Chapter Q to Queen of Song of Q by Brewer's Readers Handbook

Dr. Rezio of Barataria would allow Sancho Panza to eat only “a few wafers, and a thin slice or two of quince.”—Cervantes: Don Quixote, II. iii. 10 (1615).

(10) Hannes (Dr.), knighted by queen Anne. He was born in Oxfordshire.

The queen, like heaven, shines equally on all,
Her favours now without distinction fall,
Great Read, and slender Hannes, both knighted, show
That none their honours shall to merit owe.
   —A Political Squib of the Period.

(11) Katerfelto (Dr.), the influenza doctor. He was a tall man, dressed in a black gown and square cap; and was originally a common soldier in the Prussian service. In 1782 he exhibited in London his solar microscope, and created immense excitement by showing the infusoria of muddy water, etc. Dr. Katerfelto used to say that he was the greatest philosopher since the time of sir Isaac Newton.

And Katerfelto with his hair on end,
At his own wonders, wondering for his bread.
   —Cowper: The Task (“The Winter Evening,” 1782).

(12) Lilly (William), astrologer, born at Diseworth, in Leicestershire (1602–1681).

(13) Long (St. John), born at New-castle, began life as an artist; but after-wards set up as a curer of consumption, rheumatism, and gout. His profession brought him wealth, and he lived in Harley Street, Cavendish Square. St. John Long died of rapid consumption (1798–1834).

(14) Mapp (Mrs.), bone-setter. She was born at Epsom, and at one time was very rich; but she died in great poverty at her lodgings in Seven Dials, 1737.

(Hogarth has introduced her in his heraldic picture, “The Undertakers’ Arms.” She is the middle of the three figures at the top, and is holding a bone in her hand.)

(15) Moore (Mr. John), of the Pestle and Mortar, Abchurch Lane, immortalized by his “worm-powder,”and called the “Worm-Doctor”(died 1733).

Vain is thy art, thy powder vain,
Since worms shall eat e’en thee.
   —Pope: To Mr. John Moore (1733).

(16) Morison (Dr.), famous for his pills (consisting of aloes and cream of tartar, equal parts). Professor Holloway, Dr. Morison, Rowland maker of hair oil and tooth-powder, and Pear maker of “Pear’s soap,” were the greatest advertisers of the nineteenth century.

(17) Nostradamus (Michael), a physician and astrologer, born December 14, 1503, at St. Remy, in Provence. He took his doctor’s degree at Montpelier, after which he practised at various places, particularly Aix and Lyons, where he was successfull in the cure of a pestilential disease. He pretended to the gift of prophecy, and one of his prognostications bore so remarkable an allusion to the death of Henry II., that Nostradamus received many presents, and was appointed physician to the court. He died July 2, 1566. His Centuries of Prophecies have been published in English.

(18) Partridge, cobbler, astrologer, almanac-maker, and quack (died 1708).

Weep, all you customers who use
His pills, his almanacs, or shoes.
   —Swift: Elegy, etc.

(19) Read (Sir William), a tailor, who set up for oculist, and was knighted by queen Anne. This quack was employed both by queen Anne and George I. Sir William could not read. He professed to cure wens, wry-necks, and hare-lips (died 1715).

…none their honours shall to merit owe—
That popish doctrine is exploded quite,
Or Ralph had been no duke, and Read no knight;
That none may virtue or their learning plead,
This hath no grace, and that can hardly read.
   —A Political Squib of the Period.