Nadar Elevating Photography to Art

The other day, I pulled off another smart trick... I had set up a firm with a capital of ten million francs to exploit top boots in cardboard ... I had placed only eight shares worth a petty 1200 francs... I called together my eight shareholders and held forth in something like the following manner: "Ah! Good-day ye strolling gentlemen, how handsome you are, how fine you seem!" I promised them more cheese than bread, I gave them a 50% dividend, I warmed them up a bit and let them simmer... The following day they couldn't get hold of my shares fast enough, I placed all of them and at the next meeting I said: "The last time I did the books I made a mistake. I forgot to take into account the price of the cardboard and its fabrication. You must return the dividend I gave you, I'm going to hold it back... I put down nothing and kept back the r

Un Guichet de théatre.

Preparing for the baccalaureate. - There are two ways in which you might pass your exams: the first way is to let someone else take your place; the second is to take them yourself. - I would like to take them myself. - Very good!... Do you know Greek? - No. - Latin? - None the more. - Excellent!... Do you know your Math? - Not at all. - What do you know then? - Nothing. - But you've 200 francs? - Of course! - Splendid... You'll be passed next Thursday. - You mean you're going to prepare me in eight days? - What do you think!!!!... It's true that I've taken on the responsibility for your success, but for teaching you... Oh no! Certainly not!!

Croquade Divers

How to Become a Great Mathematician. Monsieur Moutonnet, you have made yet another error in your calculations... copy out for me six times the verb: I have made a mistake in my addition! (Mr. Moutonnet, now furious, answers back with some signs, which really have very little in common with algebra)

The Grand Stairway of the Palais de Justice

Do you want gold, do you want money, do you want diamonds, millions, zillions? Step right up, let us help you... Boom! Boom! Boom-bond-bond!! Here's bitumen, here's steel, here's lead, here’s gold, here's paper, here's galvanizzzeddd iron... Step up, step up quickly, the law will change, you'll lose everything, hurry up, buy, buy your shares! Buy your shares now!! Boom! Boom!! Boom-boom-boom!! Bond! Bond!!

The Grand Stairway of the Palais de Justice

Yes sir, in exchange for a small premium with our insurance, you can be assured for death....for death in a proper gentlemanly manner. When you go off in a fine hearse, very comfortable, to be mourned by the poor people of the district, and leaving an inconsolable widow in golden letters on your grave.... - And if you don't keep your promises? - Then you can still give us a receipt and sue us before a tribunal.

The Grand Stairway of the Palais de Justice

Robert Macaire, sollicitor. - We've won, my dear fellow, won on every count! - And about time too. A case which has lasted ten years and has ruined me! - Better late than never! - How much did I get back in the end? - Here you are: The court awarded you 12'000 Fr, we totalled 13'500 Fr in expenses, you only owe me 1'500 Fr. - But that means I lose 1'500 Fr . - Yes, but you've won your case.