Seguloth [Book of Charms and Potions]. Manuscript in Hebrew and Yiddish, Aschkenazic cursive script in black ink on paper
AUCTION 51 |
Thursday, June 23rd,
2011 at 1:00
Fine Judaica: Printed Books, Manuscripts Graphic & Ceremonial Art Including: The Alfonso Cassuto Collection of Iberian Books, Part II
Lot 312
(FOLK MEDICINE).
Seguloth [Book of Charms and Potions]. Manuscript in Hebrew and Yiddish, Aschkenazic cursive script in black ink on paper
circa 1800
Est: $800 - $1,200
PRICE REALIZED $550
Of unclear origin, a fascinating and rather bizarre manual containing folk-remedies and cures for all sorts of sicknesses and problems along with practical household formulas.
A chronological selection: Antidote against poison, potion to attract women, remedies against fever, colic, foot odor, head-lice, bedbugs, worms and salves for various wounds. Methods for capturing wild geese without a net, molding together broken glass, cure against depression, formula for producing black, silver, red and green inks, writing that can be read in the dark, comfortable bowel movement, cure for "Hungarian-sickness,” formula for purifying the air, developing a good voice, whitening teeth, preventing travel-fatigue, etc