In the case of monopolized cards, there was cited a commission in the time of Henry V. directed to three friars and two aldermen of London, to inquire whether the philosopher’s stone was feasible, who returned it was, and upon this a patent was made out for them to make it—Moore, 675; Dancey’s case.
According to the Asiatic Researches, a very curious mode of trying the title of land is practised in Hindostan:—Two holes are dug in the disputed spot, in each of which the plaintiff and defendant’s lawyers put one of their legs, and remain there until one of them is tired, or complains of being stung by the insects, in which case his client is defeated. In this country it is the client, and not the lawyer, who puts his foot into it.
Professional practice is frequently the subject of theatrical exhibition. “Giovanni in London” has a scene before going to trial, with the following
Trio.
First Lawyer, Second Lawyer, Giovanni.
Air—“Soldier, gave me one Pound.”
First Lawyer.
Giovanni, give me one pound.