UNKNOWN

1806 Receipt for Large Tax Payment in la Rochelle, France

La Rochelle, France, 1806. Ephemera. On offer is an interesting financial document from the days of Napoleon’s France. Measuring 6.25 inches by 8.0 inches, the document is a receipt for taxes. It was issued for the city of La Rochelle, a port city on the Atlantic coast of France. It is interesting to note that the original date, 1806, has been stroked out in favour of the new Republican/ Revolutionary date of Year 14. The receipt is for a payment of 72 francs, approximately the equivalent of US$ 900 today. The average labourer earned about 390 francs a year so this was a not insignificant amount, equalling about 47 days of wages. An excerpt follows: Contribution pour l'an 14 - 1805 Je soussignee Receveur des Contributions directer de la commune de la Rochelle reconnois avoir recu d' M Vanhougevert le somme de soixante-douze francs huit centimes conformement au bordereau ci-dessus. [Translation: Contribution for the year 4 - 1805 I, the undersigned Receiver of Taxes direct from the municipality of La Rochelle, acknowledge having received from Mr. Vanhougevert the sum of seventy-two francs eight cents in accordance with the above schedule]. For an economist or social historian, this document gives a look at one of the economic realities of life in France during the Napoleonic Wars. ; 6.25" x 8"; 1 pages. Good in Good dust jacket .

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Book number: 0010168

Keywords: 19th Century Finances Nobility French History

UNKNOWN

1814 Student’S Cipher Book Replete with Cases to Support Mathematical Application in Real World Settings

1814. Softcover. On offer is a centuries-old superb example of a mathematics cipher (or cypher) book. The author's name is inscribed on the inside front cover but would require an expert in copperplate printing to decipher it. However, the date is quite clear – 1814. This handwritten journal of mathematical calculations and equations includes sections on Geometry, Algebra, Arithmetic Calculations, Weights and Measures and Money (Pounds, Shillings and Pence). The teacher was likely guided by one of the many arithmetic textbooks still in wide use in the early 1800s. He would have expected the student to memorize rules and examples and thus learn how to carry out the mathematical operations for later use in business. The 'Cases' section towards the back of the book is an example of this teaching method. Our student would have copied down the cases to follow later rather than simply a general principle. The teacher probably also expected the student to copy the material neatly. This not only offered an opportunity to practice his penmanship but prepareda reference book for him to use as an adult. This is a superb example of the key learning tool by which mathematics was taught in the 19th century. Without a doubt, it helped convey a real sense of ownership of the mathematical principles inscribed within and were valued possessions for many students. A researcher studying the roots of modern mathematics and mathematics teaching would find this a valuable reference work. Contemporary research has shown that cipher books are not widely available any more as a tool for research and study. This volume is a classic example of that lost learning instrument. Notes on Cipher Books: Cipher books went by many names: cyphering books, copy books, arithmetic books, etc. By the late 19th / early 20th century, the advent of commercially-produced arithmetic books led to the demise of student-prepared cipher books. Most of the powerful abstract mathematical theories in use today originated in the 19th century. In the 18th and early 19th centuries, when paper was still expensive and textbooks not generally available, students who learned arithmetic sometimes wrote out their own texts by hand. Measuring 13 inches by 8 inches, it contains 22 pages and is 100% complete. The cover is a thicker paper and is in good condition. The paper used for the pages is coarse, firmly bound and completely intact. The handwriting is copperplate and quite legible. ; Manuscripts; 4to 11" - 13" tall; 22 pages. Very Good with no dust jacket .

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Book number: 0010294

Keywords: 19th Academics

UNKNOWN

1816 Fascinating Reference Letter for a French Physician Who Aims to Work at Enfants Malades Hopital

Paris, France, 1816. Ephemera. On offer is a very well written letter of reference for a French doctor in early 19th century France. The letter, although unsigned, appears to be sent from the Hopital de la Charite. It highly recommends a Doctor Chretien Lalame for a position at the Children’s Hospital of Paris. An excerpt follows: Le Doctor Chretien Lalame age de 44, medecin de la Faculte de Paris. Membre titulaire de l'Academie de Medecine, medecin ordinaire du 5em dispensaire, d'un des trois premier candidate designes par le Conseil General des hospices dans sa seance du 17 avril donner et presentes a son excellence le ministre de l'interior pour remplir la place de Medecine de l'hospital des Enfants , demande celle du Medicin suppliant de la Charite vacante par le deces de M. Bayle...[Translation: Doctor Chretien Lalame, age 44, doctor of the Faculty of Paris. Full member of the Academy of Medicine, ordinary doctor of the 5th dispensary, one of the first three candidates designated by the General Council of Hospices in its session of April 17, and submitted to his excellency the Minister of the Interior to fill the place of Doctor of the Children's Hospital asks for the position of the Deputy Physician of the Charity that is vacant by the death of Mr. Bayle...]. The Hopital de la Charite was established in 1613 through the initial efforts of Marie de Medici. For over 300 years, it served the needs of the citizens of Paris. The hospital was remodelled by Suzanne Necker to create the Necker Hospital. The hospital building was demolished around 1935 to make place for the new Faculté de médecine de Paris, now part of the Sorbonne. The Necker Hospital continues as one of France’s great teaching hospitals, partnered with the Enfants Malades Hopital. The Children’s Hospital (or Enfants Malades Hopital) was the first children’s hospital in the world. It remains one of the great children’s hospitals today. Established at the beginning of the 19th century, it benefited from the patronage of Suzanne Necker, the wife of the Minister of Finance for France and her daughter, Anne Louise Germaine, the future writer and philosopher now better known as Madame de Staël. The noted intellectual and writer who rose to become one of the most prominent persons in European politics. She was also wealthy and extraordinarily connected to centres of power across European societies. In 1920, the Children’s Hospital merged with its next door neighbour The Necker Hospital, founded by Jacques Necker. The letter goes on to extol his titles already obtained, his accomplishments and his service over a 15 year period. This is an excellent example of the type of reference letter that was used in French society in the early 19th century. The letter measures 8.5 inches by 6.25 inches and is a single sheet of paper. The page is in very good condition and the handwriting is quite legible. ; Manuscripts; 8.5" x 6.25"; 1 pages; Signed by Author. Good with no dust jacket .

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Book number: 0010199

Keywords: Medical History Doctors 19th

UNKNOWN

1826 Disputed Inheritance Legal Document Connected to French Nobility

France, 1826. Ephemera. On offer is a superb example of a legal contract for the very early 19th century France. The document is a legal petition regarding a disputed inheritance. The action was started by the heirs of Madame Cotignon de Quincy. An excerpt from the legal contract follows: Le proces soumis a la Cour a pour object de faire fixer les forces de la succession de la dame QUINCY; la liquidation de cette succession presente un assez grand de difficultes a resoudre, et c'est pour economiser les momens de l'audience qu'il a ete mis un rapport de l'un de MM les Conseillers. [Translation: The purpose of the trial before the Court is to have the forces of the lady de QUINCY's estate determined; the liquidation of this succession presents a rather great difficulty to resolve, and it is to save the time of the hearing that a report was sent to one of the Council]. Another excerpt from the legal contact follows: C'est pour la seconde fois que les heritiers d'Armes et d'Arthel entravent cette liquidation d'une demande de 22,382 francs avec lesquels ils ont l'esperance de payer la majeure partie des condamnations qui ont ete prononcees contr'eaux par l'arret sus-date. [Translation: This is the second time that the heirs of Armes and Arthel are hindering this liquidation of a request for 22,382 francs with which they hope to pay the major part of the sentences which have been pronounced against them by the above judgement]. The judgement refers to a decision apparently handed down in July, 1814, fully 12 years previous! The document then goes on to lay out in detail the complaint against the heirs of both Monsieur d’Armes and Monsieur d’ Arthel. The sums discussed are quite large. Today, it could represent more than US$250,000. This was at a time when the average French worker’s annual income was about the equivalent of US$3,000. The principal parties are the heirs of Marie Marguerite Cotignon, the wife and later widow of Joseph Henri Gabriel Fournier, Viscount de Quincy. Another interesting member of this claim group is a noted French Vice-Admiral, Antoine Louis de Gourdon. Gourdon was born in 1765 and joined the French Navy. He was not a Royalist and as the political situation disintegrated in the early 1790’s, he was dismissed from the Navy. However, with the rise of Napoleon, he was restored in rank and rejoined the Navy. He served in Napoleon’s Navy and saw service in several battles and theatres. After the fall of Napoleon, he joined in the Bourbon restoration, being promoted to Vice Admiral in 1822. He commanded the fleet in Rochfort and in Brest before assuming command of the French Navy Cartography department. He passed away in 1833 at the age of 68. Further informal research suggests that this is an intra-family dispute. Fournier d’Armes was Madame de’ Quincy’s brother-in-law. For a historian, the document is a fascinating description of the manner in which monies and properties were transferred in the convoluted feudal system that existed in France in the mid-18th century. It is also a testament to the snail's pace of the creaking French bureaucracy that this case could drag on for decades. It also illustrates the type of argumentation that would be practised in the civil courts at that time. For a genealogist, this offers a number of first-hand familial references in a geographically small region between Marseilles and Montpelier. The document measures 9.75 inches by 8.0 inches and contains 8 typed pages. The paper is in very good condition with very slight signs of aging. ; 8vo 8" - 9" tall; 8 pages. Good with no dust jacket .

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Book number: 0010227

Keywords: History 19th

UNKNOWN

1850 Catholic Christmas Sermon Manuscript in Beautiful Script

France, 1850. Ephemera. On offer is a fine example of the type of teaching and guidance the Catholic church provided to parishioners in mid-19th century France. This is a sermon given by a parish priest at Christmas. An excerpt follows: Les langes, une creche, les larmes et les gemissements plaintif d'un faible enfant voila le signe du roi des rois...[Translation: The swaddling clothes, a manger, the tears and the plaintive moans of a weak child here is the sign of the king of kings...]. Divided into sections, he speaks about the majesty of God and Charity among other subjects. Dieu ne pouvait remettre le peches dans entirer in satisfaction proportione a la injure que du saintete on avait recu…[Translation: God could not put back sin entirely in satisfaction proportionate to the insult that his holiness one had received…]For a religious person or an institution of religious faith, this sermon is an excellent way to see what were prevailing ideas at the time and how ideas have shifted and changed over time. This document measures 8.0 inches by 6.0 inches and contains 18 pages. There are 12 pages of notes. The document is formed by several sheets of paper folded in quarters. The paper is in good condition with some wear marks along the edges. The handwriting is legible. ; Manuscripts; 8vo 8" - 9" tall; 18 pages. Good with no dust jacket .

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Book number: 0010210

Keywords: History Religion Sermons

UNKNOWN

1851 Deeply Detailed French Roman Catholic Lecture on the Subject of Mercy

France, 1851. Ephemera. On offer is a fine copy of a French Roman Catholic lecture written in the mid-19th century. The booklet by an unknown writer, is entitled Misericorde Divine or Divine Mercy. It may be a lecture or possibly a sermon. The last page has an outline that gives a sense of the direction the writer is taking with his discourse, as in the following excerpts: Dieu est misericordieux 1. Sa misericorde nous attend 2. Sa misericorde nous previent, nous recherce, 3. Sa misericode nous orderdonne. [Translation: God is merciful 1. His mercy awaits us 2. His mercy warns us, searches for us, 3. His mercy orders us]. The manuscript begins with the writer discussing their reason for making the speech. An excerpt from the opening of the lecture follows: Misericorde…c'est un faveur des pecheurs penitents que je viens elever aujourdhui la voix. Trops longtemps la paix a a cesse regner dans leurs coeurs et la sommeil du juste afin loin des leurs yeux epuises a la recherche. [Translation: Mercy…it is a favour of penitent fishermen that I come today to raise my voice. For a long time peace has ceased to reign in their hearts and the sleep of the just so far from their exhausted looking eyes….]. The author/speaker then goes on to expound and expand on the points made in the outline. For a historian or for someone interested in an aspect of the religious thinking prevalent in mid-18th century France, this is a fine look into that way of thinking. Measuring 8 inches by 6 inches, it contains 18 pages and is 100% complete. The pages are in good condition although they show some staining from age. The pages are sewn together and the binding is in good condition. The handwriting is legible. ; Manuscripts; 8vo 8" - 9" tall; 18 pages. Good with no dust jacket .

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Book number: 0010243

Keywords: Religion 19th History Sermons

UNKNOWN

1854 Diary of a New Yorker Who Collected Life Lessons and Wrote Simply of Life in 19th Century Nyc

New York City, United States, 1854. None. On offer is an interesting diary/notebook dating from mid 19th century New York City. Nearly one half of the book is devoted to what the diarist refers to as “Maxims” - a collection of sayings and reflections that he feels are important enough to write down. The balance of the entries are brief daily notations. The writer is unknown. His name appears on the cover but it is smudged. From context, we can determine that he lived in New York City. He references moving into Crook’s Hotel which the New York Historical Society identifies as being on Chatham Street in the city. Many of his daily notations are simple notes about the weather but he does mention places and notable incidents that occurred: “Evening went to Lecture B Way [Broadway} Tabernacle by Rev L. P. Thompson…” [Mar 16]. [Historical Note: The Broadway Tabernacle that the writer mentions a number of times was the site of a major antislavery speech in February 1854 by the noted abolitionist William Lloyd Garrison]. “News of loss of ship Powhattan by the [ ] storm on 15th & 16th with 200 lives lost…” [Apr 20]. [Historical Note: The Powhattan was a United States - flagged emigrant transport ship that is best remembered as one of the New Jersey shipwrecks with the greatest loss of life]. The other half of this diary, the author’s “Maxims” include the following: “It is a consolation for all right minded young men in this country that though they may not be able to command as much pecuniary capital as they would wish to begin business with yet there is a moral capital they can have that will weigh as much as money with people whose opinion is worth having. And it does not take long to accumulate a respectable amount of this capital. It consists of truth, honesty, and integrity…” [on Jan 1]. For a social historian, this little pocket notebook/diary offers an interesting glimpse into life in New York City in the middle of the 19th century. This little pocketbook measures 4.75 inches by 3.0 inches and contains 122 pages. It is about 60% complete. The cover is missing from the book. The binding however is intact and the pages are in good condition. The handwriting is reasonably legible. ; Manuscripts; 8vo 8" - 9" tall; 122 pages. Poor with no dust jacket .

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Book number: 0011071A

Keywords: 19th Personal

UNKNOWN

1856 Probate Court Notice for the Wife of California Pioneer, Grove C. Cook

California, United States, 1856. Ephemera. On offer is a fascinating legal document bearing the letterhead of the law firm of Hall & Huggins. It hints at a very contested legal action in mid-19th century California. The document bears the following inscription: In Probate Court Santa Clara Co. Petition of Rebecca J. Gratton for the issuance of Letters of Administration on Cook’s Estate. Filed Sept 19th, 1856...As innocuous as it appears, this simple document references a wild and chaotic ride through land dealings taking place in the new state of California. In 1849, gold was discovered sparking the Gold Rush. In 1850, California became the 31st state of the United States. Rebecca Gratton was the 2nd wife of Grove C. Cook. Cook was an early pioneer, coming into California in the Bidwell-Bartleson Party of 1841 – the first overland wagon train to cross the United States to the Pacific coast. He eventually settled in the Santa Clara Valley and in 1845 he purchased Rancho de los Capitancillos. This land purchase later became the New Almaden Quicksilver Mine. The original land claim dated from the years when California was part of Mexico. Quicksilver – actually Mercury – was a vital commodity in gold mining and the Gold Rush drove the demand and value of this property. Cook sold part of the land parcel and mortgaged other parts of it. These numerous land and mortgage deals left a trail of litigation after his death. His holdings soon became the subject of numerous competing claims and counter-claims with even Abraham Lincoln attempting to expropriate it. The New York Times even reported on the litigation as "one of the most remarkable civil trials in this or any other country"There are references to this dispute in the courts of California and indeed right up to the Supreme Court of the United States. For a historian, this small document hints at some of the momentous events taking place in California at the time it entered the union as a state. The document measures 7.75 inches by 12.5 inches. It is folded in quarters. It bears the marks of a fastening clip and, in fact, served as the cover for a legal pleading. The page is a bright gold colour and bears the letterhead of a legal firm. The page is in good condition. ; Manuscripts; 7.75" x 12.5"; 1 pages. Good with no dust jacket .

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Book number: 0010214

Keywords: American . Americana

UNKNOWN

1860 Anti-Love Manuscript Letter, Rejecting the Romantic Advances of a New York Woman

Mechanicstown, New York, United States, 1860. Ephemera. On offer is a direct, likely humiliating, letter rejecting the romantic advances of woman in mid-19th century America. Dated in May 1860, the letter was written in Mechanicstown, a small village north of New York City. The letter is a clear dismissal of the attention and interest of a woman. The tone is polite but firm. An excerpt of the letter follows: ... Shortly after my return home on my last visit I wrote you as I thought explicit enough. I then saw we could never be more friends. Since then I received a number of letters from you asking me to repeat “that visit” as you say I promised to do…You say promised you I would. I admit I did but under what circumstances. Why you forced me to say it. You would not let me off without saying so. I became disgusted at your conduct & said I would but had no idea at the time of doing it soon. But should you ever cross my path I will give you the hand of friendship…For a social historian, this letter is a glimpse into the personal world of relationships in the mid-19th century. It is not common to see such sentiments expressed so directly in correspondence and as such adds to the tapestry of social life in mid-19th century America. This letter measures 8.0 inches by 5.0 inches. The letter is in good condition and the handwriting is very legible. Unfortunately, neither the addressee’s name nor the author’s signatures can be made out. ; Manuscripts; 8vo 8" - 9" tall; Signed by Author. Good with no dust jacket .

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Book number: 0010216

Keywords: Americana Women's Studies Rejection

UNKNOWN

1863 Statement of Accounts for a Roman Catholic Diocese of Bourges, France

Bourges, France, 1863. Ephemera. On offer is a fascinating look inside the finances of a Roman Catholic diocese in mid-19th century France. The document is a table showing the revenue raised from collections throughout the Diocese of Bourges in 1863. The collections are organized by Departments (the major sub-national administrative unit of France) and by Arrondissement (the major administrative subdivision of a Department). The two Departments referenced are Cher and Indre, both in central France and both Departments are encompassed within the Roman Catholic diocese of Bourges. The record shows that overall, the Diocese collected approximately 17,000 francs (FF) for the year. This would be valued at approximately USD185,000 today, using ther value of gold as the measurement standard. This was an enormous sum for the average French citizen. The table shows major capital expenses of about FF13,000 leaving about FF4,000 in the Diocese bank. For a social historian, the document offers an interesting breakdown by district and community hinting at income disparities across the region. This 4-page, printed document measures 10.25 inches by 8.0 inches. The paper is in excellent condition with only some slight discolouration along the edges. ; 10.25" x 8"; 4 pages. Good with no dust jacket .

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Book number: 0010114

Keywords: 19th History Religious Affairs Finance

UNKNOWN

1864 Official German to French Translation Stating the Count of Faletans Can Reside in Munich

Munich Munchen Germany Gdr, 1864. Ephemera. On offer is an official translation from German to French from the Kingdom of Bavaria, confirming that Hyppolyte Thierry, Count of Faletans, a French citizen and the author of ‘Fables et Contes’, has legal right to reside in the Bavarian city of Munich. The document was drafted in March 1864. An excerpt from the document follows: Il vous est par les presentes donne acte que les conditions de domilcile ayant ete remplies vous avez ete ad mis comme bourgeois de cette ville en vertu d'un decret royal ayant forces de loi... [Translation: You are hereby given notice that the domiciliary conditions having been fulfilled you have been put as bourgeois of this city by virtue of a royal decree having the force of law…]. For a historian, this document is a tangible indication of how things such as residency between powers in Europe were handled in the mid-19th century. The document is a single sheet that has been folded in half to create 4 pages. The document takes up 3 of the 4 pages. The paper is in very good condition and the handwriting is quite legible. The document measures 10 inches by 7 inches. This four page document is an official translation from German into French and bears the official seals of the translator. ; Manuscripts; 10" x 7"; 4 pages; Signed by Author. Good with no dust jacket .

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Book number: 0010245

Keywords: Falentans History

UNKNOWN

1881 French Manuscript Thank You Note for Tributes to Deceased Mother

Amboise, France, 1881. Ephemera. On offer is a lovely Thank You card dating from late 19th century France. The note is dated in Amboise France, a small community in the centre of France’s Loire Valley. The town is famous for the Chateau d'Amboise, the grand 15th-century residence of King Charles VIII and site of Leonardo da Vinci's tomb. The recipient of this lovely card is not identified and the author’s name cannot be made out. The sentiments expressed though, are quite clear. An excerpt from the note follows: Je vous remercie Monsieur pour la sympathie si spontenee que vous avey marque a me grande doleur. De tels remoignages dans la mesur ou je les merite, m'apparaissant comme des hommages a ma mere qui fue mon educatrice... [Translation: I thank you Sir for the so spontaneous sympathy you have shown me. Such tributes to the extent that I deserve them, appear to me as a tribute to my mother who was my teacher…]. This is a fine example of personal correspondence in France in the late 19th century. The card measures 7.0 inches by 4.5 inches. The folded sheet is blank on the external sides, with the written text occupying both sides of the interior. The paper is cream in colour with a bold, 1/2 inch black border on each page. The upper right page has a small piece missing from the edge. The handwriting is legible. ; Manuscripts; 7" x 4.5"; 2 pages. Good with no dust jacket .

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Book number: 0010237

Keywords: D' 19th History

UNKNOWN

1882 Diary of a Mystery New Hampshire Farmer’S Wife Who Embodies the Concept of Women’S Invisible Labour

Dover New Hampshire, 1882. Softcover. On offer is a fine diary, written by an unknown New Hampshire farmer’s wife in 19th century rural New Hampshire. Never has the concept of woman’s invisible labour been more poignant than in this diary. Our author writes every single day of 1882. She describes the minutiae of the lives of everyone around her, and yet, we finish the diary knowing almost nothing about the woman diarist herself. Contextual cues from the diary indicate that our unknown author lives with her husband, Joel, on a farm near Dover in Strafford County, New Hampshire. The diary was purchased from an apothecary in Rochester, New Hampshire, where they go regularly for supplies, and which is 11 miles north of Dover. Other contextual cues indicate that Joel and our author are the parents of adult children. We believe their children are Emma, Clara, Mary and Frances. Four pages of notes in the Memoranda section clearly indicate that they sold butter and eggs on a regular basis. Context clues from within the diary indicate they also butchered and likely sold pork from the farm. Each day, our diarist reports on the weather, gives a sense of her tasks for the day, and then focuses on what everyone in her social and familiar circles are doing and, often, on their health. She is clearly part of a tight-knit farming community, and her references to attending “meetings” on Sundays implies she is part of a religious community as well. Excerpts from our mystery diarist follow, which give a flavour of the nature of her entries: It is fair and cold we worked on my sash and Joel went to the Post Office this afternoon we had a boiled dinner John Brock was here tonight and Mr. Sanborn we signed for a paper [Jan 3, 1882]. “It is fair and cold. Marg commenced on my black dress. Emma killed her hog today. John Brock and Ezra was in” [Jan 4, 1882]. “It was a pleasant day. Will Walingford was here cutting wood today. Seavey was here to dinner and I ironed today. Gail went up after hay today. Lenie Foss and George Goodson was here” [Feb 16, 1882]. “It is fair and warm and we went to meeting. [ ] was here with George and Abigal Brewster and stayed all night and the both were taken sick” [Apr 16, 1882]. “It is a rainy day. The Dr. Was here this morning. Frances is a little better. Isaac and Emma was in. George and Eemmeline was up this afternoon” [June 4, 1882]. “It is fair and warm. Addie went home. Joel & George went up to the pasture and up to Daniel Otis. George Brewster & Abigal was here to dinner” [July 9, 1882]. “It is fair. Mary and Joel went to Rochester. Mrs. Brach was up and spent the day and I’s was sick. Dr. Gaffin was here to see me” [Oct 3, 1882]. “It is overcast. Will Walingford is here. Joel commenced to make cider for John Brock... This afternoon we churned” [Oct 20, 1882]. “It is overcast. We churned. Joel helped Isaac kill the hog. A peddler stayed here last night. It snowed in the afternoon” [Dec 13, 1882]. “...fair day. Washed. Uncle Wentworth was here and Uncle Horace…and Aunt Betsy came here and stayed all night. George…was here and was sick all day” [Dec 25, 1882]. For a historian, this is an excellent portrait of life in rural New Hampshire in the late 19th century. Her entries are detailed and they paint a clear picture of farm life for a woman’s point of view. For a Women’s Studies program, this is a fine illustration of the daily lives of women at this time in America. For a genealogist, it is a goldmine. She makes many references to the people in her social circle. In our informal research, we were able to quickly find many of the people she has mentioned. This diary will help confirm relationships and cross-reference many people who lived in Strafford County NH at this time. Measuring 6.0 inches by 3.25 inches, this diary covers the year 1882. It contains 183 pages, including the daily diary and Memoranda. It is approximately 85% complete. The cover shows clear wear marks and the back cover is starting to detach. The binding is intact but there are wear marks and some small tears. The pages are in good condition and the handwriting is legible, though light in some places as it is written in pencil. Overall Fair. ; Manuscripts; 16mo 6" - 7" tall; 183 pages. Fair with no dust jacket .

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Book number: 0011149A

Catalogue: 19th Century Diary

Keywords: 's Work Farmer Genealogical

UNKNOWN

1890 New England Physician’S Daily Dairy Recording the Names, Addresses, Health Conditions and Treatments of Hundreds

Westboro, Boston, Massachussetts, 1890. Softcover. On offer is an excellent record of a medical doctor’s practice in 1890 in New England. The author of this diary is unknown. We know he is a medical doctor and context clues suggest that he is practicing in the Westboro, Massachusetts area. Each page in the diary consists of lists of patients seen and a reference to either a medical problem or a treatment suggested. It was not uncommon for him to see a 1-2 dozen people each day. And his work week was a 7-day week! Beyond the individual patient’s names, the comments are very brief and many consist of abbreviations. In some cases, he notes the location of a patient, indicating that he traveled to see them. He writes patient names in ink and then notes about their condition and treatment in pencil. Some excerpts: “McDermott 441 Fourth Going south on the horse cars, get off at Jackson, go east 2 blocks” [Feb 5]. “Vine, Mrs. 56 Chestnut = Obs. Ser. Girl Stillborn” [April 14]. Dyson [ ] in thighs, no pain, R knee, a weakness in walking, (eczema behind left ear, hasmed for lumbago and will take that, med for ear [Apr 20]. “In New York at the semi-annual meeting of the State Society at Brooklyn” [Oct 1]. “Semi-centennial of Boston [ ] Med Society – Boston” [Dec 23]. For a medical historian or public health researcher, this is an outstanding look at one 19th century doctor's full year of daily practice. It is also a rich source of data for genealogists researching family lines and connections, including addresses, in this part of New England. This diary measures 5.75 inches by 3.25 inches and contains 365 pages. It is about 90% complete as the doctor took a few days off (or didn’t make notes) throughout the year. The cover is intact but shows wear marks and some staining. The binding is intact and the pages are in good condition. The handwriting is legible. Overall G. ; Manuscripts; 24mo 5" - 6" tall. Good+ with no dust jacket .

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Book number: 0011143

Keywords: Case Studies Physician 19th

UNKNOWN

1891 Fascinating Diary by a Student of Watchmaking at the American Horological Institute in Lancaster County, Pennsylvania

Lancaster County, Pennsylvania PA, 1891. Softcover. On offer is an interesting diary that touches on the history of watchmaking, through the experience of a man who travels to Philadelphia in the winter of 1891 to attend the American Horological Institute. The author of this diary is unknown. Context tells us our diarist is a man and he begins his diary on January 6, 1891, when he “arrived at Washington” on route to Philadelphia to become a watchmaker. The diary covers the period of January 6, 1891 through April 9, 1891. During this time, the vast majority of our young watchmaker’s entries are focused on his watchmaking education. He attends the American Horological Institute six days per week and on Sundays he goes to churches and to the local YMCA. This man’s commitment to his chosen craft is both endearing and a reminder of the pride once taken in mastering skills. Some excerpts give the flavour of this fascinating diary: “Arrived at Philadelphia 10: 30 AM. Took dinner at the Bingham House. Went to the American Horological Institute and made arrangements for entering. Went and found a Boarding place, went to the Institute at night” [Jan 7]. “Went to institute and went to work making a polishing tool. Practiced engraving a little. Went around the city a little at night” [Jan 8]. “Went down to Institute. Made a jewel setting tool and practised setting jewels. Went down to the merry go round after supper” [Jan 16]. “Went to Institute and practiced engraving and turning on the lathe. Went to Broad Street Theatre in the evening very good” [Jan 24]. “Went to St. Pauls Reform Episcopal Church 1030. PM Chestnut and 22nd. Went to John Wanamaker Sunday School 230…22nd and Bainbridge Sts. Went to the YMCA 15th and Chestnut. Went to Broad St Station and weighed 150 lbs. Did not go out in evening” [Jan 25]. “Went to Institute and practiced engraving and pivoting and drill making …” [Feb 6]. “Went to Broad Street station, weighed 151, then went to spring Garden M. E. Church. Did not go out in the afternoon. Went to First Baptist Church in the evening” [March 8]. “Went to Institute and did engraving and work on Hain spring gauge. Went down to Gilbert and Bacons and had group lecture, then went to Keystone watch case factory” [March 26]. In the back of the diary, our author provides even more details about the American Horological Institute, listing supplies he bought for class, his expenses connected to his schooling, as well as names and addresses of individuals and businesses, some clearly associated with his watchmaking education. BACKGROUND: The American Horological Institute was new approach to training watchmakers. It has its roots with Ezra Bowman who was born in 1847. His family had emigrated from Switzerland and settled in Lancaster County, Pennsylvania. At a young age, Ezra displayed an interest in watchmaking. His father considered the standard 7 year apprenticeship excessive so he hired a Swiss watchmaker to teach his son in an intensive 2 year period. Completing his studies, Bowman worked for several other watchmakers before opening his own shop in Lancaster in 1877. He began to take on apprentices, using the intense 2-year course that he had experienced. He was successful and in 1887 opened a school in Philadelphia called the American Horological Institute. Five years later, it was renamed the Ezra F. Bowman Technical School and relocated to Lancaster PA. Eventually, it was renames the Bowman Technical School. The school remained in existence until it closed in 1992.Bowman was a pioneering horological genius in the pre-Hamilton years of the Lancaster watch factories. He worked on the model of the first watch made by the Adams & Perry Watch Manufacturing Company and then manufactured the Bowman watch in his own shop. He improved and made watchmaking tools that were recognized worldwide. Yet he is best known as a pioneer in horological education through his desire to promote high craft standards for watch-makers in his school. For a historian this is an excellent written artifact that refers directly to one of the founders of a unique American skilled craft. Today, there is an extensive collection of original source material about the Bowman Technical School in the Lancaster County historical collectionMeasuring 7.25 inches by 3.25 inches, this diary contains 122 pages and is about 25% complete, with entries between January and April of 1891, and many notes in the Address and Accounts sections at the back of the diary. Our author writes very consistently January through early March, and his entries space out in late March and become almost absent as of April, though he does write twice in April about a bike tour he is taking. The cover shows some signs of wear but is otherwise intact. The spine and binding are intact as are all of the pages and the handwriting is legible. Overall Fair to Good.; Manuscripts; 12mo 7" - 7½" tall. Fair with no dust jacket .

Katz Fine ManuscriptsProfessional seller

Book number: 0012223

Catalogue: 19th Century Diary

Keywords: Horologists