Dickensians! discussion
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Mudfog and Other Sketches
Novellas and Collaborative Works
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The Mudfog Papers - 1st Summer Read 2022 (hosted by Cozy_Pug)
I really enjoyed the first meeting, there are some laugh out loud moments in it (view spoiler)I think I’ve read past your first instalment CozyPug but I’m glad my favourite name from the first meeting is back in this one, ‘Professor Woodensconce’!
Janelle I'm glad you enjoyed the first meeting report. There were laugh out loud moments for me, too - I just can't get past the pug incident :( Your favorite moment from that report is so funny - I laughed at that, too. I'm glad you like Professor Woodensconce - he has some great scenes in today's part of the story!
Ann you are very welcome. Knowing about the BA provides context for Dickens' parody, and as you say, it should be helpful as we go through the story.
Today we set sail from London en route to Oldcastle, and it's not quite smooth sailing for these learned men of science....
Ann you are very welcome. Knowing about the BA provides context for Dickens' parody, and as you say, it should be helpful as we go through the story.
Today we set sail from London en route to Oldcastle, and it's not quite smooth sailing for these learned men of science....
"Full Report of the Second Meeting of the Mudfog Association for the Advancement of Everything"
Day Two Summary
The reporter begins his dispatch from the saloon of the steamer on which he travels. The time is 8:30 on a Thursday night. He describes the sensations he felt while riding in a cab through London to the docks. Overcome by the importance of his assignment, he experienced a range of emotions and even "a consciousness that [he] was leaving London, and, stranger still, going somewhere else".
He is pleased to be the first passenger boarding the steamer as he will miss nothing as the evening unfolds. The reporter is happy to learn that he will share a cabin with three men attending the MA meeting - Professor Woodensconce, Mr Slug, and Professor Grime. The reporter spies a metal tube on Mr Slug's berth and is certain it must contain a new scientific instrument.
By 10:30pm many more passengers have boarded the steamer, and the scene is loud and chaotic. Professor Nogo arrives and retires immediately to bed. The reporter and his cabin mates sort out their sleeping arrangements, discovering that Professor Woodensconce cannot climb up to his top berth while Mr Slug is unable to leave his.
The passengers have supper, after which Professors Woodensconce and Grime toss a coin to see who will pay for a bottle of port. After half an hour of sorting out the toss, the mulled port is served.
By 1:00am the reporter and his cabin mates are in bed. The reporter watches Mr Slug's berth, anxious to learn what is in the tube. Forty minutes later he sees that the tube contains seasickness plasters, with which Mr Slug covers himself.
At 2:45am the steamer sets sail, and the noise of the steam engine startles Professor Woodensconce out of his berth and into the ladies' cabin. Loudly proclaiming that the boat is sinking, he causes tremendous chaos amongst the 147 ladies. Mr Slug announces his new discovery, which he will share at the meeting - no matter where a passenger's berth is, the steam engine is always under the passenger's pillow.
At 6:30pm on Friday evening, the reporter tells us that Mr Slug suffers terribly from seasickness despite his plasters. The reporter retires to bed and is moved by the deep suffering of Mr Slug. Professor Woodensconce is on deck begging to be thrown overboard, and Professor Nogo is unable to sleep. Observing the heartless Professor Grime eating in his berth, the reporter concludes this dispatch wondering "on what principle can [Grime] call for mutton-chops—and smile?"
Today's discussion ends at this point in the story.
Day Two Summary
The reporter begins his dispatch from the saloon of the steamer on which he travels. The time is 8:30 on a Thursday night. He describes the sensations he felt while riding in a cab through London to the docks. Overcome by the importance of his assignment, he experienced a range of emotions and even "a consciousness that [he] was leaving London, and, stranger still, going somewhere else".
He is pleased to be the first passenger boarding the steamer as he will miss nothing as the evening unfolds. The reporter is happy to learn that he will share a cabin with three men attending the MA meeting - Professor Woodensconce, Mr Slug, and Professor Grime. The reporter spies a metal tube on Mr Slug's berth and is certain it must contain a new scientific instrument.
By 10:30pm many more passengers have boarded the steamer, and the scene is loud and chaotic. Professor Nogo arrives and retires immediately to bed. The reporter and his cabin mates sort out their sleeping arrangements, discovering that Professor Woodensconce cannot climb up to his top berth while Mr Slug is unable to leave his.
The passengers have supper, after which Professors Woodensconce and Grime toss a coin to see who will pay for a bottle of port. After half an hour of sorting out the toss, the mulled port is served.
By 1:00am the reporter and his cabin mates are in bed. The reporter watches Mr Slug's berth, anxious to learn what is in the tube. Forty minutes later he sees that the tube contains seasickness plasters, with which Mr Slug covers himself.
At 2:45am the steamer sets sail, and the noise of the steam engine startles Professor Woodensconce out of his berth and into the ladies' cabin. Loudly proclaiming that the boat is sinking, he causes tremendous chaos amongst the 147 ladies. Mr Slug announces his new discovery, which he will share at the meeting - no matter where a passenger's berth is, the steam engine is always under the passenger's pillow.
At 6:30pm on Friday evening, the reporter tells us that Mr Slug suffers terribly from seasickness despite his plasters. The reporter retires to bed and is moved by the deep suffering of Mr Slug. Professor Woodensconce is on deck begging to be thrown overboard, and Professor Nogo is unable to sleep. Observing the heartless Professor Grime eating in his berth, the reporter concludes this dispatch wondering "on what principle can [Grime] call for mutton-chops—and smile?"
Today's discussion ends at this point in the story.
A Little More
The MA meeting is in Oldcastle, while the meeting of the BA took place in Newcastle. Dickens had a bit of fun with the meeting location.
The steamer - Below is an image of a paddle steamer that was built in 1837. I don't know if this what Dickens envisioned, but the fact that an astronomer once conducted experiments on board the steamer below makes it an appropriate possibility.
The Rainbow, an iron paddle steamer vessel used for both passengers and cargo, 1840 watercolor
Satire - The reporting style that so displeased Dickens is seen in the very first paragraph of the reporter's dispatch. His feeling that he was leaving London and traveling elsewhere is a perfect example of "pompous vacuity". Dickens satirizes the scientific men - all are great thinkers and full of knowledge, but three of the four are overcome with terrible seasickness. It's worth noting that science cannot help Mr Slug - he covers himself in seasickness plasters, but they are utterly useless.
Names - Dickens, as always, created some great names for these characters. We have Professors Woodensconce, Grime, and Nogo as well as Mr Slug. I like Professor Nogo's name - it fits since sailing appears to be a "no go" for him, and poor Mr Slug, who spends the voyage horribly ill is definitely sluggish.
The MA meeting is in Oldcastle, while the meeting of the BA took place in Newcastle. Dickens had a bit of fun with the meeting location.
The steamer - Below is an image of a paddle steamer that was built in 1837. I don't know if this what Dickens envisioned, but the fact that an astronomer once conducted experiments on board the steamer below makes it an appropriate possibility.
The Rainbow, an iron paddle steamer vessel used for both passengers and cargo, 1840 watercolor
Satire - The reporting style that so displeased Dickens is seen in the very first paragraph of the reporter's dispatch. His feeling that he was leaving London and traveling elsewhere is a perfect example of "pompous vacuity". Dickens satirizes the scientific men - all are great thinkers and full of knowledge, but three of the four are overcome with terrible seasickness. It's worth noting that science cannot help Mr Slug - he covers himself in seasickness plasters, but they are utterly useless.
Names - Dickens, as always, created some great names for these characters. We have Professors Woodensconce, Grime, and Nogo as well as Mr Slug. I like Professor Nogo's name - it fits since sailing appears to be a "no go" for him, and poor Mr Slug, who spends the voyage horribly ill is definitely sluggish.
Sconce is slang for head, by the way, for anyone who hasn’t come across it before.
Janelle wrote: "Sconce is slang for head, by the way, for anyone who hasn’t come across it before."
Thank you so much for this information! I googled a lot of the names but not all, so this is great. I kind of thought of someone with a wooden head - thick headed or dull minded, but wasn't sure.
Thank you so much for this information! I googled a lot of the names but not all, so this is great. I kind of thought of someone with a wooden head - thick headed or dull minded, but wasn't sure.
In Australia we use ‘scone’ as slang for head, perhaps it’s a shorter version of sconce.
Janelle wrote: "In Australia we use ‘scone’ as slang for head, perhaps it’s a shorter version of sconce."
Oh, ok - I'm not familiar with either term. To me a scone is a yummy baked good 😂
Oh, ok - I'm not familiar with either term. To me a scone is a yummy baked good 😂
Oh yes we love scones here too :))
Mod
It's a different word with a different root: perhaps from Middle Dutch schoon (broot) ‘fine (bread)’. The first known print reference, in 1513, is from a Scottish poet.
But in England at least, a sconce (from the late Latin via Old French) is a candlestick, or candle-holder, often found in old churches, stately homes etc. That was what I first thought of. Here's more https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sconce_....
I don't think Charles Dickens would have confused the two ... but does it fit?
Scone is purely Australian slang, Jean. I wasn’t suggesting that’s what Dickens meant.Sconce was first used as slang for head in the 16th century, referenced here:
https://www.worldwidewords.org/qa/qa-...
Mod
The similar English slang term for head is "bonce" - but I don't think that usage goes back to the 19th century - only 1909. Before that it meant a type of large marble. I'm not sure where that gets us.
I seem to recall “the marble” being used as as term for the head or the brain when I was younger. So maybe connected to the English usage, Jean.
Mod
I loved the description of the journey on the steamboat.
I love this discussion of word meanings and origins!
Janelle thank you for sharing the website - very cool! And I do like the interpretation of sconce meaning head. Combined with wooden, and the other names Dickens uses (like Pumpkinskull), "woodenhead" makes sense to me.
Sue I like that - how many times a day do I say I'm losing my marbles! (Answer - a lot 😂). That meaning could work, too. I'm hesitant though to go with an Americanism since Dickens had not yet visited America when he wrote about Prof. Woodensconce in 1837 and 1838.
Jean thanks for the information on bonce - I can't recall coming across that word before in British books, television, or movies. Is it still in use?
Janelle the Australian usage of scone for head reminds of a project my husband was working on a few years ago. He's an architect, and his firm was designing a high rise condo for a developer in Australia. The engineering firm for the project was in Australia, too. They had a lot of confusion over construction terms - I remember there was an issue with a curb, and the Australian engineer was calling it a hob. Everyone was so confused lol but both sides were good natured about it. It fascinates me the different usages of words within English depending on the country.
Rosemarie wasn't that great! So funny, Woodensconce wanting to be thrown overboard, Slug covered in plasters, the engine noise scaring Woodensconce into the ladies' cabin. I laughed so hard. And the reporter cracked me up when he said he thought he saw a carriage by the wharf - fifteen minutes later "No it isn't." LOL.
I'll shortly have today's post up. The scientific gentlemen will be relieved to be off the water and back on solid ground....
Janelle thank you for sharing the website - very cool! And I do like the interpretation of sconce meaning head. Combined with wooden, and the other names Dickens uses (like Pumpkinskull), "woodenhead" makes sense to me.
Sue I like that - how many times a day do I say I'm losing my marbles! (Answer - a lot 😂). That meaning could work, too. I'm hesitant though to go with an Americanism since Dickens had not yet visited America when he wrote about Prof. Woodensconce in 1837 and 1838.
Jean thanks for the information on bonce - I can't recall coming across that word before in British books, television, or movies. Is it still in use?
Janelle the Australian usage of scone for head reminds of a project my husband was working on a few years ago. He's an architect, and his firm was designing a high rise condo for a developer in Australia. The engineering firm for the project was in Australia, too. They had a lot of confusion over construction terms - I remember there was an issue with a curb, and the Australian engineer was calling it a hob. Everyone was so confused lol but both sides were good natured about it. It fascinates me the different usages of words within English depending on the country.
Rosemarie wasn't that great! So funny, Woodensconce wanting to be thrown overboard, Slug covered in plasters, the engine noise scaring Woodensconce into the ladies' cabin. I laughed so hard. And the reporter cracked me up when he said he thought he saw a carriage by the wharf - fifteen minutes later "No it isn't." LOL.
I'll shortly have today's post up. The scientific gentlemen will be relieved to be off the water and back on solid ground....
"Full Report of the Second Meeting of the Mudfog Association for the Advancement of Everything"
Day Three Summary
Having safely arrived in Oldcastle, the reporter is (at noon on Saturday) stationed at the Black Boy and Stomachache pub. The town is extremely crowded with meeting attendees, and the reporter is staggered by the amount of intellect roaming the streets. Surveying the meeting locations, he is pleased with the attractive arrangements.
At 9:30pm, the reporter tells us that crowds of people arrived throughout the day. The most recent coach is filled inside and out with distinguished men, including Mr Muddlebranes, Professor Rummun, and Professor Pumpkinskull.
The following afternoon, the reporter learns that the parish beadle, Mr Sowster, and Professor Pumpkinskull had a meeting. Renting a donkey-chaise, the reporter sets off for the beadle's home. He describes Mr Sowster as a portly man with a double chin and a very red nose. His nose is so red that the reporter would have attributed it to frequent inebriation, but Sowster explains that his nose is red because he rises early in the morning.
Sowster, unwilling to disclose the specifics of his talk with Professor Pumpkinskull, states only that their discussion related to police regulation and that, "Never wos sitch times!" The reporter heads off in search of the Professor, who says he asked Sowster and the under-beadle to stand guard at the two pubs on Monday morning (the opening day of the meeting) to keep boys away. The reporter is astounded and angered by this development, as regulating street traffic does not fall under a beadle's responsibilities.
The reporter asks a local artist to draw a sketch of "the tyrant Sowster" and encloses it with his dispatches. The reporter declares the drawing to be a complete likeness, stating he would have known the subject of the sketch was reprehensible even if he'd never met him. He concludes by saying of the illustrated Sowster, "His whole air is rampant with cruelty, nor is the stomach less characteristic of his demoniac propensities."
The Tyrant Sowster, by George Cruikshank
Today's discussion ends at this point in the story.
Day Three Summary
Having safely arrived in Oldcastle, the reporter is (at noon on Saturday) stationed at the Black Boy and Stomachache pub. The town is extremely crowded with meeting attendees, and the reporter is staggered by the amount of intellect roaming the streets. Surveying the meeting locations, he is pleased with the attractive arrangements.
At 9:30pm, the reporter tells us that crowds of people arrived throughout the day. The most recent coach is filled inside and out with distinguished men, including Mr Muddlebranes, Professor Rummun, and Professor Pumpkinskull.
The following afternoon, the reporter learns that the parish beadle, Mr Sowster, and Professor Pumpkinskull had a meeting. Renting a donkey-chaise, the reporter sets off for the beadle's home. He describes Mr Sowster as a portly man with a double chin and a very red nose. His nose is so red that the reporter would have attributed it to frequent inebriation, but Sowster explains that his nose is red because he rises early in the morning.
Sowster, unwilling to disclose the specifics of his talk with Professor Pumpkinskull, states only that their discussion related to police regulation and that, "Never wos sitch times!" The reporter heads off in search of the Professor, who says he asked Sowster and the under-beadle to stand guard at the two pubs on Monday morning (the opening day of the meeting) to keep boys away. The reporter is astounded and angered by this development, as regulating street traffic does not fall under a beadle's responsibilities.
The reporter asks a local artist to draw a sketch of "the tyrant Sowster" and encloses it with his dispatches. The reporter declares the drawing to be a complete likeness, stating he would have known the subject of the sketch was reprehensible even if he'd never met him. He concludes by saying of the illustrated Sowster, "His whole air is rampant with cruelty, nor is the stomach less characteristic of his demoniac propensities."
The Tyrant Sowster, by George Cruikshank
Today's discussion ends at this point in the story.
A Little More
The Parish and the New Poor Law - These were two subjects Dickens felt strongly about, and they were addressed particularly in his novel Oliver Twist. Many, like Dickens, were incensed that the government sought to do away with outdoor relief for the poor. They also objected to abuses in the parish system. Here, the reporter observes that the beadle Sowster oversteps his authority by "illegal interference with the liberties of people not proved poor or otherwise criminal." It's ironic that parish authorities want to exercise control in areas beyond their scope, while ignoring the needs of the poor who should (by law) be their focus and responsibility. Dickens is harsh in his criticism of Sowster (and thereby all beadles), implying that he drinks to excess and is sinfully overweight. The poor in Sowster's parish are starving while he is guilty of gluttony (considered one of the seven deadly sins).
Jean provided a great explanation of the Poor Law in this post from The Chimes group read, and I encourage you to take a look at it.
Illustration - there are two illustrations for this sketch, one being of the tyrant Sowster. Dickens must have wanted Cruikshank's illustration to highlight the physical areas described in the sketch. The man's nose and stomach are both overly exaggerated, and his double chin is quite obvious as well.
Names - Dickens has more fun with naming the meeting attendees - Mr Muddlebranes (muddle brains) and Professor Rummun (rum one, "rum" meaning strange or peculiar, thus an odd man). Purblind, meaning dim witted, is another surname. These names parody BA members, giving the impression that they are not especially bright or intellectual men. It contrasts with the rivers of intelligence the reporter claims to see in the Oldcastle streets.
Professor John Ketch is a particularly grim choice of name. John Ketch was an executioner in the late 1600's. He gained notoriety for his inability to behead quickly the condemned. In one instance, he lowered his ax on the accused between five and eight times, and even then needed to complete the beheading with a knife. He is most often referred to as Jack Ketch, a name synonymous with death and executioners. Dickens' purpose in naming this character will be evident later in the story.
In researching Sowster's name, I found the word in a Scottish dictionary. It means "seamstress", but that particular variation didn't appear until 1880. "Sow" is either a female pig or a smelted ingot. In Middle English, "sowe" could also mean a siege engine used to protect assailants. Based on how rotund beadle Sowster is, I think "pig" is the most reasonable meaning of his name. Although Dickens may have chosen the name ironically, if he was thinking of a siege engine. A beadle was supposed to care for those in his parish but too often did not.
Have you all spotted any other interesting names in the meeting attendees?
The Parish and the New Poor Law - These were two subjects Dickens felt strongly about, and they were addressed particularly in his novel Oliver Twist. Many, like Dickens, were incensed that the government sought to do away with outdoor relief for the poor. They also objected to abuses in the parish system. Here, the reporter observes that the beadle Sowster oversteps his authority by "illegal interference with the liberties of people not proved poor or otherwise criminal." It's ironic that parish authorities want to exercise control in areas beyond their scope, while ignoring the needs of the poor who should (by law) be their focus and responsibility. Dickens is harsh in his criticism of Sowster (and thereby all beadles), implying that he drinks to excess and is sinfully overweight. The poor in Sowster's parish are starving while he is guilty of gluttony (considered one of the seven deadly sins).
Jean provided a great explanation of the Poor Law in this post from The Chimes group read, and I encourage you to take a look at it.
Illustration - there are two illustrations for this sketch, one being of the tyrant Sowster. Dickens must have wanted Cruikshank's illustration to highlight the physical areas described in the sketch. The man's nose and stomach are both overly exaggerated, and his double chin is quite obvious as well.
Names - Dickens has more fun with naming the meeting attendees - Mr Muddlebranes (muddle brains) and Professor Rummun (rum one, "rum" meaning strange or peculiar, thus an odd man). Purblind, meaning dim witted, is another surname. These names parody BA members, giving the impression that they are not especially bright or intellectual men. It contrasts with the rivers of intelligence the reporter claims to see in the Oldcastle streets.
Professor John Ketch is a particularly grim choice of name. John Ketch was an executioner in the late 1600's. He gained notoriety for his inability to behead quickly the condemned. In one instance, he lowered his ax on the accused between five and eight times, and even then needed to complete the beheading with a knife. He is most often referred to as Jack Ketch, a name synonymous with death and executioners. Dickens' purpose in naming this character will be evident later in the story.
In researching Sowster's name, I found the word in a Scottish dictionary. It means "seamstress", but that particular variation didn't appear until 1880. "Sow" is either a female pig or a smelted ingot. In Middle English, "sowe" could also mean a siege engine used to protect assailants. Based on how rotund beadle Sowster is, I think "pig" is the most reasonable meaning of his name. Although Dickens may have chosen the name ironically, if he was thinking of a siege engine. A beadle was supposed to care for those in his parish but too often did not.
Have you all spotted any other interesting names in the meeting attendees?
Mod
I’m catching up but just finished day 2. I’m reminded of a trip my family took where we crossed the Channel from Dover to get to the Netherlands oh my back in 2004. We were on a huge boat that carried everyone’s cars across. It was very choppy on the sea that day and I was not feeling great. My husband and 2 little boys were just fine, naturally! But when such a large boat as we were on moved and swayed, goodness, it was very difficult to get up and walk around. I feel for these passengers! Dickens has made it comical even though they aren’t feeling too great! I loved the “gravy soup” not being a very good idea! Sounds horrible! And not something I would think to sit well on the tummy!
The name ‘Sowster’ sounds like souse to me which suggests he’s a drunkard, that would be my immediate reaction to it :)Souse definition : https://www.merriam-webster.com/dicti...
Jean thank you for using bonce in a sentence! I'll probably see it everywhere now, like I did with east wind once I learned about it.
Lori oh I'm so sorry you were seasick. Dickens made it funny, but I bet it's no laughing matter when you're dealing with it. I googled gravy soup and found an English recipe from 1845. Basically it sounds like a meat broth soup - meat and veg and herbs, then strained when cooked so you have liquid. It sounds like too much flavor for unsettled stomachs, strictly my opinion lol.
Janelle you're a total wordsmith! I didn't even think of souse but it fits with the red nose, which we know he didn't get from being an early riser lol!
Lori oh I'm so sorry you were seasick. Dickens made it funny, but I bet it's no laughing matter when you're dealing with it. I googled gravy soup and found an English recipe from 1845. Basically it sounds like a meat broth soup - meat and veg and herbs, then strained when cooked so you have liquid. It sounds like too much flavor for unsettled stomachs, strictly my opinion lol.
Janelle you're a total wordsmith! I didn't even think of souse but it fits with the red nose, which we know he didn't get from being an early riser lol!
I fell a bit behind and am happy to see that I'm caught up now! I'm really enjoying this piece. It's funny, yet has some biting commentary in it.
Cozy_Pug, thank you for all the added information. I had forgotten about the Poor Law. Thanks for the link back to Jean's explanation.
I love the names throughout. Each one seems better than the last.
I'm one that gets seasick and I felt for the passengers on the ship. The gravy soup made me think of a thick, brown soup.....horrible for poor seasick passengers. It sounds a bit better after Cozy_Pug revealed that it's a clear soup. Perhaps it was meant to settle upset tummies after all.
I've caught up through Day Three, and would have been pretty lost without your summaries and explanations, Cozy_Pug. Thank you!I thought this bit from the Day Two section was very telling:
"Professor Woodensconce has abstained from cheese for eight years, although he takes butter in considerable quantities. Professor Grime having lost several teeth, is unable, I observe, to eat his crusts without previously soaking them in his bottled porter. How interesting are these peculiarities!’ "
Yes, Dickens knows what interests his readers!
I also loved the part where only one of the cabinmates could be out of bed at a time!
Petra oh no, you get seasick as well. :(
Yes gravy soup, just by the name, sounds yucky. Where I am, gravy is a thick sauce that people put on biscuits and meat. I've never liked gravy, don't eat it, and the thought of people eating gravy like a soup was disgusting! Glad I looked into it - broth is more appealing lol!
Kathleen the sleeping arrangements are too funny. It cracked me up when Woodensconce was jolted awake and ran into the ladies's cabin! :D
Coming up in today's post - the meetings begin. What will these learned scientific giants share with us?
Yes gravy soup, just by the name, sounds yucky. Where I am, gravy is a thick sauce that people put on biscuits and meat. I've never liked gravy, don't eat it, and the thought of people eating gravy like a soup was disgusting! Glad I looked into it - broth is more appealing lol!
Kathleen the sleeping arrangements are too funny. It cracked me up when Woodensconce was jolted awake and ran into the ladies's cabin! :D
Coming up in today's post - the meetings begin. What will these learned scientific giants share with us?
"Full Report of the Second Meeting of the Mudfog Association for the Advancement of Everything"
Day Four Summary
It is meeting day, and the reporter tells us the proceedings have "astounded [his] senses." First on the agenda is Section A - Zoology and Botany.
Mr XX Misty presents a paper on the disappearance of dancing bears and organ barrel monkeys in London. Dancing bears fell out of favor in recent years and disappeared from the streets. Mr Misty hypothesizes that the last known performing bear was a victim of the increased demand for bear grease. As recently as 1829 the proportion of monkeys to organs was one to three. A shift in public taste regarding musical instruments, as well as a new design of the organs (the boxes are now narrow, offering nowhere for monkeys to sit) caused this form of public entertainment to die out. Mr Misty feels urgent action is needed to restore these public entertainments, as they provided a "national education" on these animal species.
The Section President asks what solution Mr Misty proposes. His plan is for the government to import bears into England, at the public's expense and for their amusement. Enough bears would need to be imported to allow at least three bears to visit each town area once a week. Mr Misty suggests constructing a bear-garden near Parliament, as that would be a most appropriate location.
Professor Mull rebuts Mr Misty's position, stating that performing bears and monkeys impeded childrens' understanding of these animals. He knows of children who believed "that all monkeys were born in red coats and spangles, and that their hats and feathers also came by nature." The Professor also questions Mr Misty's explanation as to why the bears ceased performing. Was it really due to a changing public taste or because the bears lack the ability to perform?
Mr Misty responds that he fully believes there are bears and monkeys who very much want to perform but no longer do so from lack of public encouragement.
Professor Pumpkinskull interjects to address the bear grease point. He states that bear grease is in common and high volume usage as a hair loss preventative. He theorizes that the youth of the day, who show "a considerable lack of...gallantry and gentlemanly feeling", have acquired the natural behaviors and qualities of bears through the excessive use of bear grease.
The Section President is quite struck by Pumpkinskull's idea as it would be a terrible thing if "our youth were so rapidly verging into a generation of bears." The President then asks if anyone present knows what has become of dancing dogs. Someone explains that three singers were committed to prison, and their dancing dogs are now supporting themselves in a different part of town by "robbing blind men’s poodles."
Mr Flummery now steps up to exhibit a twig, which he claims is a branch of the Shakspeare tree. He says an elderly woman in Warwickshire told him his twig was a shoot of the original tree. Mr Flummery wishes to name the twig the Shakspeare and present it to the country. When the President asks what the botanical classification is, Mr Flummery "expressed his opinion that it was A DECIDED PLANT."
Today's discussion ends at this point in the story.
Day Four Summary
It is meeting day, and the reporter tells us the proceedings have "astounded [his] senses." First on the agenda is Section A - Zoology and Botany.
Mr XX Misty presents a paper on the disappearance of dancing bears and organ barrel monkeys in London. Dancing bears fell out of favor in recent years and disappeared from the streets. Mr Misty hypothesizes that the last known performing bear was a victim of the increased demand for bear grease. As recently as 1829 the proportion of monkeys to organs was one to three. A shift in public taste regarding musical instruments, as well as a new design of the organs (the boxes are now narrow, offering nowhere for monkeys to sit) caused this form of public entertainment to die out. Mr Misty feels urgent action is needed to restore these public entertainments, as they provided a "national education" on these animal species.
The Section President asks what solution Mr Misty proposes. His plan is for the government to import bears into England, at the public's expense and for their amusement. Enough bears would need to be imported to allow at least three bears to visit each town area once a week. Mr Misty suggests constructing a bear-garden near Parliament, as that would be a most appropriate location.
Professor Mull rebuts Mr Misty's position, stating that performing bears and monkeys impeded childrens' understanding of these animals. He knows of children who believed "that all monkeys were born in red coats and spangles, and that their hats and feathers also came by nature." The Professor also questions Mr Misty's explanation as to why the bears ceased performing. Was it really due to a changing public taste or because the bears lack the ability to perform?
Mr Misty responds that he fully believes there are bears and monkeys who very much want to perform but no longer do so from lack of public encouragement.
Professor Pumpkinskull interjects to address the bear grease point. He states that bear grease is in common and high volume usage as a hair loss preventative. He theorizes that the youth of the day, who show "a considerable lack of...gallantry and gentlemanly feeling", have acquired the natural behaviors and qualities of bears through the excessive use of bear grease.
The Section President is quite struck by Pumpkinskull's idea as it would be a terrible thing if "our youth were so rapidly verging into a generation of bears." The President then asks if anyone present knows what has become of dancing dogs. Someone explains that three singers were committed to prison, and their dancing dogs are now supporting themselves in a different part of town by "robbing blind men’s poodles."
Mr Flummery now steps up to exhibit a twig, which he claims is a branch of the Shakspeare tree. He says an elderly woman in Warwickshire told him his twig was a shoot of the original tree. Mr Flummery wishes to name the twig the Shakspeare and present it to the country. When the President asks what the botanical classification is, Mr Flummery "expressed his opinion that it was A DECIDED PLANT."
Today's discussion ends at this point in the story.
A Little More
Bear's grease - This was once believed to be an effective treatment for hair loss. The reasoning was that bears are hairy, therefore bear fat would promote hair growth. It was also used to style hair, as mentioned by David Copperfield who shares that, "I [used] a great deal of bear’s grease" in his later teens.
Trademark of Atkinsons of London, sellers of Bears Grease Pomade, circa 1830
Shakespeare tree - In the early seventeenth century, King James I imported black mulberry trees to England in hopes of generating a national silk industry. Planting mulberry trees became fashionable with homeowners, and there is a tradition that William Shakespeare planted a black mulberry tree at his home, New Place, in Stratford-upon-Avon. In 1756, the man who then owned New Place cut the mulberry tree down, as he was exasperated with Shakespeare lovers constantly asking to view the tree. Enterprising woodworkers made trinkets and mementoes from the felled tree to sell. The oldest mulberry tree in New Place Garden is traditionally believed to have grown from a cutting of the original Shakespeare tree. Mr Flummery is supposedly presenting a twig from the second Shakespeare tree.
Names - Professor Mull is aptly named as he seems to have mulled over the issue of performing bears. Pumpkinskull is similar to pumpkin head, meaning a dim-wit or dolt. Mr Flummery lives up to his name, which means "nonsense".
Satire - With the Industrial Revolution, certain traditional jobs became obsolete. Displaced workers sometimes struggled to adapt and find employment in the new industries (the railway, for example). The dancing bears and organ monkeys symbolize those who once had a specific role to fill in society that was eliminated due to industrial progress. Professor Mull introduces a common argument used when discussing the poor or unemployed, that there is plenty of work to go around. The problem is that the unemployed don't want to work, he argues.
Bear's grease - This was once believed to be an effective treatment for hair loss. The reasoning was that bears are hairy, therefore bear fat would promote hair growth. It was also used to style hair, as mentioned by David Copperfield who shares that, "I [used] a great deal of bear’s grease" in his later teens.
Trademark of Atkinsons of London, sellers of Bears Grease Pomade, circa 1830
Shakespeare tree - In the early seventeenth century, King James I imported black mulberry trees to England in hopes of generating a national silk industry. Planting mulberry trees became fashionable with homeowners, and there is a tradition that William Shakespeare planted a black mulberry tree at his home, New Place, in Stratford-upon-Avon. In 1756, the man who then owned New Place cut the mulberry tree down, as he was exasperated with Shakespeare lovers constantly asking to view the tree. Enterprising woodworkers made trinkets and mementoes from the felled tree to sell. The oldest mulberry tree in New Place Garden is traditionally believed to have grown from a cutting of the original Shakespeare tree. Mr Flummery is supposedly presenting a twig from the second Shakespeare tree.
Names - Professor Mull is aptly named as he seems to have mulled over the issue of performing bears. Pumpkinskull is similar to pumpkin head, meaning a dim-wit or dolt. Mr Flummery lives up to his name, which means "nonsense".
Satire - With the Industrial Revolution, certain traditional jobs became obsolete. Displaced workers sometimes struggled to adapt and find employment in the new industries (the railway, for example). The dancing bears and organ monkeys symbolize those who once had a specific role to fill in society that was eliminated due to industrial progress. Professor Mull introduces a common argument used when discussing the poor or unemployed, that there is plenty of work to go around. The problem is that the unemployed don't want to work, he argues.
Mod
We've talked about "Bear's grease" several times; it certainly doesn't sound like an attractive men's cosmetic, but there you are!
Here's lots more information (and pics), you might remember from our read of Bleak House LINK HERE
and also post about Bear's Grease in David Copperfield (in answer to Lori :) ) LINK HERE
The bear paraded round London sounds like a gimmick - poor bear! The Victorians were different.
By the way, my memories of home-made soup in childhood was that it was always gravy-based, starting with a joint of meat. Like a thin stew, and very feeding. The closest you would get to it now in convenience foods is Scotch broth, but Charles Dickens would be very familiar with it :)
On the other hand, "biscuits and gravy" always seems unfathomable to English people as biscuits are sweet baked items; there are dozens of different varieties but the closest Americans get to them is "cookies".
Bionic Jean wrote: "Lovely posts again, thanks Cozy_Pug :)
We've talked about "Bear's grease" several times; it certainly doesn't sound like an attractive men's cosmetic, but there you are!
Here's lots more informa..."
I had completely forgotten that you covered bear grease in Bleak House - thank you for the reminder and the link, Jean!
Yes, the biscuit issue lol! In America your biscuits are what we call cookies. And what we call biscuits is sort of like a non-sweet, plain scone. No fruit baked in it, but we do put jam or jelly on our biscuits along with butter. Or gravy, if you want a savory biscuit. And I've never met anyone in the US who puts gravy on their cookies lol, that would be unfathomable! :D
I wonder if what we call a broth or stock based soup is what the English call a gravy based soup. The recipe I looked up yesterday is basically what I would do if I made homemade broth (chicken broth or vegetable broth).
Those differences in words among English speaking countries have popped up again today!
We've talked about "Bear's grease" several times; it certainly doesn't sound like an attractive men's cosmetic, but there you are!
Here's lots more informa..."
I had completely forgotten that you covered bear grease in Bleak House - thank you for the reminder and the link, Jean!
Yes, the biscuit issue lol! In America your biscuits are what we call cookies. And what we call biscuits is sort of like a non-sweet, plain scone. No fruit baked in it, but we do put jam or jelly on our biscuits along with butter. Or gravy, if you want a savory biscuit. And I've never met anyone in the US who puts gravy on their cookies lol, that would be unfathomable! :D
I wonder if what we call a broth or stock based soup is what the English call a gravy based soup. The recipe I looked up yesterday is basically what I would do if I made homemade broth (chicken broth or vegetable broth).
Those differences in words among English speaking countries have popped up again today!
Mod
English jelly is a dessert. His wife Catherine concocted some great desserts in
Dinner for Dickens. the Culinary History of Mrs Charles Dickens's Menu Books Including a Transcript of What Shall We Have for Dinner?' by Lady Maria Clutterbuck
Great informative posts, Cozy Pug and Jean!This brought back memories of going to a "children's show" at a fair years ago. They had cute dogs doing tricks, jumping through hoops, and those animals looked healthy. Then another keeper brought out a bear with a ball and chain attached to its leg. The old bear was so drugged that it could hardly stand up, and the keeper poked the bear with a stick to start the poor animal dancing. We all felt so sorry for the bear that we were glad to leave the show. Since that show, my younger daughter would never attend a circus where they have animals perform, although she loves the Cirque de Soleil with human performers. So I think it's great that the performing bears were phased out of England!
I liked Dickens' play on words about having a bear-garden near Parliament, figuring he was referring to a beer garden.
Mod
Oh me too Connie :( And the rest of the big animals. I wonder what Charles Dickens thought ... he seemed to love shows of all types, and I suspect the general public did not know about the cruelty involved in training them, never mind the mental torture an animal like a tiger feels if it is kept in a confined space.
One of the first photos I took with my first ever "Kodak Brownie" camera (I was aged about 7 or 8), was of the animals in a children's show like you describe, in our local park. But there were definitely only small animals. I have my photo of Westies and Jack Russells jumping through hoops - and as I remember it they were having a whale of a time :)
Charles Dickens would probably enjoy that :) I seem to remember reading that Mamie trained one of her dogs to perform simple tricks, and her father was impressed.
That's wonderful that you still have some of your first photos, Jean! The memories are priceless.
Jean oh no, I didn't think Dickens was writing about American gravy as a soup lol, that's just what I first thought of when I read it. I knew that couldn't be right, so I googled it. Oh my, I forgot about jelly being a dessert in England - in America, jelly is similar to jam but without any fruit bits in it.
Connie that poor bear! I wonder why bears were considered good entertainment. I loved the circus when I was little, but when I went as an adult - it didn't seem like such a great thing anymore. I'm thankful I never saw any bears like the ones Dickens described or the one you and your family saw.
I like your idea about the wordplay of bear/beer garden. It fits! I was thinking he was comparing MPs to performing bears lol, just there for entertainment purposes. Combine our ideas and it's quite funny - come watch the performing MPs and have a beer lol :D
What tickles me most in Section A is that Prof. Pumpkinskull thinks bear grease is turning young men into bears lol. I also had a good chuckle about Mr Flummery classifying his twig as a plant, no Latin name, just a plant :D
Connie that poor bear! I wonder why bears were considered good entertainment. I loved the circus when I was little, but when I went as an adult - it didn't seem like such a great thing anymore. I'm thankful I never saw any bears like the ones Dickens described or the one you and your family saw.
I like your idea about the wordplay of bear/beer garden. It fits! I was thinking he was comparing MPs to performing bears lol, just there for entertainment purposes. Combine our ideas and it's quite funny - come watch the performing MPs and have a beer lol :D
What tickles me most in Section A is that Prof. Pumpkinskull thinks bear grease is turning young men into bears lol. I also had a good chuckle about Mr Flummery classifying his twig as a plant, no Latin name, just a plant :D
"Full Report of the Second Meeting of the Mudfog Association for the Advancement of Everything"
Day Five Summary
The MA meeting coverage moves on to Section B - Display of Models and Mechanical Science.
Mr Crinkles presents a pickpocketing machine that picks more pockets in one hour than the human hand can pick in twenty-four hours. Tested in various London streets, the device has never failed. Mr Crinkles consulted professional pickpockets for their opinions on his invention. Mr Fogle Hunter, a high class pickpocket, and Gimlet-eyed Tommy, a lower class pickpocket, both admired the device. They objected to its use, however, as the machine would eliminate their jobs. The Section President hopes the pickpockets won't stand in the way of progress. To circumvent the resistance Mr Crinkles will apply to Parliament, which surely will see the utility of his invention. The President concludes by observing that Parliament operates on a large scale, so they would put the device to great use (and most likely wear the machine out).
Mr Coppernose now presents his paper entitled "Practical Suggestions on the necessity of providing some harmless and wholesome relaxation for the young noblemen of England." He proposes that a large area be surrounded by a brick wall, with roads and miniature villages inside for the use of four-in-hand clubs. Stables would be available for those who enjoy ostlering, and luxurious entertainment houses would be built on the grounds. Plenty of door knockers, bell handles, and gas lamps would be provided for gentlemen to remove and break, all easily replaced daily. If gentlemen wish to drive their carriages on foot pavements, they may do so - pedestrians will be supplied by the workhouse.
Mr Coppernose created automaton figures to provide further pleasure. Rather than assault each other, the gentlemen can attack an automaton policeman, cab driver, or elderly woman. The automatons are able to walk about; if attacked, they cry and moan. Station houses would be provided with beds for overnight accommodation. In the morning "a pantomimic investigation" would be conducted. Ramps installed in the station will enable gentlemen to bring their horses in as witnesses.
Automaton Police Officer and the Real Offenders, by George Cruikshank
The automaton police force would be sufficiently large to allow half the force to be in action with the remainder resting on shelves until needed. If an automaton officer is thrashed to bits by a group of gentlemen, it can appear before the magistrate the next morning holding its head. The automaton magistrates' heads are made from the thickest, toughest wood available. The crowning achievement of Mr Coppernose's invention is the ability of the magistrates to speak. The attendees enthusiastically applaud the whole invention.
Mr Tickle then presents spectacles he created. They allow the wearer to view in bright colors objects a great distance away, while obscuring objects nearby. Mr Tickle explains that many people, including politicians, are able to see, without the aid of any visual implements, atrocities happening in far flung locations, but are unable to see problems nearer to home. The spectacles are made for those who can only see what is immediately around them.
The Section B presentations conclude with a brief view of an invention by Mr Blank. He created "a model of a fashionable annual, composed of copper-plates, gold leaf, and silk boards, and worked entirely by milk and water." Mr Prosee cannot understand how this machine works. Mr Blank replies, "Nobody can, and that is the beauty of it."
Today's discussion ends at this point in the story.
Day Five Summary
The MA meeting coverage moves on to Section B - Display of Models and Mechanical Science.
Mr Crinkles presents a pickpocketing machine that picks more pockets in one hour than the human hand can pick in twenty-four hours. Tested in various London streets, the device has never failed. Mr Crinkles consulted professional pickpockets for their opinions on his invention. Mr Fogle Hunter, a high class pickpocket, and Gimlet-eyed Tommy, a lower class pickpocket, both admired the device. They objected to its use, however, as the machine would eliminate their jobs. The Section President hopes the pickpockets won't stand in the way of progress. To circumvent the resistance Mr Crinkles will apply to Parliament, which surely will see the utility of his invention. The President concludes by observing that Parliament operates on a large scale, so they would put the device to great use (and most likely wear the machine out).
Mr Coppernose now presents his paper entitled "Practical Suggestions on the necessity of providing some harmless and wholesome relaxation for the young noblemen of England." He proposes that a large area be surrounded by a brick wall, with roads and miniature villages inside for the use of four-in-hand clubs. Stables would be available for those who enjoy ostlering, and luxurious entertainment houses would be built on the grounds. Plenty of door knockers, bell handles, and gas lamps would be provided for gentlemen to remove and break, all easily replaced daily. If gentlemen wish to drive their carriages on foot pavements, they may do so - pedestrians will be supplied by the workhouse.
Mr Coppernose created automaton figures to provide further pleasure. Rather than assault each other, the gentlemen can attack an automaton policeman, cab driver, or elderly woman. The automatons are able to walk about; if attacked, they cry and moan. Station houses would be provided with beds for overnight accommodation. In the morning "a pantomimic investigation" would be conducted. Ramps installed in the station will enable gentlemen to bring their horses in as witnesses.
Automaton Police Officer and the Real Offenders, by George Cruikshank
The automaton police force would be sufficiently large to allow half the force to be in action with the remainder resting on shelves until needed. If an automaton officer is thrashed to bits by a group of gentlemen, it can appear before the magistrate the next morning holding its head. The automaton magistrates' heads are made from the thickest, toughest wood available. The crowning achievement of Mr Coppernose's invention is the ability of the magistrates to speak. The attendees enthusiastically applaud the whole invention.
Mr Tickle then presents spectacles he created. They allow the wearer to view in bright colors objects a great distance away, while obscuring objects nearby. Mr Tickle explains that many people, including politicians, are able to see, without the aid of any visual implements, atrocities happening in far flung locations, but are unable to see problems nearer to home. The spectacles are made for those who can only see what is immediately around them.
The Section B presentations conclude with a brief view of an invention by Mr Blank. He created "a model of a fashionable annual, composed of copper-plates, gold leaf, and silk boards, and worked entirely by milk and water." Mr Prosee cannot understand how this machine works. Mr Blank replies, "Nobody can, and that is the beauty of it."
Today's discussion ends at this point in the story.
A Little More
Names - Mr Fogle Hunter is named for his profession. A fogle hunter was a pickpocket who stole handkerchiefs. A "fogle" is a handkerchief, typically made of silk. In Oliver Twist, there is an instance of "a young fogle-hunter" being arrested for pickpocketing a handkerchief. Gimlet-eyed Tommy is also aptly named, as one with gimlet eyes is extremely watchful.
Mr Coppernose - I've found two possibilities for a meaning behind this name. First, coppernose is used to refer to someone with a very red nose due to heavy drinking. Beadle Sowster is probably called coppernose by people in his parish. Second, King Henry VIII was sometimes referred to as Old Coppernose. His was a reign of heavy expenses, and at one point he changed the metal composition of coins from gold and silver to copper with a finish of gold or silver. This not only debased the value of the coins but also produced an inferior coin. King Henry VIII's image was on the coins, and tradition holds that his nose is where the finish rubbed off first, revealing the copper beneath.
I think both of these meanings fit the character in this sketch. If he had the alcoholic's red nose, Coppernose would be very a literal name for the man. If the meaning is referring to King Henry VIII, it would be a symbolic reference. At first glance, the elaborate automaton scheme Mr Coppernose presents is a revolutionary invention. But if you scratch the surface to look at the purpose of the scheme, it's quite an unnecessary use of scientific thinking and resources.
Satire - Dickens again comments on the displaced workforce generated by the Industrial Revolution. Here he satirizes the situation with a mechanical device eliminating the "need" for a group of criminals. It's also another example of science offering solutions that don't address real problems.
Four-in-hand club - A four-in-hand refers to a carriage pulled by four horses. Driving these carriages was a popular pastime amongst the wealthy, and clubs were organized around the recreation. Drag refers to a four-in-hand carriage driven by its gentleman owner.
Drags of the Four-in-Hand Club, nineteenth century painting by Samuel Henry Alken
Ostlering - An ostler (hostler) was a groom or stableman who cared for horses. Interestingly, I found that Dickens is credited with the first usage of "ostlering".
Automaton Police- Cruikshank's illustration for this sketch is full of the details Dickens described. On the left are two automaton magistrates and seated at the magistrates' bench is an automaton recording clerk. This automaton has a clock for a head. To the left of the magistrates is a pile of upended, disassembled automatons. Facing the magistrates are two automaton policemen. One holds his left arm, the other holds his head on a stick. On the floor in front of the bench lay at least two automaton figures, a woman and perhaps a small child. The crowd on the far right in the dock consists of real people as well as a horse. Scattered near the feet of the people are door knockers. The top of the illustration shows the reserves of automaton police stored on shelves.
Cruikshank typically illustrated in portrait format, but the many details and the layout of the room in this illustration required a landscape orientation. One commentary I read observes that the crowd in the dock appears to be neither nobles nor gentlemen, meaning that Dickens may have used irony when writing that this entertainment was provided for noblemen. What seems certain is that Dickens intended his automatons to be the high point of this sketch, and accordingly he had Cruikshank illustrate the magistrate scene to mirror his written description.
Telescopic philanthropy - Dickens appears to have had this concept in mind years before he used the term in Bleak House. Mr Tickle's spectacles would not have been needed by Mrs Jellyby. To read Jean's informative post on Mrs Jellby's telescopic philanthropy, follow this link.
Names - Mr Fogle Hunter is named for his profession. A fogle hunter was a pickpocket who stole handkerchiefs. A "fogle" is a handkerchief, typically made of silk. In Oliver Twist, there is an instance of "a young fogle-hunter" being arrested for pickpocketing a handkerchief. Gimlet-eyed Tommy is also aptly named, as one with gimlet eyes is extremely watchful.
Mr Coppernose - I've found two possibilities for a meaning behind this name. First, coppernose is used to refer to someone with a very red nose due to heavy drinking. Beadle Sowster is probably called coppernose by people in his parish. Second, King Henry VIII was sometimes referred to as Old Coppernose. His was a reign of heavy expenses, and at one point he changed the metal composition of coins from gold and silver to copper with a finish of gold or silver. This not only debased the value of the coins but also produced an inferior coin. King Henry VIII's image was on the coins, and tradition holds that his nose is where the finish rubbed off first, revealing the copper beneath.
I think both of these meanings fit the character in this sketch. If he had the alcoholic's red nose, Coppernose would be very a literal name for the man. If the meaning is referring to King Henry VIII, it would be a symbolic reference. At first glance, the elaborate automaton scheme Mr Coppernose presents is a revolutionary invention. But if you scratch the surface to look at the purpose of the scheme, it's quite an unnecessary use of scientific thinking and resources.
Satire - Dickens again comments on the displaced workforce generated by the Industrial Revolution. Here he satirizes the situation with a mechanical device eliminating the "need" for a group of criminals. It's also another example of science offering solutions that don't address real problems.
Four-in-hand club - A four-in-hand refers to a carriage pulled by four horses. Driving these carriages was a popular pastime amongst the wealthy, and clubs were organized around the recreation. Drag refers to a four-in-hand carriage driven by its gentleman owner.
Drags of the Four-in-Hand Club, nineteenth century painting by Samuel Henry Alken
Ostlering - An ostler (hostler) was a groom or stableman who cared for horses. Interestingly, I found that Dickens is credited with the first usage of "ostlering".
Automaton Police- Cruikshank's illustration for this sketch is full of the details Dickens described. On the left are two automaton magistrates and seated at the magistrates' bench is an automaton recording clerk. This automaton has a clock for a head. To the left of the magistrates is a pile of upended, disassembled automatons. Facing the magistrates are two automaton policemen. One holds his left arm, the other holds his head on a stick. On the floor in front of the bench lay at least two automaton figures, a woman and perhaps a small child. The crowd on the far right in the dock consists of real people as well as a horse. Scattered near the feet of the people are door knockers. The top of the illustration shows the reserves of automaton police stored on shelves.
Cruikshank typically illustrated in portrait format, but the many details and the layout of the room in this illustration required a landscape orientation. One commentary I read observes that the crowd in the dock appears to be neither nobles nor gentlemen, meaning that Dickens may have used irony when writing that this entertainment was provided for noblemen. What seems certain is that Dickens intended his automatons to be the high point of this sketch, and accordingly he had Cruikshank illustrate the magistrate scene to mirror his written description.
Telescopic philanthropy - Dickens appears to have had this concept in mind years before he used the term in Bleak House. Mr Tickle's spectacles would not have been needed by Mrs Jellyby. To read Jean's informative post on Mrs Jellby's telescopic philanthropy, follow this link.
"Section B" is a long chunk of this sketch. I've altered the schedule a bit so we can have two days to cover this section and give anyone behind a chance to catch up.
Tomorrow will be an additional day to discuss "Section B" (and anything else up to this point) and also a catch-up day.
Tomorrow will be an additional day to discuss "Section B" (and anything else up to this point) and also a catch-up day.
Mod
A secondary meaning is "a scene or procedure marked by unruly rowdy disturbance: hurly-burly".
A beer garden is not an English concept, but taken from the German “biergarten”. It's an open-air space where beer and food are served. England has these now.
Bionic Jean wrote: "Here's wiki on the Beargarden in London. It is an actual place, but not an easy read: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Beargarden
A secondary meaning is "a scene or procedure marked by unruly rowdy d..."
I think I need to pass on the bear garden wiki, but thank you for posting it!
I like the "hurly-burly" meaning for this sketch, applied to Parliament. I expect it got a bit rowdy sometimes.
So no beer gardens in 1830s London? I really liked that idea of Connie's - thanks for setting us straight Jean.
A secondary meaning is "a scene or procedure marked by unruly rowdy d..."
I think I need to pass on the bear garden wiki, but thank you for posting it!
I like the "hurly-burly" meaning for this sketch, applied to Parliament. I expect it got a bit rowdy sometimes.
So no beer gardens in 1830s London? I really liked that idea of Connie's - thanks for setting us straight Jean.
Today is a catch up day, but it's also a good place for me to share an idea I came across in my research for this group read.
I found a (quite small) number of fans of these Mudfog Association sketches. Readers interested in robotics and steampunk seem to find Dickens' creations fascinating.
I thought about working this into the information I shared, but I have no understanding of either robotics or steampunk. So I filed away a link to an article you may find interesting.
https://readdurhamenglish.wordpress.c...
I found a (quite small) number of fans of these Mudfog Association sketches. Readers interested in robotics and steampunk seem to find Dickens' creations fascinating.
I thought about working this into the information I shared, but I have no understanding of either robotics or steampunk. So I filed away a link to an article you may find interesting.
https://readdurhamenglish.wordpress.c...
That’s a fun article Cozy :)
Janelle wrote: "That’s a fun article Cozy :)"
I'm so glad you enjoyed it, Janelle!
I'm so glad you enjoyed it, Janelle!
These are certainly some odd and quirky inventions Dickens has come up with here. The satire is dripping especially Mr. Tickles’ spectacles where they help to see far away problems rather than the ones right on your doorstep. Very interesting that this concept was already in Dickens mind before he created Mrs Jellyby. Thanks for all of this extra info!
Enjoyed the article, all your research and contributions, Cozy, and laughing my way through the Dickens inventions. The article says this is Dickens' Swift moment, and I agree. As Lori has observed, Dickens was already fomenting some ideas that are found fleshed out in his later works.I am all caught up and enjoying the commentary as well.
Great article, Cozy Pug. Your research is very helpful in understanding Dickens' satire in this section.
Lori - Mr Tickles' spectacles definitely caught my attention, since we just finished Bleak House. "Dripping with satire" is a great description of this sketch.
Sara - Glad this is giving you some laughs! Seeing the horse standing with the crowd in Cruikshank's illustration just cracks me up. The comparison with Swift is something to ponder - I've never enjoyed Swift's works, but Dickens' satire I like. I think I've mentioned that during the time we're covering in this read, Dickens was being compared to some highly regarded English authors, such as Smollett and Fielding. He very much wanted to be known as an author, not just a comedic writer of sketches. So I do wonder if his focus on satire was partly motivated by a hope that he would be regarded as great a satirist as Swift.
Connie - I'm so glad you enjoyed the article, and happy my research is helpful to you :)
Ann - I'm glad the steampunk idea gave you another way to view these sketches!
Let's see what the meeting has in store for us today...
Sara - Glad this is giving you some laughs! Seeing the horse standing with the crowd in Cruikshank's illustration just cracks me up. The comparison with Swift is something to ponder - I've never enjoyed Swift's works, but Dickens' satire I like. I think I've mentioned that during the time we're covering in this read, Dickens was being compared to some highly regarded English authors, such as Smollett and Fielding. He very much wanted to be known as an author, not just a comedic writer of sketches. So I do wonder if his focus on satire was partly motivated by a hope that he would be regarded as great a satirist as Swift.
Connie - I'm so glad you enjoyed the article, and happy my research is helpful to you :)
Ann - I'm glad the steampunk idea gave you another way to view these sketches!
Let's see what the meeting has in store for us today...
"Full Report of the Second Meeting of the Mudfog Association for the Advancement of Everything"
Day Six Summary
The MA meeting coverage continues with Section C - Anatomy and Medicine.
Dr Grummidge presents a case history of monomania in a middle aged, middle class woman. At a party, the patient saw a woman arrayed in a complete set of pearl jewelry. The patient fixated on the pearls and fell ill when her husband could not purchase a set of pearl jewelry for her. Her symptoms included sullenness, no interest in household duties, peevishness, and lethargy. The only thing that enervated the patient was the mention of pearls, at which she became so overexcited that she burst into tears, declared herself unloved, and wished she were dead. Dr Grummidge prescribed a diet of weak gruel, drew blood, and administered calomel. The patient steadily improved until the fourth day, when symptoms reappeared. The doctor administered another dose of calomel and stated that if the patient did not improve within two hours, her head would be shaved. From that point, the woman was completely cured in less than a day. She never again showed any reaction to pearls or other jewels.
Mr Pipkin then presents a brief paper probing the recently deceased Sir William Courtenay's (or Thom's) homeopathic beliefs. Thom had recently died of a gunshot wound. Before his death, he had a woman follow him with a pail of water. He told her that if he died, she was to place one drop of water under his tongue to restore him to life. From this information, Mr Pipkin concluded that Thom (walking through swampy areas at the time) was certain he would drown. Instead Thom died of a gunshot wound. Mr Pipkin asserts that had the woman understood the principles of homeopathy, she would have placed a drop of lead and gunpowder under Thom's tongue. It follows that Thom would instantly have been brought back to life. Due to the woman's lack of knowledge, "the unfortunate gentleman had been sacrificed to the ignorance of the peasantry."
Today's discussion ends at this point in the story.
Day Six Summary
The MA meeting coverage continues with Section C - Anatomy and Medicine.
Dr Grummidge presents a case history of monomania in a middle aged, middle class woman. At a party, the patient saw a woman arrayed in a complete set of pearl jewelry. The patient fixated on the pearls and fell ill when her husband could not purchase a set of pearl jewelry for her. Her symptoms included sullenness, no interest in household duties, peevishness, and lethargy. The only thing that enervated the patient was the mention of pearls, at which she became so overexcited that she burst into tears, declared herself unloved, and wished she were dead. Dr Grummidge prescribed a diet of weak gruel, drew blood, and administered calomel. The patient steadily improved until the fourth day, when symptoms reappeared. The doctor administered another dose of calomel and stated that if the patient did not improve within two hours, her head would be shaved. From that point, the woman was completely cured in less than a day. She never again showed any reaction to pearls or other jewels.
Mr Pipkin then presents a brief paper probing the recently deceased Sir William Courtenay's (or Thom's) homeopathic beliefs. Thom had recently died of a gunshot wound. Before his death, he had a woman follow him with a pail of water. He told her that if he died, she was to place one drop of water under his tongue to restore him to life. From this information, Mr Pipkin concluded that Thom (walking through swampy areas at the time) was certain he would drown. Instead Thom died of a gunshot wound. Mr Pipkin asserts that had the woman understood the principles of homeopathy, she would have placed a drop of lead and gunpowder under Thom's tongue. It follows that Thom would instantly have been brought back to life. Due to the woman's lack of knowledge, "the unfortunate gentleman had been sacrificed to the ignorance of the peasantry."
Today's discussion ends at this point in the story.
A Little More
Names - Dickens plays with names again, the President of this Section being Dr Soemup (sum up) and the Vice-Presidents Messrs. Pessell and Mortair (pestle and mortar).
Calomel - A mercury compound used in the past as a purgative.
Sir William Courtenay (Thom) - The name may be misspelled in your reading copy - the edition on our group bookshelf shows "Thorn". It should be Thom. If you decide to read more about him, his last name is sometimes spelled as Tom.
John Nichols Thom
This is quite a topical reference Dickens used in this piece, as the event occurred in May 1838. This sketch was published a few months later in the September 1838 issue of Bentley's. John Nichols Thom was a wine merchant who was diagnosed and treated for at least one episode of insanity. He disappeared for over a year, his whereabouts unknown to his family. Thom was actually living in Canterbury under the assumed name of Sir William Percy Honeywood Courtenay, allegedly a Knight of Malta. After being convicted of perjury, he was imprisoned. Thom's wife, having heard of the trial, traveled to the prison, identified him as her husband, and informed officials of Thom's prior insanity attacks. He was examined, declared insane, and committed to an asylum.
In 1837, Thom was released from the asylum. He then gathered a following of poor working men who were opposed to low wages and the 1834 New Poor Law. (For a quick refresher on the Poor Law, follow this link.) They peacefully marched through East Kent for several months. When wealthy landowners became concerned about the group, a warrant was issued for Thom's arrest. A constable and two assistants approached the group, and Thom shot and killed one of the men. Soldiers from Canterbury were then called to the area, and in the very brief Battle of Bossenden Wood on May 31, Thom shot and killed a lieutenant before he himself was shot. Thom and eight of his followers died in the battle.
There's another odd note to consider in Thom's story. Some of his followers believed him to be the Messiah and worshipped him. Thom told his group that he came to earth on a cloud and would leave the same way (a reference to Christ's Ascension to Heaven in the clouds). I'm undecided about Dickens' intent - why use this particular event in a satire of science? Did he use Thom's Messiah complex to parody homeopathy? Is he commenting on negative opinions of the poor? The last sentence - "the unfortunate gentleman had been sacrificed to the ignorance of the peasantry" - seems to be a pointed satirical remark, blaming the poor for Thom's death. His surviving followers were charged after the battle at Bossenden Wood but sentencing was lenient, as they'd been influenced by a charismatic madman. Maybe Dickens had multiple motives in mind here. What do you all think?
Scene at Bossenden Wood, allegedly drawn by an eyewitness for the Penny Satirist
Names - Dickens plays with names again, the President of this Section being Dr Soemup (sum up) and the Vice-Presidents Messrs. Pessell and Mortair (pestle and mortar).
Calomel - A mercury compound used in the past as a purgative.
Sir William Courtenay (Thom) - The name may be misspelled in your reading copy - the edition on our group bookshelf shows "Thorn". It should be Thom. If you decide to read more about him, his last name is sometimes spelled as Tom.
John Nichols Thom
This is quite a topical reference Dickens used in this piece, as the event occurred in May 1838. This sketch was published a few months later in the September 1838 issue of Bentley's. John Nichols Thom was a wine merchant who was diagnosed and treated for at least one episode of insanity. He disappeared for over a year, his whereabouts unknown to his family. Thom was actually living in Canterbury under the assumed name of Sir William Percy Honeywood Courtenay, allegedly a Knight of Malta. After being convicted of perjury, he was imprisoned. Thom's wife, having heard of the trial, traveled to the prison, identified him as her husband, and informed officials of Thom's prior insanity attacks. He was examined, declared insane, and committed to an asylum.
In 1837, Thom was released from the asylum. He then gathered a following of poor working men who were opposed to low wages and the 1834 New Poor Law. (For a quick refresher on the Poor Law, follow this link.) They peacefully marched through East Kent for several months. When wealthy landowners became concerned about the group, a warrant was issued for Thom's arrest. A constable and two assistants approached the group, and Thom shot and killed one of the men. Soldiers from Canterbury were then called to the area, and in the very brief Battle of Bossenden Wood on May 31, Thom shot and killed a lieutenant before he himself was shot. Thom and eight of his followers died in the battle.
There's another odd note to consider in Thom's story. Some of his followers believed him to be the Messiah and worshipped him. Thom told his group that he came to earth on a cloud and would leave the same way (a reference to Christ's Ascension to Heaven in the clouds). I'm undecided about Dickens' intent - why use this particular event in a satire of science? Did he use Thom's Messiah complex to parody homeopathy? Is he commenting on negative opinions of the poor? The last sentence - "the unfortunate gentleman had been sacrificed to the ignorance of the peasantry" - seems to be a pointed satirical remark, blaming the poor for Thom's death. His surviving followers were charged after the battle at Bossenden Wood but sentencing was lenient, as they'd been influenced by a charismatic madman. Maybe Dickens had multiple motives in mind here. What do you all think?
Scene at Bossenden Wood, allegedly drawn by an eyewitness for the Penny Satirist
Dickensians!
Books mentioned in this topic
Mudfog and Other Sketches (other topics)Nicholas Nickleby (other topics)
Sketches by Boz (other topics)
Oliver Twist (other topics)
The Pickwick Papers (other topics)
More...
Authors mentioned in this topic
Charles Dickens (other topics)Charles Dickens (other topics)
John Forster (other topics)
William Harrison Ainsworth (other topics)
John Forster (other topics)
More...
**Please note that in the daily summaries, I end by italicizing a phrase or sentence from the sketch. That marks the end point of the day's reading.**
This sketch appeared in the September 1838 issue of Bentley's Miscellany. At this time, Dickens was concentrating his efforts on Oliver Twist, and he wrote the "Second Report" to replace the September installment of the novel. This second satirical MA sketch was especially topical, as the British Association for the Advancement of Science was holding their meeting at this time. Indicating how busy he was in the late summer of 1838, biographer Michael Slater says that Dickens was working on this September-issue sketch as late as August 22.
Satire - The Mudfog Meeting sketches serve a dual purpose - to satirize the "self-congratulatory" tendency of the BA and to parody the "pompous vacuity" of the press coverage of annual BA meetings. Dickens' satire also highlights the disconnect between science and society - BA studies often drifted away from offering practical solutions to tangible needs.
Dickens makes a subtle satirical dig already in this brief opening. Bentley's published the MA's first semiannual meeting report in October 1837. The MA is now having their second semiannual meeting 11 months later.
British Association for the Advancement of Science (BA) - In 1831, the BA was founded to promote the development of science in England. Charles Babbage, known for inventing the Difference Engine and Analytical Engine, was a founding member. The BA met annually and consisted of four divisions -
1- Physics (including Mathematics and Mechanical Art)
2- Chemistry (including Mineralogy and Chemical Arts)
3- Geology (including Geography)
4- Natural History
Divisions were altered over time, adding new areas as the need arose. For example, a Statistics division was added in 1833. Read more on eighteenth century statistics HERE. The organization still exists today under the name British Science Association.
Dickens, former reporter - Having worked as a reporter for several years, Dickens put his skills to good use in creating the reporting style of this sketch. At nineteen, he began work as a Parliamentary reporter in the House of Commons. He worked for multiple newspapers during his time as a journalist and traveled the country to report on campaigns, elections, speeches, and political meetings. Dickens appreciated the experience and discipline that journalistic reporting gave him, stating later in his life, "To the wholesome training of severe newspaper work, when I was a very young man, I constantly refer my first successes".
Charles Dickens, engraved portrait from an 1838 drawing by Samuel Laurence