[MR] cool find - soap recipe using rose water

[Becky McEllistrem]

I promise I won't bombard you with my finds forever
but there's a lot of soapers on this list.  This is a
soap recipe and a lip balm recipe that I only just
found at Duke so they're not on my web site yet.

As I understand some people say it's common knowledge
that rose water was used to soften soap, however I
don't remember anyone mentioning a recipe from this
early a source.  I also don't remember any Atlantians
telling me about scenting soaps in period with
documented recipes.

Obviously you're not going to get the mercury
mentioned in the recipe but current theory says it was
used as a whitener.

===============================


The Widowes Treasure, plentifully furnished with
sundry precious and approved secretes in Phisicke, and
Chirurgery for the health and pleasure of mankinde.

Printed by Edward Alde for Edward White 1588

p. 11 – 12
An excellent sope for Scabbes and Itche.

Take white Sope halfe a bi. And steepe it in
sufficient Rose water, til it be wel soked, then take
two dragmes of Mercury Sublimed, dissolve it in a
little rose water, labone the Sope and the Rose Water
well together, and afterwarde put it in a little mulke
or civet, and keep it.  This is singuler a great
Scabbe or Itche without perrill




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