Chambers's Edinburgh Journal, No. 438 Volume 17, New Series, May 22, 1852

In this thoughtful Victorian essay, the author turns a critical eye toward the age‑old belief that laughter belongs only to the naïve or the young. Drawing on biblical references, classical sayings and everyday observation—from infants’ cries to the boisterous banter of sportsmen—the piece unpacks how laughter evolves from a primitive response into a genuine expression of high‑spirited joy. The writer challenges readers to reconsider the cultural stigma that labels laughter as childish, arguing instead that true, hearty guffaws only blossom when a mind has matured.

The argument unfolds through vivid anecdotes of a small philosophical society, whose members—including scholars, clergymen and artists—debate the nature of mirth with the same rigor they reserve for more “serious” subjects. Their nightly discussions illustrate both the difficulty of pinning down such an elusive topic and the delight that arises when a convincing insight finally surfaces. This essay invites listeners to reflect on how humor shapes human experience, offering a fresh perspective that remains surprisingly relevant today.