Humour and health care: Reflections on twentieth-century postcard toilet humour

Unlike studiously analysed high art, comic postcards from the early 1900s onwards are often dismissed as low-brow humour. Nevertheless, they are increasingly recognised as a striking way of documenting changes in society and prompting questions about social attitudes. The article reflects on depictions of toilet humour (for example, children on potties, or results from laxative-taking). Three broad aspects are covered. One on interpreting cards offers a suggestion that some fit with the thoughts of Sigmund Freud (1856-1939). Secondly, the types of pleasure or humour that can be elicited by cards. Thirdly, the nature of humour along with its place in health care, at least its role in communication and professional well-being, rather than as therapy for patients. Further, for many Pharmaceutical Historian readers, the reflections offer background to some early twentieth-century roles for retail chemists (some selling postcards), as well as issues still pertinent for community pharmacists today.