Certain Precepts & Observations

Title Certain Precepts & Observations for Those that Intend to Travell
in A Geographical Description of the World
Creator(s)
Date 1671
Place London
Publisher Printed for William Leake
Type Section in a geographical account
Physical Description 12°, pp. 352
Language English
Content General practical instructions for travels
Instructions on health during travels
Methods and itineraries for travels and travellers
Religious advice regarding travels
NotesShort list of precepts for travellers, which occurs pp. 345-352 of the London, 1671 edition. Many of these heads are deeply practical: don't take too much luggage; leave a friend at home who is in credit with the merchant who furnishes you with money; remember to pray every day; eat a good breakfast and small lunch but dine freely; avoid getting into duels in Italy; and above all exercise caution and discretion. A number of other elements are, however, also drawn from the Apodemic tradition, for example injunctions to make observations on the state, condition, and governance of the countries you travel in, and learn cosmography before you travel. Meriton ends with a proverb on travel included in Florio's 'Second Frutes'.

Meriton's name does not occur on the title page of the first edition. Later editions (with Meriton's name) appeared in 1674 and 1679.

Digital Copy Web Link
EEBO, reproduction of University of Illinois copy.