occupational nomenclatures

[Stephen Thomas]

There's an essay by Robert Louis Stevenson describing an incident in which a man falls off a roof in Edinburgh and is badly injured. At the hospital he gives his occupation as 'Tapper'. Not knowing what this means, the hospital staff quiz him further and he tells them that a Tapper is someone employed by roofers to make banging noises in order to mislead the householders when the roofers are in the pub. He says it's pleasant work except when there's a big job on and he has to mimic the sound of loads of workers.

[Steven Russell]

Grinder dealer

Could this be one who supplies grinding equipment e.g. to knife and scissor sharpeners?

Best wishes,
Steve.

[protohistorian]

**** finder?

I realize that I am handicapped by a natural immaturity, but there are not many Victorian books that can make me giggle. I am assuming that since urban horticulture was commonplace, it has something to do with wayward fowl. The edit is to point out that I am apparently not the only one. Dave

[protohistorian]

hair merchant?

Not to be confused with horsehair merchant. I have it placed in retail, but I am curious as to the type of hair being sold. Dave

[John Savage]

Hi Dave,

Horsehair was often used in the upholstery of chairs, although today we would probably use foam rubber. As for human hair I guess this might have been used for making wigs.

Hope this helps.

Rgds
John
(Never mind the Fish - the answer was 42)

[protohistorian]

Thanks John. The horesehair I get,and it has a specified nomenclature. The hair merchant, puzzles me? Why not specify? Dave

[protohistorian]

another one for my curiosity

Colour men? There were 2 and both are co-located with oilmen. Dave

[John Savage]

Hi Dave,

Colour man = a man who makes paint, often oil based. Thus Artists Colour man is one who makes paint for artists.

Rgds
John

[protohistorian]

Thanks John! The area is more interesting every day!