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

"Chambers's Edinburgh Journal, No. 438" by Various is a periodical publication written in the mid-19th century. As part of a broader series, it features articles on a variety of topics reflecting on culture, society, and philosophy. The journal covers a range of subjects including laughter, personal anecdotes, science, and literature, aiming to engage and educate its readers on thought-provoking issues of the time. The opening of this particular issue presents a philosophical exploration of laughter, challenging conventional notions that laughter is a childish or trivial response. The author provides observations ranging from the gravity of infants to the nature of adult laughter, emphasizing its complexity as a reaction to intellect and emotion rather than merely a form of amusement. Through anecdotes and philosophical discourse, the author highlights the importance of laughter in human experience, underscoring its role in intellectual discussions among a circle of philosophers and its contrast with the weightiness of serious inquiry. This thought-provoking introduction sets the tone for a journal that seeks to illuminate various aspects of life and thought in Victorian society. (This is an automatically generated summary.)

Information on this author is scarce, but their work continues to inspire readers.