The Almanac

An almanac, spelled almanack in Franklin's time, is a yearly publication which contains information including sun and moon phases, recipes, weather reports and predictions. Many people use the information in an almanac to determine the best time to plant their crops, have surgery or even sell their homes. Along with the usual information, Franklin includes bits of wisdom and sayings in his almanac.

Arse

This British slang word refers to the part of the body that you sit on. This spelling is one example of Franklin's use of colloquial spellings.

Two Precious Jewels

The jewels Franklin refers to are time and good advice.

Groat

A groat is a silver coin worth about four English pennies.

Jole

A jole is a colloquial term for the jowl or lower jaw.

Tomtit

A Tomtit is a small but very active songbird.

Pelf

A term which refers to money or...