The Dead Shall Not Rest (36 page)
Read The Dead Shall Not Rest Online
Authors: Tessa Harris
Chapter 13
half crown:
Two shillings and six pence.
Two shillings and six pence.
Lincoln’s Inn Archway:
Built in 1697, it is one of three principal entrances to the Inn and leads to New Square.
Built in 1697, it is one of three principal entrances to the Inn and leads to New Square.
a pantomime: Harlequin Teague; or, The Giant’s Causeway
ran for nearly a month at the Haymarket Theatre.
ran for nearly a month at the Haymarket Theatre.
King’s Bench:
Around 60 percent of those sentenced to death in the eighteenth century were pardoned.
Around 60 percent of those sentenced to death in the eighteenth century were pardoned.
troubles over the years:
The relationship between Irish Catholics and the ruling English Protestant government had long been difficult. Political power rested in the hands of Anglo-Irish settler-colonials, while Catholics were penalized.
The relationship between Irish Catholics and the ruling English Protestant government had long been difficult. Political power rested in the hands of Anglo-Irish settler-colonials, while Catholics were penalized.
Chapter 14
Haydn chased by Dr. Hunter:
An account of the episode was given by Haydn himself. He wrote: “It seemed to me that he pitied me for not wanting to undergo the happy experience of enjoying his skill.”
An account of the episode was given by Haydn himself. He wrote: “It seemed to me that he pitied me for not wanting to undergo the happy experience of enjoying his skill.”
Italian states:
Before 1851 the country of Italy did not exist. Instead the area was made up of several principalities.
Before 1851 the country of Italy did not exist. Instead the area was made up of several principalities.
Chapter 15
menagerie at the Tower of London:
The first guidebook to the Tower was published in 1741. Animals listed included the lions Marco and Phillis and their son Nero.
The first guidebook to the Tower was published in 1741. Animals listed included the lions Marco and Phillis and their son Nero.
Signor Carlo Cappelli:
The most famous castrato of the day was Carlo Maria Broschi, known on the stage as Farinelli (1705–1782). He was one of the greatest singers in the history of opera.
The most famous castrato of the day was Carlo Maria Broschi, known on the stage as Farinelli (1705–1782). He was one of the greatest singers in the history of opera.
your knife into that young singer:
In 2006 the exhumation and examination of Farinelli’s remains were carried out by the Centro Studi Farinelli, an independent society in Bologna, with the aim of learning more about the physique and physiology of a castrato.
In 2006 the exhumation and examination of Farinelli’s remains were carried out by the Centro Studi Farinelli, an independent society in Bologna, with the aim of learning more about the physique and physiology of a castrato.
Chapter 16
Westminster coroner:
In Westminster, a district of London, the
coroner
was appointed by the Dean and Chapter of Westminster Abbey.
In Westminster, a district of London, the
coroner
was appointed by the Dean and Chapter of Westminster Abbey.
It was furnished comfortably:
Wardrobes did not come into fashion until the nineteenth century. Clothes were usually laid flat in drawers.
Wardrobes did not come into fashion until the nineteenth century. Clothes were usually laid flat in drawers.
an alum block:
Used by barbers as an astringent after shaving, the block, which was usually mixed with potassium, also acted as a blood coagulant.
Used by barbers as an astringent after shaving, the block, which was usually mixed with potassium, also acted as a blood coagulant.
Chapter 17
Bologna and Rome:
There were several communities of castrati living in and around Bologna, Rome, Naples, and Venice at the time.
There were several communities of castrati living in and around Bologna, Rome, Naples, and Venice at the time.
philandering:
The celebrated castrato Venanzio Rauzzini (1746–1810) was chased out of the courts of Europe for his sexual antics with noblewomen. He settled in Bath, England.
The celebrated castrato Venanzio Rauzzini (1746–1810) was chased out of the courts of Europe for his sexual antics with noblewomen. He settled in Bath, England.
Chapter 18
physician to the queen:
Although no man-midwife was allowed to attend Queen Charlotte, William Hunter examined several royal babies shortly after birth, as well as looking after the recovering mother.
Although no man-midwife was allowed to attend Queen Charlotte, William Hunter examined several royal babies shortly after birth, as well as looking after the recovering mother.
The Royal Society:
Founded in 1660, with King Charles II’s approval, it was a group of eminent scientists and philosophers, including Sir Christopher Wren and Robert Hooke.
Founded in 1660, with King Charles II’s approval, it was a group of eminent scientists and philosophers, including Sir Christopher Wren and Robert Hooke.
observations on fossil bones:
John Hunter was at odds with the established thought, maintaining that fossils took “many thousand years” to form.
John Hunter was at odds with the established thought, maintaining that fossils took “many thousand years” to form.
Galileo persecuted:
In 1633 Galileo was found “vehemently suspect of heresy” for believing the sun and not the earth lay at the center of the universe, according to the Catholic Church. He lived under house arrest for the rest of his life.
In 1633 Galileo was found “vehemently suspect of heresy” for believing the sun and not the earth lay at the center of the universe, according to the Catholic Church. He lived under house arrest for the rest of his life.
Newton:
The great scientist Isaac Newton opposed King James II, who wanted only Roman Catholics to be in positions of power in government and academia.
The great scientist Isaac Newton opposed King James II, who wanted only Roman Catholics to be in positions of power in government and academia.
Archbishop Ussher
:
James Ussher (1581–1656) was Archbishop of Armagh, and his theory about the age of the world prevailed among many until the eighteenth century.
:
James Ussher (1581–1656) was Archbishop of Armagh, and his theory about the age of the world prevailed among many until the eighteenth century.
Beauty and the Beast:
Originally a French fairy tale, the most popular version was translated into English in 1757.
Originally a French fairy tale, the most popular version was translated into English in 1757.
Chapter 20
a child’s poppet:
A doll.
A doll.
Chapter 21
Earls Court:
The district was a quiet village in the 1780s, about two miles outside London.
The district was a quiet village in the 1780s, about two miles outside London.
famous collection of species:
Much of John Hunter’s collection was destroyed in the Blitz; however, thousands of specimens remain and are housed today in the Hunterian Museum, London.
Much of John Hunter’s collection was destroyed in the Blitz; however, thousands of specimens remain and are housed today in the Hunterian Museum, London.
villa of brick:
John Hunter purchased farmland at Earls Court in 1765, but his house was not completed until 1783. Lightning conductors, invented by his friend Benjamin Franklin, were installed on the chimney stacks. The house was demolished in 1886.
John Hunter purchased farmland at Earls Court in 1765, but his house was not completed until 1783. Lightning conductors, invented by his friend Benjamin Franklin, were installed on the chimney stacks. The house was demolished in 1886.
a lion:
John Hunter built three subterranean dens in which to house his collection of wild cats.
John Hunter built three subterranean dens in which to house his collection of wild cats.
nine vulpine monsters:
Wolves, jackals, and dogs were penned together. One litter produced nine hybrids out of a jackal bitch and a mastiff.
Wolves, jackals, and dogs were penned together. One litter produced nine hybrids out of a jackal bitch and a mastiff.
wing bones:
Experimenting on birds from his own aviary, John Hunter proved that air sacs in their bone cavities communicate with the lungs.
Experimenting on birds from his own aviary, John Hunter proved that air sacs in their bone cavities communicate with the lungs.
affairs of the heart:
Count Boruwlaski married a French noblewoman, Isalina Borboutin, of normal height.
Count Boruwlaski married a French noblewoman, Isalina Borboutin, of normal height.
Chapter 22
cur:
Slang for a mixed-breed dog.
Slang for a mixed-breed dog.
easement of irons:
Everything had its price in Newgate. For a fee the leg irons, worn constantly by all prisoners, could be removed. Extra food, bedding, alcohol, and water could also be provided.
Everything had its price in Newgate. For a fee the leg irons, worn constantly by all prisoners, could be removed. Extra food, bedding, alcohol, and water could also be provided.
hangings at Tyburn:
The gallows at Tyburn stood on the area known as Hyde Park today. Executions were held at eight
A.M.
on Monday mornings. A multiple hanging might attract around one hundred thousand people. The gallows were last used in November 1783.
The gallows at Tyburn stood on the area known as Hyde Park today. Executions were held at eight
A.M.
on Monday mornings. A multiple hanging might attract around one hundred thousand people. The gallows were last used in November 1783.
scrofula:
A type of tuberculosis affecting the lymphatic system around the neck. It was also known as King’s Evil because it was widely held that a king’s touch could cure it.
A type of tuberculosis affecting the lymphatic system around the neck. It was also known as King’s Evil because it was widely held that a king’s touch could cure it.
Chapter 23
scragged:
Slang for “hanged.”
Slang for “hanged.”
Corporation of Surgeons:
Each year six hanged criminals were dissected by members of the Corporation.
Each year six hanged criminals were dissected by members of the Corporation.
Chapter 25
Garrick:
David Garrick was considered the finest actor of his day. He died in 1779.
David Garrick was considered the finest actor of his day. He died in 1779.
small beer:
Weak ale. Water was considered so dangerous to drink that even children drank beer. Some hospitals allowed patients three pints a day free of charge.
Weak ale. Water was considered so dangerous to drink that even children drank beer. Some hospitals allowed patients three pints a day free of charge.
sodomite:
The penalty for homosexuality was death.
The penalty for homosexuality was death.
molly house:
A tavern or private room where homosexual men could meet.
A tavern or private room where homosexual men could meet.
Chapter 26
ancient or modern history:
This quotation is from the
Morning Herald
newspaper, which sang Byrne’s praises on more than one occasion.
This quotation is from the
Morning Herald
newspaper, which sang Byrne’s praises on more than one occasion.
Daniel Solander:
A Swedish botanist who worked in the new British Museum, he died suddenly, aged forty-nine, from a stroke, and Hunter did not hesitate to dissect his friend.
A Swedish botanist who worked in the new British Museum, he died suddenly, aged forty-nine, from a stroke, and Hunter did not hesitate to dissect his friend.
Chapter 27
remove the painful polyps:
Haydn underwent surgery several times to remove the polyps, but they kept reoccurring.
Haydn underwent surgery several times to remove the polyps, but they kept reoccurring.
Chapter 28
cauldron:
A sketch of this vat, housed in a brick casing, can be seen in the Hunterian Museum.
A sketch of this vat, housed in a brick casing, can be seen in the Hunterian Museum.
Marquis of Rockingham:
John Hunter was one of the many surgeons who attended the British prime minister, who suffered terrible abdominal pain during his second term in office in 1782. On his death, Hunter performed a postmortem, but it proved inconclusive. He did, however, note that the valves to the arteries of the heart were partly furred.
John Hunter was one of the many surgeons who attended the British prime minister, who suffered terrible abdominal pain during his second term in office in 1782. On his death, Hunter performed a postmortem, but it proved inconclusive. He did, however, note that the valves to the arteries of the heart were partly furred.
Chapter 29
sack ’em up man:
A resurrectionist. See Chapter 1.
A resurrectionist. See Chapter 1.
mortsafe:
A framework of iron bars used to protect graves from robbers.
A framework of iron bars used to protect graves from robbers.
Chapter 31
There is no health in my flesh:
Psalm 38:3–6.
Psalm 38:3–6.
poisonous vapor:
Laurel water is a poison whose chief toxic component is cyanide, which is distilled from laurel cherries. Diluted, it was used primarily for bronchial ailments.
Laurel water is a poison whose chief toxic component is cyanide, which is distilled from laurel cherries. Diluted, it was used primarily for bronchial ailments.
pink bloom:
A sign that is sometimes found when cyanide poisoning has occurred is a red or pink discoloration of the skin.
A sign that is sometimes found when cyanide poisoning has occurred is a red or pink discoloration of the skin.
placing his own lips on hers:
Dr. H. R. Silvester is said to have pioneered what was known as the Silvester Method. First appearing in the
British Medical Journal
in 1858, the position of the prostrate patient’s arms was alternated between above the head and against the chest to help respiration. The practice is now obsolete.
Dr. H. R. Silvester is said to have pioneered what was known as the Silvester Method. First appearing in the
British Medical Journal
in 1858, the position of the prostrate patient’s arms was alternated between above the head and against the chest to help respiration. The practice is now obsolete.
Chapter 32
large quantities:
Contemporary experiments on two ounces of undiluted laurel water showed it took a greyhound thirty seconds to die in convulsions. The Emperor Nero also used it to poison members of his family.
Contemporary experiments on two ounces of undiluted laurel water showed it took a greyhound thirty seconds to die in convulsions. The Emperor Nero also used it to poison members of his family.
Chapter 33
Corny Magrath:
A famous giant, Cornelius Magrath was born in 1736 in Ireland. When he died in 1760, mourners were drugged and his body was stolen for dissection by students at Trinity College, Dublin. His bones were preserved and put on show. They still remain at the college.
A famous giant, Cornelius Magrath was born in 1736 in Ireland. When he died in 1760, mourners were drugged and his body was stolen for dissection by students at Trinity College, Dublin. His bones were preserved and put on show. They still remain at the college.
sent far away:
Up until the American Revolution some British convicts were sent to North America; however, after 1776 this practice stopped and the British were forced to look elsewhere, to the newly discovered Australia.
Up until the American Revolution some British convicts were sent to North America; however, after 1776 this practice stopped and the British were forced to look elsewhere, to the newly discovered Australia.
Chapter 34
Old Bailey:
The origins of the Central Criminal Court date back to the late sixteenth century, but the court was rebuilt in 1774.
The origins of the Central Criminal Court date back to the late sixteenth century, but the court was rebuilt in 1774.
sodomite:
There were a number of homosexual castrati, as Casanova’s accounts of eighteenth-century Italy testify.
There were a number of homosexual castrati, as Casanova’s accounts of eighteenth-century Italy testify.
wap:
Slang for “to have sex with.”
Slang for “to have sex with.”
moon-cursor:
A link boy or man (see chapter 8) who robs his clients or leads them into a gang of robbers in the dark.
A link boy or man (see chapter 8) who robs his clients or leads them into a gang of robbers in the dark.
pleaded their bellies:
Pregnant women often asked for clemency. At the Old Bailey between 1674 and 1830, 268 women who were sentenced to death claimed pregnancy. However, the Murder Act of 1752, making hanging for murder mandatory within two days of sentence, made this far less likely.
Pregnant women often asked for clemency. At the Old Bailey between 1674 and 1830, 268 women who were sentenced to death claimed pregnancy. However, the Murder Act of 1752, making hanging for murder mandatory within two days of sentence, made this far less likely.
a large glass mirror:
A mirrored reflector was placed above the bar or dock in the courtroom so that light from the windows would illuminate the faces of the accused, so the jury could see their expressions. A sounding board over their heads also amplified their voices.
A mirrored reflector was placed above the bar or dock in the courtroom so that light from the windows would illuminate the faces of the accused, so the jury could see their expressions. A sounding board over their heads also amplified their voices.
musico:
A derogatory term for a castrato in the eighteenth century.
A derogatory term for a castrato in the eighteenth century.
Chapter 35
Kew Palace:
A royal palace on the banks of the Thames, favored by King George III before his madness.
A royal palace on the banks of the Thames, favored by King George III before his madness.
Chapter 36
Whigs and Tories:
The main political parties of the time.
The main political parties of the time.
Mr. Katterfelto:
His solar microscope afforded views of insects.
His solar microscope afforded views of insects.
Mr. Breslaw:
A magician and mind reader.
A magician and mind reader.
Patrick Cotter O’Brien:
An Irish giant who arrived in England in 1779 and exhibited himself in Bristol.
An Irish giant who arrived in England in 1779 and exhibited himself in Bristol.
Chapter 37
rhinoceros hair:
Bristles were sometimes used to show where blood vessels began or ended. Rhinoceros hair was considered ideal.
Bristles were sometimes used to show where blood vessels began or ended. Rhinoceros hair was considered ideal.
lizard with a double tail:
Hunter captured this while serving in the army on an island off Brittany, France. It is preserved in the Hunterian Museum.
Hunter captured this while serving in the army on an island off Brittany, France. It is preserved in the Hunterian Museum.
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