Seventeenth Century Complexions

Evening Post, Volume CX, Issue 130, 29 November 1930, Page 19

Seventeenth Century Complexions

"JTfor to" make a woman's face wellcoloured: Take the marrowe-bones of Swyne's Feete and temper yt with warnic water, and annoyute . tho. face therewithe." This recipe is. contained in, one of a collection of Seventeenth Century manuscripts presented to tho trustees of the British Museum by Mr. Bernard P. Seattorgood,- a Fellow of tho Society of Antiquaries, states an exchange. The medical methods employed in the prescriptions are in interesting contrast with'the little-known "Englishman's Treasure,"" compiled by Thomas Vaeary, Esq./a Eoyal Surgeon of a century earlier, and now in the library of St. Bartholomew's Hospital. ■ ■ ■•■: • • \ .-■ Whereas the citizens of Queen Elizabeth had to be content ■ with a sure cure for a red nose and less . certain remedies for over-indulgence at'table, the Seventeenth ■ Century physician made . a - bold ! attempt at • preventive medicine, promising to the ladies an immaculate complexion, and to the men:immunity from drunkenness by means of., a; powder made from "■brayned swallowes.". Unfortunately the,latter "re'cipejis somewhat vague for practical : application, and there is some doubt whether it is the head or the self-control of the victim which it iff intended ■ to ■ strengthen.