Accession No. RARE.2022.0029: Purchase, 2022 March
[identification of item], Jane Elizabeth Taylor Manuscript Recipe and Ciphering Book, SPEC.RARE.MMS.0233, Rare Books and Manuscripts Library, Ohio State University
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Processed by Rachel Hammer, 2022 July; Finding Aid written by Rachel Hammer, 2022 July
The author of this manuscript, Jane Elizabeth Taylor, bought the book on 1827 September 13, meaning the content was written on or after that date. Taylor’s exact location is unknown, but was possibly in the United States.
Recipes are a set of instructions for preparing a particular dish, including a list of the ingredients required. They have been written for many centuries for food dishes, as well as cosmetics and medicinal cures, but the compilation of recipes into cookbooks and recipe books became popular in 17th century English homes when England’s literacy rate among women improved.
A ciphering (or “cyphering”) book is a handwritten textbook for mathematical definitions, rules, examples, problems, and exercises used by students in Europe from roughly 1200-1850 and in North America 1600-1850. Before textbooks became standard in schools, students would copy the information from a teacher’s example book. It also covers topics such as basic arithmetic; as well as more complex subjects including algebra, geometry, and trigonometry; and more practical topics like bartering, the calculation of interest, and surveying.
Jane Elizabeth Taylor Manuscript Recipe and Ciphering Book contains one paperback book stored in a paper box. Roughly the first quarter of the book is dedicated to mathematical notes including multiplication and division. The last three quarters are recipes for various food and drinks. The paper book box is more contemporary than Taylor’s book, so it was probably made after the book was acquired in 1827. The box also has labels on the front cover and along the spine. There is one more label inside the front the cover that reads “Recovered by Gerald P. Salisbury.”