[Victorian satire in form of mock Act of Parliament.] Cap. CCXXXVIII. An Act for the Reform and Regulation of Female Apparel and to Amend and Refrenate the Customs relating to Crinoline and other Artificial Superfluities and the Profusion thereof.

4pp., folio. Bifolium. On worn and aged paper. Nicely printed, with royal crest at head of first page, above the words 'ANNO VICESIMO SECUNDO & VICESIMO TERTIO | VICTORIAE REGINAE.' The full title reads: 'An Act for the Reform and Regulation of Female Apparel and to Amend and Refrenate the Customs relating to Crinoline and other Artificial Superfluities and the Profusion thereof, with the Powers, Provisions, Clauses, Regulations and Directions, Fines, Forfeitures and Penalties to be observed, applied, practised and put in execution for securing the proper observance of the same. | [Session 1859]'. Maginal summaries include: 'Repeal of Potential Rights and Powers held by Females.', 'No Grating Gridiron, Skeleton or Ladder Under-Skirt, of compressible Umbrellic or other construction to be used. Penalties to be enforced.', 'Barrel or Tub Pattern Petticoats' forbidden.', 'In cases of married women, husband's certificate must be obtained before purchase', 'Females may deposit Frames, Rope Ladders, Skeletons or Gratings at Police Stations or Workhouses for the poor.', 'Regulations as to Boots, Military Heels, Binding, &c' and 'How Bonnets are not to be worn.' Scarce: the only copies on COPAC at the British Library, Guildhall and V & A.