_Clerical Costume_ (Vol. ii., p. 22.).--Possibly the answer to this
Query may be found in the passage from Bacon's _History of Life and
Death_, in the third part of the _Instauratio Magna_, which I copy below
from Craik's _Bacon and his Writings_, vol. iii. p. 45.:--
"Some report that they have found great benefit in the
conservation of their health by wearing scarlet waistcoats next
their skin and under their shirts, as well down to their nether
parts as on the upper."
From the quantity of serge bought, as well as from the nature of the
material, I think it likely it might be required for the purpose here
noticed by Bacon, and not for an outer waistcoat.