Notes and Queries, Number 178, March 26, 1853: A Medium of Inter-communication for Literary Men, Artists, Antiquaries, Genealogists, etc

In Short

This single issue of an antiquarian journal collects short essays, queries, and reader responses on topics ranging from historical relics and medieval vocabulary to early photographic chemical formulas. Readers write in to debate the origin of famous aphorisms, track down lost artifacts, analyze unusual local folklore, and map out ecclesiastical histories. It serves as an open intellectual forum where diverse historical, linguistic, and scientific facts are assembled through crowd-sourced Victorian scholarship. It survives as a vivid snapshot of nineteenth-century literary exchange and collaborative research.

The Story

The text opens with historical and literary notes, beginning with a brief consideration of Napoleon’s early juvenile writings. It quickly moves to a historical inquiry regarding St. Columba’s Cross, tracing how the ancient relic passed from an Elizabethan lord-deputy to political figures in England, and raising the question of its modern location. Short historical observations follow, drawing parallels between the 1815 Duchess of Richmond's ball before Waterloo and a similar feast interrupted by military conflict in 1605, while pointing out a comical mistranslation by a travel writer who mistook a biblical phrase for wheeled carriages.

The inquiry section introduces eerie atmospheric phenomena and local legends. A contributor asks for scientific explanations regarding phantom horsemen seen on Southerfell mountain, comparing the event to a medieval tale of infernal riders witnessed near Vallambrosa. Other queries seek explanations for obscure literary lines in Francis Bacon, regional church art depicting Lamech shooting Cain, the etymology of the word "left," and early fifteenth-century references to the Parthenon.

The issue then shifts to long-form responses written by recurring contributors. A discussion on defining the exact boundaries of the Middle Ages presents historical periodization schemes. Etymologists explore the term "Grindle," tracing it from German river barriers to its mythical connections with Beowulf, Loki, and the gates of hell. Another detailed response outlines the historical succession of Roman Catholic Vicars-Apostolic across English districts leading up to the re-establishment of the hierarchy in 1850.

Literary history takes center stage as one writer traces the origin of the famous phrase stating that speech exists to conceal thought. The essay documents how the sentiment evolved through works by Jeremy Taylor, David Lloyd, Robert South, Samuel Butler, Edward Young, Voltaire, Oliver Goldsmith, and Talleyrand. Another contributor discusses "Irish rhymes" in English poetry, citing an anecdote about Alexander Pope and Jonathan Swift.

The back section addresses practical science and minor historical points. Photographers argue over the proper exposure time and acid mixture needed to prepare photographic gun-cotton. Brief notes settle inquiries regarding historical borough elections, ancient Marseilles suicide laws, nobility chaplains, the Duke of Wellington’s foreign titles, and the origin of the surname Allen. The issue concludes with lists of requested out-of-print books, editorial notices, and period advertisements for lithography, life insurance, and scientific texts.

How It Unfolds

The voyage begins The issue opens with brief historical notes examining Napoleon's juvenile poetry and tracing the ownership of St. Columba's Cross. Contributors highlight historical parallels and correct errors found in contemporary travel literature.

Inquiries and apparitions Queries gather requests for information on optical illusions, biblical traditions, and ancient architecture. Readers request scientific explanations for phantom mountain horsemen and ask for early descriptions of the Parthenon.

Etymology and history Detailed responses address historical timelines and the origins of medieval terms. Scholars trace the word "Grindle" back to ancient floodgates, northern mythology, and Old High German religious texts.

Literary tracing Essays trace the evolution of famous philosophical quotes and poetic quirks across centuries. The authors follow a single idea about language and disguise through classic writers from Jeremy Taylor to Talleyrand.

Technical and practical notes Photographers trade conflicting chemical recipes for preparing photographic gun-cotton. Brief answers clear up miscellaneous questions on municipal laws, royal titles, and regional name origins.

The final register The issue ends with practical transactions, publishing requests, and period advertisements. Booksellers advertise wanted volumes alongside notices for lithographic services, insurance plans, and new scientific works.

The People

Henry H. Breen A frequent contributor writing from St. Lucia who seeks to trace literary origins and poetic quirks. He analyzes Napoleon's early fable writing, documents the historical evolution of the phrase regarding speech concealing thoughts, and tracks the use of Irish rhymes in English poetry.

P. J. F. Gantillon A scholar who reviews classical reference texts and raises corrections regarding historical dictionaries. He focuses on precise classical references and literary citations to refine public historical knowledge.

W. S. G. A curious contributor from Newcastle-on-Tyne interested in spectral phenomena and optical science. He seeks an explanation for atmospheric apparitions seen over mountains, connecting local legends to historical Italian accounts.

T. J. Buckton A detail-oriented reader from Lichfield who offers to collate rare German editions to correct typographical and philosophical errors. He seeks precision in language and defends text accuracy in translation.

In Its Own Voice

"For so great was his grace, as happy he thought himself that could gett a kisse of the said crosse."

Sir John Perrot describes the great Irish veneration for St. Columba's cross in a 1584 letter to Sir Francis Walsingham.

"Speech was made to open man to man, and not to hide him; to promote commerce, and not betray it."

David Lloyd reflects on the true purpose of human language in his historical work State Worthies.

"The truth is, we all write Irish rhymes, and the Dean contrives to be more exact that way than most of us."

Alexander Pope humorously admits the common reliance on imperfect rhymes during a dinner conversation recorded in a literary reflection.

What It's Really About

Underneath its fragmented format, the text is about the collective preservation of human knowledge. It demonstrates how historical accuracy relies on public collaboration, shared memory, and open debate. By bringing together diverse questions on art, language, science, and folklore, the publication reveals an underlying effort to catalogue the past and clear up misconceptions. The issue shows a society actively engaged in refining its understanding of history through shared evidence, precise citations, and open intellectual inquiry.

Why Read It Today

This issue offers a compelling look into Victorian intellectual culture and early crowd-sourced research. Rather than reading a single continuous narrative, the reader steps into an ongoing conversation among passionate nineteenth-century scholars, antiquaries, and amateur scientists. The experience feels like browsing an early printed precursor to modern online forums, where obscure facts, local traditions, and technical tips are shared freely.

The writing is clear and direct, though readers should expect the period style of Victorian academic exchange. Excerpts contain untranslated Latin and Greek phrases, archaic English spellings, and specialized debates on regional etymology and church history. The inclusion of early photographic chemical recipes adds a fascinating technical element, showing a period when modern photography was still experimental.

What remains with the reader is the sheer range of curiosity on display. It appeals to historians, linguists, and anyone who enjoys tracing the origins of common sayings, regional legends, and forgotten historical artifacts.