—On topical memory I can refer your inquirer to Cicero de Oratore, book ii. lxxxvi., lxxxvii., §351-358., and Ad Herenn. iii. xvi.-xx., and Quintil. xi. ii. 2., p. 431. Rollin, ed. 1758.
E. J. S.
Eisell (Vol. iii., p. 397.).
—The following illustration of this word occurs in a MS. (Dd. i. fol. 7.) belonging to the University of Cambridge. The date is about 1350:
"þe iewis herde þis word wel alle,
And anon eysel þei mengid wiþ galle."
It is here manifestly = vinegar.
C. H.
Eisell.—I have long been convinced that the true interpretation of this word might be attained by a reference to the Welsh language; in which may be found the word Aesell (idem sonans with Eisell), implying verjuice, or vinegar. The two words are clearly identical (see page 377.).
GOMER.