Michael Murphy was actually born over the border in Wexford and he kept a book that became known as "Michael Murphys Common day book"he did of course share some gen details which I have noted But as hey belong on the Wexford List guess I better toss them over the border to them. But some of the recipes he included were too much fun not to share with you, and I am aware there are rats in all counties even Wicklow, along with race horse etc so maybe some of your ancestors have used these recipes. 1- For those of you wishing to raise a good race horse perhaps this is what is missing. 2 oz Anniseeds, 1 oz. ground ginger, 3-4 eggs. Beat them together in a quart of beer and drench the horse with it immediately before running. 3- To attract rats : 6 Drips Oil Of Lignam, 6 Drops Oil Of Caraway, 6 Drops Oil Cinnamon, 6 Grains Musk, All To Be Put In Small Viol For 4 Days Then To Be Used With A Feather-J Savage ( Why Would You Want To Attract Rats? And He apparently States Who He Received The Recipe's From) 4- Mr Walter Redmond Tullow- Revd John Welsleys receipt for Blood spitting- Take half a teaspoon of Barbadoes tar on a lump of sugar at night. 6-Ginger Beer 1½ ozs. Bruised ginger, 1 do Cream of Tartar, 1lb. of Lump Sugar, Pour them into a gallon of boiling water when cold add a spoonful of yeast, let whole stand till next morning then skim it bottle it in 3 days in a cool place before use 9-1824 Cash paid for Messrs. Thompson and Co. Oct 9th Pd for 2 paint brushes2s.4d. For 1lb of Oaker 3d. For two paint brushes, 1s.8d. Oct 18th for a sweeping brush 10.d ( what would they cost now?) 16-: For Fishing: Pound 1 oz of Coculus Indicus Berries In a Mortar very fine get A little Safron in about ½ a pint of water or as Much as will Soften the Berries. Stir them in a Kettle Twice A day for 2 days get as Much good Malt Whiskey as will wet the Berries put Your worms therein 2 hours before You fish watch them well least the strength of the liquor will kill them which it is Sure to do if they remain More than 2 hours in it - The above is the best receipt in use or known at present. ( NOW thats a fishing tonic if ever you have read one ) 17-: For Desyntery.(sic) 2 drachms of Nitrous Acid, 2 Grains of opium, In 2 ounces of Cinnamon water one tea Spoonful to be taken four times in the day. 7th Decr 1826. From Doctor L. Murphy. 19-: For a cold. Take a handfull of horsehound put it into 2 quarts of Water boil it down to one half Then strain it put in some honey put it on the fire to incorporate Then add a little old rum and cork it up - Take half a tea spoon full in a cup full of warm milk fasting, and another at Noon and in the evening. An infallible cure. ( * I would rather have the cold I think ) 20-: Fish Charming. You may Charm Trout perch or Roach with Assafelida if yor(sic) Sprinkle the Substance on the Surface of the water you will presently see the fish crowding to the Spot and even if you rub your hands well with it and gradually approaching the water gently immerse them in it you will ere long find the fish attracted Towards you and losing their Natural Timidity actually permit themselves to be taken. 21-Cats may be Charmed by Valerian. 22-Dogs may be Charmed by Galbanum. 25 Mr J McDonough Chief of the Cherokees U.S.A. for dropsy And Rheumatism-7th July 1865-1/4 lb Sarsaparilla root, ¼ lb sarraras, ¼ lb yellow dock root, ¼ lb Senna leaves, ¼ lb ginger root, 2 ounces Manne . Maccerate the above ingredients in a mortar put them in an earthen pipkin with 5 pints of soft water, and reduce it to a slow boiling to two quarts -strain it and add half a pint of best Brandy when Cold with ¼ lb lump sugar . Dose-one wine glass full three times a day for an adult. Presented to M D Murphy by Mr Robt. Dwyer. I hold no responsibilities if any one dares to try and concoct these mixtures, and I simply refuse to try them, I may make an exception for the ginger beer. I in fact wonder if some of these herbs that have been used, actually grow in the Countryside in Ireland?? Cheers have a nice weekend all wherever you are stay safe CARA