How to get plump round breasts - 1694 publication reveals all

How far should you go on a first date? What's the most make-up you should slap on?

These may sound like readers' queries in a trashy women's magazine but they are actually from a recently discovered book of 1694.

Bizarrely, it was written by a man.


RELATED ITEMS

VIDEO: Latest news bulletin
Today's top news headlines



The Ladies Dictionary, Being A General Entertainment For The Fair Sex was discovered in the private collection of the late Tony Hattersley, a Yorkshire book dealer.

According to the manual, a woman should not strive to be the equivalent of size zero.

'Bodies that are very lean and scragged, we must own, cannot be very comely,' the writer suggests.

As for exercise: 'Chase your body as much as you can, that the blood may be stirred in the veins and the skin sit more loose.'

Other beauty tips include bathing in red wine and applying chicken and goose grease to breasts, allowing the mix to set.

Meanwhile, for bosoms that have seen better days, turn to the section: 'Breasts hanging down or large: How to make them plump and round'.

The publication goes on sale at Bonhams next month and is expected to fetch a modest £2,000.

Matthew Haley, book specialist at the auctioneers, said: 'It's an extraordinary book. You could call it the Cosmopolitan of its day.'

Tips from The Ladies Dictionary:

The book advises: 'Let your food be sweet and nourishing.' Eat eggs, veal, mutton and capon (a chicken castrated at a young age). Avoid anything too salty, sharp or bitter.

A slimming aid To drop a dress size, mix 'oyl of foxes', 'oyl of lilies' and some goose grease. Throw in a bit of turpentine and boil. Add 'virgin's wax' and apply to the place that 'languishes'. In other words, your flabby bits

How far to go on a first date The Ladies Dictionary asks: 'Is it proper for a woman to yield at the first address? You'll get better conditions if the enemy does not know how weak you are within.' Avoid make-up, it warns, because 'a painted face is enough to destroy the reputation of her that uses it'.

A bit on the side Be careful about playing away – 'adulterous affairs often end in 'blood and disgrace'

Quote by Curious2c
'Virgins Wax' is beeswax in native form...but I'm not certain of that at all, it's the only thing I can think of.

Quote by Curious2c
I'm not positive, but I believe that 'oyl of foxes' is oil derived from the plant the foxtail. 'Virgins Wax' is beeswax in native form...but I'm not certain of that at all, it's the only thing I can think of.

Applying turpentine to any part of ones body will cause them to 'exercise' as it can burn under the right circumstances. That person would be running around flailing their arms trying to put out the fire. All the oils and wax would ensure it stayed in place until one had worn themselves out trying to get it off.

Quote by Lush

Quote by Curious2c
I'm not positive, but I believe that 'oyl of foxes' is oil derived from the plant the foxtail. 'Virgins Wax' is beeswax in native form...but I'm not certain of that at all, it's the only thing I can think of.

Applying turpentine to any part of ones body will cause them to 'exercise' as it can burn under the right circumstances. That person would be running around flailing their arms trying to put out the fire. All the oils and wax would ensure it stayed in place until one had worn themselves out trying to get it off.

How on earth do you know this C2c? Did you say you were a chemical engineer whilst up in Canada? I get the feeling some kind of science related occupation.