The term 'Utopian Novel of 1872' refers to the novel 'Erewhon' by Samuel Butler, which was published in 1872. The novel is a satirical exploration of utopian societies and their potential flaws. It follows the journey of a protagonist who discovers a strange land where machines are outlawed and illness is treated as a crime. The novel is considered to be one of the earliest examples of science fiction and has been praised for its imaginative and thought-provoking themes.