gems,

Miscellanies, books which provide readers with practical tips and shortcuts to simplify everyday life, have long been popular. This book, first printed in 1594 by Sir Hugh Plat, provides a wide range of solutions to common problems. Principally a work to aid agriculture and industry – there are tips on how to fertilise soil and how to look after horses – there are also many interesting hints and tips on general topics including instructions on how to write with blue and red ink from the same pot (blue litmus and lemon juice), tips on how to bake cakes without sugar or spices (use parsnips) and even an early attempt at sign language. This is a copy of the revised and expanded edition, printed in 1653, which also contains a tract on the uses of various metals, stones, gems and resins including camphor and mercury. Hugh Plat (1552–1608) was a miscellaneous writer knighted by James I for his efforts to increase agricultural productivity. Among his ‘inventions’ was the production of cheap fuel by pressing coal and clay or manure into combustible balls.