English Recipe Book, 17th century - early 18th century

Collection of medical, culinary and household recipes, in various hands.

The earliest recipes are in a single mid-17th century hand, and are arranged in four sections, entitled 'Physicall Receites' (ff. 2-44), 'Excellent Receites for Chirurgery' (ff. 45-89), Receites of Curiosity' (ff. 90-133) and 'Receites of good Huswifrye' (ff. 134-177).

Later entries have been added throughout the book, the latest in a hand that includes the date 21 September 1710 against a recipe for elder wine (f. 121). This hand is apparently the same as that responsible for various jottings on f. 178v., including the names 'Jos. Beachcroft', 'James Pickering' and 'James Astry'. Authorities include 'Doctor Staples (f. 12v.), 'Dr Burgis', 'Dr Avery' (f. 14v.), 'Dr Prys' (f. 21v.), and several relatives ('Cossen Hartnell, f. 12v., 'Sister Collier', f. 19v., 'Aunt Walker', ff. 51-52).

1 volume, 260 x 165 mm., 179 ff. many blanks.

Original pagination 1-82 35-36 wanting, 1-86 71-72 wanting, 1-86 55-56, 71-72 wanting, 1-88 43-44, 83-86 wanting and unnumbered.

Original calf boards with gilt panels and decoration front and rear. Rebacked.