VERNIER, Charles. - Nouvelle Lanterne Magique. No. 21

Charles Vernier, Souvenirs de L'Exposition (Memories of the Fair), from the series Nouvelle Lanterne Magique (New Magic Lantern), lithograph after 1841.

A scene where a man and perhaps his young niece are in conversation with a man. The young lady enquiries: "Sir, is this a melodium?" - "No madam", "So, it is a harmonium?" - "No madam." - "But it is a wind instrument?" - "No madam, it is a water instrument" - "What do you call it then?" - "Its scientific name is a suction and pressure pump, its popular name is….syringe."