Though rat fleas are commonly thought to be the vector, recent research suggests that inter-personal contact was the main plague vector. (Chapt. 8 "Plagues in London in the 17th century" in Scott and Duncan, "Biology of Plagues: Evidence from Historical Populations", CUP 2001.)
If only I could summarise the year as well as our Pepys. Time to dust off the next volume of L&M, place it on my desk, and put back the current one. This time around, I read the L&M version first and then read the wonderful annotations.
jade, n.1 (dʒeɪd) Also Sc. 8 jad, 9 jaud. [Of unknown origin; often assumed to be a doublet of yaud (Icel. jalda mare), but app. without reason.] 2. A term of reprobation applied to a woman. Also used playfully, like hussy or minx. [1560 first entry of use ...] 1668 Pepys Diary 14 Jan., [Mrs] Pierce says she [Miss Davis] is a most homely jade as ever she saw.
Comments on frosting: Nowadays, there are many options (as a quick google of "winter horseshoe options" will show). Of all these, I have only seen and used screw-in studs during very icy conditions.
Terry, methinks Pepys' dislike of cock-fighting, bear-baiting, rat-baiting, and similar cruelty is due to basic decency rather than Puritanical values. I have never understood how people find enjoyment in the suffering of animals.
Periwigg woes: I am reading the interesting tome by Scott and Duncan ("Biology of Plagues", CUP, 2005), who quote the first paragraph of this entry. The fear was unfounded but Pepys did not know that.
"and much pleased I am now with my study; it being, methinks, a beautifull sight."
His study gives pleasure in viewing as well as in reading. All one's books rebound in the same style is an interesting thought. The majority of my books are yellow (Springer's colour of choice), but I feel no inclination to have them rebound. I do sometimes envy Pepys having books of the same size, though.
Louise, I grew up with Fahrenheit as well. When Canada switched to Celsius, it took less than a year to acclimatize (pun intended) and now think of water freezing at 32 as very odd.
Those who specialise in framework are also known here as framing carpenters, who nowadays must be familiar with local building codes, as opposed to trim carpenters and cabinet makers (noted earlier). Interesting note about the moveable houses, Robert. That would have taken effort, needing to remove the plaster inside and daub outside.
Whenever Elizabeth is bedridden with her period, Pepys eats dinner with her by bedside without fanfare. Such mature behaviour is in such contrast with the hysteria in the centuries to come.
The diary was written in Restoraion London. Their society was both similar and different from our's. I would heartily recommend "Restoraion London" by Liza Picard to understand the environment (perhaps followed by "Samuel Pepys, the uneqaulled self" by Claire Tomalin).
Comments
Second Reading
About Friday 5 January 1665/66
john • Link
Though rat fleas are commonly thought to be the vector, recent research suggests that inter-personal contact was the main plague vector. (Chapt. 8 "Plagues in London in the 17th century" in Scott and Duncan, "Biology of Plagues: Evidence from Historical Populations", CUP 2001.)
About Sunday 31 December 1665
john • Link
If only I could summarise the year as well as our Pepys. Time to dust off the next volume of L&M, place it on my desk, and put back the current one. This time around, I read the L&M version first and then read the wonderful annotations.
And, indeed, best wishes to all for the new year.
About Friday 22 December 1665
john • Link
Continuing on the jade theme, (OED 2nd ed.):
jade, n.1 (dʒeɪd) Also Sc. 8 jad, 9 jaud.
[Of unknown origin; often assumed to be a doublet of yaud (Icel. jalda mare), but app. without reason.]
2. A term of reprobation applied to a woman. Also used playfully, like hussy or minx.
[1560 first entry of use ...] 1668 Pepys Diary 14 Jan., [Mrs] Pierce says she [Miss Davis] is a most homely jade as ever she saw.
About Thursday 21 December 1665
john • Link
On my first round through the diary, I was appalled at Pepys's behaviour. On this second round, I observe without judgement.
About Sunday 26 November 1665
john • Link
Comments on frosting: Nowadays, there are many options (as a quick google of "winter horseshoe options" will show). Of all these, I have only seen and used screw-in studs during very icy conditions.
About Thursday 9 November 1665
john • Link
Terry, methinks Pepys' dislike of cock-fighting, bear-baiting, rat-baiting, and similar cruelty is due to basic decency rather than Puritanical values. I have never understood how people find enjoyment in the suffering of animals.
About Tuesday 7 November 1665
john • Link
Pepys seems to have a soft spot for dogs. He recorded his happiness upon finding his lost dog and recorded the loss of Penington's dog.
About Sunday 3 September 1665
john • Link
Periwigg woes: I am reading the interesting tome by Scott and Duncan ("Biology of Plagues", CUP, 2005), who quote the first paragraph of this entry. The fear was unfounded but Pepys did not know that.
About Sunday 13 August 1665
john • Link
Our Sam has several relatives in mind who are best spared monetary temptation (as do I).
About Wednesday 2 August 1665
john • Link
Lousie, note the discussions recorded here: https://www.pepysdiary.com/encycl…
About Monday 10 July 1665
john • Link
"it being a pretty chariot, but most inconvenient as to the horses throwing dust and dirt into one’s eyes and upon one’s clothes."
How lovely. Did they leave their dirty clothes on or clean them?
About Tuesday 14 February 1664/65
john • Link
Not a word on his liitle joke of seeking a kiss from Dicke.
About Friday 10 February 1664/65
john • Link
"and much pleased I am now with my study; it being, methinks, a beautifull sight."
His study gives pleasure in viewing as well as in reading. All one's books rebound in the same style is an interesting thought. The majority of my books are yellow (Springer's colour of choice), but I feel no inclination to have them rebound. I do sometimes envy Pepys having books of the same size, though.
About Monday 6 February 1664/65
john • Link
Louise, I grew up with Fahrenheit as well. When Canada switched to Celsius, it took less than a year to acclimatize (pun intended) and now think of water freezing at 32 as very odd.
About Monday 19 December 1664
john • Link
Whereas Pepys has applied physical "correction" to servants, this seems to be the first entry of such violence towards his wife.
About Friday 6 May 1664
john • Link
Those who specialise in framework are also known here as framing carpenters, who nowadays must be familiar with local building codes, as opposed to trim carpenters and cabinet makers (noted earlier). Interesting note about the moveable houses, Robert. That would have taken effort, needing to remove the plaster inside and daub outside.
About Thursday 14 April 1664
john • Link
Whenever Elizabeth is bedridden with her period, Pepys eats dinner with her by bedside without fanfare. Such mature behaviour is in such contrast with the hysteria in the centuries to come.
About Tuesday 17 November 1663
john • Link
No incision, no infection. A poultice (by another name) is far preferable.
About Sunday 11 October 1663
john • Link
The diary was written in Restoraion London. Their society was both similar and different from our's. I would heartily recommend "Restoraion London" by Liza Picard to understand the environment (perhaps followed by "Samuel Pepys, the uneqaulled self" by Claire Tomalin).
About Saturday 10 October 1663
john • Link
We must remember that intestinal obstructions at that time easily be fatal. Surgery was not really an option (https://www.merckmanuals.com/prof…).