How to Get a Manicure, c. 1150

manuscript illustration of bees at hives Tacuinum sanitatis (14th c., Biblioteca Casanatense)

One who has very ugly nails should smear them with liquid from the little bladder of the bumblebee and tie it with a band. He should do this until they become beautiful.

Hildegard of Bingen, Physica (trans. Priscilla Throop)

Better make sure your beautician is also trained in entomology.

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Anonymous
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10 years ago

I didn't know Hildegard of Bingen gave beauty advice on top of the science, music and playwriting - and terrifying the men in the Church. Amazingly versatile lady!

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Anonymous
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10 years ago

How does one find the "little bladder" of the Bumble Bee?
Surely that would involve killing the beautiful little creature?

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