Formula book, possibly written by Dorothea Helena Kirkhoven
Level of description
Fonds
Reference code
A.1995.0010
Date
1675
Scope and content
Formula book believed to be from 1675 which contains recipes for Oil of Sulphur, Oil of Cloves and remedies for ailments such as Gout, Breast Cancer, Poor Hearing, Headaches, and Drinks for the Lung and Breast.
Additionally, loose sheets of paper are located at the back of the book which hold an index to the book.
The description below was compiled by MA Students from the University of Leeds as part of the 'Placements in Context' module, May 2025:
This formula book, believed to have been written by Dorothea Helena Kirkhoven, dates back to around 1675. It contains a range of recipes, including preparations for Oil of Sulphur, Oil of Cloves, and remedies for various ailments such as Gout, Breast Cancer, Poor Hearing, Headaches, and drinks intended to support lung and breast health. Additionally, loose sheets found at the back of the book serve as an index, providing an organised reference to its contents.
The book is an interesting example of women's contributions to healthcare in early modern England. Working largely outside formal medical institutions, they used generations of knowledge to prepare remedies from plants, roots, and minerals to treat common illnesses. Known as "wise women," they were trusted figures in their communities, offering affordable and accessible care. Their skills in identifying and using medicinal herbs were vital at a time when professional physicians were expensive and often unavailable to ordinary people.
Additionally, loose sheets of paper are located at the back of the book which hold an index to the book.
The description below was compiled by MA Students from the University of Leeds as part of the 'Placements in Context' module, May 2025:
This formula book, believed to have been written by Dorothea Helena Kirkhoven, dates back to around 1675. It contains a range of recipes, including preparations for Oil of Sulphur, Oil of Cloves, and remedies for various ailments such as Gout, Breast Cancer, Poor Hearing, Headaches, and drinks intended to support lung and breast health. Additionally, loose sheets found at the back of the book serve as an index, providing an organised reference to its contents.
The book is an interesting example of women's contributions to healthcare in early modern England. Working largely outside formal medical institutions, they used generations of knowledge to prepare remedies from plants, roots, and minerals to treat common illnesses. Known as "wise women," they were trusted figures in their communities, offering affordable and accessible care. Their skills in identifying and using medicinal herbs were vital at a time when professional physicians were expensive and often unavailable to ordinary people.
Conditions governing access
Open
Conditions governing reproduction
Not Permitted
Language
English