Notes and Queries, Number 36, July 6, 1850

The July 1850 issue of this Victorian miscellany serves as a bustling salon for scholars, artists, and curious minds. Contributors pitch brief notes on everything from the derivation of everyday words to obscure folk beliefs, while a lively query‑and‑reply section invites readers to test their knowledge. The tone is conversational yet rigorously inquisitive, offering a snapshot of mid‑century intellectual exchange.

Among the pieces, Samuel Hickson unpacks the history of the word “news,” arguing over German versus English formation rules, while C. Forbes examines high‑spirited omens in folklore. H. Kersley proposes a fanciful “hydro‑incubator,” and S. W. Singer contributes a collection of borrowed thoughts that blend poetry and philosophy. Short epigrams touch on university customs, music, and even the curious plant “haemony.” Replies from fellow correspondents range from humorous takes on Biblical horned figures to practical notes on churchyard etiquette, creating a spirited back‑and‑forth that feels surprisingly modern.