China and the West

Franklin, Benjamin. Notes on reading an account of travel in China. In : The papers of Benjamin Franklin. Vol. 10 (1966).
These notes in Franklin's land appear to have been memoranda jotted down during the reading of some unidentified account of travel in the Far East. The listing of the eclipses suggests that the date was not earlier than 1762, though Franklin's reading might well have taken place considerably later.
"Painted Candles, of what are they made ?
Vinegar of Liche, what is it ?
A Silversmith and his Apprentice earn 6s. 3d. in 22 Days. Their Provisions allow'd cost 3d. per Day.
Physicians Pay, for a Visit of 4 Miles, in a Chair receives One Mace 4 Candrins. Note the Candrins is for Chair hire. The Mace is 71/2 Sterling 10 Candrins is a Mace.
Oct. 17 1762 between 5 and 6 PM. An Eclipse of the Sun.
Nov. 12 1761 A total Eclipse of the Moon near Canton, between 6 and 10 a Clock PM.
Nov. 2 1762 An Eclipse of the Moon at 4 in the Morning.
Fees paid on a Gift from King of £200 amounted to £235s.6d."