Syphilis

Syphilis is a nasty piece of work. Its exact origins are unknown, but cases began popping up in the late 15th century. Since then, "The Pox" as it's referred to in Britain has tormented people. Today treatment is effective but in the 19th century that wasn't the case. The term syphilis dates back to the 16th century where an Italian poet references a shepherd named Syphilus that became cursed by Apollo. German physician first described the early-stage genital lesions as so cruel and disgusting that nothing else on Earth could compare. After the lesions, or chancre, heal stage two sets in. Stage two consists of a full-body rash, wart-like sores, and flu-like symptoms. This stage is also the most contagious. The third stage is considered the latent stage since there are no physical symptoms, but rather the disease attacks the inner body working such as the brain and heart. This stage could last years until finally, ulcerations appear on the face. Once syphilis enters the nervous system, seizures and dementia can occur. Mercury was a common but expensive cure that also didn't do much good for other body factors. Due to this, public health campaigns began in 19th century Britain that targeted female sex workers as the room of the epidemic. The 1940s saw the invention of penicillin which is used to treat syphilis. But back in the 19th century, that didn't exist and therefore it's plausible it could be hidden within the pages of Anne Brontë's work.

**I'm not adding a picture of syphilis for obvious reasons

https://wellcomecollection.org/articles/XMF0JBEAAI--0OGQ

The Short History of the Carriage

The earliest recorded invented carriages go back to 1900 BC from Mesopotamia (Wikipedia contributors).  They weren’t really considered carriages at this time, but instead, would be considered to be what we know as chariots.  Its original purpose was for ease of travel for warriors during battle periods (Wikipedia contributors).  As it evolved, carriages in medieval times had coverings overtop and were reserved for the elite (Wikipedia contributors).  These carriages for the rich and upper-class citizens were pulled by either two or four horses and used wood and iron for the majority of construction (Wikipedia contributors).  In the 1500s, a faster style of the carriage called a coach was invented in Hungary (Wikipedia contributors).  This style of carriage gained traction throughout Europe and became a standard by the 1600s (Wikipedia contributors).  By the time the 18^th century rolled around, some people, like Erasmus Darwin, had grown upset with the basic design of the carriage (Wikipedia contributors).  He used it quite a lot for work and found that the front of the carriage would benefit from a pivoting front axle instead of its current structure in order to feel less of the road underneath the carriage (Wikipedia contributors).  By the end of the 1800s, the uses of carriages began to dwindle as steam travel became a primary method of voyage (Wikipedia contributors).   The usage of the carriage was heavy in the early 1800s, as depicted at the end of the novel The Tenant of Wildfell Hall as a primary method of travel for many of the characters.

Wikipedia contributors. "Carriage." Wikipedia, The Free Encyclopedia. Wikipedia, The Free Encyclopedia, 26 Nov. 2020. Web. 2 Dec. 2020.

The Age of Sail

From the mid 16^th century to the mid 19^th century, sailing was at its all-time peak.  Its height began at the Battle of Lepanto in 1571 and ended during the Battle of Hampton Roads in 1862 (“Age of Sail”).  In this last battle, the use of the steamship the CSS Virginia in the battle destroyed the still sailing ships and proved the power and feasibility of steam-powered sea travel (“Age of Sail”).   Before the decline of sailing, there were many different types of sailing ships for the many different facets of water travel and exploration.  At the beginning of this “Age of Sail”, the most commonly used ship was called a carrack (“Sailing ship”).  These ships were popular because they had large cargo hold capabilities and were easiest for exploration (“Sailing ship”).  In the 1700s, the ships that are popularized in history books are those used in war.  Sailing warships are built to be able to carry a large load of war materials, including, cannons and cannonballs (“Sailing ship”).  The most popular warship in this time period is called the man-of-war.  In the early 1800s, Baltimore clippers became a highly popularized type of ship to use (“Sailing ship”).  They were used to transport valuable, perishable cargo because of their high speeds (“Baltimore clipper”).  They were also used to transport slaves (“Baltimore clipper”).  Lastly, the last ship to experience a great amount of popularity during the “Age of Sail” was the iron-hulled sailing ship (“Sailing ship”).  These ships also moved great loads of cargo like many before them (“Sailing ship”).  After this, the age of sail had ended and steam-powered boats became a primary means of water travel, especially since it was more feasible at this time for steamships to travel on the Suez Canal (“Age of Sail”).

Oh, Lucy, I cannot imagine the despair that overtakes you, but I understand it all the same.  You expect your sweet love to arrive home, safe from the outside world to hold in your arms but are met with nothingness. All you have left is the memories and moments you both once shared. My former husband left me a widower just ten fleeting years ago.  I still think of him fondly.  He set out to sail with his closest companions, leaving me with his children, the eldest bearing his name, Charles.  My love told me he’d come back with the greatest of riches, but now, the greatest riches would be to just see his tender face one last time.  I was given word that his boat sank, very similar to your own.  They found the sails and flags on the shore, but not my Charles.   If anything at all, we can say we loved and lost, but we will meet them again.  It may be hard to bear the pain knowing your dear friends, Dr. John and Paulina, and Ginevra and Count De Hamal, are given the gift of seeing each other’s faces each day, but, we have the gift of a great guardian.  While you both practiced separately, you may sleep soundly knowing that M. Paul is smiling upon you each and every night.

 Brontë Charlotte. Villette. 1853, The COVE. https://studio.covecollective.org/documents/villette-2. Accessed 23 Sept 2020.

 "File:Portrait of an American Clipper Ship.jpeg." Wikimedia Commons, the free media repository. 13 Oct 2019, 10:32 UTC. 23 Sep 2020, 18:52 <https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?title=File:Portrait_of_an_American_Clipper_Ship.jpeg&oldid=370381371>.

Wikipedia contributors. "Age of Sail." Wikipedia, The Free Encyclopedia. Wikipedia, The Free Encyclopedia, 30 Aug. 2020. Web. 23 Sep. 2020.

Wikipedia contributors. "Baltimore Clipper." Wikipedia, The Free Encyclopedia. Wikipedia, The Free Encyclopedia, 17 Sep. 2020. Web. 23 Sep. 2020.

Wikipedia contributors. "Sailing ship." Wikipedia, The Free Encyclopedia. Wikipedia, The Free Encyclopedia, 22 Sep. 2020. Web. 23 Sep. 2020.

The London Season

Around the 17th and 18th centuries, there was an event known as the “London Social Season,” or the “London Season.” The London Season was originally created to market marriage. At the age of eighteen for a woman, there would be a “presentation of debutantes at court used to traditional marker of the start of the Season” (Lara). These women would come from aristocratic families and they would proceed to be introduced to many bachelors with similar backgrounds. The women would then have to take part in all the events that occurred throughout the season, including balls and parties, and other glamorous events. There used to be certain laws, forbidding “well-born young women” to take part in these events if they hadn’t been “presented properly” (Lara). But Queen Elizabeth abolished the initial ceremony, instead, allowing all different types of women to be presented and allowed to partake in these events. The Tenant of Wildfell Hall brushes upon this, especially when they discuss marriage. In chapter sixteen, Helen Graham is speaking with her aunt about marriage, expressing how she wasn’t sure if she even wanted to wed. Her aunt responded by telling her not to wish for a man to want to marry her, that a woman is supposed to wait until a man offers her a proposal before she can want to be with him. In other words, a woman was supposed to wait to be chosen. She wasn’t allowed to choose a partner herself, only until after the man had proposed to her. Then, she was allowed to decide if she wished to be married to him. The London season did exactly this, and before the parties were over, a woman was supposed to receive at least one proposal from a man. It was a very popular event and something that many surprisingly looked forward to.

Lara Updated May 22, Maria Mercedes, and Maria Mercedes Lara. “5 Things to Know About the British Social Season.” PEOPLE.com, people.com/royals/5-things-to-know-about-the-british-social-season/ 

Guy Fawkes Day

Guy Fawkes Day, also known as Bonfire Night, is a British observed holiday that celebrates the failure of the Gunpowder Plot of 1605. The Gunpowder Plot, led by Robert Catesby, consisted of a group of Roman Catholics that were angered at King James I for his lack of religious toleration. This group of Roman Catholics was intent on blowing up the Palace of Westminster or the Parliamentary Houses in hopes of killing all members of Parliament. This murderous act would have led them to reestablish Catholic control of the monarchy and grant them the religious toleration they so desired. Unfortunate for them, they were betrayed and their plans were made public. This would result in the imprisonment and executions of many involved. This day would come to be named after one of the conspirators, Guy Fawkes, who was tried and executed for the plot.

November 5th would come to be declared Guy Fawkes Day, a day in which British citizens would come together in celebration: setting off fireworks, lighting bonfires, feasting, and hosting parades. They would even throw straw versions of Guy Fawkes into the bonfires they made in remembrance of his execution and betrayal to the British government. Fireworks also play a large role in their celebrations as they are thought to symbolize the gunpowder explosives that were never used by the Roman Catholic conspirators. Guy Fawkes Day is still celebrated across Britain, with major celebrations taking place at Lewes in southeastern England. This location has been granted the luxury of various contributions by the six major bonfire societies whose histories stretch all the way back to when the Gunpowder Plot had taken place. 

“Guy Fawkes Day.” Encyclopædia Britannica, Encyclopædia Britannica, Inc., www.britannica.com/topic/Guy-Fawkes-Day.

Parliamentary Divorce

The act of divorce during the 18th and early 19th centuries was not only an issue of sexism but also classism. Only around 300 divorces were finalized before the Matrimonial Causes Act in 1858. The only standards by which a divorce was allowed to be filed was if the wife had committed adultery against the husband. The woman could not even consider divorcing the husband at this point. If the couple was to finalize their divorce the man would be responsible for taking all of the money that the woman entered the marriage with as well as any money she had made throughout the marriage and taking full custody of any children no matter how fit of a parent he would be. If the man were to file for divorce, the woman would have no say in the matter. When looking for a wife, a lot of men would seek out women of high social standings and high-class rank because of their money. They knew that any money that a woman had going into a marriage would be absorbed by their now husband. It did not matter if the husband would beat the wife or the children, women could not do anything to leave their husbands legally. They would have to wait until they died or run away illegally and if they had children, they would have to leave them with the husband or take the risk of endangering them when running away.

Works Cited:

JAMES, D. (2012), Parliamentary Divorce, 1700–1857. Parliamentary History, 31: 169-189. https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1750-0206.2012.00310.x

Romanticism (Romantic Era)

The Romantic Era began in1770, but reached its peak between 1800 and 1890. This era produced and inspired some of the worlds greatest works of visual art, music, literateratue, and poetry. It was an intellectual movement that orginated in Europe, and was characterized by its emphasis on emotion and individualism. It also glorified the past and nature. The Romantic Era was a response of many world changing events that came before it, such as The Industrial Revolution, The French Revolution, and The Age of Enlightenment. Aesthetics or esthetics, which is a branch of philosophy that deals with the nature of beauty and taste as well as philosophy of art, was emphisized and said to be the source of intense emotion. Apprehension, horror and terror, and awe were the emotions that were highlighted during this time period. The romantic movement originated in Germany, which mirrored intuition and emotion to that of rationalism and enlighenment, which was the infuences of the French Revolution. Artists such as William Blake, Franscisco Goya, William Wordsworth, Caspar David Friedrich, and Eugene Delacroix, to name a few, portrayed the imortance of free expression in their works, which was one of the primary focuses of romaticism.

I, Lucy Snowe, dare not to imagine a life without the influence of my dearest friend, Dr. John. Although my clandestine efforts to thwart the love he has for Genevra somewhat failed, he and Mrs. Bretton has not ceased in showing me a life past the dreary and dreadful walls of my colorless life. Blessed are the days that I could gaze upon the drawings of such influential artists or my ears be witness to the most beatiful of melodies. With each visit to the theatre my decorum improved vastly from that of the shy English girl who first wondered the streets of Villette. For a fortnite I have had the priviledge to spend my vacation with the Bretton's at La Terrassee, and with this I have traveled to gallery quite a bit to familiar myself with the portraits it held. They all evnoked a feeling of emotion, most of which I have never felt before looking upon them. One that I remeber so well was sturated with crimson and the portrait reveled the most intimate parts of a woman. The room was full of these women and men who gaze upon them with horses and heroic men. Confusing I know, but captivating none the less. My cheeks grew rosy from such vile and seductive portrayal of woman. "Death of Sardanapalus" was the title of the painting. It was said to have been done by and extemely notable artist of the time called Eugene Delacroix. I can't imgine I will continue to be introduced to such amazing things upon my return to Madame Beck and her watchful eye, until then I shall enjoy all that I can. 

Works Cited

Romanticism. Wikipedia, Wikimedia Foundation, September 21, 2020, en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Romanticism. Accessed September 23, 2020.

First Sunday Newspaper

In the 17th century is when Newspapers started circulating all over the place. In 1665 England had one of the first real Newpapers ever printed. The first successful daily newspaper was printed in Britian in 1702. Canada had their first newspaper in 1752. The first American daily Newspaper was published in 1784. However, almost none of them actually done newspapers on Sundays, that is, until Britain decided to put out their first Sunday Newpaper. They had the British Gazette and the sunday Monitor which was published in 1780 (later to be renamed to The Times in 1788). 

"Dear, do you think the Newspaper has arrived yet? I'm wanting to catch up on some sports and what is going on with the military." says Dr. Dean to his wife. She looks over at him with the most concerned look on her face and says "Have you gone mad? You know we won't recieve the next paper until Monday. Today is only sunday and they don't print the paper on sundays." She goes back to cleaning questioning why this even has to be a conversation. Dr. Dean speaks up "Mary Dear, starting last week they are printing out the papers on Sunday. My cousin up the street recieved one and said we should all be getting them, if we already get the paper, this Sunday. Today is- Sunday. So I will just go see if we have recieved it yet." As Mary is still very confused, she watches her husband walk outside to check their mail. She has heard no such thing about a Sunday paper. but sure enough, she sees him walking back in with one tucked beneath his arm. "Dear would you like to come sit by me and i will read to you all that it says? So we can catch up together!" Mary cracks a smile at her husband and takes a seat. 

Lambert, Tim. “A Brief History of Newspapers.” A History of Newspapers, 2020, www.localhistories.org/media.html.

Graham, Wendy. “Historical Events in 1780.” OnThisDay.com, 3 Jan. 1970, www.onthisday.com/events/date/1780.

Foundation, Wikipedia. “History of British Newspapers.” Wikipedia, Wikimedia Foundation, 8 Aug. 2020, en.wikipedia.org/wiki/History_of_British_newspapers.

Death of Wollstonecraft

Death of Mary Wollstonecraft on 10 September 1797. Mary Shelley, Wollstonecraft’s second daughter, was born on August 30th, after which complications from childbirth set in. Wollstonecraft developed a fever, and died on September 10th. She was buried at St. Pancras Churchyard. Image: William Blake's frontispiece to the 1791 edition of Mary Wollstonecraft's Original Stories from Real Life. This image is in the public domain in the United States because its copyright has expired.

Articles

Ghislaine McDayter, "On the Publication of William Godwin’s Memoirs of the Author of A Vindication of the Rights of Woman, 1798"

Anne K. Mellor, "On the Publication of A Vindication of the Rights of Woman"

marriage for the 19th Century

Its commonly known that marriage now-a-days goes a lot differently that it did in the 19^th Century. During the 19^thcentury when women got married in Britain, their laws was based on the concept of the husband having to take care of their wives. When a women would get married, she would give all of her money and/or her possessions to her husband and women weren’t really allowed to have their wealth if they were to leave the husband. There was a Act that was passed that gave the husbands a right to leave their wives if she was to cheat on him and once divorced, the husband would gain custody of their child (if they had one) and the mother can be prevented from seeing her child. However, if a woman caught the man cheating, she was not able to leave him and the Act that set this law was the Matrimonial Causes Act which had been passed in the 1850’s. Which is so crazy to think about because a woman is literally stuck in whatever relationship she ended up having. If the husband cheats on her or abuses her, she has to stay and if she leaves, she has to almost run from her husband and hide from him. But the husband can leave the wife if she cheats but then she is branded a cheater and risks losing the rights to seeing their child or children. Its honestly so hard and weird to see the difference between what is fine now and excepted now, but a woman did not have the right to do in the past.

Marmion: A Tale of Flodden Field

Clara De Clare

A piece of romantic historical fiction written by Sir Walter Scott; Marmion was published in 1808. Scott, who was a Scottish historical novelist, playwright and historian, worked on Marmion for the better part of two years. He had an extensive catalog of literary works that have stood the test of time, remaining classics to this day. Some pieces of note include: Lady of the Lake, Waverly, Old Mortality, Rob Roy, The Bride of Lammermoor and Ivanhoe. Scott finished publishing in London in 1808. A total of 2000 copies were printed. Later that same year a second and third printing were executed at 3000 copies each. 

Marmion itself is a poem written in verse (six cantos, each with an introductory epistle) taking place in the 16th century, cementing Scott's role as historical writer. The poem is about Lord Marmion who lusts after Clara de Clare, a woman of wealth. He and his mistress, Constance De Beverly, a nun of ill repute, forge an alliance and concoct a letter fingering Sir Ralph de Wilton (Clare's fiancée) in treason. Constance only aids Marmion in an attempt to once again find herself in his good graces. After a duel between the men, Marmion rises the victor, prompting Clare to refuse his advances, opting to join a convent instead. 

Constance is abandoned by Marmion and left to a grim fate of being walled up in the Lindisfame Convent for her treachery. She provides the Abbess with enough information proving De Wilton's innocence. De Wilton returns in disguise in an attempt to thwart Marmion in a plot of revenge. However, those plans are cut short by the Battle of Flodden, where Marmion dies. De Wilton, the hero of the story, honor regained, marries Clare at the end of the poem. 

Marmion was a success with the public and remained popular for over a century. 

 Work Cited: 

Wikipedia contributors. "Marmion (poem)." Wikipedia, The Free Encyclopedia. Wikipedia, The Free Encyclopedia, 3 Oct. 2020. Web. 27 Nov. 2020.

Wikipedia contributors. "Walter Scott." Wikipedia, The Free Encyclopedia. Wikipedia, The Free Encyclopedia, 20 Nov. 2020. Web. 27 Nov. 2020.

The Regency Period

Prince George Regent

In 1810, King George III was declared incompetent to rule because of his mental incapacity. The Regent Act was passed the following year in 1811. The Regent Act being passed, gave his son Prince George, Regent the capability of ruling in efforts to take over for his father. This regency lasted until 1820, when unfortunately King George III had lost his fight to his illness. In 1820, Prince George became King George IV instead of The Regent after his father's death and could take control of the reign and rule under his own right. The Regent is important because during this time Prince George had created this idea of "elegance" and "charm" and influenced many works of art, that were considered romance at the time. This is a huge social and cultural movement at this time, in which created the first time where you had the freedom to express yourself in ways that seems unfit previously. The Romantic Movement started in the beginning of his Regency. This was a time for wonderful and fine literature, incredible shift in style and overall a captivating elegance that changed the streets of London. This is considered a time for "low morals" and "high fashion". I find this event quite interesting in the events of Arthur consistently leaving Helen to be by herself, while he indulges in the London life and parties his way through this time period. Arthur lacked elegance in many ways, but when Helen had first met him she thought he was handsome and elegant. The Regency Period is the first time period where handsomeness and low morality is accepted after King George III passes away, leaving his pretty boy son in charge and creating chaos and giving the young people the fascination of being intimate and having the freedom to do so.

Works Cited

Brontë, Anne. “The Tenant of Wildfell Hall.” COVE Studio, 1847, studio.covecollective.org/anthologies/frankenstein-or-the-modern-prometheus/documents/the-tenant-of-wildfell-hall.

Townhouse , Regency. “The Regency Period.” The Regency Period | The Regency Town House, 2015, www.rth.org.uk/regency-period.

The Pocket Lavater Published

"The Pocket Lavater; Or, the Science of Physiognomy" was written by Giambattista della Porta and Johann Caspar Lavater and was originally published in 1817. This manual enabled people to carry a physiognomic guidebook around with them, thus being able to make interpretations and judgments wherever they may be. Physiognomy is the studying of a person's facial features or expressions in order to assess their character or personality. Because of the research of Johann Caspar Lavater, the practice became very popular in Europe during the 1800s, as he regarded it as "a way to access the invisible internal through the external and to provide additional information about the works of the Creator." Physiognomy helped people to understand the growing population and predict the character of others that they meet. Some that follow this pseudoscience believed they could use it to predict who may commit crimes or pose a threat to society, but this became an issue of personal bias. Unfortunately, physiognomy was used for racial stereotyping and oppression, and presented the risk of incriminating innocent people simply because they may possess facial features that suggest they are a criminal. Although physiognomy was largely supported by the scientific community, some scientists, such as Charles Darwin, were more skeptical and believed it to be too subjective. This is important to remember when reading The Tenant of Wildfell Hall, as Helen Huntingdon proclaims herself an "excellent physiognomist." Physiognomy is mentioned three times in the novel, and Helen uses her self-proclaimed skill to defend Arthur's name against her aunt's judgments.  Helen suggests to her aunt that she can tell he is a good man just lacking guidance, but she, in fact, read him incorrectly. 

Work Cited

Brontë, Anne. "The Tenant of Wildfell Hall." COVE Studio, 1847, https://studio.covecollective.org/anthologies/frankenstein-or-the-modern-prometheus/documents/the-tenant-of-wildfell-hall.

"Physiognomy in 19th Century Britain." Pagans & Witches, AminoApps, 26 March 2019, https://aminoapps.com/c/pagans-witches/page/blog/physiognomy-in-19th-century-britain-intothepast/xpdX_JM6s2u0mdYKD8pnK8vDNpRXl5EQwD.

The Term "Dipsomania" is Coined

Dipsomania was coined in 1819 by German physician  Christoph Wilhelm Hufeland, and is a historic term that is no longer in use. Merriam Webster Dictionary defines dispomania as ‘an uncontrollable craving for alcoholic liquors’. While similar to alcoholism, this term was considered to be a medical condition, where a person craved alcohol due to a ‘disease in the brain’, and it became a popular term in medical communities. By describing someone as a dipsomaniac rather than a drunk, addict, etc, it would have casted them in a better light, as it was considered to be a medical condition that you could not help, but could potentially be fixed. One of the major differences between alcoholism and dipsomania was that dipsomania was considered to come upon someone very suddenly, where they an uncontrollable need for alcohol that last for a fairly short period of time-no longer than a few weeks. This made it especially seem more like an illness, where with alcoholism, people drink alcohol over long periods of time, and not as desperately. 

We can see examples of dipsomania in a few characters in The Tenant of Wildfell Hall, including Arthur Huntington and some of his friends. In addition, it has been argued that the character of Arthur Huntington was based on Anne Brontes brother Branwell, who died of alcoholism and could have been considered a dipsomaniac. 

“Dipsomania.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/dipsomania. Accessed 24 Nov. 2020.

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dipsomania

Bloodletting

Bloodletting, the withdrawal of blood from patients to prevent or cure illnesses, first began over three thousand years ago in Egypt, but became very popular in Europe during the eighteenth and nineteenth century. Blood was drained by the use of phlebotomy, cutting open a vein with some sort of tool, or with leeches and was done so to treat fevers, hypertension, pulmonary inflammation and edema. Depending on the disease or illness, bloodletting would be conducted in different areas of the body, but it was traditionally performed at the elbows and knees. Most of the time, blood would be drained until the patient reached syncope, a state of unconsciousness caused by a lack of blood flow to the brain (fainting). A loss of a large amount of blood can severely lower a person's heart rate and leave them in a calm, tranced state, as seen in The Tenant of Wildfell Hall with Arthur Huntingdon. Arthur treated Helen with the utmost disrespect while she tended to his every need, often very agitated and aggressive towards her. After being bled, Mr. Huntingdon became tranquil and accepting of Helen's services. He was the most pleasant when he was subdued by bloodletting. The popularity of bloodletting began to diminish after 1834, when Pierre Charles Alexandre Louise, referred to by many as "the father of modern epidemiology," presented evidence that bloodletting was ineffective in treating pneumonia. During the 1840s and 1850s, studies conducted by Louis Pasteur and Robert Koch destroyed the credibility of bloodletting in treating inflammation. Despite the notion that it may be ineffective and more dangerous than helpful, bloodletting continues to be used in alternative medicine today. 

Work Cited

Bell, Timothy M. "A Brief History of Bloodletting." 2016. PDF File. 

Brontë, Anne. "The Tenant of Wildfell Hall." COVE Studio, https://studio.covecollective.org/anthologies/frankenstein-or-the-modern-prometheus/documents/the-tenant-of-wildfell-hall

University College London

In 1826 London University (its original name) was established fro the radical ideas of founder Jeremy Bentham. This was the first university to be establishe in London at the time and the first in England to accept any student no matter their religion. They were also the first insitution to accept women. Their motto is "Let all come who by merit deserve the most reward" and is now known as the Univeristy College London. 

Dear Dairy , As i past by the big brick building I see a sign that reads "London University" i think to my self "this is it. This is my future." I stare down at the acceptance letter and cannot believe that me, a jewish woman, will finally be able to expand my horizons. I have made it in and i will be able to accomplish everything I want. Im off to do great things. Sincerly Meridith.

(Three weeks later) Dear Dairy, You will not believe all the things im learning. The thrill i recieve from walking to and frokm class. How no one cares what religion i am or what gender i am! So far im passing all my classes and my mother writes me often to tell me about her and father and how much they miss me. I miss them too. But the more time i spend here, the more i fall in love with my education. London Univeristy is the best thing that has every happened to me. I'm so thankful for this amazing opportuinty. With other woman along side me. Im off to my class for the day. Until next time i write. Sincerly Meridith.

Wikipedia, Foundation. “Religion in London.” Wikipedia, Wikimedia Foundation, 11 Feb. 2020, en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Religion_in_London.

wikipedia, foundation. “University College London.” Wikipedia, Wikimedia Foundation, 14 Sept. 2020, en.wikipedia.org/wiki/University_College_London.

(I couldnt find the author but thats probably becasue I'm blind. Sorry )

The Rocket

The Rocket was a steam engine that was built in Newcastle upon Tyne by Robert Stevenson in 1829. The Rocket exhibited its potential as safe and fast transportation by winning the Rainhill Trials in October of 1829.

The significance of the Rocket’s reputation is established within the first minute of the BBC’s 1994 adaptation of George Eliot’s Middlemarch (1872). The TV series opens with a middle-aged sheep herder walking along a country road. He is passed by a stage coach carrying the young new doctor, Lydgate, to Middlemarch. As the stagecoach approaches town, Lydgate says “Look” and the camera pans from the stagecoach, over the workers laying train tracks, to the slowly advancing steam engine. Already we can see modern transportation is coming to the town of Middlemarch but has not of yet been adopted to transport citizens between cities. Therefore, the locomotive’s presence in the town establishes Middlemarch as a place on the cusp of modernity, which will change the scale, pace, and pattern of the citizens’ lives. The steam-engine is not mentioned in Eliot’s novel until far later in the narrative when Will Ladislaw remarks, “America and the steam-engine. Everything you can imagine!” (Chap. XXI). By listing the steam-engine in the same sentence as America, the invention becomes a symbol or freedom, modernity, fantasy (or imagination). By contrast, “Women both old and young regarded travelling by steam as presumptuous and dangerous, and argued against it by saying that nothing should induce them to get into a railway carriage” (Chap. LVI). This contrast pits young men like Ladislaw against all women in the pursuit of dreams and adventure.

Works Cited

Eliot, George. Middlemarch. 1872, The COVE. https://studio.covecollective.org/anthologies/ccu-fa-20-engl-231-9838d03.... Accessed 2 Sept 2020.

Middlemarch, episode 1, BBC 2, 1996. Films on Demand, https://fod.infobase.com/p_ViewVideo.aspx?xtid=138697&tScript=0.  

"Stephenson's Rocket." Wikipedia. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Stephenson%27s_Rocket. Accessed 3 Sept 2020.

Victorian Era Fashion

The Princesse de Broglie (1851-1853)

With the rise of the Industrial Revolution and advancements of mass production, the Victorian Era saw a drastic change in the availability of garments to choose from. No longer would the ladies of upper middle-class London be shackled to high-priced tailors and dressmakers. The production of sewing machines allowed for mass quantities of dresses to be made, in a variety of styles and a plethora of synthetic dyes gave all of these dresses their own unique flair. Department stores sold these dresses at affordable prices, something unheard of in an age of custom clothing. Fashion magazines were on the tables of everyone in high society and displayed the newest trends, the desire of any budding socialite. 

Less was required of women during this time, and many would marry and give up work entirely. Their dress became less utilitarian and more ornamental. The higher the class, the more ornamentation. The ideal features of Victorian dress were meant to produce a long torso emphasized with wide hips. Dress would start with a low shoulder neckline called a Bertha, which revealed a large span of flesh that the working class were not allowed. Corsets (while quite uncomfortable and posing health risks) were also popular. Tightening the waist to create a very slim hourglass shape was paired with a Crinoline, a cage-like undergarment that ladies wore under their dresses to produce a bell shape creating a very desirable silhouette. Often the fabric used in such dresses would also discern the wealth of the woman wearing it.   

Lookit ees eer laties wattlin' downa street like ey was a flock o'ducks. Ey can barely move in im. Fancy mums woking dis way and dat, prim and proper like. Big ol rear ends tossin right ways and left ways like a swingin bell up in a church tower. Can't quite make which end is up really, awful lotta fabric an not much woman in ere. Ey look like somefin you'd see inna parlor, maybe a couch on two legs or somefin. Ey can keep it. Iss not ees dresses I'm inristed in, iss wots in ey coin purses and wots roun ey necks. Way I sees it, the fancier the latie the richer er usband, which means mates we won't be worryin bout our next suppa. Less get in ere an make off wif whateva we can find. I've got me sights set onna one wot looks like a big blue pillow strung up wif pearls. Iss not like any ofum will beable to catch us when we lift eir goods, less ey can find a way to slip outta their knickers in the mittle ova street. Less go boys!     

"Last Days of a Philosopher" Published

In 1830, Consolations In Travel; Or, The Last Days of a Philosopher was published posthumously from the collection of Sir Humphry Davy after complications from a stroke lead to his death at the age of 50 in 1829. With this work being described as a "somewhat freeform compendium of poetry" and "thoughts on science and philosophy," Davy's final publication was incredibly popular despite his preceding death-- with his multi-genre book becoming a staple of the scientific community as well as family libraries for several decades after his death ("Humphry Davy"). Referred to by Anne Bronte with the shortened title "Last Days of a Philosopher," Davy's work is directly referenced in Chapter 15 of The Tenant of Wildfell Hall in a scene where Gilbert Markham comes across a copy of the book in Helen's possession with the name "Frederick Lawrence" inscribed on the front leaf (Bronte). Anne Bronte's reference to Sir Humphry Davy's final work by both name and author helps not only to solidify the cultural significance of Sir Humphry Davy in the 19th Century, but it also helps ground The Tenant of Wildfell Hall in reality, by providing a real-world text to be alluded to by the characters in Bronte's novel. Although "Last Days of a Philosopher" is well known for its' controversial approach to answering "the questions of the universe" through science, Sir Humphry Davy's reputation seems to outlive his published works-- as he is considered by Cambridge to arguably be the "first celebrity scientist... whose popularising of science made him famous" (Cambridge). 

Works Cited

Bronte, Anne. The Tenant of Wildfell Hall. 1848. The COVE. https://studio.covecollective.org/anthologies/frankenstein-or-the-modern.... Accessed 29 Nov 2020.

"Humphry Davy." Wikipedia, Wikimedia Foundation. 26 Nov 2020, https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Humphry_Davy. Accessed 29 Nov 2020.

Davy, Humphry. "Consolations in Travel Or, The Last Days of a Philosopher." Cambridge University Press, Cambridge University Press 2020, 6 May 2013, https://www.cambridge.org/us/academic/subjects/general-science/history-s.... Accessed 29 Nov 2020.

Slavery Abolition Act

The Slavery Abolition Act abolished slavery in most of the British Empire, and made the purchasing of slaves illegal. The act was passed by Parliament in 1833, received the Royal Assent, and went into effect in 1884. There had been many abolitionists in Britain since the TransAtlantic slave trade began about 100 years before, and there had been other acts passed to limit slavery, but not abolish it completley. One of the biggest advocacies for abolishing slavery was the Anti-Slavery Society, which was founded in 1823 in London. The act ultimately came to pass due to instability within the British government, and popular want for free trade. Once the act went into effect, about 800,000 slaves were freed in the Caribbean and South America. 

I have just been informed of the Slavery Abolition act and I dare say it is about time! The economy has suffered enough from this mistaken foray into the trans-atlantic trade. As soon as you get involved with foreigners, it only means trouble. As far as the slaves themselves, I suppose that is for the best as well. I know many to be involved in the Anti-Slavery Society and they are good men, so I presume it to be a worthy cause. I just hope this act restores the British Empire to its former glory.

https://www.britannica.com/topic/Slavery-Abolition-Act

Dr. Louis Discredits Bloodletting

Bloodletting had been a popular form of rehabilitation since 460 BC, according to the British Columbia Medical Journal. It was usually performed through venesection, or the cutting open of the vein on one's forearm, but leaches were also used. The website also describes the instruments used, which were thumb lancets, or "two-edged instruments often with an ivory or tortoiseshell case" and fleams, or " devices with multiple, variably sized blades that folded into a case like a pocketknife" (Greenstone). While bleeding was a popular practice even through the 19th century, in 1936 Dr. Pierre-Charles-Alexandre Louis, a French Doctor, did a study looking into its effectiveness. On another webpage from the BCMJ, Louis is described to have written a paper on his findings, which were that the procedure was "actually much less than has been commonly believed (Greenstone). I found this significant because the novel starts in 1827, which is 9 years before Louis discredits bleeding someone. However, the novel was published in 1848, 12 years after the essay. This shows that Bronte might have had an idea of the ineffectiveness of bloodletting. She illustrates a change in Arthur's temperament after being bled, becoming more subdued and demure. This could be because of weakness from the blood loss. I also can imagine that this practice was painful and I think it might be a way Bronte is exacting revenge upon Arthur, giving the reader, as well as Helen perhaps though unlikely due to her piety, a sense of righteous vengeance.

It has been half a fortnight since my dear little Constance has taken ill. She is thrown into a feverish mania at times, appearing to have delusions. Her forehead burns as though she had been by the fire for some time. Her face is pale, void of her usual ruddy gaiety. I sent for the doctor yesterday. He suggested he try to have her bled, to rid her of this intolerable illness. But how it frightens me so! I know it will help, deep down - the doctor told me it would so why would it not? However, despite my prayers to God and my reliance on Him to cure her, I cannot shake this feeling of dread, What if it is her time? What if heaven already has a place for her, waiting for her? I worry that this procedure will be the death of her. Yet, I must keep my sports up; if not for myself then for her. It would do no one well to scare the poor child. After all, the doctor must know what he is doing. My husband had a friend who was bled when taken ill and he recovered fully. There is no reason why Constance, a healthy young girl, could not recover just as well or better than he. I tell myself these things as I watch her, tossing and turning in her bed, covered in sweat and tears. I pray that this will work. And this prayer is for my own comfort.

Works Cited

Davis, Audrey and Toby Appel. "Bloodletting Instruments in the National Museum of History and Technology" Project Gutenburg. 7 July 2010. https://www.gutenberg.org/files/33102/33102-h/33102-h.htm 

Greenstone, Gerry. "The History of Bloodletting" British Columbia Medical Journal. Feb. 2010. https://bcmj.org/premise/history-bloodletting

Greenstone, Gerry. "The Roots of Evidence-Based Medicine" British Columbia Medical Journal. Oct. 2009. https://bcmj.org/premise/roots-evidence-based-medicine

The Custody of Infants Act 1839

The Custody of Infants Act 1839 was passed by the Parliament of the U.K. while being heavily influenced by reformist Caroline Norton. Norton, after a failed marriage with her husband, wrote pamphlets arguing for the natural rights of mothers to gain custody for their children garnering a lot of attention from members of Parliament. The idea of mother’s rights to custody was not a new introduction to Parliament, but the push from Norton was much needed in order to get the act passed. Before the act was passed, the vast majority of custody cases immediately went to the father of the child, this act now allowed mothers permission to present their case to the court to garner custody of children up to the age of seven. This ushered in a new era of custody hearings in the U.K. with the creation of the Tender Years Doctrine which insisted that during a child’s “tender years” which typically consist of ages 4 and younger, the mother of the child would be granted custody of said child. The passing of this act would have directly allowed Helen to have custody over Arthur Jr. 

“Custody of Infants Act 1839.” Wikipedia, Wikimedia Foundation. 2 Dec 2020. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Custody_of_Infants_Act_1839 . Accessed 2 Dec 2020.

Etty, W. (1836). Caroline Norton [Digital image]. Retrieved December 03, 2020, from https://spartacus-educational.com/Wcustody39.htm

Custody of Infants Act of 1839

The Custody of Infants Act of 1839 was initiated by female activist, Caroline Norton. Norton had previously suffered a failed marriage to an abusive man and was seeking the rights to obtain custody of the children they had had together. She began handing out pamphlets sharing her story with the public, defending a mother's natural right to her children, and eventually gaining the attention and sympathy of parliamentary members. This attention is what would come to result in the Custody of Infants Act of 1839. This act would allow mothers to petition the court for custody of their children younger than seven and grant them the opportunity to petition for the rights of their older children. This act would prove monumental, as it would serve as a starting point for women to reestablish their rights independent to that of their husbands. 

In 1873, this act would be amended for the benefit of the child, rather than for the benefit of the parents. This meant that mothers could petition for custody of their children sixteen and younger, but the child would be placed with the parent best fit for the child's well-being. Though, chances could still be slim for a mother to gain custody, as parliament could still rule in favor of the father depending on the circumstances. For example, if the mother committed adultery because she had an abusive husband, the child would most likely be placed with the father, as a woman committing adultery was deemed worse than an abusive man. Though, this would eventually come to change in 1878 with the Matrimonial Causes Act. This would grant women protection against their abusive husbands, offering them legal separation, and custody of their children. 

“Caroline Norton.” Wikipedia, Wikimedia Foundation, 8 Sept. 2020, en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Caroline_Norton.

“Custody Rights.” UK Parliament, www.parliament.uk/about/living-heritage/transformingsociety/private-live....

1840 Health Vaccination Reform

During the Victorian Era, a myriad of lethal diseases was consuming the population and slashing through the lives of those young and old. A few of the common diseases that were responsible for the majority of death (at the time) included Typhoid, Cholera, Smallpox, Scarlet Fever, and measles (McAlpine). In Villette, we get to see how some of these diseases have affected and pivoted the protagonist, Lucy Snowe's life. The root of these diseases is unsanitary conditions, food, and constant close human contact. In this era, people weren't aware of how important it was to keep their bodies, kitchens, and other aspects of basic living clean. So, as the birth rates climbed so did their mortality rates.  Due to the large, lower-class population dying off because of the lack of funds for healthcare and sanitation, Parliament passed the Vaccination Laws of 1840 to provide common folk with vaccinations at the expense of ratepayers. Cultural and Christian values kept ratepayers from paying and investing in the spread of the vaccinations even though infant vaccinations were required by law years later (McIntosh). Some believed that the vaccinations were un-safe, they were not necessary or felt that the government had no right to force an un-known medical treatment upon them. 

Bless dear Madame Beck's soul, her patience and will to hold the power is trifling to watch. She holds the girls under constant surveillance. Alas, she feels that her authority over them hangs in the balance by a delicate string of cotton. Desiree, that girl is a wild thing. She runs around the facility like a little mouse scurrying and sticking her nose where she can sport it best. Meanwhile, Fifine is a white dove, sweet and poised. Oh, please don't let my mind trot to Dr. John, methinks he could care less if I trampled over tired toes into a brook. Poor Lucy, she is charmed by an eerie power, during the storm she breached the window while I and the others prayed for an end to this atrocity known as day. My woes cry out to her the most. She is yet a shell of a woman now bewitched by the papers God has provided. She beds herself in her lessons to dull out how she fancies life now. With time she will grow and maybe one day escape the demons that furrow her consciousness. May God continue to hold his children in his unchanging hand. I pray for their abundant safety and rehabilitation on the morrow.  

Brontë, Charlotte. "Villette." COVE Studio, 2020, https://studio.covecollective.org/documents/villette-2 

McAlpine, Fraser. "Five Horrible Diseases You Might Have Caught in Victorian England." BBC

America, Anglophenia, April 2013. https://www.bbcamerica.com/anglophenia/2013/04/five-horrible-

diseases-you-might-have-caught-in-victorian-england

McIntosh, Neil. "Victorian Britain" BBC History,  BBC Archives, 6 Nov.

2014, http://www.bbc.co.uk/history/british/timeline/victorianbritain_timeline_...