Anyone for some Worm Castles?!

It's getting just about lunch time, so my mind is turning to munchies! And what better tidbit to munch on but the ever-famous Hard Track, or sea biscuit, or as it is sometimes known as Worm Castle. Basically, made of flour and water and perhaps a little salt (unless sea water used). Actually the recipe goes back to ancient Roman times, carried with on their conquering journeys to far-away lands, these biscuits last a very long time.

Salt helps bind the gluten, and the shape, generally a 2" round, sometimes a small square, allowed for efficient travel. They would turn extremely hard, as they dried out, so they could be dipped in coffee, or water, or grog to soften. But invariably, as any food decays, worms or maggots made their way into these "delicacies", creating a very happy home or Castle, for themselves, eating their way in to stay, hence the term Worm Castle. Bon Appetit!

Happy Birthday to You!

Lord Nelson's birthday today, born September 29, 1758! Happy Birthday, Horatio! Gone, but not forgotten!

The Butcher's Bill: or Hold Still, This Won't Hurt A Bit!

Aboard ship, the Butcher's Bill was commonly known as the accounting of the dead or wounded after an action. Generally, 18th Century ships carried with them a surgeon, who would basically hack off limbs, sew up wounds, and hope for the best as a form of treatment. Seamen took care of themselves and eachother, too, if an injury was not too great. Considered proactive and a preventative, the eating of lemons and limes was encouraged to combat scurvy.

If a Captain and crew were lucky, then a Physician travels with them, who was schooled in medicine, could perscribe treatment, dispense medication, who could not only recognize physical but psychological ailments as well. Consider the "Jonah", someone who might bring ill will or bad luck to the crew; someone not liked for whatever reason would be ostracized, or worse. Seamen could be very superstitious!

Shown here at left is the proper medical tools and chest of the times. State-of-the-art equipment. Just take a look at that coping saw. Yikes! And there was the ever-useful trepanning instrument, for borring holes in sculls, to relieve pressure, extract blood or bullets, tumors, etc. The chest below was probably considered very sanitary, but you know how germs just love to make a home in wood! In future, I will bring you more detail on this ascpect of life at sea, but this blog hopefully will whet your appetite!!

Of course, all of these procedures were done without benefit of anasthesia, except perhaps a little laudnum to dull the senses.

Surprise!

Driving to work this day I was listening to the wonderful Haydn Symphony in G Major, No. 94, lovingly known as "The Surprise!" Written in 1791 in London for a concert series on his first visit to England, Franz Joseph Haydn first performed it in 1792, with he himself sitting at the pianoforte in front of the audience. Called The Surprise because of a sudden Fortisssimo, or loud, chord and kettledrum after a rather quiet opening theme in the second movement. It is surely a wake-up call for those who have gotten way too comfortable in their powdered wigs and satin breeches.

Haydn (Austrian, 1732-1809) is known as the Father of the Symphony, and was a good friend to his young friend Mozart. He told Mozart's father that "Before God, and as an honest man, your son (Mozart) is the greatest composer known to me". Haydn was speaking about a very young Mozart at the time!

It's Greek to Me!

Been away a few days, but back now, returning to my desk after the weekend at our local Greek Food Festival. It's my heritage, and it was thoroughly enjoyable, albeit exhausting, to volunteer time in service of the Church. That being said, I was thinking this morning about a good time had by all, with the food, the music, the dancing, and reflecting on the Greek dances and their history. Though they have their roots from ancient times, they were particularly embraced during the early 1800's as an expression of revolutionary spirit and patriotism. Each region has their own special music, dance and costume; some down-right warrior-like, some quaint and provincial.
As far as the 18th Century is concerned, there was great interest on the Greek and Roman classics, sojourns to Greece and Turkey to explore the exotic. Emphasis on reading Plato, Socrates and their contemporaries.

Classical scultpure and the well-known black glazed painted pottery filled shelves in libraries, between the literary classics. Remember "Ode on a Grecian Urn" by Keats. Anyway, it's a good thing to remember our roots from time to time, especially when they are inspiring and enduring.

What's in a Name?

Captain Jack Aubrey and Dr. Stephen Maturin, of the Master and Commander historic novel series, ar particular friends with very different backgrounds and views of the world, this counterpoint adding great interest to the story. But they do have things in commmon, including their love of music. Their cello/violin duos contribute to their special bond. Their surnames have things in common, too.

AUBREY has French origin, a phoentic mutation of Aberic, germanic, which means "Fiar Ruler of Little People".  It comes to England through Anglo-Saxony (French Norman).

MATURIN is said to have French roots, through a saint who lived in the 4th Century, St. Mathurin, who explored the banks of the Guaraniche River in Venezuela.

Funny that the British so hated the French and were at war against the French during the 18th Century!

A Musical Note!

Listening to Mozart symphonies this day, including the 27th, 38th and 39th. They are among his last, and mature, works. He started writing his first symphonies as a child! The recordings I have been enjoying today are from St. Martin in the Fields, conducted by Sir Neville Marriner.
Marriner founded the ensemble as a small, conductorless group. The ensemble's name comes from Trafalgar Square's St. Martin in the Fields church, where the orchestra gave its first convert on November 13, 1959.

Mozart's last symphony is #40, the Jupiter as it is called, and borders on another style. There are elements beyond the Classical period; listen carefully and you might hear some "Beethovenesque" themes, of the Romantic age.

Well, I declare!

This time in History - From September 5^th to October 26, 1774, the First Continental Congress met in Philadelphia at Carpenter’s Hall and issued the Declaration and Resolves. The painting by John Trumbull, American artist (1756-1843) depicts the scene. It is also the inspiration for the reverse side of the $2 bill!

Never Underestimate the Influence of Film

This blog is dedicated to my love of the 18^th Century, the Age of Enlightenment. This love began over thirty years ago; I remember sitting in a car, listening to Mozart’s Piano Concerto in D Minor, K. 466; 2nd Movement, and for that duration, I was completely swept away, taken to another place a serene place apart from anything else, timeless and enduring. Soon afterwards, I saw the film Amadeus (1984), that not only featured the beautiful music, but also a world of beauty and intrigue that mirrored the times. I was fascinated and could not get enough. I became a complete Mozartophile, learning all I could about his life and times, electing to celebrate his birthday, January 27 each year, with the purchase of another book, or some more music. It did not hurt that soon it was the bicentennial of Wolfgang’s death in 1792.  He was everywhere, and I was delighted. Eventually, his birthday became a birthday bash where I had friends and family come to celebrate, in full costume, with German food and desserts, an event that has become something those in the know now look forward to.

In the early 2000’s my daughter and I started trekking to Washington DC to see the sites, learn the history, explore the museums, and enjoy the general Southern hospitality and food, including pecan pie which we would lovingly hoard and take special bites as we walked along the Mall. We went to Historic Alexandria and ate in Gatsby’s Tavern, where waiters don Colonial dress, and George Washington’s favorites appear on the menu. We also went to Mount Vernon as well as Colonial Williamsburg. Their motto, Where History Comes Alive! truly speaks to the environment. The first time we visited, The Patriot (2000) was in the theatres and added to our experience as we recalled all the scenes from the film come alive before our eyes.

Jump to 2003, and the film Master and Commander hit the big screen. Here again, viewers were drawn into the action, life aboard a Ship of the Line and the commeraderie of two particular friends, one from the world of the British Royal Navy and one a Naturalist/Physician. I was compelled to know more, eventually reading 16 of the 20 historic novels by Patrick O' Brian that encompass the greater story of Captain "Lucky Jack" Aubrey and Dr. Stephen Maturin. I am now reading the 17th book. They are all wonderfully accurate accounts of the times, and the stories taken place within historic reference. I am addicted; you will be, too!

This is my first official daily posting. I look forwrd to sharing more of Maritime, Colonial and Musical themes of the Englightened Age with you!

About to sail!

HMS Victory

An Introduction

This blog is dedicated to my love of the 18th Century, The Age of Enlightenment! As a matter of fact, my blog will encompass the ABC's of my favorite subjects of those times: the American Revolution, the British Royal Navy and the Classical Music as best exemplified by Wofgang Amadeus Mozart. Enjoy this blog, as I enjoy presenting my thoughts to you herein.