Enlarge Image Book: Mrs. Lydia Green Abell, The Skillful Housewife’s Book: or Complete Guide to Domestic Cookery, Taste, Comfort and Economy, 1853. About this image: This frontispiece from Mrs. Lydia Abell's ladies guide, "The Skillful Housewife's Book", depicted many duties of the nineteenth century homemaker. Subjects: The Skillful Housewife's Guide ; Dining ; Raising children Enlarge Image Book: Mrs. Lydia Green Abell, The Skillful Housewife’s Book: or Complete Guide to Domestic Cookery, Taste, Comfort and Economy, 1853. About this image: The title page of "The Skillful Housewife's Book" Subjects: The Skillful Housewife's Guide Enlarge Image Book: Mrs. Lydia Green Abell, The Skillful Housewife’s Book: or Complete Guide to Domestic Cookery, Taste, Comfort and Economy, 1853. About this image: This interesting page prescribed household remedies for various poisons, including lead and opium. Image Caption: "A Few Choice Medical Recipes" Subjects: The Skillful Housewife's Guide ; Care of the sick