I can answer part of H. P. W.'s Query. Francis Moore's celebrated Almanack first appeared in 1698. We have this date upon his own confession. Before his Almanack for 1771 is a letter which begins thus:
"Kind Reader,
"This being the 73rd year since my Almanack first appeared to the world, and having for several years presented you with observations that have come to pass to the admiration of many, I have likewise presented you with several hieroglyphics," &c.
Edward F. Rimbault.
That such a personage really did exist there can be little doubt, Bromley (in Engraved Portraits, &c.) gives 1657 as the date of his birth, and says that there was a portrait of him by Drapentier ad vivum. Lysons mentions him as one of the remarkable men who, at different periods, resided at Lambeth, and says that his house was in Calcott's Alley, High Street, then called Back Lane, where he seems to have enlightened his generation in the threefold capacity of astrologer, physician, and schoolmaster.
J. C. B.
Miscellaneous.
NOTES ON BOOKS, SALES, CATALOGUES, ETC.
Professor De Morgan has just furnished a new contribution to L' Art de vérifier les Dates, in the shape of a small but most useful and practical book, entitled The Book of Almanacks, with an Index of Reference, by which the Almanack may be found for every year, whether in the Old Style or New, from any Epoch Ancient or Modern up to A. D. 2000. With means of finding the Day of any New or Full Moon from B. C. 2000 to A. D. 2000. An example will show, better even than this ample title-page, the great utility of this work to the historical enquirer. Walter Scott, speaking of the battle of Bannockburn, which was fought on the day of St. John the Baptist, June 24, 1314, says,