Notes and Queries, Vol. IV, Number 100, September 27, 1851

A lively slice of Victorian scholarly life, this 1851 issue of a long‑running literary miscellany invites readers into a bustling marketplace of questions, answers, and curiosities. Designed as a “medium of inter‑communication” for writers, artists, antiquarians and genealogists, each page feels like a friendly salon where contributors share puzzles, observations and short essays on everything from obscure facts to practical advice.

Among the highlights is a clever note on the calendar, teasing the reader with a surprisingly simple rule for predicting Easter dates across years—a puzzle that blends mathematics with the quirks of the Gregorian reform. The issue also treats listeners to two previously unpublished letters from Jonathan Swift, addressed to Lady Frances Worsley, offering a rare glimpse into the playwright’s witty correspondence and the social networks of 18th‑century England. Together, these pieces make the volume a charming blend of erudite inquiry and literary treasure, perfect for anyone who loves to explore the intersections of history, humor, and scholarly camaraderie.