On Cauls

Cauls are parts of the amniotic membrane enclosing a fetus. Sometimes babies are born with this entire membrane still intact and sometimes with one part. When this happened in the past, it was often thought to be a sign, and the caul itself was regarded a treasure to hold closely for various reasons. See HERE for more on the apotropaic object held inside.

John Dee Painting Hiding Skulls

Read about it at THE GUARDIAN

And some more John Dee craziness: http://hyperallergic.com/267999/reassembling-the-lost-library-of-a-16th-century-magician-who-spoke-to-angels/

Hex Sign Art

See and learn more HERE

Show Me Your Liver

Bronze sheep's liver with writing, known as the Liver of Piacenza. It was likely used by haruspex to read omens.

As Much Cooking Fun as a Bucket Full of Unicorn

Above is a hilarious and somewhat disturbing image showing the remains of a unicorn butchered for some good eatin'. Newly rediscovered at the British Library, the supposedly medieval cookbook also has instructions for feasting on non-magical animals.

(I should probably add that this was posted on April Fools Day)

Hopefully it's not a forgery, like THIS cookbook on banqueting.

Or THIS more modern forgery, on garden parties.