Library Collections
Oyntments, powders and syrops – a mysterious medical recipe manuscript
Deep in the Manuscripts Cupboard of the Devon and Exeter Institution library lives a small, roughly bound, handwritten book, containing recipes for the treatment of many ailments, from ‘almond milk for a fever’, to ‘a powder against bleeding of lunggs’ and ‘an oyntment against swellings’. There are even instructions to make ‘a distilled water for the plague’. This manuscript contains no clear indications of authorship, and no definite date of creation. Written in different hands, there is the suggestion of this book being passed down, sharing its medicinal wisdom through the generations.
Motherhood In Devon – Exhibition from 14th June – 5th August 2022
Motherhood in Devon is an exhibition which throws light on mothers' lives and experiences of motherhood, both historic and contemporary.
Oscar Wilde’s ‘The Ballad of Reading Gaol’
On Saturday 14 May 2022, Exeter Pride takes to the streets to celebrate lesbian, gay, bisexual, trans and questioning communities, in this 50th anniversary year of the UK’s first Pride […]
Benjamin Donn – Putting Devon on the map
In a fine example of competition as the fuel for innovation and scientific advancement, Benjamin Donn[e] produced A map of the county of Devon, with the city and county of […]
Earth Day 2022
April 22nd 2022 is Earth Day, an annual event which encourages us, collectively and individually, to focus on our relationship with the environment. Since the 1800s, the era in […]
A British Science Week Special: Celebrating the Legacy of William Elford Leach
William Elford Leach (1791-1836) was a prominent zoologist, born in the height of the Age of Enlightenment in Plymouth, Devon. From a young age, he began to collect marine specimens […]
An unusual valentine: Jane Austen’s “Love and Freindship”
Donated in 1977 to the Institution as a generous gift from Chawton House, this small volume of Jane Austen's juvenilia has borne witness to a fascinating history of friendship and correspondence.
Charlotte Chanter’s “Ferny Combes” and the fashioning of the fern craze in Devon
“My humble effort is designed to lead the youthful and cheer the weary spirit, by leading them, with a woman’s hand, to the Ferny Combes and Dells of Devon.” Beautifully […]
Current Vacancies 2024
We are seeking a Venue Coordinator to help deliver our next chapter - join us at an exciting time in our history as we undergo redevelopment and open three stunning Georgian rooms with contemporary and accessible facilities in the heart of Exeter.
