Topic: mystery drinking object.

[Lustrousstone]

While trying to find something on hyacinth vases, I found this with its helpful second page illustration

Hopefully the link will work

[ju1i3]

It certainly makes it clear how they were used

[Paul S.]

'do-it-yourself' expressing - and very ingenious indeed.      We used to syphon petrol from the car a bit like that.      However, I can't quite fathom what is going on in woood cut No. 6 - and the German is beyond me.   Looks like someone is presenting some milk to a mother perhaps, or is the seated woman (she's the one holding up the magnifying glass) giving away some milk.      I can see words like Kindes and Mutterleib which look as though they are self-explanatory.  Anyway, some of them have been to a party, because they are still playing their instruments.     thanks to Lustrousstone for sharing this interesting tit-bit    

[krsilber]

Great link, and very interesting prints and article.  The one Paul refers to says,  "Shown here is the celebration of the baby's first movement.  From the 'book of the art, through which worldly man may become spiritual.'"  Not sure what mom's holding - a mirror?  There's an interesting illustration of baby bottle-type things near the middle of the article - vessels with claspable tops and tubes sticking out.

[Paul S.]

thanks for your translation Kristi - and I have looked again at the illustration, although don't think I'm a lot wiser as to what exactly is going on.    The entire article looks very interesting - just a shame I can't read German.      However, it was for the second page illustration/explanation re the use of these pieces, that Lustrousstone's contribution was very helpful.

[krsilber]

Yes, it is indeed interesting!  A detailed account of pregnancy, birth, and breast feeding in the middle ages, from the mixtures of herbs used in various stages, to where they cut the cord and what it was tied with, to the relative mortality of infants under the care of a wet nurse in the child's home vs. with her family.  You find the dangedest things looking for info on hyacinth vases.

[ju1i3]

I didn't think it was that detailed. To read it in English just copy it into Google Translate.

[Paul S.]

thanks very much ju1i3  -  I am indeed ignorant of the ways of the www - such wonders of the modern age never cease to amaze me...........alternatively, of course, perhaps I just need to spend more time in front of the screen          I take it that they have a translator on hand for most of the day and night

[krsilber]

I tried Google Translate (that's a new one to me!  No idea there was such a tool), and it said the doc was too large.  It is indeed detailed.  Even tells the methods and implements midwives used to get a stillborn fetus out. I found it especially interesting that they knew of the benefits of breast milk in making the baby strong and resistant to disease.  Apparently they also knew the importance of the bond developed through breastfeeding, though it didn't stop some families from getting wet nurses.  Children were nursed until they were 2.

[krsilber]

sorry, that was probably more graphic than anyone needed.  Not to mention off topic.