The first Dutch edition of the most popular domestic encyclopaedia of agriculture and house-keeping of the 18th century, written by Noël Chomel (1632-1712), a French agronomist entrusted with the domestic management of the possessions of the abbey at Vincennes, where he acquired all the knowledge necessary for a rural exploitation. The work was translated into Dutch and edited and enlarged by Jan Lodewyk Schuer, who published the Groot algemeen historisch, geographisch, genealogisch en oordeelkundig woordboek (1733), and by Arnoldus Henricus Westerhoff or Westerhovius, rector of the Latin school in Gouda and publisher of the Algemeen kunstwoordenboek der wetenschappen (1734). Westerhoff died while editing the work, and his work was taken over by an anonymous editor.
The book was published in parts, five for the first volume and five for the second. It is enriched with at least 80 folding plates, some made especially for the Dutch edition. The folding engraved plates illustrate the process of distilling, the art of measuring and domestic chemistry. Under the S one also finds the "Secrets" which include water divination, how to extract gold from gilt frames and the "secrets of Hippocrates". Other engravings depict garden designs, plants and even a design for a fireplace. Most of the eighty folding engraved plates, however, illustrate the catching of birds, fish and animals - not only rabbits and hares, but also wolves and foxes, all by means of a wide variety of traps and complicated machines. The text gives mostly advice on the keeping and care of domestic animals, on beekeeping and on the cutting of trees. The Huishoudelyk woordboek is also a cookbook with many recipes for meals and home medicines, although the title doesn't suggest that, and also tips and tricks for keeping one's beauty and health. It remained very popular through the 18th century all through Europe, and also in Japan, where the Dutch translation was much in use. It was even translated into Japanese in the early 19th century.
Good copy; spinw slightly worn. Bibliotheca gastronomica 1073; BMN, p. 169; Ferro (incorrect imprint); Goodman, Dutch impact on Japan, pp. 129-130; Landwehr, Het Nederlandse kookboek 29; Van der Sijs, Verantwoording van de digitale uitgave van het Huishoudelijk woordboek door Noël Chomel (via DBNL).