Spoof

Subjects:

Magic, Crime, Spiritualism, Class


    Describes a meeting of English monarchs convened to review some of the statutes passed under their reigns. King James I James I, King of England and Scotland (formerly King James VI of Scotland) (1566–1625) ODNB
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claims that he cannot find fault with any of his acts and remarks that 'In our time [...] witchcraft had a pungent odour' but 'has now an aromatic scent, and is gratefully inhaled by persons moving in select circles. Mediums used to cast their spells over the cream of the dairy, now mirabile dictu, they confine their charms to the cream of society'.



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Punch,  45 (1863), 81.

Crinoline for Gentlemen

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Anon

Genre:

Letter, Spoof

Subjects:

Invention, Meteorology, Gender


    Following a miserable experience getting wet in a rain shower, the writer proposes the invention of 'Waterproof Crinoline for gentlemen, which, when expanded, shall answer all the purposes of an umbrella'.



Punch,  45 (1863), 81.

Hawbuck on the Harvest

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Anon

Genre:

Poetry, Drollery

Subjects:

Agriculture, Disease


Punch,  45 (1863), 83.

Faust, A Comic Song

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Anon

Genre:

Song, Drollery

Subjects:

Education, Magic, Alchemy, Medical Treatment


    Following the interpretation of the Faust legend recently presented to London audiences in Charles F Gounod's Gounod, Charles François (1818–93) CBD
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opera Faust, the legend is here presented in the somewhat crude style of a music hall song. Describes Faust's reputation as 'a scollard and a sage', his 'workin' at' 'Agrippa's Agrippa von Nettesheim, Heinrich Cornelius (1486–1535) DSB
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works', and his exchanging 'His precious soul' with the Devil 'for a dose of physic'.



Punch,  45 (1863), 83.

Delusive Meteors

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Anon

Genre:

News-Commentary, Drollery

Subjects:

Meteorology, Light, Error, Amusement


    Responding to a letter in The Times The Times (1777–1900+) Waterloo Directory
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reporting the observation of a bright meteor, warns of the possible confusion between meteors and fireworks set off by 'school-boys'. Looks forward to the end of the school holidays 'in the interests of Science'.



Punch,  45 (1863), 83.

To Let

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Anon

Genre:

News-Commentary, Drollery

Subjects:

Medical Treatment

Publications cited:

Lancet Lancet (1823–1900+) Waterloo Directory
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Punch,  45 (1863), 84.

Ornithological

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Anon

Genre:

News-Commentary, Drollery

Subjects:

Animal Behaviour, Animal Development, Education


    Describes the case of a 'Celebrated Bird-tamer' who had trained his canary to perform such services as cleaning his master's boots and providing meals.



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Punch,  45 (1863), 85.

Friendly Conundrum

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Anon

Genre:

Notes, Drollery

Subjects:

Steamships, Internationalism, Language


Punch,  45 (1863), 85.

Titbits for Travellers

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Anon

Genre:

News-Commentary, Drollery

Subjects:

Nutrition, Societies, Geology, Entomology, Physical Geography, Travel

People mentioned:

Roderick I Murchison Murchison, Sir Roderick Impey, 1st Baronet (1792–1871) DSBODNB
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    Discusses some of the strange food eaten at a late banquet of the Acclimatisation Society Acclimatisation Society, New South Wales
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, and suggests that other societies might follow their 'laudable example of dining annually on dishes which but few people have heard of, and nobody quite likes'. Suggests that the Geological Society Geological Society of London
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could 'give an earth feat', while the 'Entomologists Entomological Society of London
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might have a feed of insects', and the Royal Geographical Society Royal Geographical Society
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might invite its 'various travellers' to sample and discuss the 'strange dishes' in the 'strange countries' that they have visited.



Punch,  45 (1863), 86.

Shadows of the Week

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Anon

Genre:

Regular Feature, Reportage, Spoof

Relevant illustrations:

wdct.

Subjects:

Astronomy, Observation, Discovery, Physical Geography, Invention


    The initial letter of the first word of the article forms part of an illustration showing a bearded character sitting by a telescope from which hangs a lantern. He points towards the sky where a luminous 'W' appears. The text reports that the 'Astronomer in Richmond Park' has discovered a star, although not a new one; this may be a reference to Balfour Stewart Stewart, Balfour (1828–1887) DSB
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, who was superintendent of the Royal Observatory, Kew Royal Observatory, Kew
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. The article also reports on the protest of the 'North and South Poles' against their 'oppressed brethren' (in Poland), and that the sundial was invented 'by a gentleman of that name'.



Punch,  45 (1863), 86.

Police and Banditti

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Johnson, Jun. U Johnson, Jun.
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Genre:

Introduction, Drollery; Letter, Spoof

Subjects:

Music, Mathematics, Scientific Practitioners


    Introduces a letter from Johnson, Jun., who complains about the noises made by a police brass band, and who reveals that his father (clearly modelled on Charles Babbage Babbage, Charles (1792–1871) DSB
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) is 'writing a book about Astronomy, I think, and Mathematics' and is driven wild by the policemen practising. Punch suggests this is why the police' obstinately refuse to suppress street-noises'.



Punch,  45 (1863), 91.

'Cave Canem'

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Anon

Genre:

Essay, Drollery

Subjects:

Animal Behaviour, Education, Domestic Economy


    Discusses the 'petty social' 'nuisance' of 'the Man of Many Dogs', drawing attention to the different dispositions and characteristics of such dogs as 'an enormous Blood Hound', 'the medium-sized black shaggy dog of uncertain breed and dangerous eye', and a 'King Charles', and describing the odd behaviour of their owners.



Punch,  45 (1863), 92.

A Sad Blow for the Spirit-Rappers

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Anon

Genre:

News-Commentary, Drollery

Subjects:

Spiritualism, Religious Authority, Superstition, Faith, Charlatanry


    Discusses a recent attack on Daniel D Home Home, Daniel Dunglas (1833–86) ODNB
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in the Quarterly Review Quarterly Review (1809–1900+) Waterloo Directory
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(Mansel 1863 Mansel, Henry Longueville 1863. 'Modern Spiritualism', Quarterly Review, 114, 179–210
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), drawing attention to the claims that Home converted to several religious faiths and may convert Pope Pius IX Pius IX, Pope (1792–1878) CBD
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to 'a belief in rapping'. Relishes the prospect that Home's conversion to Roman Catholicism will destroy his spiritualistic powers, but warns that the Catholic Church, with 'its own superstitions to support', will probably not support the rival 'superstition' of spiritualism, not least because 'The gullibility of man [...] may be exhausted'. Declares its greater respect for 'the Papal faith' than 'the humbug of the Spirit-rappers', and expects Home to confess to all of his 'artful dodges'.



Punch,  45 (1863), 92.

Bogie and the Bottle

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Anon

Genre:

News-Commentary, Drollery

Subjects:

Supernaturalism

Publications cited:

Athenaeum Athenaeum (1828–1900+) Waterloo Directory
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Punch,  45 (1863), 92.

Prevention of Railway Accidents

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Anon

Genre:

News-Commentary, Drollery

Subjects:

Railways, Accidents, Statistics


    Reflects on the slight drop in the number of people killed or injured in railway accidents between 1861 and 1862. Pointing out the increased number of railway lines laid during this period, considers the statistics to be 'an encouragement' to keep on 'giving heavy damages' to victims of railway accidents.



Punch,  45 (1863), 93.

Medical

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Anon

Genre:

Reportage, Spoof

Subjects:

Geology, Vulcanology, Vaccination


Punch,  45 (1863), 94.

A Gorilla at Ramsgate

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Anon

Genre:

News-Commentary, Drollery

Subjects:

Animal Development, Zoology, Animal Behaviour


    Discusses news of an assault in Ramsgate on the wife of Paul B Du Chaillu Du Chaillu, Paul Belloni (1831–1903) CBD
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. Believes that Du Chaillu will 'laugh' to see that local magistrates have 'fined' rather than 'flogged' 'the brutal gorilla' who attacked his wife, but suggests that the creature should be sent to Richard Owen Owen, Richard (1804–92) DSB
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'for safety's sake'.



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Punch,  45 (1863), 95.

Miss Nightshade on the Philosophy of the Unutterable

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Anon

Genre:

Essay, Drollery

Subjects:

Medical Practitioners, Medical Treatment, Gender, Spiritualism, Observation, Charlatanry

People mentioned:

William Howitt Howitt, William (1792–1879) ODNB
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    This is written from the perspective of a nurse of limited literary ability, who introduces herself as 'a Nuss (privit not ospitl)'. She declares nursing to be the 'most onerable' 'Ov hall purfeshuns', although she considers that she has more 'oposishun too Kontend against' than does the Prime Minister Henry J Temple (3rd Viscount Palmerston) Temple, Henry John, 3rd Viscount Palmerston (1784–1865) ODNB
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. She proceeds to describe her attitude towards spiritualism, refusing to 'giv Kredens too hall the gost stories i eer', but admitting a belief in 'sperets Ginerally'. She supports her belief by highly dubious testimony, including her claim that 'many things [...] disappear most hunaccountably', that on one occasion she had 'been Takin sum port whine Negress' and 'Felt the ole room go round and round jest has it hapt to do wen There's a mediem in itt', and that on another occasion when her nurse friend Mrs Gingham allegedly awoke to find on her knee 'a kap belongin to her granmamar wot had bun Ded nerr upon aleven Yeers'. Concludes by wondering why 'sperets' should prefer to play accordions rather than fiddles.



Punch,  45 (1863), 98.

Advice to an Author

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Anon

Genre:

Announcement, Drollery

Subjects:

Medical Practitioners, Medical Treatment

Publications cited:

Anon 1863 Anon. 1863. Who to Consult?; or, A Book Of Reference for Invalids, in Disordered Health, Difficult Cases, or Longstanding Disease. Including a Simple Nosological Arrangement of the Medical and Surgical Forms of Disease, LondoMatthen: [n.pub.]
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Punch,  45 (1863), 102–03.

Uncertainty of Foreign Intelligence

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True Briton True Briton
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Genre:

Letter, Spoof

Subjects:

Belief, Reasoning, Vulcanology, Meteorology, Nationalism, Cultural Geography, Superstition


    Opens by informing Mr Punch of the virtues of dismissing 'anything whatever that is extraordinary', arguing that the large number of occasions on which 'you are right' will 'gain [you] the credit for good sense', while a mistake will be put down to mere 'error on the side of judgment'. Insists that, since earthquakes do not occur in England, they do not occur elsewhere either; thus, he denies the plausibility of Mount Vesuvius and of reports of 'tremendous hail-storms and thunder-storms' in foreign countries. Ridicules as a 'fudge' a report in the Courier du Bas Rhin Courier du Bas Rhin (1781–1801) BUCOP
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describing a shower of enormous hailstones, and considers 'all foreigners' to be 'natives' who are 'eaten up with credulity and abandoned to delusion', which can 'infect even British travellers'. Denies the actual magnitude of the American Civil War and the Polish insurrection, and concludes with another reflection on the untrustworthiness of 'Foreigners'.



Punch,  45 (1863), 104.

Hydrostatics

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Anon

Genre:

Instructions, Spoof

Subjects:

Pneumatics, Mechanics


^^ Back to the top of this issue

Punch,  45 (1863), 107.

Anglo-Saxon Wine

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Anon

Genre:

News-Commentary, Drollery

Subjects:

Analytical Chemistry, Narcotics, Adulteration


    Discusses a report in the Cincinnati Scientific Artizan Cincinnati Scientific Artizan (cited 1863) PU1/45/11/1
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of Hiram Cox's Cox, Hiram C (1840–1900) WBI
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analysis of 'various samples of liquors on sale at a store in Cincinnati', which reveals that some were 'pure, and some vile and pernicious imitations' while 'the wines had not one drop of the juice of the grape'. Wonders whether Cox's analysis of British liquors would reveal their freedom from adulteration and that port wine may only resemble 'real port' by virtue of its colour and toxic effects.



Punch,  45 (1863), 108, 111.

Farmer Punch's Harvest Home

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Anon

Genre:

Drama, Drollery

Subjects:

Agriculture, Disease


    Set in 'Punch's Model Farm' somewhere in the South of England, this drama describes how Mr Punch and fellow farmers celebrated 'a fine harvest'. One farmer remarks that 'There wunt be no famine 'cept the cotton famine up in the North. And that dwoan't titch we', but Mr Punch insists that 'it ought to touch us. With such a harvest as we've got, my buck, we must n't have any starving weavers'. This is a reference to the 'Cotton Famine' of Lancashire, in which weavers' livelihoods were severely threatened by the blockade of cotton exports by the Confederate states.



Punch,  45 (1863), 111.

Shadows of the Week

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Anon

Genre:

Regular Feature, Reportage, Spoof

Relevant illustrations:

wdct.

Illustrators:

[Trident], pseud.  [Henry R Howard] Howard, Henry R (fl. 1853) Spielmann 1895
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Spielmann, Marion Harry Alexander 1895. The History of "Punch", London: Cassell
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Subjects:

Physical Geography, Discovery

People mentioned:

John H Speke, Speke, John Hanning (1827–64) ODNB
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James A Grant Grant, James Augustus (1827–92) ODNB
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Punch,  45 (1863), 111.

Mrs Caddy on the Coalscuttle

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Anon

Genre:

Poetry, Drollery

Subjects:

Scientific Practitioners, Astrology, Charlatanry, Societies, Military Technology, Invention


    Written from the perspective of a woman of limited literary ability, who begins by declaring her scepticism towards 'philosifers and men of science', notably 'ZADKIEL TAO TSZE' Morrison, Richard James ('Zadkiel') (1795–1874) ODNB
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, whom she has often found to be a 'deceiver'. Denying faith in almanacs, and the prophecies of John Cumming Cumming, John (1807–81) ODNB
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, she praises William G Armstrong Armstrong, Sir William George, Baron Armstrong of Cragside (1810–1900) ODNB
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, whose 'gun pertects the British nation' and is fitting for the British Association for the Advancement of Science British Association for the Advancement of Science
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, of which he is president. She then discusses Armstrong's address to the association (a version of which was published as Armstrong 1864 Armstrong, William George 1864. 'Address', Report of the Thirty-Third Meeting of the British Association for the Advancement of Science; Held at Newcastle-Upon-Tyne in August 1862, li–lxiv
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), sharing his fears that coal supplies are in danger of running out, pointing to such sources of consumption as 'gash burnt all night long, and constant steam on land and ocean', and 'the sluts'—servant girls—who waste coal when cooking.



Punch,  45 (1863), 111.

Latest from the Spirit World

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Anon

Genre:

Reportage, Spoof

Subjects:

Spiritualism, Comparative Philology


Punch,  45 (1863), 111.

Our Poor Wooden Wales

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Anon

Genre:

Reportage

Subjects:

Military Technology, Commerce, Disease

Institutions mentioned:

Royal Navy Royal Navy
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    Notes the 'rotten' state of the 'gun and mortar-boat fleet, created at so much expense during the Russian war'.



Punch,  45 (1863), 112.

A New Watering-Place Wanted

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Anon

Genre:

Essay

Subjects:

Animal Behaviour, Morality, Gender


    Discusses some of the 'anomalies' and contradictions in English customs, notably the English attitudes towards 'bathing at our watering-places', a custom that leads to 'Gorillas on the shore' surveying 'bathing nymphs' in the sea. Wonders whether anybody will 'defend this system of indecency' and urges that bathing be properly supervised.



Punch,  45 (1863), 113.

Our Bilious Contributor

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Epicurus Rotundus Rotundus, Epicurus
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Genre:

Editorial, Drollery; Letter, Spoof

Subjects:

Military Technology

People mentioned:

William G Armstrong Armstrong, Sir William George, Baron Armstrong of Cragside (1810–1900) ODNB
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^^ Back to the top of this issue

Punch,  45 (1863), 115–16.

Two Sea Views

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Anon

Genre:

Introduction, Drollery; Diary, Drollery

Subjects:

Health, Medical Treatment, Mathematics


    Describes his trip to the seaside (with his companion) for the benefit of his health. The author's diary of his holiday reveals how his attempt to write a 'second essay on the Binomial Theorem' was rudely interrupted by several street musicians playing simultaneously—an allusion to Charles Babbage Babbage, Charles (1792–1871) DSB
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(115).



Punch,  45 (1863), 121.

Deplorable Incident

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Anon

Genre:

News-Commentary, Drollery

Relevant illustrations:

wdct.

Illustrators:

N Newman, William (fl. 1842) Spielmann 1895
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Spielmann, Marion Harry Alexander 1895. The History of "Punch", London: Cassell
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Subjects:

Animal Behaviour, Cruelty, Exhibitions


    The initial letter forms part of an illustration showing a pie seller standing outside the International Exhibition International Exhibition (1862), London
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. On the seller's head is a tray containing pies out of which poke cats' heads, and around his legs dance some excited dogs. The text suggests that a Galignani's Messenger Galignani's Messenger (1821–95) Waterloo Directory
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report of a toreador injured in a bull fight 'by one of the animals' will 'pain' the Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals
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.



Punch,  45 (1863), 121.

Crux for the Critics

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Anon

Genre:

Notes, Drollery

Subjects:

Materialism, Language, Miracle


    Informs 'Critics of the Rationalist and Materialist Schools' of the 'fact of a gentlemen who went to Brighton, and there stopped the day and night'.



Punch,  45 (1863), 122.

Fashionable Suicide

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Anon

Genre:

News-Commentary, Drollery

Subjects:

Amusement, Gender, Health, Disease


    Discusses an article in the Lady's Newspaper Lady's Newspaper (1847–64) Queen (1864–1900+) Waterloo Directory
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reporting the abandonment of tight stays for looser fitting 'ceinture Suisse'. Reports Mr Punch's relish for this latest development in Parisian fashion, which will deter women from wearing crinoline. Outlines some of the debilitating illnesses suffered by women as a result of the fashion for 'small waists', including 'Bent spines and reddened noses [...] headache, giddiness, and fainting fits, and other fashionable ailments'. Later notes that 'young ladies' seem to think that 'men like a slim waist', but points out that men do, 'if it be one of Nature's moulding', and that 'much as they value good looks in a wife', men 'put a higher estimate upon good health and good temper'.



Punch,  45 (1863), 123.

Public-Spirited Severity

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Anon

Genre:

News-Commentary, Drollery

Subjects:

Death, Medical Treatment, Crime


    Discusses the report of an inquest held at St George's Hospital St George's Hospital
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into the death of a wounded man who, after being refused medical attention by a Dr Armstrong Armstrong, Dr (fl. 1863) PU1/45/12/5
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, died through loss of blood. Responding to a juror's questioning of Armstrong's actions, considers that Armstrong was right not to interfere but to refer the victim to the nearby St George's. Points out that had he not done so, Armstrong would have been blamed for 'not having referred' the patient.



Punch,  45 (1863), 124.

Fie! For Shame!

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Anon

Genre:

News-Commentary, Drollery

Subjects:

Analytical Chemistry, Pollution


    Discusses Robert D Thomson's Thomson, Robert Dundas (1810–64) ODNB
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recent claim that the 'Thames was charged with impurities', asking where 'Old Father Thames' was so charged, and reporting that the old figure was seen running away from the river towards the sea.



Punch,  45 (1863), 124.

Remarkable Fact

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Anon

Genre:

Notes, Drollery

Subjects:

Medical Treatment, Gender, Music


^^ Back to the top of this issue

Punch,  45 (1863), 125.

Shadows of the Week

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Anon

Genre:

Regular Feature, Reportage, Spoof

Subjects:

Astronomy, Observation, Light


    Discusses John R Hind's Hind, John Russell (1823–95) DSB
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claim, based on observations at George Bishop's Bishop, George (1785–1861) ODNB
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South Villa Observatory South Villa Observatory, Regent's Park
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, Regent's Park, 'that the Sun is nearer to us than ever', pointing out that common sense dictated that the 'Sun was not Farther' and that as the sun approaches, so it may become 'more economical of its light'.



Punch,  45 (1863), 127.

Pseudo-Historical Patent Whitewashing and Sponging Company (Limited)

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Anon

Genre:

Advertisement, Spoof

Subjects:

Commerce, Invention, Light, Technology, Spiritualism


    Announces itself as a company for removing people's 'tarnished reputations', and imparting to even 'the most blackened character qualities and beauties which never belonged to the original'. Insists that it operates in a similar way to 'dissolving views', insofar as the 'boldest outlines of character' can be removed and 'replaced by the most exquisite touches'. The company expects 'important results from the present and advancing state of spiritual science' because 'spirits of the highest celebrity [...] have shown themselves perfectly at home in the business' (i.e. in the restoration of posthumous reputations).



Punch,  45 (1863), 133.

Scientific

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Anon

Genre:

News-Commentary, Drollery

Subjects:

Physical Geography, Geology, Magnetism, Discovery


^^ Back to the top of this issue

Punch,  45 (1863), 135.

Mysteries of Medicine

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Anon

Genre:

News-Commentary, Drollery

Subjects:

Medical Treatment, Language, Gender, Chemistry, Religion


    Responds to an advertisement in the Medical Circular Medical Circular (1852–65) Waterloo Directory
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from the Edinburgh pharmaceutical firm T & H Smith Smith (T. & H.), firm
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for their 'aloina' or 'crystaline [sic] principle of aloes' which medical practitioners recommend to 'females both alive and in a combined form'. Draws attention to the grammatical infelicities of this advertisement, and suggests that females in a 'combined form' might mean dead females, but points out that medicine for the dead would be absurd. Concludes by suggesting that the vendor is better at 'metaphysical theology' than chemistry.



Punch,  45 (1863), 135.

Crinoline and Cosmetics

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Charley Coelebs Coelens, Charley
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Genre:

Letter, Spoof

Subjects:

Microscopy, Medical Treatment, Amusement


Punch,  45 (1863), 141.

'A Really Sweet Thing in Watering Places' (From a Missing Contributor)

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S Shylock Shylock, S
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Genre:

Letter, Spoof

Subjects:

Amusement, Travel, Scientific Practitioners, Charlatanry, Stratigraphy, Geology, Zoology, Botany, Collecting, Amateurism, Public Health


    Informs Mr Punch of his unsatisfactory holiday experiences at the seaside. Later describes his enjoyment of the countryside near Ilfracombe (Devon) which, Punch notes, elicits Shylock's 'shallow parade of scientific knowledge'. Shylock describes Ifracombe's 'succession of bays, formed by the wildest headlands and shattered and twisted rock (grauwacke of the clay-slate formation [...])', and the riches it has in store for the 'retiring zoophyte', the marine gardener (who can enjoy such delights as the 'sea-anemone' that 'expands its many-coloured petals'), and the botanist and 'fern-hunter'. He goes on to praise the efforts of the local board of health in keeping the streets clean.



Punch,  45 (1863), 142–43.

How, When, and Where? Or, the Modern Guide to the Continent  [9/21]Anon, 'How, When, and Where? or, The Modern Tourist's Guide to the Continent', Punch, 45 (1863), 65
Anon, 'How, When, and Where? or, The Modern Tourist's Guide to the Continent', Punch, 45 (1863), 152–53
Anon, 'How, When, and Where? or, The Modern Tourist's Guide to the Continent', Punch, 45 (1863), 162
Anon, 'How, When, and Where? or, The Modern Tourist's Guide to the Continent', Punch, 45 (1863), 172
Anon, 'How, When, and Where? or, The Modern Tourist's Guide to the Continent', Punch, 45 (1863), 202
Anon, 'How, When, and Where? or, The Modern Tourist's Guide to the Continent', Punch, 45 (1863), 212–13
Anon, 'How, When, and Where? or, The Modern Tourist's Guide to the Continent', Punch, 45 (1863), 227
Anon, 'How, When, and Where? or, The Modern Tourist's Guide to the Continent', Punch, 45 (1863), 252

Close

View full article text

Anon

Genre:

Serial, Essay, Drollery

Subjects:

Steamships, Cultural Geography


Punch,  45 (1863), 143.

Shadows of the Week

View full article text

Anon

Genre:

Regular Feature, Reportage, Spoof

Subjects:

Supernaturalism, Invention, Pneumatics, Palaeontology, Exhibitions, Music, Amusement


    Notes the visit of 'the Ghost' to the Lord Chancellor, Richard Bethell (1st Baron Westbury) Bethell, Richard, 1st Baron Westbury (1800–73) ODNB
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, and how John H Pepper Pepper, John Henry (1821–1900) ODNB
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complained that 'whenever the Ghost had been done, he had been "done" as well'. Also notes that since the 'Liverymen of the Honourable Company of Musicians' are to give a 'Monster Concert in the pre-Adamite portion of the Crystal Palace Crystal Palace
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', the London Pneumatic Despatch Company London Pneumatic Despatch Company
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'have engaged to supply the Ichthyosaurus with sufficient wind' to play the bassoon.



Punch,  45 (1863), 143.

Philosophy on Four Legs

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Anon

Genre:

News-Commentary, Drollery

Subjects:

Animal Behaviour, Animal Development

Publications cited:

Glasgow Herald Glasgow Herald (1805–1900+) BUCOP
Close   View the register entry >>


Punch,  45 (1863), 144.

Sensational Advertisements

View full article text

Anon

Genre:

Introduction, Drollery; Announcement, Spoof

Subjects:

Supernaturalism, Amusement, Mental Illness


^^ Back to the top of this issue

Punch,  45 (1863), 145.

Conditions of Peace with Austria

View full article text

Anon

Genre:

News-Commentary, Drollery

Subjects:

War, Military Technology, Steamships


Punch,  45 (1863), 145.

Image-Winking and Image-Worship

View full article text

Anon

Genre:

News-Commentary, Drollery

Subjects:

Miracle, Supernaturalism, Imposture, Charlatanry,


    Discusses a Morning Post Morning Post and Daily Advertising Pamphlet (1772–1900+) Waterloo Directory
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report of the alleged sightings of the 'moving of the eyes of the picture of the Madonna in the Church of Vicovaro'. Insists that such reports are a 'wonderful delusion', but if true they would be 'more wonderful' than the claim that the lion on top of Northumberland House wagged its tail. Bases this argument on the claim that while the latter phenomenon could be explained by the expansion of the lion's metallic tail and the 'spiritual force that hoists MR. HOME Home, Daniel Dunglas (1833–86) ODNB
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', the winking picture cannot be explained so easily. Insists that it will only 'inquire whether it is a miracle or a humbug' when it has been witnessed by 'a whole congregation' rather than single priests. Proceeds to discuss the claim that the winking image is being worshipped.



Punch,  45 (1863), 146.

Ghosts without Spirit

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Anon

Genre:

News-Commentary, Drollery

Subjects:

Supernaturalism, Amusement, Light, Instruments, Exhibitions, Spiritualism, Imposture


    Reflects on the 'glut of ghosts' in theatres and other places of 'public amusement'. Wonders why 'the bona fide' ghosts of 'private "circles"' allow themselves to be 'insulted by mimicry'—the ghosts exhibited by the 'well understood denomination of optical illusions'. Noting John H Pepper's Pepper, John Henry (1821–1900) ODNB
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'avowed design of demonstrating the unreality of those ghosts which spiritualists believe to be real', questions why the real ghosts do not 'give Pepper, and the other philosophers who produce the sham ghosts, a rap over the head'. The author adds that if he were a ghost he would 'astonish both the man of science outside the scenes and also the performer on the stage in a ghost piece'.



Punch,  45 (1863), 146.

Shadows of the Week

View full article text

Anon

Genre:

Regular Feature, Reportage, Spoof

Subjects:

Meteorology

People mentioned:

Robert Fitzroy Fitzroy, Robert (1805–65) DSB
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Punch,  45 (1863), 146.

The Goths and Vandals Railway

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Anon

Genre:

News-Commentary, Drollery

Subjects:

Railways, Environmentalism, Architecture, Commerce, Politics


    Discusses and savours a report of a Mr Fry Fry, Mr (Deputy on the Court of Common Council) (fl. 1863) PU1/45/15/5
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who, as a deputy alderman on the Court of Common Council Court of Common Council
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, maintained that Ludgate Hill would be disfigured by the proposed railway viaduct, however much it was to be beatified with ornamental designs. Punch believes that the bridge will be 'a monument to the barbarism of a crew of sordid speculators out of the Legislature, and of their representatives within it', and thinks the names of such characters should be engraved on the bridge 'to the scorn of posterity'. Ends by suggesting that the London, Chatham, and Dover Railway Company London, Chatham, and Dover Railway Company
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(which is to build the viaduct) be renamed the 'Goths and Vandals, Railway'.



Punch,  45 (1863), 146.

Retaliation

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Anon

Genre:

News-Commentary, Drollery

Subjects:

Physical Geography, Discovery, Railways

People mentioned:

Roderick I Murchison Murchison, Sir Roderick Impey, 1st Baronet (1792–1871) DSBODNB
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    Links news of the rise of the Nile to the fact that 'Old Nilus' is taking revenge on John H Speke Speke, John Hanning (1827–64) ODNB
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and James A Grant Grant, James Augustus (1827–92) ODNB
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for 'the outrage committed on his privacy'.



Punch,  45 (1863), 152–53.

How, When, and Where? or, The Modern Tourist's Guide to the Continent  [10/21]Anon, 'How, When, and Where? or, The Modern Tourist's Guide to the Continent', Punch, 45 (1863), 65
Anon, 'How, When, and Where? Or, the Modern Guide to the Continent', Punch, 45 (1863), 142–43
Anon, 'How, When, and Where? or, The Modern Tourist's Guide to the Continent', Punch, 45 (1863), 162
Anon, 'How, When, and Where? or, The Modern Tourist's Guide to the Continent', Punch, 45 (1863), 172
Anon, 'How, When, and Where? or, The Modern Tourist's Guide to the Continent', Punch, 45 (1863), 202
Anon, 'How, When, and Where? or, The Modern Tourist's Guide to the Continent', Punch, 45 (1863), 212–13
Anon, 'How, When, and Where? or, The Modern Tourist's Guide to the Continent', Punch, 45 (1863), 227
Anon, 'How, When, and Where? or, The Modern Tourist's Guide to the Continent', Punch, 45 (1863), 252

Close

View full article text

Anon

Genre:

Serial, Essay, Drollery

Subjects:

Physical Geography, Discovery

People mentioned:

John H Speke Speke, John Hanning (1827–64) ODNB
Close   View the register entry >>


^^ Back to the top of this issue

Punch,  45 (1863), 155.

[The Earthquake]

View full article text

Anon

Genre:

Illustration, Drollery

Relevant illustrations:

wdct.

Subjects:

Geology, Narcotics, Religious Authority


    Shows a drunken churchwarden attempting to unlock his front door, the caption reporting that he experienced the recent earthquake when, after coming out of a public house, he felt the 'pavement hit him on the nose, and [...] the street door wouldn't let him get his latch key in'.



Punch,  45 (1863), 155.

Obadiah on the Earthquake

View full article text

Anon

Genre:

News-Commentary, Drollery

Subjects:

Geology, Religion


Punch,  45 (1863), 156.

Panic in Bloomsbury

View full article text

Anon

Genre:

News-Commentary, Drollery

Subjects:

Museums, Natural History, Zoology, Geology


    Discusses the large number of people who are moving out of Bloomsbury, and suggests the possibility that the property could be bought cheaply for Richard Owen Owen, Richard (1804–92) DSB
Close   View the register entry >>
and 'his Animals'.



Punch,  45 (1863), 157.

Mr Punch's Earthquake Prophecy

View full article text

Anon

Genre:

Announcement, Spoof

Relevant illustrations:

wdct.

Illustrators:

[Trident], pseud.  [Henry R Howard] Howard, Henry R (fl. 1853) Spielmann 1895
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Spielmann, Marion Harry Alexander 1895. The History of "Punch", London: Cassell
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Subjects:

Geology, Prognostication, Astrology, Periodicals


    The initial letter forms part of an illustration showing a satanic-looking figure dressed in a wizard's costume labelled 'ZADKIEL' (a reference to the astrologer Richard J Morrison Morrison, Richard James ('Zadkiel') (1795–1874) ODNB
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). The figure waves a wand at a celestial object and is surrounded by small creatures. The text explains that Punch's Pocket Book for 1863 Punch's Pocket Book (1842–80) Waterloo Directory
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will contain a prediction of the recent earthquake, and thus demonstrate that 'THERE IS BUT ONE PUNCH, AND HE IS HIS OWN PROPHET'.



Punch,  45 (1863), 157.

Orthodox Cruelty to Animals

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Anon

Genre:

News-Commentary

Subjects:

Cruelty, Animal Behaviour, Religious Authority, Morality, Ethics


    Discusses the response by the 'Censor at Rome' to 'a little book entitled A Short Catechism on Humanity to Animals', which suggests that he denies that cruelty to animals is contrary to Christianity and that compassion towards beasts is a rule 'interpreted according to private caprice if it is understood to mean that one ought to be compassionate towards the beasts on order to be a good Christian'. Punch questions the morality of his position and suggests that Pope Pius IX Pius IX, Pope (1792–1878) CBD
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should dismiss him.



Punch,  45 (1863), 157.

The Earthquake

View full article text

Anon

Genre:

Poetry, Drollery

Subjects:

Geology, Vulcanology, Physiology


    Describes some of the effects of the earthquake which shuddered through 'this English land / From South to North' and which caused such domestic effects as waking sleepers, crumbling plasterwork, and stopping clocks. Observes that ''Tis well the human herd has felt / In Mother Earth how frail their trust, / Divided from the molten belt / Of Vulcan by how thin a crust', but points out that human minds 'know / In what yet thinner tubes of veins / And arteries hath man's blood to flow / Throughout the finest nervous tissue: / And giving but a mere drop issue / Life's pipes were burst: all over so!'. Adds that such minds 'Need no admonitory jog / Beneath them from the lava mine'.



Punch,  45 (1863), 161.

A Handful of Hawthorn

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Anon

Genre:

Essay, Drollery

Subjects:

Nationalism, Cultural Geography, Development, Evolution, Animal Behaviour


    Discusses Nathaniel Hawthorne's Hawthorne, Nathaniel (1804–64) CBD
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waspish remarks about the English, notably his criticism of the ponderous frame and 'elephantine' walk of English women. Concludes by telling Hawthorne that he 'is strong enough in your own works to bear being supposed a descendant from a gorilla, were heraldry unkind', and that Mr Punch thinks he should follow up his uncomplimentary remarks about people with whom he was so intimate with an autobiography, which will be 'a natural history of half-civilised animals'.



Punch,  45 (1863), 161.

A Good Word for the Pope

View full article text

Anon

Genre:

News-Commentary, Drollery

Subjects:

Medical Treatment, Religious Authority

Publications cited:

Tablet Tablet (1840–1900+) Waterloo Directory
Close   View the register entry >>


Punch,  45 (1863), 162.

How, When, and Where? or, The Modern Tourist's Guide to the Continent  [11/21]Anon, 'How, When, and Where? or, The Modern Tourist's Guide to the Continent', Punch, 45 (1863), 65
Anon, 'How, When, and Where? Or, the Modern Guide to the Continent', Punch, 45 (1863), 142–43
Anon, 'How, When, and Where? or, The Modern Tourist's Guide to the Continent', Punch, 45 (1863), 152–53
Anon, 'How, When, and Where? or, The Modern Tourist's Guide to the Continent', Punch, 45 (1863), 172
Anon, 'How, When, and Where? or, The Modern Tourist's Guide to the Continent', Punch, 45 (1863), 202
Anon, 'How, When, and Where? or, The Modern Tourist's Guide to the Continent', Punch, 45 (1863), 212–13
Anon, 'How, When, and Where? or, The Modern Tourist's Guide to the Continent', Punch, 45 (1863), 227
Anon, 'How, When, and Where? or, The Modern Tourist's Guide to the Continent', Punch, 45 (1863), 252

Close

View full article text

Anon

Genre:

Serial, Essay, Drollery

Subjects:

Travel, Adulteration, Analytical Chemistry, Narcotics, Commerce


    Warns travellers of the dangers of eating adulterated pickles in Heidelberg hotels. Urges the traveller that, if he cannot obtain the services of a toxicologist, then he should 'immediately attempt to detect the presence of copper' in the pickles. The suggested method for detecting copper is to 'offer the lowest silver coin in your possession, and to ask for change for that amount'; this will provide a measure of how much copper the pickles contain.



Punch,  45 (1863), 163.

Shadows of the Week

View full article text

Anon

Genre:

Regular Feature, Reportage, Spoof

Subjects:

Zoological Gardens

Institutions mentioned:

Zoological Society—Gardens Zoological Society of London —Gardens
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Punch,  45 (1863), 164.

The Latest Scientific Balloon Ascent

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Dubbell Magnum Magnum, Dubbell
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Genre:

Letter, Spoof

Subjects:

Meteorology, Aeronautics, Heat, Instruments, Measurement, Observation, Science Communication, Narcotics, Psychology


    Describes a recent party in which 'the well-known and justly celebrated aeronauts' James Glaisher Glaisher, James (1809–1903) DSB
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and Henry T Coxwell Coxwell, Henry (Tracey) (1819–1900) ODNB
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were among the guests. Explains how Glaisher felt the 'urgent necessity of communicating to the world at large [...] the interesting discoveries that had been that day made', and presents Glaisher's 'Sitific Count', evidently written under the influence of alcohol, of his fabulous observations. These include Glaisher's claim that 'the weight of the water on Mr. Coxwell's cubic foot was affected by the Sun's ray', that 'a Blackened Bulb Thermometer' was caught 'reading with its rays and blacking the eye of the sun', and that 'Professor Tindall' (a reference to John Tyndall Tyndall, John (1820–93) DSB
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) 'filled with two bags of air, was washing the blackened bulb'.



^^ Back to the top of this issue

Punch,  45 (1863), 166.

A Regular Guy

View full article text

Anon

Genre:

News-Commentary, Drollery

Subjects:

Archaeology


Punch,  45 (1863), 166.

Good Girls

View full article text

Anon

Genre:

News-Commentary, Drollery

Subjects:

Gender, Politics, Commerce, Magnetism


    Regards the donation, by some 'kind little Milliners', of their 'scant earnings' to the 'victims' of the Warsaw uprising, to be 'a pretty illustration of the Needle being true to the Pole'.



Punch,  45 (1863), 172.

How, When, and Where? or, The Modern Tourist's Guide to the Continent  [12/21]Anon, 'How, When, and Where? or, The Modern Tourist's Guide to the Continent', Punch, 45 (1863), 65
Anon, 'How, When, and Where? Or, the Modern Guide to the Continent', Punch, 45 (1863), 142–43
Anon, 'How, When, and Where? or, The Modern Tourist's Guide to the Continent', Punch, 45 (1863), 152–53
Anon, 'How, When, and Where? or, The Modern Tourist's Guide to the Continent', Punch, 45 (1863), 162
Anon, 'How, When, and Where? or, The Modern Tourist's Guide to the Continent', Punch, 45 (1863), 202
Anon, 'How, When, and Where? or, The Modern Tourist's Guide to the Continent', Punch, 45 (1863), 212–13
Anon, 'How, When, and Where? or, The Modern Tourist's Guide to the Continent', Punch, 45 (1863), 227
Anon, 'How, When, and Where? or, The Modern Tourist's Guide to the Continent', Punch, 45 (1863), 252

Close

View full article text

Anon

Genre:

Serial, Essay, Drollery

Subjects:

Astronomy, Gender, Observation


Punch,  45 (1863), 173.

Shadows of the Week

View full article text

Anon

Genre:

Regular Feature, Reportage, Spoof

Subjects:

Travel, Animal Behaviour, Animal Development, Scientific Practitioners, Heroism

People mentioned:

Paul D Du Chaillu Du Chaillu, Paul Belloni (1831–1903) CBD
Close   View the register entry >>


Punch,  45 (1863), 173.

Edinburgh Medical Science

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Anon

Genre:

News-Commentary, Drollery

Subjects:

Education, Universities, Botany, Medical Practitioners, Medical Treatment


    Noting the abstruse scientific language contained in a botanical question included in a medical examination at the University of Edinburgh University of Edinburgh
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, wonders why such a question was asked and notes how unlikely it is that a patient would ask his doctor the same question. Insists that a doctor possessing such knowledge would suggest 'a mind especially devoted to other things than medical science'. Contrasts such useless botanical knowledge with a doctor knowing how to set an arm. Concludes by suggesting that the doctors of Edinburgh University should continue to set such examination questions if they wish their 'brotherhood' to consist of individuals whose 'memory is all their intellect' and who are not 'thinking men'.



^^ Back to the top of this issue

Punch,  45 (1863), 175.

The New and Delightful Method of Brushing the Hair with Machinery

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

Illustration, Drollery

Relevant illustrations:

wdct.

Illustrators:

J L Leech, John (1817–64) ODNB
Close   View the register entry >>
Spielmann, Marion Harry Alexander 1895. The History of "Punch", London: Cassell
Close   View the register entry >>

Subjects:

Invention, Machinery, Technology


    Shows a room in a barber's shop, in which two gentlemen are having their hair brushed with two large rotatory combs whose spindles are held by barbers and which are turned by belts that disappear into the ceiling.



Punch,  45 (1863), 176–77.

From Our Bilious Contributor

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Epicurus Rotundus U Rotundus, Epicurus
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Genre:

Letter, Spoof

Subjects:

Physical Geography, Geology, Heat


Punch,  45 (1863), 177.

Elegy on the Porpoise

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The Sturgeon Sturgeon, The
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Genre:

Poetry, Drollery

Subjects:

Zoological Gardens, Zoology, Animal Behaviour, Animal Development, Evolution


    An elegy on the death of the porpoise at the Zoological Society Gardens Zoological Society of London —Gardens
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. The sturgeon expresses joy at the news that the 'great, black, oily', and blind porpoise has been taken away from his 'basin'. Questioning why Francis T Buckland Buckland, Francis Trevelyan (1826–80) ODNB
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put the porpoise in his home, he emphasises his own status as 'King of the Fish' and feels he should have been housed in a marble tank in the gardens of Windsor Castle Windsor Castle
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and that he should not be exposed to fellows of the Zoological Society Zoological Society of London
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who 'talk zoological muddle' or to 'swells' and plebeians. Reiterates his hostile feelings about the porpoise, lamenting the fact that 'swells' only want to look at the porpoise's corpse. Urges Buckland in future to put sick porpoises in tanks with other fishes, pointing out that although he is a king, he cannot cure by touch. Insists that the porpoise is not a fish 'but a highly deweloped man. / Improved, of course, with a tail and fins, on the famous Westiges [Chambers, Robert] 1844. Vestiges of the Natural History of Creation, London: John Churchill
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plan'. In a postscript he denies being related to Charles H Spurgeon Spurgeon, Charles Haddon (1834–92) ODNB
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, whom he believes looks more like a porpoise.



Punch,  45 (1863), 178.

Metallic News

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Anon

Genre:

News-Commentary, Drollery

Subjects:

Agriculture, Technology


Punch,  45 (1863), 181.

True Heroism

View full article text

Anon

Genre:

Notes, Drollery

Subjects:

Medical Treatment, Surgery, Quackery


^^ Back to the top of this issue

Punch,  45 (1863), 185.

The Mersey Rams

View full article text

Anon

Genre:

Poetry, Drollery

Subjects:

Steamships, Manufactories, Military Technology, Animal Behaviour

People mentioned:

John Laird Laird, John (1805–74) ODNB
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Institutions mentioned:

Royal Navy Royal Navy
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    Describes his observations of iron-clad rams docked at Birkenhead, rams that 'never were fed on hay', whose coats were made of iron, whose 'horns' were made of steel, whose 'trotters were under water, / Like the mail-clad Warrior's HMS Warrior
Close   View the register entry >>
keel', and whose tails were screw propellers. Identifies the rams as the El Tousson El Tousson, ship
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and the El Monastir El Monastir, ship
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, twin vessels built for the Confederate states, but seized by the British government in October 1863; notes that they are to be closely attended by 'a British man-of-war'.



Punch,  45 (1863), 191.

From Our Bilious Contributor

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Epicurus Rotundus Rotundus, Epicurus
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Genre:

Letter, Spoof

Subjects:

Railways, Sociology

Institutions mentioned:

Social Science Congress Social Science Congress
Close   View the register entry >>


Punch,  45 (1863), 193.

Birkenhead and Southdown Rams

View full article text

Anon

Genre:

Reportage, Spoof

Subjects:

Steamships, Military Technology, Class


^^ Back to the top of this issue

Punch,  45 (1863), 195.

Corporation Reform

View full article text

Anon

Genre:

News-Commentary, Drollery

Subjects:

Nutrition, Disease, Health, Race


    Discusses Banting 1863 Banting, William 1863. Letter on Corpulence: Addressed to the Public, [London]: printed by Harrison and Sons
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, which draws attention to William Banting's Banting, William (1796/7–1878) ODNB
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claim that he underwent unsuccessful medical treatment for obesity. Observes that while 'Corpulence is generally the consequence of gluttony, and curable, by moderation', Banting's work suggests that corpulence can be 'reduced by any abstinence short of low diet'. Presents Banting's scheme for reducing weight, which surprisingly and amusingly for Punch, consists of a diet of extremely fattening foods. Punch explains that the diet excludes 'starch and saccharine matter as much as possible', a principle which Punch thinks is 'sound' but then points out that a diet of potatoes does not cause stoutness: 'vital chemistry transmutes potatoes into Irish muscle'. Concludes by urging that the best plan for the 'diminution of bulk' is eating food that you do not like and abstaining from that which you do.



Punch,  45 (1863), 196.

Farewell to Farming

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Anon

Genre:

News-Commentary, Drollery

Subjects:

Agriculture, Railways, Engineering, Environmentalism, Progress, Futurism


    Noting the possibility that such sentiments as 'Success to Farming' and 'Speed the Plough' will seem 'quite out of place on the English soil', discusses an article in The Times The Times (1777–1900+) Waterloo Directory
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lamenting the demise of English farming and stressing the inability of the English farmer, despite his 'multitude of implements and artificials', to compete with his foreign rivals, as well as the vanquishing of productive land by buildings and railways. Echoes the view of the Times writer that England will soon be covered with 'bricks and mortar', and 'Great Britain will perhaps be re-christened as Large London'.



Punch,  45 (1863), 197.

A Message from the Spirit of Shakespeare Shakespeare, William (1564–1616) ODNB
Close   View the register entry >>

View full article text

Anon

Genre:

Essay, Drollery

Subjects:

Exhibitions, Museums, Palaeontology, Ethnology, Spiritualism


Punch,  45 (1863), 202.

How, When, and Where? or, The Modern Tourist's Guide to the Continent  [15/21]Anon, 'How, When, and Where? or, The Modern Tourist's Guide to the Continent', Punch, 45 (1863), 65
Anon, 'How, When, and Where? Or, the Modern Guide to the Continent', Punch, 45 (1863), 142–43
Anon, 'How, When, and Where? or, The Modern Tourist's Guide to the Continent', Punch, 45 (1863), 152–53
Anon, 'How, When, and Where? or, The Modern Tourist's Guide to the Continent', Punch, 45 (1863), 162
Anon, 'How, When, and Where? or, The Modern Tourist's Guide to the Continent', Punch, 45 (1863), 172
Anon, 'How, When, and Where? or, The Modern Tourist's Guide to the Continent', Punch, 45 (1863), 212–13
Anon, 'How, When, and Where? or, The Modern Tourist's Guide to the Continent', Punch, 45 (1863), 227
Anon, 'How, When, and Where? or, The Modern Tourist's Guide to the Continent', Punch, 45 (1863), 252

Close

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Anon

Genre:

Serial, Essay, Drollery

Subjects:

Meteorology, Prognostication


    Notes the claim that the alpine mountain of Pilatus 'can always give certain prophetic signs of a coming storm, surer even than those of ADMIRAL FITZROY Fitzroy, Robert (1805–65) DSB
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'.



Punch,  45 (1863), 203.

The Ram of Liverpool

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Anon

Genre:

Song, Drollery

Subjects:

Steamships, Military Technology, War, Politics


    Describes his observations of 'a wonderful Ram' which had 'frightened Uncle SAM'—a reference to the United States government's frantic diplomacy to avert the delivery of a Confederate order for two British-built ironclads. Draws attention to the length, iron 'head', the 'roaring flue', and 'awful screw' of the vessel. States that it was reported to be destined for Egypt (a ruse used to ensure secrecy), but wonders what would happen if it 'made for Davis's straits' (i.e. if it entered into the American Civil War). Concludes by praising John Russell (1st Earl Russell) Russell, Lord John, 1st Earl Russell (1792–1878) ODNB
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for using 'wise discretion [...] in clapping the Ram in the Pound'.



Punch,  45 (1863), 203.

A Foul Word for the Fair Sex

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Albany Fitz-Brummell Fitz-Brummell, Albany
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Genre:

Letter, Spoof

Subjects:

Medical Practitioners, Gender, Sociology, Periodicals


    Discusses an article in the Scotsman Scotsman (1817–1900+) BUCOP
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'which treats of the admission of the fair sex to the medical profession', and which criticises an address made by a Mr Brown Brown, Mr (fl. 1863) PU1/45/20/6
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at the Social Science Congress Social Science Congress
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. Regarding Brown as a 'gorilla', condemns this representation of women as 'bitter beer and tobacco' who 'soothe' man 'in defeat'. Denying the possibility that members of the Social Sciences Congress could have said this, suspects that the Scotsman has put these words into Brown's mouth. In a postscript, the author considers women doctors to be a 'profanation' of the female sex, not least because it would be difficult to court a woman who had been soiled by medical work.



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Punch,  45 (1863), 206.

The Scotch Distemper

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Anon

Genre:

News-Commentary, Drollery

Subjects:

Disease, Cultural Geography, Religious Authority


    Notes the disappearance of the 'Caledonian Violin'—'a certain subject of raillery against the Scotch'—from North Britain. Explains that this was a euphemism for a 'cutaneous disease', but that this has been 'driven in' and has 'produced a constitutional disease'. Reveals that the disease is Sabbatarianism.



Punch,  45 (1863), 208, 211.

The Doctor's Advice

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Anon

Genre:

Dialogue, Drollery

Subjects:

Medical Practitioners, Politics, War, Internationalism


    The article relates to the proposal of Emperor Napoleon III Napoleon III, Emperor of France (originally Louis Napoléon (Charles Louis Napoléon Bonaparte)) (1808–73) CBD
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of France for the convocation of a European congress. Describes a conversation between Dr Punch and the emperor. The emperor reveals that he has 'invited the Sovereigns of Europe to a Congress' for settling' all our troubles and quarrels by Arbitration', a plan that Dr Punch claims that he has been urging for 'the last ten years'. The emperor quickly grows tired of Dr Punch's obsequious remarks, although the latter persists in reminding his patron that 'war, in self-defence, is a crime and a blunder' and questions his patron's war against Mexico, while boasting of the fact that he has converted 600,000 soldiers. (208) Dr Punch anticipates that half a century of struggles will result in him becoming 'Victor of the Victor of the World'.



Punch,  45 (1863), [209].

Taking the Doctor's Advice

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

Illustration, Drollery

Relevant illustrations:

wdct.

Illustrators:

J T Tenniel, Sir John (1820–1914) ODNB
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Subjects:

Medical Practitioners, Medical Treatment, Politics, Internationalism


    Shows Emperor Napoleon III Napoleon III, Emperor of France (originally Louis Napoléon (Charles Louis Napoléon Bonaparte)) (1808–73) CBD
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of France in conversation with Dr Punch, the latter telling Napoleon that his decision to try 'Arbitration' instead of aggression is 'just what I've been telling you to do for the past ten years. You've no constitution and you want peace and quiet'.


See also:

Anon, 'The Doctor's Advice', Punch, 45 (1863), 208, 211


Punch,  45 (1863), 211.

Hadji Here and Hadji There!

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Anon

Genre:

News-Commentary, Drollery

Subjects:

Medical Treatment, Quackery, Mesmerism, Vaccination, Government, Cultural Geography


    Considers that 'progress in Turkey' is demonstrated by the nation's periodical, Terjuman Ahval Terjuman Ahval (cited 1863) PU1/45/21/4
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, which features an advertisement for a medical cure effected by breathing on and using charms on the patient. Describes the state of medical quackery in Turkey, noting that the 'Mussulmans are even with the British Aristocracy in medical enlightenment', that Constantinople has 'advertising Mesmerists', although the Turks have no such 'nostrum vendors' as Thomas Holloway Holloway, Thomas (1800–83) ODNB
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and James Morison Morison, James (1770–1840) ODNB
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, or a government that endorses such medical treatments. Suggests that if Holloway and 'his brotherhood' should 'turn Turk with them' then they should 'turn Turks too', and set up business in Constantinople.



Punch,  45 (1863), 212–13.

How, When, and Where? or, The Modern Tourist's Guide to the Continent  [16/21]Anon, 'How, When, and Where? or, The Modern Tourist's Guide to the Continent', Punch, 45 (1863), 65
Anon, 'How, When, and Where? Or, the Modern Guide to the Continent', Punch, 45 (1863), 142–43
Anon, 'How, When, and Where? or, The Modern Tourist's Guide to the Continent', Punch, 45 (1863), 152–53
Anon, 'How, When, and Where? or, The Modern Tourist's Guide to the Continent', Punch, 45 (1863), 162
Anon, 'How, When, and Where? or, The Modern Tourist's Guide to the Continent', Punch, 45 (1863), 172
Anon, 'How, When, and Where? or, The Modern Tourist's Guide to the Continent', Punch, 45 (1863), 202
Anon, 'How, When, and Where? or, The Modern Tourist's Guide to the Continent', Punch, 45 (1863), 227
Anon, 'How, When, and Where? or, The Modern Tourist's Guide to the Continent', Punch, 45 (1863), 252

Close

View full article text

Anon

Genre:

Serial, Essay, Drollery

Relevant illustrations:

wdct. [2]

Subjects:

Natural History, Zoology, Monstrosities, Microscopy, Exhibitions


    Describes some 'curious specimens of the insect tribe' that the touring naturalist will find in Interlachen, Switzerland. To emphasise the size of the spiders and grasshoppers seen, points out that they dwarf those seen in a play called 'Butterfly's Ball' (featuring human-sized insects) and the insects magnified in the oxyhydrogen microscope at the Royal Polytechnic Institution Royal Polytechnic Institution
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. (212) The illustrations show giant spiders and grasshoppers.



Punch,  45 (1863), 213.

The Eagle's Invitation

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Anon

Genre:

Poetry, Drollery

Subjects:

Animal Behaviour, Politics, Internationalism


    A response to the call by Emperor Napoleon III Napoleon III, Emperor of France (originally Louis Napoléon (Charles Louis Napoléon Bonaparte)) (1808–73) CBD
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of France for a European congress, the poet likens Napoleon to an eagle, of which 'No wingèd thing' is 'more modest, milder, meeker', and which is the 'guardian of the weaker'. Unfortunately, 'from ill designs however clear, / The Eagle was misconstrued and mistaken', and few other animals trusted it. Notes how the eagle sought to change the fact that 'Mother Nature' had made it carnivorous—a reference to French—and to dissipate suspicions that it killed 'babies and sucklings' and stole its food. The eagle decides that the best solution is to call a 'solemn' congress for settling 'matters not with claws, but words' and to show that it is 'not a thing at which to tremble'. Likening the animal kingdom to the rest of Europe, the eagle calls for an end to recrimination and for its recognition as a sincere animal. The poem then describes the reactions of various animals, each emblematic of European countries, which illustrate the foreign policies of those countries. For example, the Prussian vulture insists that its 'game's not meddled with', but the British lion is sceptical of the eagle's words and refuses to attend the congress, wanting actions rather than words.



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Punch,  45 (1863), 215.

Geological Intelligence

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Anon

Genre:

News-Commentary, Drollery

Subjects:

Geology, Palaeontology


    Discusses news of the discovery of an iron horse-shoe 'at the depth of seven metres in the diluvium of pre-Adamite deposit' in France, a 'pre-Adamite horse-shoe' that will 'turn out to be less of a pre than a pone'.



Punch,  45 (1863), 215.

Zoological Street Music Wanted

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A Sufferer Sufferer, A
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Genre:

Letter, Spoof

Subjects:

Zoology, Animal Behaviour, Sound, Music, Amusement, Zoological Gardens, Politics, Government

People mentioned:

Charles Waterton, Waterton, Charles (1782–1865) DSB
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Alexander von Humboldt Humboldt, Alexander von (Friedrich Wilhelm Heinrich Alexander von) (1769–1859) DSB
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    Opens by describing the 'Red Howling Monkeys' recently exhibited at the Zoological Society Gardens Zoological Society of London —Gardens
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, a species which, according to a report before the author, has 'extraordinary vocal powers' which depend on a 'special mechanism in the throat'. Laments the fact that the monkeys languish owing to the English climate and suggests that the animals should be wheeled about in perambulators. Goes on to suggest how 'valuable' the monkeys would be to organ grinders, and anticipates that their noise would be so 'unendurable' that Parliament Houses of Parliament
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would eventually have to 'take the matter up'. Concludes by urging that the monkeys should be used in 'street music' in order to ensure that the nuisance will eventually be banned.



Punch,  45 (1863), 217.

The Naggletons on Politics

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Anon

Genre:

Regular Feature, Drama, Drollery

Subjects:

Gender, Engineering, Engineers, Steam-power


    Describes Mr Naggleton's attempts to contest the parliamentary seat for Finsbury. His wife, however, is sceptical and thinks he 'is about as fit to be a Member of Parliament as I am to make a steam-engine',



Punch,  45 (1863), 217.

The Pope's Eye and Betty Martin

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Anon

Genre:

News-Commentary, Drollery

Subjects:

Religious Authority, Superstition, Supernaturalism, Railways, Accidents


    Describing the belief among the 'lower orders of intellect in Italy' in 'a ridiculous superstition' of the 'evil eye', notes that Pope Pius IX Pius IX, Pope (1792–1878) CBD
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is held to be 'gifted with this sinister endowment' and that superstitious Italians claim that this power caused a railway train to fall off a drawbridge that the pope had blessed a few days earlier. Points out that the accident was caused by the train bolting when the drawbridge was up, which constitutes an act of 'common negligence'. Also notes that, since nobody was hurt in the accident, it could also be explained as resulting from a 'favourable eye'. Noting the apparent effect of the pope's benign smile on others, concludes that the only pope's eye that is not evil is that in a 'leg of mutton'.



Punch,  45 (1863), 217.

The Question of Colour

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Anon

Genre:

Poetry, Drollery

Subjects:

Race, Physiognomy, Anthropology


    In response to the opening question 'Am I not a Man and a Brother?' (the emblematic question of the anti-slavery movement), discusses the racist arguments of 'Anthropology'. Anthropology, for example, asserts that black and white races of humans are 'Less [a]like than one ape's like another', and that the 'form' of the head and face is 'inferior' in black races. Describes other features that anthropology believes distinguishes black from white races, notably sable 'dyed' skin, heavier bones, long arms (which are 'dead against [...] parity'), prehensile 'great-toes', and woolly hair. The author concludes by noting how 'strange' this 'new information' will appear to the British and Foreign Anti-Slavery Society British and Foreign Anti-Slavery Society
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, but hopes that Henry P Brougham (1st Baron Brougham and Vaux) Brougham, Henry Peter, 1st Baron Brougham and Vaux (1778–1868) ODNB
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will uphold the 'manhood and fraternity' of black people.



Punch,  45 (1863), 218.

Homeopathic Soup

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Anon

Genre:

Poetry, Drollery

Subjects:

Medical Treatment, Quackery


    Describes the procedure for preparing a remedy for an unspecified disease. The gruesome process involves putting a robin's leg in water, allowing it to stand in water, boiling the mixture, and after allowing it to jell, to 'Let the patient smell it'. In conclusion advises that if the patient 'chance to die, / Say 'twas Nature did it; / But should he get well, / Give the Soup the credit'.



Punch,  45 (1863), 223.

Fine Words for Foul Works

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Anon

Genre:

News-Commentary, Drollery

Subjects:

Language, Medical Practitioners, Crime


    Discussing the 'fashion now for calling foul things for fine names', draws attention to a letter from a medical correspondent in the Daily Telegraph Daily Telegraph (1856–1900+) Waterloo Directory
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, who described how a murderer offered a 'fatal chalice' to his victim, a 'stagy' phrase which Punch considers 'entirely out of place in a medical analysis of the evidence brought forward in an actual case of crime'.



^^ Back to the top of this issue

Punch,  45 (1863), 227.

A Ghost we Should Like Excessively to See

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Anon

Genre:

Notes, Drollery

Subjects:

Supernaturalism, Amusement


    'The Ghost of Crinoline'.



Punch,  45 (1863), 227.

How, When, and Where? or, The Modern Tourist's Guide to the Continent  [18/21]Anon, 'How, When, and Where? or, The Modern Tourist's Guide to the Continent', Punch, 45 (1863), 65
Anon, 'How, When, and Where? Or, the Modern Guide to the Continent', Punch, 45 (1863), 142–43
Anon, 'How, When, and Where? or, The Modern Tourist's Guide to the Continent', Punch, 45 (1863), 152–53
Anon, 'How, When, and Where? or, The Modern Tourist's Guide to the Continent', Punch, 45 (1863), 162
Anon, 'How, When, and Where? or, The Modern Tourist's Guide to the Continent', Punch, 45 (1863), 172
Anon, 'How, When, and Where? or, The Modern Tourist's Guide to the Continent', Punch, 45 (1863), 202
Anon, 'How, When, and Where? or, The Modern Tourist's Guide to the Continent', Punch, 45 (1863), 212–13
Anon, 'How, When, and Where? or, The Modern Tourist's Guide to the Continent', Punch, 45 (1863), 252

Close

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Anon

Genre:

Serial, Essay, Drollery

Subjects:

Nutrition, Natural History, Travel, Ornithology, Physiology


    Describes the nutritional content of breakfasts served in Swiss hotels, and later describes the joys of Alpine scenery, the many charms for the 'naturalist' (including 'the rare hen Cockeyolly Bird'), and the 'glorious type of Face' of Swiss people to be savoured by the 'Physiologist'.



Punch,  45 (1863), 231.

A Mother on Smoke

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An Anxious Mother Anxious Mother, An
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Genre:

Letter, Spoof

Subjects:

Military Technology, Medical Practitioners, Disease

People mentioned:

William G Armstrong Armstrong, Sir William George, Baron Armstrong of Cragside (1810–1900) ODNB
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Punch,  45 (1863), 233.

Further from the Spirit of Shakespeare

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Will Shakespeare Shakespeare, Will
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Genre:

Letter, Spoof

Subjects:

Supernaturalism, Spiritualism


    Addressed to 'The Worshipful Master Punch', the author opens by noting how much ghosts are now admitted to 'fuller and easier speech of living men and women' than in the days of Queen Elizabeth I Elizabeth I, Queen of England and Ireland (1533–1603) ODNB
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, and invites comparisons between the 'embodied spirits in the seventeenth century' and those in the nineteenth century, by comparing the 'Ghost of Hamlet's Father' with the 'rapping ghosts who come at the call of Messrs. HOME Home, Daniel Dunglas (1833–86) ODNB
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and HOWITT Howitt, William (1792–1879) ODNB
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, MRS. DENNET Dennet, Mrs (fl. 1863) PU1/45/23/4
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or MRS. HAYDON Hayden, Maria B (fl. 1850) WBI
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'.



Punch,  45 (1863), 234.

Video Meloria

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Punch Punch
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Genre:

Poetry, Drollery

Subjects:

Political Economy, Universities


    Responding to news of Henry Fawcett's Fawcett, Henry (1833–84) ODNB
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election to the professorship of political economy in the University of Cambridge University of Cambridge
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, praises his unrivalled 'political vision' and takes the fact that Fawcett achieved this distinction 'spite infirmity' to prove 'That Cambridge is not, like her candidate, blind'.



^^ Back to the top of this issue

Punch,  45 (1863), 236.

Two Tales of the Queens' Bench

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Anon

Genre:

News-Commentary, Drollery

Subjects:

Medical Practitioners, Medical Treatment, Mental Illness, Gender, Crime, Patronage


    Discusses Mr Punch's recent visit to the 'Court of Queen Victoria's Bench' where he witnessed the end of a case in which a woman called Mrs Symm Symm, Mrs (fl. 1863) PU1/45/24/1
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, 'who had taken to drinking, and had been a sufferer of delirium tremens', had dragged her 'medical benefactors', Dr Fraser Fraser, Dr (fl. 1863) PU1/45/24/1
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and Dr Andrews Andrews, Dr (fl. 1863) PU1/45/24/1
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, into court for 'ill-treating her'. Punch relishes the fact that the verdict was in the doctors' favour, and that a subscription list has been started in the Lancet Lancet (1823–1900+) Waterloo Directory
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for meeting the large legal costs incurred by the doctors. Notes the eminence of the subscribers (including Forbes B Winslow Winslow, Forbes Benignus (1810–74) ODNB
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, Ernest A Hart Hart, Ernest Abraham (1835–98) ODNB
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, Francis Sibson Sibson, Francis (1814–76) ODNB
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, and William Fergusson Fergusson, Sir William (1808–77) ODNB
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), and calls for subscriptions from 'everybody who ever did or ever expects to need medical service'.



Punch,  45 (1863), 236.

A Boom from Big Ben

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Big Ben Big Ben
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Genre:

Letter, Spoof

Subjects:

Time, Instruments, Technology


    The bell in the Palace of Westminster Palace of Westminster
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, Big Ben, describes the resumption of his duty of ringing after a long period of idleness while a crack was being repaired. Noting reports that he is performing his 'functions in an exemplary manner', confesses: 'since I've been set to work again, I have done my very best to sound my very worst, and make my voice as husky as I can, in the hope of being once more put on the sick list'. Proceeds to complain about his duties.



Punch,  45 (1863), 236.

A Caledonian Gem

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Anon

Genre:

Notes, Drollery

Subjects:

Aeronautics, Invention

Institutions mentioned:

Géant Géant, balloon
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Punch,  45 (1863), 243.

The Relations of Black and White

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Anon

Genre:

News-Commentary, Drollery

Subjects:

Race, Anthropology, Societies, Human Development


    Reports that at a recent meeting of the Anthropological Society Anthropological Society of London
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a paper was presented which argued that negroes were 'a little above monkeys and very much below white men'. Notes that the Morning Post Morning Post and Daily Advertising Pamphlet (1772–1900+) Waterloo Directory
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sought to undermine the importance of such claims by recalling Richard Owen's Owen, Richard (1804–92) DSB
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confusion of a 'negro type of skull' with that of 'a Scotch Sergeant who was killed at Waterloo'. Punch agrees, but suggests that the Scotsman may have been 'Sergeant BLACKIE' (a common Scottish surname).



Punch,  45 (1863), 243.

The Doom of Tooting Common

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Anon

Genre:

Essay

Subjects:

Environmentalism, Politics, Government

Publications cited:

Express Express (1846–69) Waterloo Directory
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    Laments the fact that efforts are now being made to enclose and appropriate Tooting Common which Punch describes as 'that unprofitable wild, which now pays no rent to anybody, and exhales but little smoke, and not much else at any time but the scent of furze-bloom and other flowers in spring'. Emphasises the natural beauties of the common as if they were simple ornaments that could easily be disposed of. Asserts: 'All who have a proper contempt for the common people, for their pleasures and enjoyments, and for the privileges which they have possessed from time immemorial, but should, for the aggrandisement of individuals, have been deprived of long ago', will relish news that an 'Enclosure Commissioner' has decided, after taking evidence from local residents, in favour of abolishing the common. Laments the fact that a parliamentary act legislating the enclosure will transfer all the profits of the common to 'one man'.



Punch,  45 (1863), 244.

Hoop-La!

View full article text

Anon

Genre:

News-Commentary, Drollery

Subjects:

Invention, Technology


    Discusses an advertisement for 'The Patent Ondina', a woman's dress that 'does away with the unsightly results of the ordinary hoops' of crinoline dresses. Considers the claim that the invention improves on crinoline, but observes that it 'is only a lesser nuisance than the nuisance it simply professes to diminish' and calls for the production of new dresses to be halted.



^^ Back to the top of this issue

Punch,  45 (1863), 245.

Solomons in Sawnieland

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Anon

Genre:

News-Commentary, Drollery

Subjects:

Psychology, Physiognomy, Cultural Geography

Publications cited:

Saturday Review Saturday Review (1855–1900+) Waterloo Directory
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Punch,  45 (1863), 246.

The Fetters and the Fleece

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Anon

Genre:

Essay, Drollery

Relevant illustrations:

wdct.

Subjects:

Exhibitions, Amusement, Animal Behaviour, Race


    The initial letter of the article is part of an illustration showing a beaver sitting at an artist's easel, on the other side of which sits a man tied with a rope and playing a drum. The text begins by noting the 'instructive' nature of exhibiting 'specimens of the inferior creation', observing that the 'monkeys at the Zoological Zoological Society of London —Gardens
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are not models' even though 'we all go to see them', and that we see 'Pictures of the French Drawn by Themselves'. Criticizes Silken Fetters Buckingham, Leicester Silk 1864. Silken Fetters: A Comedy in Three Acts, London: Thomas Hailes Lacy
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, Leicester S Buckingham's Buckingham, Leicester Silk (1825–67) ODNB
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adaptation of Augustin E Scribe's Scribe, Augustin Eugène (1791–1861) CBD
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drama, Une Chaîne Scribe, Augustin Eugène 1841. Une chaîne: comedie en cinq actes et en prose, Paris: Beck
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. Acknowledges that if Buckingham were a naturalist he would be 'too conscientious' not to label gorillas in a cage 'gorillas' and would 'not put them into trousers and crinoline, and say they were Irish people', but questions why he had given Scribe's 'monkeys' 'English names and transferred the scene of their antics to this country'.



Punch,  45 (1863), 247.

Smart Things in the Athenaeum

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Anon

Genre:

News-Commentary, Drollery

Subjects:

Light, Exhibitions, Spiritualism, Charlatanry, Imposture, Controversy


    Believing the Athenaeum Athenaeum (1828–1900+) Waterloo Directory
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to be aping the critical style of the Saturday Review Saturday Review (1855–1900+) Waterloo Directory
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, notes the former periodical's claim that J Manning's Manning, J (fl. 1863) PU1/45/26/3
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'optical ghosts' will 'beat the conjurors' and drive away mediums such as Daniel D Home Home, Daniel Dunglas (1833–86) ODNB
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and Charles H Foster Foster, Charles H (fl. 1900) WBI
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. Punch questions this argument because it presumes that séance phenomena 'are really visible'.



Punch,  45 (1863), 247.

The Yankee Hercules

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Anon

Genre:

News-Commentary, Drollery

Subjects:

Military Technology, Steamships


    Discusses an article in a 'Popular American paper' which boasts about the 'impregnable ship-armour of the Yankees' and proposes that it could force London to surrender by anchoring a 'Dunderberg' opposite the metropolis. Replies to this latter proposal by arguing from the example of the Battle of Bull Run that the Yankees 'would be more likely to skedaddle on the first opportunity' than to take London in this way.



Punch,  45 (1863), 248.

Gilding the Iron Ways

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Anon

Genre:

News-Commentary, Drollery

Subjects:

Railways, Commerce


Punch,  45 (1863), 251.

The Defective Police

View full article text

Anon

Genre:

Drama, Drollery

Subjects:

Crime, Chemistry


Punch,  45 (1863), 252.

How, When, and Where? or, The Modern Tourist's Guide to the Continent  [20/21]Anon, 'How, When, and Where? or, The Modern Tourist's Guide to the Continent', Punch, 45 (1863), 65
Anon, 'How, When, and Where? Or, the Modern Guide to the Continent', Punch, 45 (1863), 142–43
Anon, 'How, When, and Where? or, The Modern Tourist's Guide to the Continent', Punch, 45 (1863), 152–53
Anon, 'How, When, and Where? or, The Modern Tourist's Guide to the Continent', Punch, 45 (1863), 162
Anon, 'How, When, and Where? or, The Modern Tourist's Guide to the Continent', Punch, 45 (1863), 172
Anon, 'How, When, and Where? or, The Modern Tourist's Guide to the Continent', Punch, 45 (1863), 202
Anon, 'How, When, and Where? or, The Modern Tourist's Guide to the Continent', Punch, 45 (1863), 212–13
Anon, 'How, When, and Where? or, The Modern Tourist's Guide to the Continent', Punch, 45 (1863), 227

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Anon

Genre:

Serial, Essay, Drollery

Subjects:

Pneumatics, Machinery, Steam-power, Telegraphy, Electricity, Technology


    Describes some of the 'luxurious contrivances' to be enjoyed by the 'travelling Diogenes' in Parisian hotels. These include a room that takes one up to higher floors by 'Hydraulic pressure', a 'Pneumatic Dispatch Pipe' by which one descends from this height, machines which perform such domestic tasks as unpacking luggage and washing guests, and an electric telegraph cable that allows guests to relay their orders to waiters.



Punch,  45 (1863), 253.

Something Like a War-Cry

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Anon

Genre:

Essay, Drollery

Subjects:

Railways, Environmentalism, Progress, Controversy, Architecture, Imposture, Government, Politics


    Describes the advances of the railway into London which is to be 'given over as a prey' to the 'Railway League'. Explains how Punch procured from Edward Stanford Stanford, Edward (1827–1904) ODNB
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a map illustrating the extent of the invasion, and then details the various overland and underground lines that do not appear to satisfy anybody's interests. Upholding that 'something may be done against new aggressors', calls on 'the Senators of the moribund Parliament Houses of Parliament
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to deserve re-election by making a vigorous fight against nearly all schemes that have been lodged'. Protests against various lines, including the 'Nelson Column and Obelisk Line, which is to go through Poet's Corner in Westminster Abbey Westminster Abbey
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', criticises the 'tank' (railway bridge) that is to 'shut out' St Paul's Cathedral St Paul's Cathedral
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, and believes that in the 'mass of conspiracies "lodged" on the 30th ultimo [...] are hidden schemes for effecting every one of the objects we have protested against'. Goes on to praise Stanford for his 'magnificent and luxurious maps', calls on Londoners to protest against the encroachment of the lines on their 'mansions and gardens', to treat railway men as 'a highwayman of old, and hang him in his surveying chains', and that 'England expects every man to upset a train'.



Punch,  45 (1863), 254.

A Photographic Incident

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Anon

Genre:

Illustration, Drollery

Relevant illustrations:

wdct.

Subjects:

Photography, Gender


    Shows a woman, clad in a black shawl, being photographed by a man who is partly obscured by the black cloth affixed to the back of his camera obscura. The caption reveals that 'Those who are familiar with the phenomena of the Camera Obscura', will understand why the woman has 'taken the precaution' (i.e. put on the shawl) 'on being focussed for her Carte de Visite'.



Punch,  45 (1863), 254.

A Last Attempt

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Anon

Genre:

Notes, Drollery

Subjects:

Aeronautics, Language

People mentioned:

Henry T Coxwell Coxwell, Henry (Tracey) (1819–1900) ODNB
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