A to Z Historic Trivia - Q

Q

Quacksalver. Now there’s a word I bet you haven’t heard in a while, if ever. As far back as 1579, folks were sometimes skeptical of medical professionals. Isn’t it good to know there’s a lot more education required these days?

Quackenbush Rifles were created by Henry (not to be confused with Dennis) Quackenbush and sold as “Boys Rifles” between 1893 and 1920, along with several other models of air guns. Depending on model and condition, these rifles fetch a pretty (resale) penny.

Quicksilver is another name for mercury. Used as a verb, it could mean rapid or unpredictable movement or change. The Latin term is literally living silver. I may have to rethink the title of one of my books. Sigh.

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Fresh out of art school, an ambitious young Londoner named Mary Quant began designing and making such unique clothing for herself that others couldn’t help noticing. Orders poured in, and before long (1955), she opened a boutique called Bazaar on Kings Road. With a focus on accessible clothing at an affordable price, her clients were more like colleagues to whom she gave full credit for the iconic Mini Skirt idea she claims they came up with as they demanded the creation of shorter and shorter skirt and dress lengths.

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When I poked around for Quid Pro Quo examples – other than the sort we seem to always hear about, I didn’t expect to be surprised or interested in the results. Then, I ran across a paragraph I doubt I’ll ever forget:

In 1654, the expression quid pro quo was used to generally refer to something done for personal gain or with the expectation of reciprocity in the text The Reign of King Charles: An History Disposed into Annalls, with a somewhat positive connotation. It refers to the covenant with Christ as something "that prove not a nudum pactum, a naked contract, without quid pro quo." Believers in Christ have to do their part in return, namely "forsake the devil and all his works."   Wikipedia.org

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I feel reasonably fortunate having never seen a porcupine up close. Did you know that each quill is equipped with a topical antibiotic to prevent accidental infection of the porcupine? Evidently, you never know where those barbs are going go, and each quill has overlapping barbs, which makes removal all the more painful.

Happy Monday!