A Receipte for Dyeing Scarlet

1800. Crease folds. Minor toning and soiling due to age.. A handwritten recipe for dyeing cloth scarlet. The unknown author refers to the instructions as a "receipte" which is a misspelling of the word 'receipt', which historically was used instead of the more relatively modern word of 'recipe'. Both words are derived from the Latin verb 'recipere' which means to 'receive or take'. The recipe provides detailed instructions on how to dye "7 lbs of cloth or other goods a beautiful scarlet as ever was imported". It uses a variety of traditional ingredients such as aqua fortis duplex, cochineal, and turmeric. While the majority of the recipe is written in pen, there is a addendum in pencil which provides an alteration in the recipe for dying yarn. Single fold page. Handwritten. Measures 8 3/4" x 6 1/4" (folded), 12 1/2" x 8 3/4" (unfolded).