The
Queen, of course, is Henrietta Maria, and chief among the "Experienced
Persons" referred to was certainly her Chancellor, Digby. Possibly he may
even have suggested the printing of the collection. Like titles are met
with again and again. _Nature's Cabinet Opened_, a medical work, was
attributed to Browne, though he repudiated it. Ruthven's book I have
already alluded to. _The Queen-like Closet_, a Rich Cabinet, by Hannah
Wolly, came out in 1670.
Of the two books, the Queen's and her Chancellor's, Digby's has afforded me
by far the most delight. Though many of the receipts are evidently given as
sent in, the stamp of his personality is on the whole; and he is the poet
of all these culinary artists. But on the score of usefulness to the
housewife I forbear all judgment. The recipes may be thought extravagant in
these late hard times--though epicurism has changed rather than vanished.
Lord Bacon's receipt for making "Manus Christi for the Stomach" begins,
"Take of the best pearls very finely pulverised one drachm"; and a health
resolution runs, "To take once during supper wine in which gold is
quenched.
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