[Harriet Martineau, 'the first female sociologist'.] Unpublished Signed Autograph humorous poem beginning 'What terrible confusion | Ladies make on points Malthusian', with note to Lady Cullum joking that it will be dedicated 'to the Lord Chancellor'
An amusing unpublished jeux d'esprit by Martineau, revealing a lighthearted aspect of her character. 1p, 16mo. Bifolium, addressed by Martineau on reverse of second leaf 'To | Lady Cullum.' In good condition, lightly aged. Folded once. Neatly written out, and covering the main part of the page are the seven lines of doggerel, including a rhyme on Martineau's name, and ending with her underlined signature: 'What terrible confusion | Ladies make on points Malthusian | Their political aeconomy imparting O, | When they say that population | Is o'erwhelming all the Nation, | But that is all my Eye and | Harriet Martineau'. Beneath the verse Martineau writes: 'The above is the 1st. Stage of a Poem which will shortly be published. & dedicated, without [last word underlined] permission, to [following three words up the right-hand margin] the Lord Chancellor.'