MARGUERITE DE LA SABLIÈRE

FRENCH, 1640-93

Well-known as one of the most accomplished and intellectual women in Paris, Madame de la Sablière is credited with being the first person to add milk to her tea, which had previously always been drunk without. It’s said she first did this in order to protect her precious porcelain cups from the hot liquid, and the habit was unusual and noteworthy enough at the time for her friend Madame de Sévigné to mention it in one of her celebrated letters.