Cornhill Magazine,  7 (1863), 260–67.

Roundabout Papers.—No. XXVIII. Atour De Mon Chapeau

[William M Thackeray]

Genre:

Regular Feature, Editorial, Drollery

Subjects:

Natural History, Domestic Economy, Vivisection


    In reflecting on how old age increases the concern for small, trivial matters, asks, 'What do you know about the natural history of your household? [...] Can you answer the above questions? You know, sir, you cannot. Now turn round, lay down the book, and suddenly ask Mrs. Jones and your daughters if they can answer? They cannot. [...] Some of them know something about history, geology, and so forth. But of the natural history of home—Nichts, and for shame on you all!' (265). Then asks, 'What is this talk of my friend, Mr. Lewes, about objects at the seaside, and so forth? [...] My daily life is surrounded with objects which ought to interest me. [...] To the man who does know these things, I say the interest of life is prodigiously increased. [...] Go, Lewes, and clap a hideous sea-anemone into a glass: I will put a cabman under mine, and make a vivisection of a butcher' (265–66).


Reprinted:

Thackeray 1863


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