A History of Private Life; BBC Radio 4

rosieben

no transcripts for this so I'm hoping they bring out a book

~BamNaggy~

mummysaver wrote: »

Did you catch yesterday's one about needlework - apparently it was greatly encouraged as it kept women still and quiet, and having vast amounts of needework was a good thing for their marriage prospects as it showed they stayed at home and were industrious, and more importantly weren't out and gadding about!

So that is were my O/H is going wrong...he should buy me a needlework kit and I might forget I have a mind of my own. :rotfl:

Penelope_Penguin

Wednesday; Kitchen Physic - for hundreds of years, health matters were treated in the home. All housewives kept a store of medicinal compounds. "Kitchen physic" was believed to be better for the health than the doctor's "Filthy physic". Only when home remedies failed, were expensive apothecaries consulted.

For madness, bind upon the head the pluck of a chicken or pigeon.

Lady Grace Mildmay in the 16th century, manufactured a wide range of medicines:

For a red face mix the whites of 20 eggs, 1/2lb juice of betony, perslin and alum, 3 quarts white wine. Use to wash the face twice daily. Squeeze any spots and sill with ink

As a woman, Lady Mildmay wasn't able to train or hold a licence to practice, but she read medical texts and corresponded with physicians.

Many household records of the time include books of recipes for puddings, cosmetics and medicines. Personal experience counted for a lot in terms of reliability of remedies. Collections were often given as a dowry, or bequeathed in a will.

John Wesley believed that everyone had responsibility for their own and their family’s health. His remedy for wasting included powdered brimstone and white of egg.

Sir Samuel Romily kept a pair of pet leeches, which had saved his life named for two eminent surgeons of the day.

In 1788, George III called for his wife’s ministering rather than his doctor. But the popularity of shop-bought remedies was on the rise. Alcohol and opiate wines were used to numb pain, reduce fever and induce relaxation. The more dramatic the effect, the more popular they were

From the mid 18th century, household manuals began to drop sections on surgery and physic. By the turn of the 19th century, women began to be fearful of the damage they could do, and the age of kitchen physic drew to a close.

Please note - any recipes are given for historical context only, and are not intended as medical advice. If anyone disagrees with this, please report this post to abuse; their e-mail is in my signature

Olliebeak

Penelope_Penguin wrote: »

....... Alcohol and opiate wines were used to numb pain, reduce fever and induce relaxation. The more dramatic the effect, the more popular they were .......

:rotfl: how true that some things never change!