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bunnyjadwiga) wrote2006-03-31 08:12 pm
bunnyjadwiga) wrote2006-03-31 08:12 pm
Entry tags:
Apothecary reading
In the mainstream literature, there isn't a lot that is specifically aimed at discussing Apothecary practice, so when I saw Hugh Petrie's The Apothecaries Shop Opened and the companion volume, The Still Room Opened, published by Stuart Press, I was very excited. Admittedly, these pamphlet size works can't cover material to much depth, and they are essentially home-published'. Hugh Petrie's spelling and sometimes grammar are somewhat erratic.The hand-sketched
illustrations are usually clear and give at least as detailed an idea of what goes on, for instance in distilling, as one would find in a good period woodcut (see John French's Art of Distillation for comparision).
As overviews of 16th and 17th century apothecary practice and distillation they make a good beginning. The target audience appears to be 17th-century re-enactors and interpreters, but material from In The Apothecaries Shop does cover earlier time periods to some extent. The Still Room is a good introduction to the terminology and equipment of medieval distillation, though the author cautions that all(?) distillation is forbidden in Great Britain and should be avoided. But The Still Room helped me to understand a good many terms and descriptions I'd been struggling with. In particular, there are some practical points about distilling spice oils vs herb oils, the different 'heats' of distillation, etc. that are helpful.
The Apothecaries' Shop discusses the nature and status of apothecaries, ingredients and their background, and gives some sample ingredients and recipes. Again, this is targetted primarily to the re-enactor, so things I would consider key are left out, and modern-ish applications are emphasized. But again, a good background, with lots of specific examples. There are descriptions of various pieces of equipment and a drawing/plan of a useful druggists' cabinet as well.
My biggest quarrel with this series is one the author admits:
To me, I'm afraid, such an admission is tantamount to admitting plagiarism. At the very least, a lot of information in this text would be infinitely improved by some sort of references. At minimum, a bibliography for further reference would be an immense improvement.
Still, for less than $13.00 for the pair, available from Sykes Sutlering in the U.S., this was well worth my money, if only to encourage others to keep collecting information and publishing it. I'd recommend both texts for those interested in the background of our art.
illustrations are usually clear and give at least as detailed an idea of what goes on, for instance in distilling, as one would find in a good period woodcut (see John French's Art of Distillation for comparision).
As overviews of 16th and 17th century apothecary practice and distillation they make a good beginning. The target audience appears to be 17th-century re-enactors and interpreters, but material from In The Apothecaries Shop does cover earlier time periods to some extent. The Still Room is a good introduction to the terminology and equipment of medieval distillation, though the author cautions that all(?) distillation is forbidden in Great Britain and should be avoided. But The Still Room helped me to understand a good many terms and descriptions I'd been struggling with. In particular, there are some practical points about distilling spice oils vs herb oils, the different 'heats' of distillation, etc. that are helpful.
The Apothecaries' Shop discusses the nature and status of apothecaries, ingredients and their background, and gives some sample ingredients and recipes. Again, this is targetted primarily to the re-enactor, so things I would consider key are left out, and modern-ish applications are emphasized. But again, a good background, with lots of specific examples. There are descriptions of various pieces of equipment and a drawing/plan of a useful druggists' cabinet as well.
My biggest quarrel with this series is one the author admits:
"Although a lot of work went into this booklet it is a summary of other peoples work. Sometimes I have included references, but mostly I simply have not had the space to credit work. I apologize in advance to those who recognize their work here but are not mentioned."-- Petrie, The Apothecaries Shop Opened, vol. I, p. 3.
To me, I'm afraid, such an admission is tantamount to admitting plagiarism. At the very least, a lot of information in this text would be infinitely improved by some sort of references. At minimum, a bibliography for further reference would be an immense improvement.
Still, for less than $13.00 for the pair, available from Sykes Sutlering in the U.S., this was well worth my money, if only to encourage others to keep collecting information and publishing it. I'd recommend both texts for those interested in the background of our art.