Chapter X

_Doctor Dobbs and his Horse Nobbs_.--I remember having read somewhere of "Doctor Dobbs and his horse Nobbs," but where I cannot now recall. I only remember one anecdote. The horse Nobbs was left, one cold night, outside a cottage, whilst the Doctor was within officiating as accoucheur (I believe); when he was ready to start, and came out, he found the horse apparently dead. The Doctor was miles from home, and, as the horse was dead, and the night dark, in place of walking home, he, with his host, dragged the horse into the kitchen, and skinned him, by way of passing the time profitably. But, lo! when the skinning was finished, the horse gave signs of returning animation. What was to be done? Doctor Dobbs, fertile in resources, got sheepskins and sewed them on Nobbs, and completely clothed him therein; and--mirabile dictu!--the skins became attached to the flesh, Nobbs recovered, and from thenceforward carried a _woolly_ coat, duly shorn every summer, to the profit of Doctor Dobbs, and to the wonder and admiration of the neighbourhood.

I have also read somewhere that Coleridge told the story of "Doctor Dobbs and his horse Nobbs" to Southey at Oxford.

J.M.B.

_Dr. Dobbs and his Horse Nobbs_.--Although of small moment, it is, perhaps, worth recording, that a Doctor Daniel Dove, of Doncaster, and his horse Nobbs, form the subjects of a paper in "The Nonpareil, or the Quintessence of Wit and Humour," published in 1757, and which, there can be little doubt, was the source whence Southey adopted, _without alteration_, the names so well known to all readers of the _Doctor_.

JNO. SUDLOW.

Manchester.

Seeing the communication of "P.C.S.S." (p. 73.), reminds me of a note taken from our Parish Register:--

"1723. Feb. 10. 'Dorothy Dove, gentlewoman, bur.'"

I have never seen the name in connection with Doncaster before or since the above date.

J.S.

Doncaster, Jan. 15.

--SI PROPIUS STES,
TE CAPIET MINUS.

_(From the Latin of Vincent Bourne.)_

Glide down the Thames by London Bridge, what time
St. Saviour's bells strike out their evening chime;
Forth leaps the ompetuous cataract of sound,
Dash'd into noise by countless echoes round.
Pass on--it follows--all the jarring notes
Blend in celestial harmony, that floats
Above, below, around: the ravish'd ear
Finds all the fault its own--it was TOO NEAR.

RUFUS.

_St. Evona's Choice._--To your citation of Ben Jonson's exceptional case of the Justice Randall as "a lawyer an honest man," in justice add the name of the learned and elegant author of _Eunomus_; for Mr. Wynne himself tells the story of St. Evona's choice (Dialogue II. p. 62. 3rd ed. Dublin, 1791), giving his authority in the following note:--

"The story here dressed up is told in substance in a small book
published in 1691, called a _Description of the Netherlands_," p.
58.

In strict law, Sir, the profession may in courts of Momus be held bound by the act of the respectable but unlucky St. Evona; but in equity, let me respectfully claim release, for Evona was a _churchman_.

A TEMPLAR.

[We gladly insert our correspondent's "claim to release," but doubt whether he can establish it; inasmuch as St. Ivo or Evona, canonized on account of his great rectitude and profound knowledge both of civil and canon law, was both lawyer and churchman, like the CLERICUS so recently discussed in our columns; and clearly sought for and obtained his patron saint in his legal character.]

_Muffins and Crumpets, &c._--Not being quite satisfied with the etymology of "muffin," in p. 205., though brought by Urquhart from Phoenicia and the Pillars of Hercules, I am desirous of seeking additional illustration. Some fancy that "coffee" was known to Athenæus, and that he saw it _clearly_ in the "black broth" of the Lacedæmonian youth. In the same agreeable manner we are referred to that instructive and entertaining writer for the corresponding luxury of "muffins." _Maphula_, we are told, was one of those kinds of bread named as such by Athenæus; that is to say, "a cake baked on a hearth or griddle." If we need go so far, why not fetch our muffins from Memphis, which is _Môph_ in Hebrew? (See _Hosea_, ix. 6.) It is, perhaps, _mou-pain_, in old French, _soft bread_, easily converted into _mouffin_. So "crumpet" may be a corruption of _crumpâte_ a paste made of fine flour, slightly baked. The only difficulty would then be in the {254} first syllable, concerning, which the ingenuity of your various correspondents, Mr. Editor, may be exercised to some effect. Is it connected with the use of the _crimping_ irons in producing these delicacies?

HYPOMAGIRUS.

Oxford.

_Dulcarnon_.--Dulcarnon is one of those words in Chaucer which Tyrwhitt professes that he does not understand. It occurs in _Trolius and Creseide_, book iii. 931.933. Creseide says:--

"I am, til God me better minde sende,
At _Dulcarnon_, right at my witt'is ende.
Quod Pandarus ye nece, wol ye here,
_Dulcarnon_ clepid is fleming[3] of wretches."

This passage of _Trolius and Creseide_ is quoted in the life of Sir Thomas More, given in Wordsworth's _Ecclesiastical Biography_. More's daughter said to him, when he was in prison, "Father, I can no further goe; I am come, as Chaucer said of Cressid Dulcarnon, to my witt's end."

Has this passage been satisfactorily explained since Tyrwhitt's time? The epithet "Dulcarnon" is mentioned in a note to the translation of Richard de Bury's _Philobiblon_, London, 1832. I give the note in full. It is in reference to the word "Ellefuga":--

"This word was a pons asinorum to some good Grecians,--but that is
probably its meaning[4]; at least making it the name of a problem
gets over all difficulty. The allusion is to the flight of Helle,
who turned giddy in taking a flying leap, mounted on a ram, and
fell into the sea;--so weak a head fails in crossing the pons. The
problem was invented by Pythagoras, 'and it hath been called by
barbarous writers of the latter time Dulcarnon,'--_Billingsley_.
This name may have been invented after our author's time. Query
[Greek: dolkarenon]."

If we take the words "Dulcarnon" in this sense, it will help to explain the passage in the _Troilus and Creseide_.

E.M.B.

_Bishop Barnaby_.--The origin of the term "Bishop Barnaby," as applied to the Lady-bird, is still unexplained.

I wish to observe, as having some possible connexion with the subject, that the word "Barnaby" in the seventeenth century appears to have had a particular political signification.

For instance, I send you a pamphlet (which you are welcome to, if you will accept of it) called "_The Head of Nile, or the Turnings and Windings of the Factious since Sixty, in a dialogue between Whigg and Barnaby_," London, 1681. In this dialog, Whigg, as might be expected, is the exponent of all manner of abominable opinions, whilst Barnaby is represented as the supporter of orthodoxy.

Again, in the same year was published Durfey's comedy, "_Sir Barnaby Whigg_," the union of the two names indicating that the knight's opinions were entirely regulated by his interest.

Q.D.

P.S. The pamphlet above alluded to affords another instance of the use of the word "Factotum," at page 41.: "before the Pope had a great house there, and became Dominus Factotum, Dominus Deus noster Papu."

_Barnacles_.--In _Speculum Mundi, or a Glass representing the Face of the World_, by John Swan, M.A., 4th edit., 1670, is the following mention of the Barnacle goose (pp. 243, 244.):--

"In the north parts of _Scotland_, and in the places adjacent,
called _Orchades_, are certain trees found, whereon there groweth a
certain kind of shell-fish, of a white colour, but somewhat tending
to a russet; wherein are contained little living creatures. For in
time of maturity the shells do open, and out of them by little and
little grow those living creatures; which falling into the water
when they drop out of their shells, do become fowls, such as we
call _Barnacles_ or _Brant Geese_; but the other that fall upon the
land, perish and come to nothing."

The author then quotes the passage from Gerard where mention is made of the Barnacle.

HENRY KERSLEY.

_Ancient Alms-Dishes_.--I have one of these dishes; diameter 1 foot 4-3/4 inches, and its height 1-1/2 inch. The centre is plain, without any device, and separated from the circle of inscription by a bold embossed pattern.

The inscription is _Der infrid gehwart_, in raised (not engraved) capital letters, 1 inch long, repeated three times in the circle. Mine is a handsome dish of mixed metal; yielding, when struck, a fine sound like that of a gong. It has devices of leaves, &c. engraved on the broad margin, but no date.

I have seen another such dish, in the collection of the late William Hooper, Esq., of Ross, part of which (and I think the whole of the under side) had been enamelled, as part of the enamel still adhered to it. In the centre was engraved the temptation in Eden; but it was without legend or date.

P.H.F.

_Why the American Aborigines are called Indians_.--I have often wondered how the aborigines of America came to be called Indians; and for a considerable time I presumed it to be a popular appellation arising from their dark colour. Lately, however, I fell in with a copy of _Theatrum Orbis Terrarum_. Antwerp, 1583, by Abraham Ortelius, geographer to the king; and, in the map entitled _Typus Orbis Terrarum_. I find America called _America, sive India Nova_. How it came to get {255} the name of _India Nova_ is of course another question, and one which at present I cannot answer.

NORTHMAN.

[Footnote 3: Fleming; banishing? from _fleme_, A.S. to banish.]

[Footnote 4: "Helleflight," as given in the translation, p. 178.]

* * * * *

NOTES ON BOOKS, SALES, CATALOGUES, ETC.

The arrangements for the _Exhibition of Works of Ancient and Mediæval Art_ at the rooms of the Society of Arts in the Adelphi, are proceeding most satisfactorily. Her MAJESTY and PRINCE ALBERT have manifested the interest they feel in its success, by placing at the disposal of the Committee for the purposes of the approaching Exhibition a selection from the magnificent collection of such objects which is preserved at Windsor.

Messrs. Puttick and Simpson, of 191. Piccadilly, will sell on Thursday next, and five following days, the extensive and valuable Library of a well known and eminent Collector; comprising some very early printed books of extreme rarity, numerous French, Spanish, and Italian early Romances, an extensive series of ancient Italian Books quoted by the _Academia della Crusea,_ ancient and modern Books of Travels, and Oriental Books and MSS.; amongst which latter are the original MSS. of the celebrated M. Jules de Klaproth.

We have received the following Catalogues:--

"A Catalogue of Scientific and Mathematical Books, comprising
Architecture, Astrology, Magic, Chess, and other Games; Fine Arts,
Heraldry, Naval and Military, Numismatics, Penmanship and Short
Hand, Typography, and Miscellaneous Books now selling at the
reduced prices affixed by William Brown, 130. and 131. Old Street,
St. Luke's, London."

"Catalogue (Part I. Feb. 1. 1850) of Choise, Useful and Curious
Books in most departments of Literature, on Sale, at the very low
prices affixed, by John Russell Smith, 4, Old Compton Street, Soho
Square."

"William Dobson Reeves' Catalogue of Books (Many Rare and Curious),
now on Sale at 98. Chancery Lane."

"Catalogue of very Cheap Books, chiefly Divinity, with a Selection
of Miscellaneous Literature, on Sale, for Ready Money, by T.
Arthur, No. 496. New Oxford street."

"A Catalogue of Fathers of the Church, and Ecclesiastical Writers
to the Fifteenth Century, arranged in Chronological Order, with
Collections, Analyses and Selections, Illustrative and Introductory
Works, and an Alphabetical Index of Authors; on Sale at the Low
Prices affixed, for Ready Money, by C.J. Stewart, 11. King William
Street, West Strand."

We had occasion in a former Number (No. 5. p. 78) to speak in terms of high and deserved praise of Mr. Stewart's "Catalogue of Bibles and Biblical Literature;" the present is no less deserving of commendation, in as much as it gives not only the Fathers and Ecclesiastical Writers in Chronological order, according to Centuries (to each of which, by the way, Mr. Stewart affixes its distinctive character, Apostolic, Gnostic, &c., as given by Cave); but also marking the precise period in which they severally flourished, so as to show their succession in each century. So that this Catalogue, with its Index, and its tempting quotations from Cranmer and Bishop Hall, which we regret we have not room to quote, will really be most useful to all Students of Theology and Ecclesiastical History.

* * * * *

BOOKS AND ODD VOLUMES

WANTED TO PURCHASE.

(_In continuation of Lists in former Nos_.)

GLAMORGANSHIRE PEDIGREES, from the MSS. of Sir Isaac Heard, Knt. By SIR THOMAS PHILLIPS, Bart. 1845.

A LITTLE WELSH ACCOUNT OF THE PRINCIPALITY OF WALES. By D.T. First printed about the year 1720.

RICHARDS' (WM.) REVIEW OF THE MEMOIRS OF THE PROTECTURAL HOUSE OF CROMWELL. By Rev. MARK NOBLE. 1787.

HEARNE'S RICHARD II.; to which is subjoined, SIR RICHARD WYNNE'S NARRATIVE OF HIS JOURNEY INTO SPAIN.

A LETTER TO THE RIGHT HON. SIR CHARLES LONG, ON THE IMPROVEMENT PROPOSED AND NEW CARRYING ON IN THE WESTERN PART OF LONDON, A Pamphlet, 8vo. 1825 or 1826.

LORD FARNBOROUGH'S PAMPHLET UPON THE IMPROVEMENT OF WESTMINSTER. Published the latter end of 1826, or January 1827.

*** Letters, stating particulars and lowest price, _carriage free_, to be sent to Mr. BELL, Publisher of "NOTES AND QUERIES," 186. Fleet Street.

* * * * *

NOTICES TO CORRESPONDENTS.

We are again compelled, by want of space, to omit many Articles that are in type; among others, one by Mr. Hampson, on _King Alfred's Geography of Europe_; _Extracts from Accounts of St. Antholin's_, The Rev. Dr. Todd _On the Etymology of Armagh_; as well as many NOTES, QUERIES, and REPLIES; and our acknowledgments of COMMUNICATIONS RECEIVED. We are for the same reason under the necessity of abridging our usual weekly NOTES ON BOOKS, &c.

R.M. JONES, Chesea. To the queries of this correspondent (No. 14. p. 217.), who inquired for the best Treatise on the Microscope, and where to purchase the most perfect instrument, we have received many replies, all agreeing in one point--namely, that Mr. Queckett's is the best work on the subject--but differing mostly as to who is the best maker. Mr. Jones is recommended to join the Microscopical Society, 21. Regent Street, where he will see some of the best-constructed and most valuable microscopes ever made; and then can make his choice.

To correspondents inquiring as to the mode of procuring "_NOTES AND QUERIES_," we have once more to explain, that every bookseller and newsman will supply it regularly _if ordered_; and that gentlemen residing in the country, who may find a difficulty in getting it through any bookseller in their neighbourhood, may be supplied regularly with the _stamped_ edition, by giving their orders direct to the publisher, Mr. GEORGE BELL., 186. Fleet Street, accompanied by a Post Office order, for a quarter, 4s. 4d.; a half year, 8s. 8d.; or one year, 17s. 4d.

Errata.--No. 15 p. 232 vol. 1 l. 24., dele full stop after Gloss; same page, col. 2. lines 21, 22., for "Historia" read "Historica," and for "Herveio" read "Heroico." P. 236. l. 12., for "varieties" read "vanities."

* * * * *

Just published,

HOLY MEN OF OLD; being Short Notices of such as are named in the Calendar of the English Church. Demy 18mo. Cloth, price 3s.

POETRY, PAST AND PRESENT: a Collection for Every-day Reading and Amusement, by the Editor of "Church Poetry" and "Days and Seasons." Demy 18mo. cloth, price 4s. 6d.; or bound in morocco, 7s. 6d.

JOHN AND CHARLES MOZLEY, 6. Paternoster Row; and JOSEPH MASTERS, 78. New Bond Street.

* * * * *

Just published, gratis.

SCIENTIFIC AND MATHEMATICAL BOOKS.--W. BROWN'S Catalogue of Books, on the Arts, Sciences, and various Branches of the Mathematics, is just published, and may be had gratis on application, or by post on sending 4 penny stamps. It includes many works on Architecture, Astrology, Chess, and other Games, The Fine Arts, Heraldry, Naval and Military Affairs, Numismatics, Penmanship, Typography, &c. &c., marked at greatly reduced prices.

London: W. BROWN, 130. and 131. Old Street.

* * * * *

8vo., cloth, with 18 Illustrations, price 12s. 6d.

CHRONICLES OF CHARTERHOUSE. By a CARTHUSIAN.

"An effort of one of the Carthusians who has recently left the
walls of the School, and is creditable alike to his taste and
industry."--_Spectator_.

"Conceived in the spirit and after the rules of the old Antiquary,
but in its execution there are many signs of the earnest feeling of
the modern Ecclesiologist."--_Ecclesiologist_.

GEORGE BELL, 186. Fleet Street.

* * * * *

12mo., cloth, 3s. 6d.

THOUGHTS ON THE RELATIONS OF MAN TO THE EXTERNAL WORLD.

"A modest volume, containing an amount of thought and philosophy to
which only a very elaborate analysis would do justice. It is a book
of very high merit. We hope its reception will be such as to induce
the author to continue it. Its neglect would be a mark of the
shallowness of the age and its indifference to serious
subjects."--_Guardian_.

London: GEORGE BELL, 186. Fleet Street.

* * * * *

Folio, price 30s.

THE CHORAL RESPONSES AND LITANIES OF THE UNITED CHURCH OF ENGLAND AND IRELAND. Collected from Authentic Sources. By the Rev. JOHN JEBB, A.M., Rector of Peterstow.

The present Work contains a full collection of the harmonized compositions of ancient date, including nine sets of pieces and responses and thirteen litanies, with a few of the more ancient Psalm Chants. They are given in full score, and in their proper cliffs. In the upper part, however, the treble is substituted for the "cantus" or "medius" cliff: and the whole work is so arranged as to suit the library of the musical student, and to be fit for use in the Choir.

MEMOIRS OF MUSICK. By the Hon. ROGER NORTH, Attorney General to James I. Now first printed from the original MS., and edited with copious Notes, by EDWARD F. RIMBAULT, LL.D., F.S.A., &c. &c. Quarto; with a Portrait; handsomely printed in 4to.; half-bound in morocco, 15s.

This interesting MS., so frequently alluded to by Dr. Burney in the course of his "History of Music," has been kindly placed at the disposal of the Council of the Musical Antiquarian Society, by George Townshend Smith, Esq., Organist of Hereford Cathedral. But the Council, not feeling authorised to commence a series of literary publications, yet impressed with the value of the work, have suggested its independent publication to their Secretary, Dr. Rimbault, under whose editorial care it accordingly appears.

It abounds with interesting Musical Anecdotes; the Greek Fables respecting the origin of Music; the rise and progress of Musical Instruments; the early Musical Drama; the origin of our present fashionable Concerts; the first performance of the Beggar's Opera, &c.

A limited number having been printed, few copies remain for sale; unsold copies will shortly be raised in price to 1£. 11s. 6d.

London: GEORGE BELL, 186. Fleet Street.

* * * * *

Exhibition of Works of Ancient and Mediæval Art

* * * * *

COMMITTEE.

PRESIDENT AND CHAIRMAN,

H.R.H. PRINCE ALBERT, K.G., F.R.S., F.S.A.

VICE-PRESIDENTS.

THE EARL OF ENNISKILLEN. RIGHT HON. SIDNEY HERBERT, M.P. SIR JOHN P. BOILEAU, Bart., F.R.S. HENRY THOMAS HOPE, Esq., M.P.

The Duke of Bucclough, K.G. The Duke of Northumberland, F.R.S., F.S.A. The Marquis of Northhampton, F.R.S., F.S.A. The Earl of Jersey. The Earl of Ellesmere, F.S.A. The Bishop of Oxford, F.R.S., V.P.S.A. Lord Albert Denison, M.P., K.C.H., F.S.A. Hon. Robert Curzon, Jun. Hon. James Talbot, M.R.I.A. Sir Philip de Malpas Grey-Egerton, Bart., M.P., F.R.S. The Very Rev. the Dean of Westminster, F.R.S. J.Y. Akerman, Esq., Sec. S.A. Beriah Botfield, Esq., F.R.S., F.S.A. John Bruce, Esq., Treas. S.A. Henry Cole, Esq. J. Payne Collier, Esq., V.P.S.A. William R. Drake, Esq., F.S.A. Augustus W. Franks, Esq., B.A., Hon. Sec. Henry Farrer, Esq. Peter le Neve Foster, Esq. M.A. Edward Hailstone. Esq. F.S.A. M. Rohde Hawkins, Esq. A.J. Beresford Hope, Esq., M.P. Rev. Joseph Hunter, F.S.A. H. Bowyer Lane, Esq. Hollingsworth Magnise, Esq. Octavius S. Morgan, Esq. M.P., F.S.A. Frederic Ouvry, Esq., F.S.A. James Robinson Planche, Esq., F.S.A. Samuel Redgrave, Esq. Henry Shaw, Esq., F.S.A. Edward Smirke, Esq., F.S.A. C. Roach Smith, Esq., F.S.A. Captain W.H. Smyth, R.N., F.R.S., Dir. S.A. William J. Thoms, Esq., F.S.A. William Tite, Esq. F.R.S., F.S.A. John Webb, Esq. Digby Wyatt, Esq.

The above COMMITTEE has been formed for the purpose of organizing an EXHIBITION OF WORKS OF ANCIENT AND MEDIÆVAL ART. The SOCIETY OF ARTS having considered that such an Exhibition is not only likely to be interesting to the public, but also to be especially useful to Manufacturers (with reference to the Exhibition of Works of Industry of all Nations to be held in the year 1851), have placed a portion of their Rooms at the disposal of the Committee, and have agreed to adopt the Exhibition as part of that annually made by the Society, thereby taking all the expenses connected with it upon themselves. The Committee, regarding the Exhibition in the twofold character contemplated by the Society of Arts, have resolved that the objects of ancient and mediæval art of which the Exhibition is to be composed, shall, as far as possible, be selected with reference to their beauty and the practical illustration which they are likely to afford of processes of manufacture; and now beg to invite the possessors of Works deemed suitable for such an exhibition to assist the Committee in their very important office, by entering into communication with them, respecting the nature of any objects which they may be willing to offer for exhibition.

It is requested that all Works proposed for exhibition be punctually sent to the Rooms of the SOCIETY OF ARTS, John Street, Adelphi, on or before the 20th of February, it being imperative that the Exhibition should open early in March.

Letters and Communications should be addressed to AUGUSTUS W. FRANKS, Esq. Honorary Secretary of the Committee, Society of Arts, John Street, Adelphi.

By order of the Committee,

AUGUSTUS W. FRANKS.

Hon. Sec.

* * * * *

Printed by THOMAS CLARK SHAW, of No. 8. New Street Square, at No. 5. New Street Square, in the Parish of St. Bride in the City of London; and published by GEORGE BELL, of No. 186. Fleet Street, in the Parish of St. Dunstan in the West, in the City of London, Publisher, at No. 186. Fleet Street aforesaid.--Saturday, February 16. 1850.