Genre:

Poetry

Subjects:

Medical Treatment, Disease, Domestic Economy

    Following news of adulterated hair treatments (discussed in PU1/56/2/4 and , PU1/56/3/2), the poet warns elderly women and men not to wash their hair in 'darkening wash', explaining that it is a 'snare / Contrived with deleterious lead' that may result in loss of teeth. Points out that applying 'liquid iron' and 'juice of tan' to the scalp 'may not' be harmful, but suggests using 'salts of Mars' and 'walnut's liquor' as a 'safe disguise' to 'grizzled hair'. Notes the existence of mushrooms whose 'ketchup' can serve similar purposes, but warns that it is better to leave this 'pate / To grow as Nature wills it'. Concludes by urging the need for a sound 'philosophy of health' which when 'applied / May help you to preserve your brains'.