Book of remedies to make £800
A 250-year-old book for 18th Century housewives is to go under the hammer in Staffordshire and is expected to fetch £800. A 250-year-old book for 18th Century housewives is to go under the hammer in Staffordshire and is expected to fetch £800. The role of a housewife has changed dramatically from what it was in 1736 when Mrs Eliza Smith's 'Compleat Housewife or Accomplished Gentlewoman's Companion' was first published. The book was discovered by Derbyshire and Staffordshire auctioneer Charles Hanson, director of Hansons and expert on BBC 1's programme Bargain Hunt. Read the full story in the Express & Star.
A 250-year-old book for 18th Century housewives is to go under the hammer in Staffordshire and is expected to fetch £800.
The role of a housewife has changed dramatically from what it was in 1736 when Mrs Eliza Smith's 'Compleat Housewife or Accomplished Gentlewoman's Companion' was first published.
The book was discovered by Derbyshire and Staffordshire auctioneer Charles Hanson, director of Hansons and expert on BBC 1's programme Bargain Hunt.
Among the advice for health complaints include: "Wash your face in goose egg, water and add three spoonfuls of milk to keep your face smooth and plump or an ointment for a scald on the skin, take a pound of Hog's lard and two good handfuls of sheep dung, boil to an ointment and a bit of an onion and white of an egg and in less than a week it will work well."
The book is in its original leather binding and dates to 1736.
Among other interesting suggestions are using boars grease and a dram of burnt bees to help your hair grow back or, if you are suffering from a boil on your face, place the yolk of a new laid egg and apply it to your face mixed with honey. For chilblains roast a soft turnip beat it into mash and apply it as hot as can be endured to the part affected.
The book written by Mrs Smith suggest that to be without the book would be like a lady of the day to appear at a ball without a hoop petticoat. As for the remedies prescribed, Mrs Smith comments: "They are all excellent in their kind and that they have cured when all other means have failed and are ready to serve the publick."
The book discovered at Hansons Staffordshire valuation day in Kings Bromley surfaced on the strength of a book sold in January by Hansons for £4,500.
The book by Mrs Smith is expected to create a lot of interest at auction. Mr Hanson said: "It is topical, interesting and a quite a rare book. The book is in good condition with some fold out plates making it complete."
The book will be sold by Hansons in their Lichfield Fine Arts and Antiques sale on May 3. Call 01283 733 988 or email service@hansonsauctioneers.co.uk
