The Professors Baby Prank at Penn Medical School
A tale from the New York Sun recalls medical students at the University of Pennsylvania staging a prank when a professor became a father. About 850 students filled the amphitheater while 350 peers yelled as 150 baby toys, rattles, a carriage, and other infant paraphernalia stretched across three operating tables. The prank ended as the professor’s lecture stalled and the class sang lullabies, while a chalkboard image questioned marriage as the professor wrapped up with a playful aside.
MENTIONED IN THIS ARTICLE
University of Pennsylvania
New York
Massacre of Janissaries in 1526 Revolt at Constantinople
A historic account describes the June 15 1526 revolt in the capital where the janissaries attacked the seraglio. Enver Sultan or Ibrahim led artillery and troops in brutal street fighting ending in mass executions and the destruction of nearly 20 000 janissaries across the empire.
MENTIONED IN THIS ARTICLE
Seraglio
Envltan
Sanjak Sherif
Ibrahim
Elmeidan
Walla
Peck Delivers Jest About Tight Suit In Topeka
Hon. George R. Peck tells a London tailor joke at Topeka, recalling a trip abroad and a friend’s quip about his clothes. The humorous anecdote plays on cultural differences and fit.
MENTIONED IN THIS ARTICLE
George R. Peck
Topeka
London
Mr. Peck
Torarka
Smart Spellers Outsmarted in Daring Dictionary Scam
A Washington Post tale recounts two con artists who exploited phonetic spellings to lure educated men into a bet. Webster’s spellings crowned the crooks’ downfall as the pair netted thousands before four years in prison. The tale features Bell and a Mississippi river packet encounter.
MENTIONED IN THIS ARTICLE
Josh Billings
Webster’s
Webster's International
Bell
George T. Bell
Secret Service
Banko
St. Louis
Pevern
Webster
Memphis
Washington Post
Giant Nesting Mound Built by Australian Mallee Hens
A Cleveland Leader account describes the mallee hen constructing a vast artificial nest in prairie sand, rising like a dome up to 15 feet high and about 50 feet across. Hens lay eggs at night, six inches below the surface, with six inches spacing between neighboring eggs, and the hatchlings emerge without direct parental tending.
MENTIONED IN THIS ARTICLE
Australia
Cleveland
Curious Doll Preferences Among Children Reported
In The Contemporary Review Professor Sully discusses how children view dolls and cites Hall findings. Among 845 children 191 preferred wax dolls and 144 chose rag dolls, with size preferences including four inch halfpenny dolls offering more play options, while another girl desired a large doll to fulfill cuddling needs.
MENTIONED IN THIS ARTICLE
Contemporary Review
Sully
Hall
Women and Their Cats by Louis Wain
The article discusses painter Louis Wain’s theory that a cat mirrors its mistress and reflects her temperament. It suggests skepticism about the idea noting cats’ independence and jokes about the implications for suitors. It also briefly mentions a French writer’s claim about Napoleon and a note on Lewis XV’s dish preferences.
MENTIONED IN THIS ARTICLE
Louis Wain
Madame
Ehomt
Mr. Wain
Bes
Napoleon
Lewis XV
When They Are Variable
A dialogue about superstition in theater with an ex actor noting the value of publishing superstitions in papers. The Indianapolis Journal quote highlights the irony that superstitions become valuable only when printed for public consumption.
MENTIONED IN THIS ARTICLE
Indianapolis Journal
New York’s tallest spire outshines five story buildings
In 1850 New York featured five story structures with church spires towering above. Today only one spire remains as tall as the tallest building in the city, emphasizing changing skylines and architectural trends.
MENTIONED IN THIS ARTICLE
New York
Karl's Clover Root Tea Promises Quick Cure for Headaches
A 19th century patent medicine notice touts Karl's Clover Root Tea as a cure for sick headaches caused by overwork. It claims to purify tissues and restore health with a money back offer if unsatisfied. The ad includes pricing and indications of refunds.
MENTIONED IN THIS ARTICLE
Karl
Matthew
Remedy Advertisement for Cough Liniment at Matthew's Pharmacy
A century old aktremedy claims to relieve incipient coughs and early distress. The ad offers refunds if not satisfied with results and lists prices 25 cents for a bottle, 50 cents for a half dozen, and one dollar for a larger quantity. Matthew's Pharmacy promotes the remedy.
MENTIONED IN THIS ARTICLE
Matthew's Pharmacy
Shilohs Consumption Cure guarantee offer on bottles
An old label promises a refund if two thirds of the bottle are used and there is no benefit. The price is listed as 25 cents, 31.00, with Matthews' Pharmacy noted on the label.
MENTIONED IN THIS ARTICLE
Shiloh
Matthews’ Pharmacy
Croup Cure Promises Quick Relief at Low Prices
Oddly phrased ad highlights Shilohs Cough and Consumption Cure claiming dramatic cures for croup. Includes pricing 25 cents 10 cents and 1.00 with selling terms. Notices also advertise town lands water rights and a sheep or cod farming operation with fencing and range. Bankers Hoyate and Dovenry listed as brokers.
MENTIONED IN THIS ARTICLE
Steliss
Hoyate & Dovenry
It Did Wabbie and a Schoolroom Joke
A red faced man recounts a Russia sleigh chase with wolves closing in on his team. A listener jokes that the last wolf must have hidden the others inside it. The man concedes the wolf wobble. In a separate vignette English boys send a cheeky letter to their master apologizing for poor writing and spelling.
MENTIONED IN THIS ARTICLE
Wabbie
Russia
Pearson's Weekly
Also Mentioned on This Page
Austin Dobson
Edgar Allan Poe
America
Edgar Poe
Baker
Tabb
Longfellow
Bryant
Whaley Brothers
Wvery. FE
Townsend, Mont
the Valley Stables
Sala
Delly Ranch
Psifran
J. G. Bursatne
Orses
Ange
Broadwater County
Townser
Montana
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