Genre:

Essay, Drollery

Relevant illustrations:

wdct.

Illustrators:

A C *

Subjects:

Pharmaceuticals, Disease, Sanitation, Public Health, Medical Treatment, Medical Practitioners, Periodicals

    The initial letter forms part of an illustration showing two humanoid figures, their bodies being made from the containers of medical treatments. One figure, whose body is made from a 'powder' bottle and whose head is made from a bottle of 'stomach black draught', talks to a figure whose head is made from a box of 'blue pills'. The text refers to a recent discussion in newspapers concerning the sources of an outbreak of typhoid fever. However, while the newspapers suggest that the source lies in people's drains, Punch counsels: 'Look to yourselves'. Agrees that sewers generate a 'pestiferous' atmosphere in which rats and labourers work and explains that the latter, and also 'medical men', consume gin 'which is medicinal' unless drunk in large doses. Advises that people should look at their drains but also 'to the natural gates and alleys of the body', which should be kept 'clear, and permeable, and pervious'. Suggests that people can expel the 'poisonous or morbid effluvia' from their bodies by ministering alcohol to themselves or by visiting a doctor. However, the writer suggests that Punch itself is a 'popular panacea' which the patient will find 'invariably efficacious'.