From the hair of a famous dead poet to botanical ornaments and meat pies, the subjects of this book are dynamic, organic artifacts. A cross-disciplinary collection of essays, Organic Supplements examines the interlaced relationships between natural things and human beings in early modern and eighteenth-century Europe. The material qualities of things as living organisms-and things that originate from living organisms- enabled a range of critical actions and experiences to take place for the people who wore, used, consumed, or perceived them.

AcknowledgmentsIntroduction: Process and Connection / Miriam Jacobson and Julie ParkPart I. Inscription and IncorporationFeather, Flourish and Flow: Handwriting's Organic Technology / Julie ParkThe Flower of Ointments and Early Modern Transcorporeality / Rebecca LarocheThe Paris Opéra as a Vibrating Body: Feeling Pygmalion's Kiss / Kevin LambertPart II. Interface and MergerGorgonick Spirits: Myth, Figuration, and Mineral Vivency in the Writings of Thomas Browne / Jessica WolfeThings with Kid Gloves / Lynn FestaVegetable Loves: Botanical Enthrallment in Early Modern Poetry / Miriam JacobsonPart III. Vitality and DecayKnowing the World through Rococo Ornamental Prints / Michael YonanFingers in the Pie: Baked Meats, Adultery, and Adulteration / Diane PurkissMilton's Hair / Jayne LewisAfterword: Virtuous Properties of the Organic Supplement / Julia Reinhard LuptonNotes on ContributorsIndex