Daly's Bartenders' Encyclopedia by Tim Daly (1903, p.114)

1 ponybrandy base
milk — ice-cold milkdilution
1egg yolk — yolk of fresh cold eggother
  1. Put the brandy in a star champagne glass and add ice-cold milk, spooning well to prevent curdling.
  2. Drop the yolk of a fresh cold egg into the drink without breaking it and serve.

Garnish: Whole egg yolk

Preventing curdling and preserving the yolk whole are the defining service details.

See also: Angel's Tit, Egg Milk Punch