The Fernhurst Society
Tales from the Archives - 52
Health Hints From 1907
We might be into March, but it's not too late to pick up some health tips. Here are some of the Lay Reader of Henley Mr Charles Willcock's remedies:
'Am treating my rheumatic limb with hot sea-salt water baths. The baths are made with four quarts of hot water, sufficiently cooled to prevent scalding, and half a pack of Brill's Sea Salt. Stand in footbath (the affected leg) in front of the fire, and with a piece of flannel soaked in the water heavily bathe the whole limb beginning at seat and allowing water to run down. A box of 12 packets of sea salt cost one farthing (a quarter of an old penny) at Harrods, which provided 24 baths.'
'Felt very unwell tonight, pains in my chest, tickling in my throat, etc, which are symptoms of bronchitis. Therefore applied a mustard plaster and took doses of Owbridge's Lung Tonic and put a hot water bottle in my bed for the night.
'This morning the unfavourable symptoms have abated, indeed almost disappeared, though I continued with the mustard plaster and the Lung Tonic.'
If you would like to know more about this story, or research other local topics, the Archive is open on Tuesdays, 2.30-5pm in the Village Hall. Other times by arrangement.
Christine Maynard
Fernhurst ArchiveOne of a series of short articles bringing you some of the incidents from our rich village history. Collated by Christine Maynard, based on documents preserved at the Fernhurst Archives, these originally were published in the monthly Fernhurst News.
The Fernhurst Archives
Fernhurst History
