My New Book on Jane Austen's Cousin Eliza is Now Available!
Bloodletting: Its Popularity in the 1700 and 1800s
Bloodletting is the withdrawal of blood from a patient to prevent illness or cure disease and could involve bloodletting performed by bloodletters or by applying leeches. Bloodletting began in ancient times to cure or prevent disease. It was based on ancient medicine and the idea “humors” — blood and other bodily fluids — needed to…
Slang, Euphemisms, and Terms of the 1700 and 1800s – Letter B
The following are slang, euphemisms, and terms for the letter B and are primarily taken from Francis Grose’s Classical Dictionary of the Vulgar Tongue published in 1811.
Condoms: Its History and Use in the 1700 and 1800s
The earliest written description of condoms is from the sixteenth century, although it seems they were probably in use before that time. The name “condom” alleged was coined by Charles II when Dr. Condom or Conton gave him an oiled sheep intestines to use. However, other people believe the name came from the Latin word…
Slang, Euphemisms, and Terms of the 1700 and 1800s – Letter A
The following are slang, euphemisms, and terms for the letter A and are primarily taken from Francis Grose’s Classical Dictionary of the Vulgar Tongue published in 1811.
Victorian Mourning: An Art Form in the 19th Century
Victorian mourning was an art form among the upper crust in nineteenth century England. There were many complex rules and mourning was expected to be exteriorized, not only by obvious sorrow but also by wearing black clothing that was sometimes worn for months and months. In addition, superstition often accompanied mourning and included such things…
The Grand Tour
The Grand Tour was a trip through Europe that began in the 1640s. It became extremely popular during the 1660s and remained so until the 1840s when large scale rail transit arrived. It was first introduced to the public by a Roman Catholic priest named Richard Lassels in his 1670 book Voyage to Italy. Designed…
Masquerade Balls in the Eighteenth Century
Masquerade balls began in the fifteenth century and were similar to a carnival atmosphere with dancing, drinking, and gambling. By the seventeenth century they were introduced to London. The first of these promiscuous and fashionable assemblages was organized by “Count” John James Heidegger and held at London’s Haymarket. Anyone who could afford a ticket could…
Dandy Defined: Who They Were and What They Wore
“Dandy” was first used between the 1770s and 1780s, but the idea of a dandy began long before with the Greeks, who referred to him in the following fashion:
- « Previous
- 1
- …
- 100
- 101
- 102