Polly Swan Chea

Please tell us about your research project.

I am a student (élève fonctionnaire stagiaire) at the École Normale Supérieure de Lyon where I am currently in the second year of my master’s in social sciences, specializing in early modern history.

My research looks at the practices of quantification in the kitchen in 18th century England. More precisely, I look at how people used numbers and mathematical operations to measure time, ingredients and temperatures when cooking food. By focusing on the domestic space of the kitchen, this project aims at understanding how numbers and mathematics were embedded in people’s everyday lives, and specifically women’s. I am thus examining printed cookbooks, manuscript recipe books and cooking equipment to understand in which cases numbers were used, by whom and why.

A first part of this research focuses on working out if recipes became more precise, with a greater use of numbers, throughout the century. A second part will examine whether some recipes rely more often on measures than others, and the determinants of this precision, such as the use of specific cooking techniques or ingredients. A third part will be dedicated to the comparison between printed and manuscript recipes to better understand different motivations behind the use of numbers, such as the communication of information, the performance of scientificity and thrifty household management. A special attention will be given throughout to the identity and socio-economical characteristics of the recipes’ authors.

Could you please tell us a bit more about your scholarship/exchange programme?

I will be at the University of Oxford for the Hilary and Trinity terms thanks to the exchange programme between the ENS de Lyon and the Maison Française d’Oxford. During my stay, I will be enjoying the vibrant academic life here as well as conducting archival work.

First impressions of Oxford/the University?

Oxford is such an incredible city, with an amazing architecture and beautiful libraries. I look forward to discovering new facets of the town as I become familiar with it and the seasons change.

The Maison Française d’Oxford in particular offers an ideal environment and community to work and reflect upon my academic future.