Punch,  12 (1847), 245.

Punch's Medical Advice to the Nation

Anon

Genre:

Essay, Drollery

Subjects:

Medical Treatment, Railways, Commerce, Cultural Geography, Disease, Nutrition


    Analyses and suggests treatment for the symptoms of John Bull (the personification of Great Britain), the symptoms being major contemporary social and political issues. Mr Bull's problems include 'the effects of the railway fever', which 'produced a most serious disturbance of your economy', 'a local disease, situated in your Irish region', and a 'tightness of the chest [Bank]'. Links the 'obstruction' in the centre of Bull's 'circulation' to an 'inordinate craving' for gold, but rejects 'bleeding' as a treatment, owing to the fact that Bull is already suffering from 'excessive venesection'. Recommends avoidance of 'artificial stimulants' and 'extreme moderation in diet'. Prescribes medicine at the cost of 'only about three per cent' and reassures Bull that his vital organs are 'untouched' and that his disorder is 'merely functional'.



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