|
|
|
|
Options and Information for Writers Preview Weekend This month's issue of Options previews Regency and Research Library by presenting samples of some of the documents we are currently and always have presented through these services. We are currently running excerpts from an 1812 Herbal on the Regency list and samples of that will be found here. The odd advertisements are from the 18th and early 19th century (England) and advertise everything from fortune tellers to a run away wife and advertisements for marriage partners. This is a sample of what the Research Library list provides.The properties of Herbs, Stones and Roots &c. is a sample of the documents offered through our new list which provides research materials to those who write paranormal romance and suspense. Currently on the Regency List we are serializing the Memoirs of the Princess Charlotte and a book called Perambulations in London. We also run articles and stories from The Lady's Monthly Museum, La Belle Assemblee, the Lady's Magazine, The European Magazine and other period resources including newspapers, medical treatises, and almanacs. Research Library is currently serializing a Dictionary of London and usually receives an entire book during a given month. We just finished a book highlighting Fairs in Great Britain. Fashions are presented from time to time on both lists but there is a dedicated list for Fashion called 100 Years of Fashion. This list presents fashions plates, descriptions and other materials regarding fashion from 1799 to 1899. New lists are opened as subscribers want to join. The paranormal list has not yet been opened to subscribers as we are attempting to pull together at least six months of material before opening the list formerly. We expect to open that list in November 2006. Table of Contents Excerpts from an 1812 English Herbal Medicine Book A Description of a Sumptuous Entertainment in 1811 Origins of Certain Customs, Places and Things Marvellous Properties of Herbs, Stones, Roots & Minerals Products Available from Moonstone Research & Publications
Excerpts from an 1812 English Herbal
Angelica A large and beautiful plant kept in our gardens and found wild in some parts of the kingdom. It grows eight feet in height and the stalks robust and divided into branches. The leaves are large and composed each of many smaller, set upon a divided pedicule; they are notched at the edges and of a bright green. The flowers are small but they stand in vast clusters of a globose form; two seeds follow each flower. Every part of the plant is fragrant when bruised and every part of it is used in medicine. The root is long and large; we use that of our own growth fresh; but the fine fragrant dried roots are brought from Spain. The whole plant possesses the same virtues a is cordial and sudorific; it has always been famous against pestilence and contagious diseases. The root, the stalks candied, the seeds bruised and the water distilled from the leaves may be used, but the seeds are the most powerful. It is also an ingredient in many compositions. Apples of Love These are large juicy fruits, but they are produced not in a tree but in a small and low plant. The stalks are weak and divided into many branches; the leaves are large, but they are composed of many small branches; the leaves are large, but they are composed of many small ones set on a divided stalk, and they are of a faint yellowish green colour. The flowers are small and yellow; the fruit is large and when ripe, of a red colour; it contains a soft juicy pulp; and seeds. The plant is a king of nightshade; we cultivate it in gardens. The Italians eat the fruit as we do cucumbers. The juice is cooling and is good externally used in eruptions on the skin and in diseases of the eyes, where a sharp humour is troublesome. Arrach or Stinking Arrach A small wild plant that grows about farms yards and in waste grounds. The stalks are a foot long, but weak; they seldom stand upright; they are striated and of a pale green. The leaves are small, short and rounded of a bluish green colour and of the breadth of a shilling or less. The flowers are inconsiderable and the seeds small, but they stand in clusters at the top of the branches, and have a greenish white appearance. The whole plant is covered with a sort of moist dust in large particles and has a most unpleasant smell. It is to be used fresh gathered, for it loses it virtue in dying. A syrup may be made of a part of its juice and two pounds of sugar and will keep all the year. The leaves also may be beat into a conserve, with three times their weight of sugar. In any of these forms it is an excellent medicine in all hysteric complaints. It cures fits and promotes the menses and the necessary evacuations after delivery. Ash A common tree in our hedges and woods. The bark of the branches is grey and the leaves are winged; the small ones of which they are composed are oblong and dented. The flowers are of a whitish green and come before the leaves; the seeds are what they call ash keys, these ripen in September. The bark of the young branches is good in obstructions of the liver and spleen and therefore is of great service in dropsies, jaundice and other complaints of that origin; it works by urine. The seeds have the same virtue but in a less degree.
************************* Description of a Sumptuous Entertainment in 1811 Reprinted from The Annual Register 1811 January 1. The Chief Magistrate of Chester (General Grosvenor) gave a most sumptuous entertainment in the Exchange, to his cousin Earl Grosvenor, several gentlemen of the country, the Corporation and his friends in the city. The town hall was most tastefully decorated with variegated lamps. The tables were laid out in the following manner: Two long tables down each side of the room, joined at the top in a semi-circular form; and in the intermediate area smaller tables were laid across; in the center was placed a fine baron of beef, ornamented with appropriate devices, encircled by the motto—“O! The roast beef of Old England, O! the Old English roast beef.” On its right was a Christmas pie, weighing upwards of 200 pounds, containing four geese, four turkeys, six hares, a leg of veal, a leg of pork, sausages &c.; on its side were the heraldic bearings of the house of Eaton, supported by those of the General, with the family motto; on the left of the baron of beef was a salad, tastefully displayed with the motto “Prosperity to the trade of Chester.” This table was surmounted with two elegant transparencies representing the east and north gates of the city. About five o’clock dinner was served up to which two hundred sat down. The following is a copy of the: Bill of Fare—16 tureens of turtle; 8 boiled turkeys; 3 ham; 4 dishes of a la mode beef; 5 pigeon pies; 3 saddles of mutton; 13 plum puddings; 6 dishes of muranede pork; 8 French pies; 4 roasted turkeys; 8 dishes of rabbits; 3 legs of mutton; 4 geese; 2 fillets of veal; 10 dishes of chickens; 4 dishes of veal surprise; 3 beefsteak pies; 3 dishes of sweet breads; 6 hares; 6 venison pasties; 8 dishes of ducks; 6 oyster patties; 6 dishes of mutton casserole; 6 dishes of pig; 6 lemon puddings; 8 dishes of haricaed mutton; 4 neats tongues; 3 dishes of collard veal; a round of beef. Removes—Ten haunches of venison; 10 necks of venison. Sweets—30 salvers of whips and jelly; 20 moulds of jelly; 40 moulds of blancmange; tarts; cheese cakes; mince pies, puffs, &c. ***************************** Origin of the Custom of Making April Fools (pages 20-21) This absurd custom is supposed to be derived from a memorable transaction happening between the Romans and the Sabines mentioned by Dionysius to the following effect: The Romans, about the infancy of the City, wanting of wives and finding they could not obtain the neighbouring women by their own peaceable addresses, resolved to make use of a stratagem; and accordingly, Romulus instituted certain games to be performed in the beginning of April (according to the Roman calendar) in honour of Neptune. Upon notice thereof, the bordering inhabitants with their whole families, flocked to Rome to see this mighty celebration, when the Romans seized upon a great number of the Sabine virgins and ravished them; which wicked imposition is supposed to be the foundation of this foolish custom. Origin of the late Building Commonly called Bedlam in Moorfields (page 25) The hospital termed Bedlam or Bethlem, for insane persons, originally in the dissolved priory of enthusiasts called Bethlemites in Moorfields, who wore red stars on their breasts in commemoration of the star that directed the magi to a stable in Bethlehem. The Very First Vegetable Eaten in England (page 34) Vegetables were imported from the Netherlands about the year 1509, there being no kitchen gardens in England. Before this time sugar was eaten with meat, to correct its putrescency. Why a Foolish Fellow is called a Coxcomb. (page 73) This is a corruption of the word cock’s-comb, which is considered as an unnecessary part and is always cut off from game cocks, and only suffered to grow in those of the dung-hill breed; hence we make use of the term cock’s comb or coxcomb, to a ridiculous fribbling fellow, who pays more attention to the decoration of his person than to the improvement of his mind. Origin of Spectacles (page 77) The origin of these valuable insruments is uncertain; that the ancients were acquainted with the laws of refraction is beyond all doubt, since they made use of glass globes filled with water to produce combustion, yet thirteen centuries elapsed ere spectacles were known. It is supposed they were first invented by Salvino or Salvinio Armati, but he kept his discovery secret, until Alessandro de Spina, a monk in Pisa, brought them into use in 1313. Salvino was considered their inventor from the epitaph on his tomb in the cathedral church in Florence. “Qui glace Salvino d’Armato, degl’Armati di Firemze, inventor delli occhiali &c. 1317.” Another circumstance seems to add weight to this presumption: Luigi Sigoli, a contemporary artist, in a painting of the Circumcision represents the high-priest Simeon with a pair of spectacles, which from his advanced age, it was supposed he might have needed on the occasion. When the Table Fork was first used in England. (page 114) During the reign of James the First. ***************************** St. John’s Wort.—The herb St. John’s Wort, being carried about anyone, is said to protect the wearer against all invisible beings. To Cause True Dreams—The seeds of flax and flea-wort, finely powdered and often smelt to, occasion prophetic and ominous dreams. The manuscript from whence this is taken deems it infallible. A Ring for Power and to Overcome Enemies—Let the character of Saturn be engraved upon a magnet, or piece of loadstone, in the time of the moon’s increase; and being worn on the right hand, no enemy or foe shall overcome the wearer. For the Sight—Fennel, rose, vervain, celandine and rue do water make which will the sight renew. Aconite or Wolfbane—It is said by old herbalists that these herbs are so extremely pernicious and poisonous that if either man or beast be wounded with an arrow, knife, sword or any other instrument dipped in the juice of this herb, they die incurably within half an hour afterwards. Mullet or Flea-Bane—This herb, burned and smoked where flies, gnats, fleas or any venomous things are doth drive them away. Herbs that Act as a Charm Against Spirits—“There is an herb called corona Regis (or rosemary); the house that is suffumigated therewith, noe devil nor spirit hath power over the same. Piony hath the same virtue.” (Manuscript). To Make a Sad Person Merry—For dull, melancholy men, take the flowers of Rosemary and make them into powder; bind them to the right arm in a linen cloth, and this powder, by working upon the veins, shall make a man more merry and lightsome than ordinary. Mysterious Properties of the Sunflower—Albertus Magnus relates that the heliotropium or sunflower, is endured with wonderful virtues; for if gathered when the sun is in the fifth sign of the zodiac, and wrapped in a laurel leaf, thereto being added a wolf’s tooth, the person who carries it about him shall find that nobody can have the power of using any other than mild language to him. Moreover, if anything has been taken from him by stealth, let him lay it under his head at night and he shall see the thief, and all the circumstances of the theft. The Nettle—By holding this herb together with milfoil in your hand, you are free from apparitions. Mix it with the juice of sen-green and smear your hands therewith, putting a part into any water where there are fish, it will not fail to attract them; withdraw it and they will disperse immediately. *************************************** Advertisement for a fortune teller in the Reign of Queen Anne At the White Hart in Gray's Inn Lane near the Queen's Head liveth Mrs. Stothards, who answers all lawful questions; as whether life shall be happy or unhappy? and what manner of person one shall marry? and when? and whether the best time be past or to come? and whether a friend be real or not? and all other rational demands; and knowing their nativity and time of birth discovers what accidents shall be likely to happen in all their lives. She tells the significance of moles in any part of the body and gives very excellent interpretations of dreams, discovering what events are likely to happen thereby.-- Advice for 6d. Go up one pair of stairs without asking.--Harlelan MSS 5931 Advertisement Regarding False News Reports from the Evening Post May 23, 1730 I, Elizabeth, duchess dowager of Hamilton acknowledge I have for several months been ill in my health, but never speechless, as certain penny authors have printed; and so to confute these said authors and their intelligence, it is thought by my most intimate friends, it is the very last thing that will happen to me. I am so good an Englishwoman that I would not have my countrymen imposed upon by purchasing false authors, therefore have ordered this to be printed that they may know what papers to bring and believe, that are not to be bribed by those who may have private ends for false reports. The copy of this is left in the hands of Mr. Berington, to be shown to anybody who has a curiosity to see it signed in my own hand. E. Hamilton. Advertisement Regarding an Absent Wife January 24, 1737 Whereas Frances, wife of the Right Honourable the Lord Viscount Vane, has for some months past, absented herself from her husband and the rest of her friends:--I do hereby promise to any person or persons who shall discover where the said Lady Vane is concealed, to me, or to Frances Hawes, Esq., her father, so that either of us may come to speech of her, the sum of 100 pounds, as a reward, to be paid by me on demand at my lodgings in Piccadilly. I do also promise the name of the person who shall make such discovery, shall be concealed if desired. Any person concealing or lodging her after this advertisement will be prosecuted with the utmost rigour; --or if her ladyship will return to me, she may depend upon being kindly received. She is about twenty two years of age, tall, well shaped, has light brown hair, is fair complexioned and has her upper teeth placed in an irregular manner. She had on, when she absented, a red damask French sacque and was attended by a French woman who speaks very bad English. Vane. Advertisements for Husbands and Wives From the Daily Advertiser: A young woman of about twenty five years of age, who is possessed of an annuity of 30 pounds a year, is willing to alter her condition provided she can find a worthy, honest man, who must be one of those despised people called Methodists. The young woman cannot boast of the beauty of her person; she had rather be esteemed for the beauty of her mind. He must be a man that loves to do his duty, endeavours to be a good Christian, and must not be ashamed of scoffings and revilings for righteousness sake. Thirty pounds a year may be a comfortable assistance to a man in trade; and may enable an honest couple joined in the Lord to pass with some degree of happiness through this transitory life, this vale of tears. Letters directed to S.L. to be left at the Chapter Coffee-house, shall, if approved, be answered. From the Morning Post: A Wife. As a lady has lately accomplished her object of matrimony through the medium of advertisement, and as I myself have made several useful acquisitions through the same means, I am induced to use it to obtain a wife. I am aware that there is a kind of opprobrium attached to this method; but, upon mature consideration, think the objection unfounded; for I may possibly pass my life without obtaining a lady as below-mentioned and she may possibly do the same;--Therefore, this is to give notice that i am descended from an ancient and respectable family, and am the eldest son of a clergyman of the Church of England; about 25 years of age; in person rather good looking than otherwise, five feet seven inches high and slightly made; will settle 5,000 pounds on the lady; who must neither be tall nor short, fat nor thin, between twenty and twenty five years of age, and good natured with 10,000 pounds. Family will not be regarded but respectability expected. I pledge the word and honour of a gentleman that any application shall be kept the most profound secret. Apply by letter to Mr. M at Holyland's Hotel, 150 Strand. ********************* Regency Fashion December 1806
********************
Products available from Moonstone Research & Publications
The following products are currently available through Moonstone Research & Publications:
E-Mail Research Materials.
These materials are only distributed via the internet through electronic mail and through our Reprintfactory List at Yahoo Groups where they may be downloaded at the purchaser's convenience. The following materials are now available for purchase:
The History of White's Vol. 1. This book chronicles the history of the legendary White's Club in London with anecdotes of the famous beaus who played there. Price: $5.00US
Domestic Duties (1829) Mrs. Parkes' Domestic Duties details how a young woman was to run her home and includes information on etiquette and daily life. Price: $5.00US
The Deathbed Confessions of Lady Guernsey. This publication was written by a supporter of Caroline of Brunswick and is full of rumor and accusations regarding the private life of the Prince Regent. Price: $2.00US
John Ashton's History of Gambling in England This book details the history of gambling in England with anecdotes and information on the various clubs. The book also contains information on females gambling, life insurance and the English Lottery. Price: $5.00US Regency Weather Packet. Includes weather statistics gathered from various almanacs, periodicals and includes the Naturalists' diary from 1817. Price: $7.00US CD-ROMS William Hones' Everyday Book Vol. 1 & 2 (1826) This book provides information on English holidays, customs, and manners. Lots of miscellaneous information. Price: $20.00US includes priority shipping in the United States Paterson's 1811 Road Book. This book details the distances between London and other parts of England and gives the different routes of travel. The book also contains miscellaneous information about different towns and villages, gives information about inns and the location and prices of renting horses. Price: $20.00US includes priority shipping in the United States. Laws Regarding Women 1769. This book details English laws regarding women--single women, wives, and widows. It also includes information on laws regarding bastards and orphans. There is a section on the trial of the Duchess of Kingston for bigamy. Price: $20.00US includes priority shipping in the United States. Limited Lists These lists will pop up from time to time and are established for those who do not want to subscribe to Regency or Research Library but desire to have certain research materials on particular topics. Subscribers to the libraries may also join these special lists especially if the materials were presented before their subscriptions began or if they have in the course of years lost material. 100 Years of Fashion. This list covers fashion from 1799 to 1899. This includes fashion plates with descriptions from those years from various women's periodicals including but not limited to La Belle Assemblee, Lady's Magazine, Lady's Monthly Museum, Englishwoman's Domestic Magazine, Godeys, Peterson's, The Queen, and several Parisian magazines. Articles on accessories are also included (shoes, fans, jewelry). Members also get embroidery patterns, bead patterns, knitting and tatting patterns. Price: Full List: $35.00US Regency Portion of List: $17.50US Victorian Portion of List: $17.50US This list is already in progress but if there is enough interest we can open a second list. Materials are uploaded to a Yahoogroups site and can be downloaded at the participants convenience. Check out our Services page for custom services that we provide. If you want further product information or want to purchase any of the above materials, please contact Susan Broadwater at the following address: susanbroadwater@earthlink.net Inquiries will be answered within 48 hours.
|
|
Send mail to
suchen@mindspring.com with
questions or comments about this web site.
|
Victorian Fashions 1860