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1865 British Association cartoon by Punch
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1865 British Association cartoon by Punch
1865 A caricature by Punch of the diverse alumni of the British Association annual meeting in Birmingham. They are shown satirically, performing in their acknowledged fields of expertise. Top left are Huxley and Owen, famed rivals over the evolutionary topic of the hippocampus in monkeys and man. Next to them John Tyndall lancing Joseph Jukes with a hot poker (a dispute over coal measures). Bottom left Charles Babbage lectures numerical characters. In the middle, seated, is geologist Sir Roderick Impey Murchison (juggling worlds, a reference to his imperialist concerns), to the right is Sir Charles Lyell and George Scrope breaking and carving up the world with their geology. Above them an ageing David Brewster in section Z
Science Photo Library features Science and Medical images including photos and illustrations
Media ID 6345339
© This image is Paul D. Stewart 2009. Do not reproduce without permission of the photographer at Stewartpauld@aol.com
Black And White Caricature Cartoon Computing Huxley Lyell Owen Punch Satire Scientist Babbage Brewster British Association Mono Chrome Murchison Scrope Tyndall
EDITORS COMMENTS
This print captures a fascinating moment in British scientific history. Taken in 1865, it showcases a caricature by Punch magazine of the diverse alumni attending the annual meeting of the British Association in Birmingham. Each figure is satirically depicted performing their respective fields of expertise. In the top left corner, we see famed rivals Thomas Huxley and Richard Owen engaged in a dispute over the evolutionary topic of the hippocampus in monkeys and man. Adjacent to them, John Tyndall humorously lances Joseph Jukes with a hot poker, symbolizing their disagreement on coal measures. Moving to the bottom left, Charles Babbage can be seen passionately lecturing about numerical characters. Meanwhile, seated at center stage is geologist Sir Roderick Impey Murchison juggling worlds—a clever reference to his imperialist concerns. To Murchison's right stand Sir Charles Lyell and George Scrope breaking and carving up the world with their geological knowledge. Above them looms an aging David Brewster within section Z—perhaps signifying his status as an elder statesman within this esteemed group. This illustration not only highlights these prominent figures but also provides insight into Victorian science and its intersections with artistry and satire. It serves as a testament to both the intellectual rigor and playful spirit that characterized this era of scientific exploration.
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