Le Mercure Galant. Juillet, 1688. This periodical, which we shall have occasion so frequently to quote, was begun in 1672, and continued to July, 1716. It comprises, with the Extraordinaires, 571 vols. in 12mo.
Le Mercure de France, from 1717 to 1792, consists of 777 vols.—Brunet. Manuel de Libraire.
Le Mercure Galant.
It was the custom, at the birth of a Dauphin, for the papal nuncio to go to the palace and present to the new-born child "les langes benites," or consecrated layette, on behalf of his Holiness the Pope. The shirts, handkerchiefs, and other linen, were by half-dozens, and trimmed with the richest point. This custom dates as early as the birth of Louis XIII. Mercier describes the ceremony of carrying the layette to Versailles in the time of Louis XV.—Vie du Dauphin, père de Louis XVI. Paris, 1858.
In the Lancaster state bedroom, at Fonthill, was sold in 1823: "A state bed quilt of Brussels point, for 100 guineas, and a Brussels toilet cover for 30 guineas."—Fonthill. Sale Catalogue.
"1694. Une toilette de satin violet picquée garny d'un point d'Espagne d'or à deux carreaux de mesme satin et aussi piqué."—Inv. de Mgr. de la Vrillière, Patriarche, Archevêque de Bourges. Bib. Nat.
"1743. Une toilette et son bonhomme garnie d'une vieille dentelle d'Angleterre."—Inv. de la Duchesse de Bourbon.