Palmist

[Neale1961]

John Reissberg Wolfe (1823-1904) was a well-known ophthalmologist, with numerous publications. There is plenty to find on him with a simple “google” search.

He must have spent a couple of years in the the mid-1890s working in Australia, since at least 2 of his children were born in Melbourne.

[AlanBoyd]

I tried looking for newspaper ads for palm reading in the north west in 1928 (following on from HT’s findings) and I was surprised to see articles about prosecutions for fortune-telling.

Some AI-based research revealed that the Vagrancy Act 1824 was used in these cases. The focus was not on the mere act of palm reading, but on whether the practitioner aimed to mislead or defraud others.

Authorities and courts considered several factors to establish whether there was an intention to deceive:

- **Nature of Representations**: If the practitioner made specific, false claims about the future or supernatural abilities, this could indicate intent to deceive.
- **Exchange of Money**: Charging a fee for fortune-telling or palmistry, especially when coupled with promises of special powers or guaranteed outcomes, was often viewed as evidence of intent to deceive.
- **Dishonesty**: The prosecution would look for evidence that the practitioner knew their statements or acts were false or misleading, and that they intended others to rely on them.
- **Vulnerability of Victims**: Targeting vulnerable individuals (e.g., those grieving or seeking comfort) was a strong indicator of intent to deceive, as the law aimed to protect such groups from exploitation.
- **Pattern of Conduct**: Repeated or systematic behavior suggesting a scheme to defraud, rather than isolated or entertainment-based readings, could support a finding of intent.

[hanes teulu]

I tried looking for newspaper ads for palm reading in the north west in 1928 (following on from HT’s findings) and I was surprised to see articles about prosecutions for fortune-telling.

AB,
Same here - started casting around for keyword "palmist" associated with other key words that linked to the subject of the post - including addresses (did they advertise?). Bit of a long shot but, like you, quite surprised to see the court appearances. Also, plenty of reference to the "gullible" who paid for their services.

Am intrigued by BWB - whether checking out full name, Barry W Bruce or B W Bruce - they tend to "smack" of the same individual. Haven't had time today to cross check.

Newtogene,
Rack up 3 posts (just reply to this) and I'll send you a Private Message and, belatedly with apologies, a very warm welcome to Rootshat.

[Newtogene]

Thank you so much. I think this is about to get very interesting

[Neale1961]

Same here - started casting around for keyword "palmist" associated with other key words that linked to the subject of the post - including addresses (did they advertise?). Bit of a long shot but, like you, quite surprised to see the court appearances. Also, plenty of reference to the "gullible" who paid for their services.

hanes teulu, Are you able to share any of this?

[Neale1961]

An item in the South African Archives
ILLIQUID CASE DAMAGES - BREACH OF CONTRACT
STEPHANIE WALLACE-BRUCE VERSUS AFRICAN ASSOCIATED NEWSPAPERS LIMITED.
Identifier: ZA TAB WLD_0_1275/1939_1
Repository: National Archives Repository (Public Records of former Transvaal Province and its predecessors as well as of magistrates and local authorities)

[hanes teulu]

Same here - started casting around for keyword "palmist" associated with other key words that linked to the subject of the post - including addresses (did they advertise?). Bit of a long shot but, like you, quite surprised to see the court appearances. Also, plenty of reference to the "gullible" who paid for their services.

hanes teulu, Are you able to share any of this?

"... the court appearances ..." and "... their services ..." applies to palmists and clairvoyants in general, not Georgina. I didn't find an item that I could link to her.
Is this how you read my post? If so, sorry for the confusion.
Good find on NASA.

[sparrett]

Dr WOLFE married an Australian woman who would become the mother of Stephanie and her siblings.

A news notice of the marriage of Dr J R  WOLFE  to Helen Grant McDONALD. It was placed in The Argus (Melbourne ) in March 1889. Her father had been living in Melbourne at Alphington but was deceased at that time. 
https://trove.nla.gov.au/newspaper/article/6243517?searchTerm=%22dr%20j%20r%20wolfe%22

In May 1889 Dr J R WOLFE,applied for naturalisation in Glasgow and it is noted there were children from his first marriage listed on the application. He states married which he was. An online tree has a scan of this application.

As mentioned, he had a thriving business in Collins Street Melb. into the mid 1890's.

Sue

[Neale1961]

"... the court appearances ..." and "... their services ..." applies to palmists and clairvoyants in general, not Georgina. I didn't find an item that I could link to her.

Thanks, that's clear now.