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Series Descriptions

Home Remedies and Magical Formulas,
1791-1810.
(1 volume, 13 items)

{series #112m.1} [Holdings]

microfilm roll #2303

Arranged by size of notes, small to large.

Handwritten notes describing home remedies, some of which are bound together while others are loose pages. The bound volume, compiled by Peter Shimer, provides a brief history of medicine, including information on Hippocrates, Shakespeare, and early surgery. The volume continues by recording remedies and magical formulas and ends with a few odd notes. Some of the remedies in the loose notes are the same as those in the book and some are different. Not all of the notes have the same handwriting. Occasionally, the remedies are written on the back of a receipt or other financial document. Some of the papers display a small amount of script in German. Additional information generally found within the papers includes Peter Shimer's signature and occasional dates on the financial accounts. An example of one of the home remedies listed is: "Dislocation of shoulder - Take 3 red lizards out of the water, a spoonful of rain worms, 9 ounces of black petroleum - mix and set in sun or before the fire until dissolved. Then apply."

Notes Written in German,
1791-1810.
(1 volume, 5 items)

{series #112m.2} [Holdings]

microfilm roll #2303

Arranged by size of notes, small to large.

Handwritten notes on various scraps of paper in German. The notes appear on small, odd squares of paper and on larger pieces of ledger-sized paper. One note has an itemized financial table. Another note is different than others, because of the quality. It is squared off with a boarder and bears extremely neat handwriting. Some of the notes may be home remedies or magical formulas. Another note has very flowery script unlike others in the manuscript group. Frequently, the handwriting varies from note to note. The German has yet to be translated.

Formula for Majographing,
1791-1810.
(1 volume)

{series #112m.3} [Holdings]

microfilm roll #2303

A manuscript describing an early method of photography. The small three-page booklet is written on ledger-sized paper. The neat, cursive writing is in brown and black ink. A switch in ink, from brown to black, is made three quarters of the way through the second page. The book appears to serve as an informative pamphlet. Information appearing describes an early photographic process called Majographing. The first page begins, "Formula for Majographing." Page two is titled "Directions." Page three beigns, "Printing Process."

Pressing Cider,
1791-1810.
(1 volume)

{series #112m.4} [Holdings]

microfilm roll #2303

A document entailing the process of pressing cider. The four page letter is written on ledger-sized paper. It is dated June 21, 1797, Philadelphia. The letter is an account to a "Dear Sr.," of pressing cider: when to collect apples, where to keep the apples, how long to let the apples set, the detailed process, and personal comments. The first page begins, "In compliance with your wishes, to gratify which will ever be a pleasure to me, I will give you an account of my mode of making and preserving cider." The author, James Hillhouse, signs his name at the end of the letter. Using his five years of experience, Hillhouse recounts necessary information and tips to an interested individual.

Apparition of a Youth,
1791-1810.
(1 volume)

{series #112m.5} [Holdings]

microfilm roll #2303

A story about a youth seeing an apparition. The volume is written in legible cursive on small paper put together as a story book. Throughout the story, several key phrases appear in bold. The top of the first page reads "Ameloncholy." The story tells about two men, Thomas Ostrehan and Robert Straker, who met in England and then moved to America. Ostrehan dies and a series of events occur. Straker goes to his funeral. Later, Ostrehan appears as an apparition and warns Straker to tell his father his brother will encounter trouble. Straker puts off telling his father. A prophecy that a friend will die comes true. Ostrehan finally confides in his mother. She does not believe him. The spectre reappears and warns him again. Then, finally Ostrehan sits down to write his father a letter, and soon after meets his own death.

PA State Archives

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