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

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 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.

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 St. Bernard Hospital

Asylums was a place where people would be sent when they were considered “insane” and in too many cases if you were admitted to an Asylum, you very well could never leave because you would never be considered “cured”. In the 1800s there were several Acts that had been passed regarding building Asylums and in 1808 there was an Act passed which gave county’s the ability to start building Asylums from financing from the local rates (so like taxes). One of the Asylums from this time was known as the St Bernard’s Hospital (also known as Hanwell Insane Asylum and the Hanwell Pauper and Lunatic Asylum) and in 1831 was opened to be the first Asylum in Middlesex County. One of the first superintendents was Dr. William Charles Ellis who had been known for his work of “great principle of therapeutic employment” an many thought his type of therapy was resulting in a supposed speedy recovery for the patients. Due to this speedy recovery they were having, this pleased the Justices of the Peace because is was cutting the cost of having long term patients, which one of the biggest problems with Asylums was patients checking and there was no telling when they were going to check out because they “never get better” only worse dude to conditions. When the third superintendent became to authority he made in the institution famous for having all mechanical restraints (which I don’t even know if that sounds completely safe to me? However what do I know).

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"

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.

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.

Irish White Setter

White Setter comes from Roman History from the origin of "setting dogges". This is an term used to describe setters, whom were used to indicate the location of game birds. Irish Setters were introduced during the early 1700's.  These dogs would freeze and identify the scent of the game birds and would disturb the birds in flight by creeping up on them slowly, allowing the hunter to either release a hawk or use a net to capture them when using hawks was no longer necessary. The setters would allow the birds to be targeted at a steady pace for the hunter to shoot his shot and succeed in his occupation. Irish Setters are keen, wise and intelligent and thrive in a family setting but are persistent and loyal when it comes to their training and work. Irish Setters were mostly white with burgundy patching. Irish Setters were bred until the end of the 19th century, but became less popular in the early 1900's.  In 1976 Irish Setters made a return, once scientifically created and revived by the help of The Irish Kennel Club and The Irish Red Setter Club, they would be used as show dogs with extreme national and international recognition. The Irish Setter is important in the work of The Tenant of Wildfell Hall because the role Gilbert's setter Sancho contributes in this novel. Sancho is mentioned upon the greeting of Helen and Arthur Huntingdon Jr. Sancho plays a significant role while being mentioned over a sequence of times, from beginning to end the dog is known for having a connection with both Gilbert and Arthur and creates a mutual affection and companionship to both characters.

Aubrey Animal Medical Center. “Irish Red and White Setter |.” Aubrey Animal Medical Center, 2020, aubreyamc.com/canine/irish-red-and-white-setter/.

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.

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.

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/ 

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 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.

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