A Book of Simples by Henry William Lewer

"A Book of Simples" by Henry William Lewer is a historical manuscript likely compiled during the late 19th century. This work serves as a collection of herbal remedies and domestic recipes, reflecting the traditional knowledge of herbalists and housewives from an earlier era. The content focuses on the use of simple, natural ingredients for medicinal and culinary purposes, showcasing the methods by which household management and care were executed in times when professional medical assistance was less accessible. The opening of the manuscript presents an introduction outlining its origins and the context in which it was created. Lewer discusses the importance of the lady of the house as a keeper of herbal wisdom and a dispenser of health through simples—a term for simple herbal remedies. The commentary paints a vivid picture of rural England during the 18th century, emphasizing the self-sufficiency of manor households. It touches upon the significance of herb gardens and the use of natural remedies for various ailments, setting up the recipes that follow, which include instructions for everything from cakes and wines to pectorals and medicinal concoctions. This opening solidifies the manuscript's aim of reviving the practicality and charm of traditional herbal knowledge. (This is an automatically generated summary.)

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About this eBook

Editor Lewer, Henry William
LoC No. a15000632
Title A Book of Simples
Credits Produced by Chris Curnow, Les Galloway and the Online
Distributed Proofreading Team at www.pgdp.net (This
file was produced from images generously made available
by The Internet Archive)
Reading Level Reading ease score: 66.6 (8th & 9th grade). Neither easy nor difficult to read.
Language English
LoC Class TX: Technology: Home economics
Subject Cooking -- Early works to 1800
Subject Formulas, recipes, etc. -- Early works to 1800
Category Text
eBook-No. 53951
Release Date
Last Update Oct 23, 2024
Copyright Public domain in the USA.
Downloads 971 downloads in the last 30 days.

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