Stock Photo - 'Dressing for an Oxford Bal Masqué', 1864. The Question is, is Man an Ape of an Angel? (A Laugh.) Now, I am on the side of the Angels. (Cheers.), from Disraeli's Oxford Speech, Friday November 25. Scientific enquiry had increasingly been conflicting with established religious beliefs. In November 1864, Disraeli had given a speech at the Oxford Diocesan Society which concentrated on this conflict of Church against Science. I am not prepared, said Disraeli, to say that the lecture-room is more scientific than the Church. Is man an ape or an angel? My Lord, I am on the side of the angels. Hence Mr Disraeli's robe and accessories in this cartoon. From Punch, or the London Charivari, December 10, 1864.