Hornbook

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A hornbook was used for writing practice. Letters or words were protected by a transparent layer of horn and traced over. This example dates from the late 18th century.

The hornbook has a short wooden handle. The transparent layer of horn is attached with narrow brass strips. Underneath the horn plate are several rows of letters and a row of words to copy.

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• Online ID: 000-100-045-916-C
• Image Rights Holder: National Museums Scotland
• Project: National Museums Scotland
  Project description   View all records in project
• Ref: National Museums Scotland  H.OA 164
• Date: Late 18th century
  
• Material: Horn; brass strips; wood handle
  
• Dimensions: 195 mm x 78 mm
  
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• Description: Hornbook with a short handle of wood, the horn plate affixed with the aid of narrow brass strips
  
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