Red Hair Troubles
In the late 17th century, a gentleman was distressed by his red hair, fearing it would repel the woman he loved. He sought advice on how to dye his hair brown
for a limited time. The dilemma of changing one's appearance to gain affection was a prevalent theme. The gentleman hoped to temporarily alter his hair to win over his beloved, worried that if the change wasn't permanent, his efforts might be undone once they were married. His request highlights the importance of appearance and societal expectations of the time, where physical traits could significantly influence romantic prospects.
Dyeing Hair Secrets
The advice column revealed solutions to the red hair problem. One suggestion was to shave the head entirely and wear a wig of a more pleasing color, a practice not uncommon in the era. Another approach involved consulting a skilled person. An advertisement announced a gentlewoman who had mastered hair dyeing techniques, promising to transform red hair to brown or black, with the color lasting even after washing. The availability of hair-dyeing methods demonstrated that people had the means to alter their appearance, offering choices for personal expression and social acceptance, much like today.
Coffee's Courtship Conundrums
A man's courtship was troubled by his beloved's excessive coffee consumption. He believed her coffee habit contributed to her coolness towards him. His plea illustrates how societal norms and personal habits could impact romantic relationships. His concern revolved around the potential consequences of her coffee consumption on her attitude towards him. This underscores that behaviors or habits could have considerable effects on relationship dynamics. The advice sought solutions to mitigate the effects of her coffee consumption and improve their chances of a successful courtship.
Coffee's Consequences Explained
Advice given to the coffee-courting man proposed several strategies. One approach suggested that his friends should try to persuade the woman about the harmful effects of coffee, emphasizing how it could age her and damage her teeth. Conversely, they suggested emphasizing the benefits of chocolate. A different method advocated for him to consume an equal amount of coffee, in the hope that she would develop pity and stop drinking it for fear of damaging his health. If she intended to marry him, this could work because she would be concerned about setting a bad example. This shows how societal influences and individual choices could dictate romantic relationships.
Tobacco, Coffee, Fertility
The column also addressed questions about coffee and tobacco's impact on reproduction. The advice given acknowledged the positive aspects of both substances when taken in moderation. However, it warned that excessive coffee consumption could be detrimental to fertility. This was illustrated by the example of a woman whose children were born with health problems. This information emphasized the need for balance and restraint, highlighting that excessive intake of certain substances might impair reproductive health. The era's understanding of health and fertility shaped individual habits and choices, emphasizing the importance of moderation.
