Mrs. Beeton - who died at about 29 - is most interesting about hiring help and 19th century medicine. Her remedies are quite interesting and un-quacklike!
I have several 18th century cookbooks but they are very similar and, as you suggest, none too helpful in terms of directions. It’s like reading an early Elizabeth David recipe.
I happen to love childlike food like Sloppy Joes. But it causes me the worst indigestion (if you forgive me for mentioning the human body!!!) Perhaps I’m not cooking down the tomato sauce enough?! or braising the onions? But it is so simple, delicious and childlike - not sophisticated but wonderful after a hard day at work when it’s raining and the wind is blowing.
An old chef from St Louis showed me a trick to reduce acidity in any tomato-based sauce: peel and toss in a whole potato while cooking the sauce. Works like a charm.