Broadside entitled 'An Elegy'

Commentary

This memorial notice begins: 'AN / ELEGY / On the much to be Lamented Death, / OF / Francis Masterton Apothecary.' The elegy begins: 'COME thou thy mournful Muse to his great Name.'

There are other elegies upon the death of surgeons contained in the National Library of Scotland's collection. It is curious to note, however, that the title on this sheet is identical to most of the other sheets praising surgeons. This illustrates the speed and financial ethic which drove this industry. It would seem that the printer kept a plate made up and simply changed the name and verse for each new commission.

Broadsides are single sheets of paper, printed on one side, to be read unfolded. They carried public information often for entertainment, such as memorials and eulogies. Cheaply available, they were sold on the streets by pedlars and chapmen. Although many of the people are now lost to researchers, their stories offer a valuable insight into many aspects of the society they were published in.

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