By Krista Stracka Earlier this summer, the National Library of Medicine announced the release of Unique English Imprints, pre-1800, a new collection available now through the NLM’s Digital Collections. The collection comprises letterpress books and pamphlets printed in the English-speaking world between 1550 and 1800 that are uniquely-held by NLM and are now accessible without […]
Tag Archives: England
May
12
The Lady Who Became a Nurse
posted by Circulating Now
By Elizabeth Fee and Mary E. Garofalo Florence Nightingale was born on May 12, 1820 of wealthy British parents who expected her to do all the things young ladies of her class did: to spend much of her time in the drawing room entertaining her sister or her friends; to take occasional rides in carriages, […]
March
20
How To…Plant and Graft All Sorts of Trees
posted by Circulating Now
By Michael Sappol The oldest English-language how-to at the National Library of Medicine is a charming and practical little book dating from 1575. In keeping with the custom of the day, the title also serves as a brief description of the contents: A booke of the arte and maner how to plant and graffe all […]
February
14
A Chocolate Valentine
posted by Circulating Now
By Michael J. North Giving chocolate to a loved one on Valentine’s Day to show affection is engrained in modern culture, but there was a time when people looked at chocolate as a medicine. Because of this, the National Library of Medicine has a number of old and rare books on chocolate as a remedy […]
January
06
Percivall Pott: Orthopedics and Occupational Health
posted by Circulating Now
By Michael J. North Today we commemorate the 300th anniversary of the birth of Percivall Pott (1714–1788), an English surgeon who is known as one of the founders of orthopedics and occupational health. Percivall Pott was the son of a scrivener (or scribe) and notary in London by the same name. After receiving an education […]
October
22
Markham’s Masterpiece of Horse Care
posted by Circulating Now
By Michael J. North Markham’s Masterpiece One of the most important and enduring books in the English language about the care of horses is by Gervase Markham (1586?-1637), an author of poetry and practical guides, including books on horsemanship and home economics. His most famous work, however, was Markham’s Maister-peece [Masterpiece], Containing all Knowledge Belonging […]
