For anyone interested in old books and medicine, the Wellcome Library in London has (excitingly) digitized a huge chunk of their extensive library of antique domestic “recipe” books and manuscripts. Spanning three hundred years (their collection begins in the 1500s), the 270+ books are an amazing window into old medicine and household lore. Above are images from two randomly selected manuscripts, both from the mid-1600s. Look closely, and you might get some pointers on how to prevent bed wetting, or help should you suffer from a “pinne or a webbe in the eye.”
To jump straight to a list of all the available manuscripts, go here.
