Curiosities of Olden Times

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Gutenberg ID

—

Title

Curiosities of Olden Times

Language

en

Book source

Global Grey

Description max 80 words

Sabine Baring-Gould offers a witty, anthropological tour of strange customs, odd wills, and forgotten superstitions from centuries past. From the evolution of mourning colors to the terror of ghosts and the quest for the Philosopher's Stone, this collection reveals how primitive fears and ancient myths shaped human behavior, ultimately suggesting that there is nothing truly new under the sun.

Summary up to 500 words

In *Curiosities of Olden Times*, Sabine Baring-Gould offers a fascinating exploration of the bizarre, forgotten, and often irrational practices that shaped human history. The work begins by examining the evolution of mourning customs, tracing the shift from primitive rituals involving soot, ochre, and woad to the modern use of black cloth. Baring-Gould notes that while cultures like China used white and ancient Egypt used yellow for grief, these colors were originally applied to the naked body as badges of bereavement, a meaning later obscured by changing fashions. The narrative delves deeply into the primitive fear of the dead, describing how early societies viewed ghosts as dangerous spirits seeking warmth and food. This fear led to superstitious rituals such as pelting graves with stones, driving spirits away with guns, or even mutilating corpses—driving stakes through skulls or breaking spines—to prevent haunting. The text highlights the tragic story of the Baroness de Beausoleil, a brilliant 17th-century scientist and alchemist whose contributions to mineralogy were ignored by Cardinal Richelieu, leading to her imprisonment and impoverishment. Her story serves as a poignant example of the ingratitude often shown to scientific martyrs. Further chapters investigate the global myth of the Philosopher's Stone, a legendary substance believed to grant immortality and wealth. Baring-Gould traces this concept from ancient serpent myths and Buddhist wishing-stones to the futile labors of European alchemists, concluding that the stone was merely a metaphor for the sun. The book also features eccentric medical theories, such as Dr. Cohausen's prescription of the breath of young girls to cure men, illustrating the absurdity of historical medical practices. Ultimately, the book concludes with a reflection on the cyclical nature of human thought. Baring-Gould asserts that while old ideas evolve into new combinations, the fundamental patterns of history and human nature remain unchanged. Through a blend of folklore, history, and humor, the work serves as a critique of human irrationality and a celebration of scientific perseverance, reminding readers that the treasures we seek are often found simply by standing with our faces to the light.

LLM editorial rating

4.2/5

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Categories

• Folklore
• Social History