A BIZARRE “prostitute directory” has resurfaced, with the 1775 publication offering an “impartial” list of Edinburgh’s sex workers of the past.
The directory, titled Ranger’s Impartial List of the Ladies of Pleasure in Edinburgh was published as a book in 1978 but originally authored by James Tytler in the 18th century.
The directory was originally penned anonymously under Tytler’s pseudonym “Ranger”, but the then-30-year-old was revealed as the author at a later date.
Tytler (1745-1804) was a well-known member of the British Gentry, working as an apothecary in Edinburgh, and was the editor of the second edition of the Encyclopaedia Britannica.
Tytler was also the first person in Britain to fly in a hot air balloon in 1784, achieving all of this despite reportedly living as a poor man.
His odd directory gives a detailed look into the underworld of Georgian-era Edinburgh, with detailed descriptions of women and establishments on offer in the capital – which at that time boasted a population of around 70,000.
The bizarre book lists dozens of women providing descriptions and even pictures in some cases.
A total of 66 women are described in the book with their names, ages, locations and bizarrely even their dental hygiene being disclosed.
Tytler’s directory caused quite a stir when it was originally published and has again been brought to light online, causing a mixed reaction among locals.
It was shared to social media yesterday with the caption: “A directory of some of Edinburgh’s prostitutes from 1775.”
The post received over 98 likes and more than 20 comments from shocked locals who were quick to chip in.
One user wrote: “The core of all his recommendations seem to be teeth based.”
Another replied: “A good singing voice also seems to have been an attribute. How times have changed.”
A third said: “Spiritually, the author of this wore a fedora and addressed women as m’lady. Though probably shouldn’t judge the guy too much, he almost certainly had syphilis.”
