The Game of Whist and Its Origins in England
The game whist rose in England and rivaled courtly pastimes from Henry VIII’s era. Cotton’s 1674 work credits its name to the quiet play. Edmund Hoyle is credited as an early authority, authoring a 1742 Short Treatise that popularized most whist rules. Hoyle’s lessons for fashionable Londoners at a guinea each reportedly made him wealthy.
MENTIONED IN THIS ARTICLE
England
Henry VIII
Cotton
Edmund ‘Oyle
Hoyles
Guinea
The Dyspeptic's Opportunity and Guthrie’s Deathbed Dinner
In a Northern Window Lord Guthrie recounts the S stirling Covenanter martyr James Guthrie. He was executed at the Edinburgh cross the night before he reportedly asked for cheese despite doctors forbidding dairy. He smiled saying he was beyond earthly diseases.
MENTIONED IN THIS ARTICLE
James Guthrie
Stirling
Lord Guthrie
Guthrie
Cross
High Street
Edinburgh
Acrobatic Metaphors Highlight Civic Self Praise
A zealous supporter of a group spoke with fervor, declaring with vivid metaphor that the person is capable of striking a backhand compliment and a literal black eye, asserting firsthand experience to back the claim. The colorful rhetoric illustrates how enthusiasm can lead to hyperbolic statements in public discourse.
The Maid of Athens in History Theresa Macri Described
The Maid of Athens, linked to Lord Tyron's poem, was Theresa Macri a real figure not mere fancy. Married to English consul Black in Athens she survived him dying in 7875 aged eighty described as tall with reverent features by Exchange.
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Athens
Lord Tyron
Theresa Macri
Black
Notice Stone Warns River Crossings Under Water
A benevolent native of the north of Ireland placed a stone on a river bank with the inscription warning that when the stone is under water it is unsafe to attempt crossing the river. The act aimed to benefit others by signaling flood danger and advising caution.
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North of
Ireland
Birds and Their Beaks Explain Longevity Advantage
The piece argues birds outlive mammals despite size gaps. It suggests beaks replace teeth, preventing wear or loss. Carnivores and herbivores suffer as their teeth fail, while birds avoid this fate. Birds continually swallow grit for grinding in the gizzard, reducing repair needs.
Waked Them Up and a Brutal Reconciliation Parade
A clergyman’s warm Sunday sermon ends abruptly as he orders the congregation to rise and sing two stanzas and to resume after noting some sleepers. James VI of Scotland, later James I of England, sought reconciliation among feuding nobles in 1587 by a handshaking, joint procession from Holyrood to the town cross, yet hostilities soon resumed.
MENTIONED IN THIS ARTICLE
Chicago Post
James VI
Scotland
James I
England
Molyrood
James Maitland
Thirlstane
Holyrood
Angus
Montrose
Mar
Glencairn
Glammis
Abbey
Canongate
High Street
Edinburgh
Town Cross
Eating When Tired and Its Effect on Digestion
When fatigued the digestive organs fail to perform normally. The stomach glands slow gastric juice production and saliva diminishes, making digestion inefficient. Rest is advised before eating. if faint, relief comes from hot water or diluted fruit juice.
Origin of the word attorney from Saxon town meetings
S James' Gazette attributes the term attorney to freemen who attended the sheriff's town or shire meeting and went "at the tern" for others. It notes the distinction between attorney and solicitor stems from the former practicing in law, the latter in equity.
MENTIONED IN THIS ARTICLE
Equity
S. James’ Gasette
The Explanation From London Tit-Bits
A humorous snippet shows a raw recruit in a cavalry riding school asking about a strap on the horse. The instructor explains that horses have a keen sense of humor and can laugh, hence bands to keep recruits from bursting into laughter.
MENTIONED IN THIS ARTICLE
Yer ‘Ors
London
Ornate Austrian Imperial Carriage Preserved as Masterpiece
The emperor of Austria owns a state coach built in 1696 praised as the most perfect vehicle of its kind. It embodies Louis XIV style with curved lines and Rubens inspired panels painted by the custodian who proudly explains the Rubens connection to visitors.
MENTIONED IN THIS ARTICLE
Austria
Rubens
Language note on to too and two in English usage
A London Globe correspondent explains the puzzle of using a single form for the homophones to too and two. He weighs options like to's, too's, and two's, highlighting the challenge of consistent spelling in pluralized forms.
MENTIONED IN THIS ARTICLE
Tao
London Globe
Just the Other Way In London Answers Note
In a London Answers exchange a reader jokes about Mabel and her complexion asking if she takes anything for it and another replies she provides something in return. The light banter hints at social manners and witty exchanges in period discourse.
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Mabel
Tops from Japan Impress with Spinning Feats
The New York Press describes Japanese tops of great variety and size, some containing smaller tops that escape when lifted. Spinning feats include looping, balance on thin cords, and intricate tosses around the body, robe, and pipe bowl. The piece notes dramatic stunts akin to a diabolo.
MENTIONED IN THIS ARTICLE
New York Press
Doctor Accepts Trade for Medical Bill in Hants
A man in Hampshire asked a medical attendant to settle a 35 shillings bill "in trade" after hearing his claim. The doctor agreed, querying the man’s occupation, to which he replied he is a street cornet player.
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Hants
A Pupil Quarrel Over Cake Etiquette
A New York World excerpt recounts a domestic scene where seven year old Grace and five year old Frederick clash over manners and truth. Grace claims she refused cake, then repeats a variation of a parent’s admonition, provoking Frederick and prompting a sharp parental response.
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Grace
Frederick
Jack
Mamma
Gladys
New York World
Big Enough to Work Artist Stands Tall in Boston Studio
A Boston Traveler writer visits a studio where an unusually muscular six foot tall artist with a big red beard is described. A woman visiting asks if he’s the artist and whispers that he is “enough to work,” noting the Viking like stature and robust build.
MENTIONED IN THIS ARTICLE
Parsons
Boston Traveler
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