an apple a day

I discovered an 1914 treasure in my basement yesterday. An old People's Library book filled with all kinds of wisdom from nearly a century ago. It covered medicine, cooking, and a section on how to care for some farm animals (horses, cattle, & sheep).

It was a glimpse into another world - one that, while fascinating to see, I'm not sure I would have loved living in :) My favorite line that I read, though, was:

"The Prevention Of Disease
We are a very careless people in many ways. We travel at a furious gait and we are reckless of the certain results."

Imagine what this poor physician must think if he's looking down on today's world!


Another little excerpt:
"Making Preparation For The Baby:
Clothing: This should consist of a chemise of wool next to the skin, and over this should be a loose garment, also of wool or flannel, reaching from the shoulders to below the feet and sufficiently long, say 25 inches, to allow it to be folded upward. Garments should not be tight across the chest.
The chemise, which should be of gauze weight, is worn both winter and summer. Wool irritates some children. For these, place a fine linen chemise next to the skin and over this the gauze wool garment. No sleeves or opening in front for the chemise. Woolen socks to teach to the knees."

Oh goodness - I wonder if they had a lot of fussy and uncomfortable babies. Or maybe it's not the wool that I'm imagining! And really??? In the summer? Eeks that sounds hot!