P. T. W.
* * * * *
CURIOUS SCRAPS.
_(For the Mirror.)_
The first dissection on record, is one in which Democritus of Obdera,
was engaged, in order to ascertain the sources and course of the
bile.--It was the custom among the Egyptians, to carry about at their
feasts a skeleton, least their guests, in the midst of feasting and
merriment, should forget the frail tenure of life and its enjoyments.
The most ancient eclipse upon record, was observed by the Chaldeans 721
years before the Christian era, and recorded by Ptolemy. The observation
was made at Babylon the 19th of March.--In ancient days, for want of
parchment to draw deeds upon, great estates were frequently conveyed
from one family to another only by the ceremony of a turf and a stone,
delivered before witnesses, and without any written agreement.--It is
singular, that by the Doomsday Book, as quoted by Camden, there appears
to have been in Lincoln, when that survey was taken, no less than 1070
"inns for entertainment."--Henry I., about the year 1125, caused to be
made a standard yard, from the length of his own arm, in order to
prevent frauds in the measurement of cloth.
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