Punch,  40 (1861), [ix].

Astronomical Information. From Punch's Almanack for 2261. The Sun

Anon

Genre:

Regular Feature, Notes, Drollery

Subjects:

Astronomy, Futurism, Light, Creation, Monstrosities, Extra-Terrestrial Life, Religion, Physical Geography


    Describes how the light of the Milky Way has rendered the sun obsolete but that it must have been 'much admired when science was in her infancy'. Explains that the sun is a 'phosphoric body' surrounded by oil that comes from the Milky Way and is used to make whales, and adds that it is inhabited by Salamanders who have six legs and profess themselves Swedenborgians (disciples of Emanuel Swedenborg). Thinks the sun is as worthy of a visit as the 'extinct Niagara of credulous historians'.



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