My mother owns a copy of this very same book, probably passed down from her mother and from her mother before that. I too enjoyed poring over this book as a child, devouring its seemingly haphazard collection of information, etiquette and advice from a bygone age. Now a comprehensive selection from the 1884 edition of Enquire Within Upon Everything is available to read online (hosted on the same website that brought us the fabulous South London Tube Map). It's a fascinating glimpse into Victorian society which allows us to see much (or how little) has changed over the last 120 years. Enquire within. And here are a few choice snippets:
29. Relative Economy of the Joints. The Veiny Piece is sold at a moderate price per pound; but, if hung for a day or two, it is very good and very profitable. Where there are a number of servants and children to have an early dinner, this part of beef will be found desirable.
208. The Apostrophe is used to indicate the combining of two words in one,-- as John's book, instead of John, his book; or to show the omission of parts of words, as Glo'ster, for Gloucester--tho' for though. These abbreviations should be avoided as much as possible. Cobbett says the apostrophe "ought to be called the mark of laziness and vulgarity."
329. Beds for the Poor. Beech-tree leaves are recommended for filling the beds of poor persons. They should be gathered on a dry day in the autumn, and perfectly dried. It is said that the smell of them is pleasant and that they will not harbour vermin. They are also very springy.
339. To Ascertain whether a Bed be Aired. Introduce a drinking glass between the sheets for a minute or two, just when the warming-pan is taken out; if the bed be dry, there will only be a slight cloudy appearance on the glass, but if not, the damp of the bed will collect in and on the glass and assume the form of drops--a warning of danger.
470. Allowing Children to Talk incessantly is a mistake. We do not mean to say that they should be restricted from talking in proper seasons, but they should be taught to know when it is proper for them to cease.
842. Leeches and their Application. When Leeches are Applied to a part, it should be thoroughly freed from down or hair by shaving, and all liniments, &c., carefully and effectually cleaned away by washing. If the leech is hungry it will soon bite, but sometimes great difficulty is experienced in getting them to fasten. When this is the case, roll the leech into a little porter, or moisten the surface with a little blood, or milk, or sugar and water. If a Leech be accidentally swallowed, or by any means should get into the body, employ an emetic, or enema of salt and water.
