Notes and Queries, Vol. IV, Number 109, November 29, 1851: A Medium of Inter-communication for Literary Men, Artists, Antiquaries, Genealogists, etc.Various
History
Notes and Queries, Vol. IV, Number 109, November 29, 1851: A Medium of Inter-communication for Literary Men, Artists, Antiquaries, Genealogists, etc.
Various
Questions and answers -- Periodicals
"One that is fit to keep a Warehouse, be a Steward, or do any
Business that can be supposed an intelligent Man that has been a
Shopkeeper is fit for, and can give any Security that can be
desired, as far as Ten Thousand Pound goes, and has some Estate of
his own, desires an Employment of One hundred Pounds a year, or
upwards. I can give an account of him."
That a man having 10,000_l._ to give as security, and in possession of
an estate, should require a situation of 100_l._ per annum, sounds oddly
enough in our ears. "I can give an account of him," denotes that the
editor was a man well known and duly appreciated. He appears to have
been a scribe useful in many ways. He was known, and knowing.
Friday, February 2, 1693/4.
"A very eminent Brewer, and one I know to be a very honest
Gentleman, wants an Apprentice. I can give an account of him."
In what sense the word "honest" must here be taken it is difficult to
define. As an eminent brewer, we should naturally conclude he must have
been an honest man. He is here very eminent and very honest.
Friday March 16, 1693/4.
"Many Masters want Apprentices, and many Youths want Masters. If
they apply themselves to me, I'll strive to help them. Also for
variety of valuable services."
Here is the editor of a paper offering his help to masters and
apprentices for their mutual good. Let us suppose an advertisement of
this kind appearing in _The Times_ of our own day. Printing-house Square
would not contain a tithe of the individuals who would present
themselves for the reception of this accommodating aid. In such a case
the editors (as it regards their particular duties) would be cyphers,
for a continuous absorption of their time would necessarily occur in the
carrying out of this benevolent offer. This advertisement may be
considered as _multum in parvo_, giving the wants of the many in an
announcement of three or four lines, connecting them with a variety of
services which in those days were thought to be valuable. How greatly
are we assisted by these little incidents in forming correct views of
the state of society at that period.
The next advertisement shows the value set upon the services of one who
was to perform the duties of a clerk, and to play well on the violin.
"If any young Man that plays well on a Violin, and writes a good
Hand, desires a Clerkship, I can help him to Twenty Pounds a
year."
Of course twenty pounds was of more value then than it is now: still it
seems a small sum for the performance of such duties, for twelve months.
Here is musical talent required for the amusement of others, in
combination with the daily duties of a particular profession. An
efficient musician, and a good writer, and all for 20_l._ per annum! We
learn by the editor's "I can help him," his readiness to assist all who
would advertise in his journal, to obtain those employments which their
advertisements specified.
Friday, April 6, 1694.
Public-domain text, read in full here on John Shaqi.
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