Shameful and Highly Disgusting

"Consider every species of indelicacy in conversation, as shameful in itself, and as highly disgusting to us. All double entendre is of this sort."

This sage advice, which I'm afraid I have sadly neglected, is from Dr John Gregory (1724–1773), Professor of the Practice of Physic at the University of Edinburgh, and it comes from a small volume of advice and guidance he wrote for his daughters in 1761, entitled A Father’s Legacy to his Daughters. You can read some more gems of advice from Dr Gregory on the University of Strathclyde Archives "Item of the Month" page here. I also particularly liked:

Gregory on men and marriage:

Procure from your friends every necessary piece of information concerning him; such as his character for sense, his morals, his temper, fortune, and family; whether it is distinguished for parts and worth, or for folly, knavery, and loathsome hereditary diseases.

Gregory on socialising:

Wit is the most dangerous talent you can possess. It must be guarded with great discretion and good-nature, otherwise it will create you many enemies.

I have no idea if I posses any wit but, as far as double entendres go, I fear Dr Gregory would regard me as a lost cause!