London: Richard Boyle, 1912. First Edition / First Impression. Hardback. Very good condition. A fascinating little volume countering the case that salt is bad. "Use salt, for it is good: but use not too much," this is the central maxim built around the premise that, despite the fall of man, honey and salt are plentiful (and good according to the bible, but not according to slugs). The book then talks of the virtues of salt including its representation of fidelity and friendship. Our author then proceeds to refer to the most useful component of fertilising materials as their 'saltish' parts, and suggests that salt, used correctly, is more effective and practical than dung, ashes, lime and marl. Of course, it's the 17th century so scientific rigour is not expected (much like in the 2020s). But, there is some logic be reversing Christ's statement that salt which has lost its savour is unfit for either land or dunghillm the collorary suggesting that good salt is good for both. Whilst the thesis does rely on scripture, it should be noted that the testing and experiment is key. The superstitious section is of most interest, discussing the bad luck associated with spilling salt and the need to salt a newborn baby. An interesting one I'd never heard before was the act of the salt being the first thing on the table and the last thing removed, this would welcome the guests "feasts might have an end, but love should last for ever" - slat preserves relationships as it preserves food. A slightly unexpected claim though is that passing salt to another man's wife is a bit of a red flag, as it could imply too much intimacy. Our author even goes as far as to describe salt being to the deceased as a soul is to the living. And of course, as per Aristotle, salt promotes conception.

58pp. Leaves measure 135mm x 180mm. Recently bound in quarter calf over marbled boards. Collector's plate to the front pastedown (Fox Pointe Private Collection). New endpapers with the binding. A couple of ink notes to the leaves, a few chips to the edges, some ageing and toning. seemingly trimmed likely when rebound. Water staining to the rear half of the book, to the lower forecorner. Nearly all the leaves have been remounted when bound, absorbing some of the inner margin. First and final blanks absent. Final page quite stained, but legible. Not perfect, but in very good shape overall. Item #13562