Simpler, herbalist, doctor, distiller, cook--Digby was all of
them, and all of them with the utmost seriousness; nor in this was he in
the least singular. The great Bacon was deeply concerned with such cares,
though in certain of his recommendations, such as: "To provide always an
apt break-fast," to take this every morning, not to forget to take that
twice a month, one may read more of the valetudinarian than in Digby. _The
Closet Opened_ is but one of an interesting series of books of the kind,
which have been too much neglected by students of seventeenth-century
manners and lore and language. Did not W.J. issue the Countess of Kent's
_Choice Manual of Physic and Chirurgey_, with directions for Preserving and
Candying? Patrick, Lord Ruthven's _Ladies' Cabinet Opened_ appeared in 1639
and 1655. Nor was it only the _cuisine_ of the nobles that roused interest.
One of the curiosities of the time is _The Court and Kitchen of Elizabeth,
commonly called Joan Cromwell, the Wife of the Late Usurper Truly Described
and Represented and now made Publick for general Satisfaction,_ 1644.
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