Sweet Dreams

In Shakespeare's day, people used both medicine and magic to fall asleep, get rid of nightmares, and even control their dreams!

Books of recipes and remedies were common items, often kept within a family and handed down between generations. Look at Mary Granville's book on the right side of this page to see an example from the Folger collection. The words "To make one sleepe" are written across the top of the page.  

Controlling Dreams

Wearing diamonds to bed could keep you safe from nightmares—but they might prevent good dreams, too!

To see lions, tigers, wolves, bears, or other wild animals in your dreams, place an ape's heart underneath your pillow.

Amethysts could make you have exciting dreams.

A dragon's tongue boiled in wine prevented bad dreams.

Do you think any of these would work? Why or why not?