Manuscript book of 'Receipts collected by Mrs. Macdonald and to which are added Useful remarks [for the Mistress of a House].'

4to, 36 pp and a manuscript title-page. All texts clear and complete. Disbound (from a commonplace book?) and apparently complete. Fair, on aged, brittle gilt-edged paper, with a few closed tears (in particular to the last couple of leaves). The book is presumably in Mrs Macdonald's hand, and the only indication to her identity is the final note (see below), signed 'F. M. M.', which shows her to have been an educated member of the middle classes. Divided into three parts. The first part is 'Useful Remarks for the Mistress of a House' (25 pp, paginated from 1 to 23). The first page carrying remarks on Tea, Loaf Sugar, Moist Sugar, Eggs and Spices, with the last two annotated 'Experientia docet!' The first entry reads: 'Tea should be kept in a dry place, and any store should be in Tin Canisters wrapt in flannel. Two spoonful is the quantity given to work-women for breakfast or Tea.' Extensive sections on Pickles, and Preserves. Also Raspberry Vinegar, Candles, Soap ('Lay in also an annual stock') and Coals, the latter annotated 'Since the above was written Coals are sold by the Ton'. Long sections on 'Poultry yard', 'Pidgeons', 'Rabbits' ('If the Doe is weak during her accouchement, give her beer caudle, or warm fresh grains'), 'Ornamental Supper dishes', 'Flummery' (including 'Green Melon in Flummery') The second part comprising 6 pp of French recipes: 'Soupe a la Bonne-Femme', 'Roux Blanc (white Thickening)', 'Roux brun (brown thickening)', 'Sauce Tournee', Sauce a l'Allemande (German sauce)', 'Sauce au Maitre d'Hotel', 'Sauce du Maitre d'Hotel au maigre', 'To boil Artichokes the French way', 'French melted butter (only good with Artichokes in my opinion)'. The third part (6 pp) containing miscellaneous recipes, beginning with a long 'Anti-Cholera diet', and ending with 'Lord Ponsonby's Cure for Cholera. 1849.' ('It is asserted by Lord Ponsonby's Agent that the patient is immediately cured before a Medical Man arrives.') This is dated 'June 24: 1849' and is followed by a note signed 'F. M. M.' reading 'The above receipt was given to me by a Man of the name of Poole a Poulterer at Alston near Cheltenham who saw it tried in his House by his Brother in Law who was seized with all the symptoms of Cholera, and had the Medicine made up to be ready at a moment, and was quite well and able to return to his home some miles distant perfectly recovered the next Morning.'