The Power of the Resurrection: A Sermon about Clement C. Moore

 As I've written on a previous post, I've had the absolute pleasure of researching the poem A Visit from St. Nicholas by Clement C. Moore. I even made an appearance in a documentary about the poem! 

If you're interested in more Moore-ibilia, Scott Norsworthy's blog Melvilliana is a treasure trove of information. I helped contribute to his latest post (just some archival digging, Scott did all of the heavy lifting!) regarding a memorial sermon on Moore entitled The Power of the Resurrection. And to all a good night! 

Historical Sketch: Tappūtī-Bēlet-Ekallim

 

Tapputi is a fascinating figure not only in the history of chemistry, but also in the history of cosmetics. Her surviving recipes showed a mastery of using scientific techniques alongside natural ingredients. Here’s what history remembers of her:

-Mesopotamian woman who lived around 1200 BCE

-Tablets identify her as the mistress of a household and a manufacturer of perfume

-She was known to have written a manual on making perfume

-Recognized as the world’s first chemist

-The second half of her name refers to her role as “mistress of the palace”

-Only two mentions of her: one tablet in the Louvre, the other in the Girl Museum

-Surviving recipes state that she used flowers, oil, and calamus, along with cyperus, myrrh, and balsam

Source: https://www.thearchaeologist.org/blog/the-3200-year-old-perfume-of-tapputi-the-first-female-chemist-in-history-came-to-life-again

18th century satire

 

Source: Wiki Commons

I came across this interesting piece of satire from 1793 entitled The Bath Beauties. A tale as old as time, this print disparages women who wear cosmetics as vain and dishonest. The text at the bottom reads:

'Skill'd in all Arts that Grace the modish Fair
The Air of Confidence the high bred Stare
In every Trick Cosmetic stores supply
To give new luster to a languid Eye
For genuine Roses sport Parisian Bloom
Like Stucco plaister'd on a modern Room' 1793 [Notes by E. Hawkins]

One of the women depicted is, according to the British Museum, Honor Dutton, who "married Ralph Dutton, brother of Mrs. Coke; she is one of the three minstrels who are the subject of an 'impromptu' in the Bath Chronicle for 7 May 1793."

Studying History 101

 With education as a whole going through an upheaval, it's important now more than ever to promote history as a field of study. Choosing to study history has given me a lot of fulfillment, and I hope other students experience the same thing! I recently had the opportunity to write a textbook that is basically Studying History 101.

Past Makes Perfect: A Mini Handbook for Student Historians is a bite sized guide filled with all of the tips and tricks I think history students should know. They don't tell you in grad school that you should always bring a sweater with you when visiting an archive to survive sometimes Arctic temps. I include some handy definitions and scenarios too.  I hope this book will be helpful for anyone interested in studying history! 

The Wicked Witch of the East End: Goody Garlick’s Long Island Witch Trial

 Danielle of Voyager of History was very kind in letting me write a guest post for her blog! My post focuses on Elizabeth Garlick's witch trial on Long Island (about 30 years before the Salem Witch Trials). It's always a lot of fun when historians get together :)  Enjoy!

A New Career Milestone

 I have a very exciting piece of career news today: I was named an Associate Fellow with the Royal Historical Society! I've been bouncing of the walls with excitement all day. I feel so proud to joining the ranks of some of my favorite historians. I don't think my childhood self would have ever believed this was possible. Thank you for celebrating with me! 

The Victorian Vinegar Valentine

 This Valentine's Day, are you looking for a card that's even more bitter than dark chocolate? Then please take a look at my article on the Victorian Vinegar Valentine! These cards were ways to anonymously tell someone that they're just, well, the worst. They're also a way to enforce social norms in an era known for its strict protocol. Happy reading!