Friday 29 May 2009

Oh, Most Excellent

In 1561, John Hollybush translated Hieronymus Brunschwig's book, A Most Excellent and Perfecte Homish Apothecarye, from Almaine (German) to English. The book was self described as "A most excellent and perfecte homish apothecarye or homely physik booke, for all the grefes and diseases of the bodye." What I find more interesting is Brunschwig's treatment for depression: "He that is become mad with sadness and heaviness, to him ought fair to be spoken and made merry; many things should be promised him, and some given. If it is a man, let him be refreshed with women, for the same avoidish anger; but if it be a woman, let her be refreshed with men; the same bringeth them soon to their senses." I like it. I feel that I need to be refreshed with men! Good idea, bring it on.

1 comment:

Erin said...

Haha! Who wouldn't want to be refreshed?