TO BOIL A CABBAGE 
AMERICAN COOKERY 1793
If your cabbage is large, cut it into quarters; if small, cut it in halves; let your water boil, then put in a little salt; and next add your cabbage with a little more salt upon it; make your water boil as soon as possible, and when the stalk is tender, take up your cabbage into a collender, or sieve, that the water may drain off, and send it to table as hot as you can. Savoys are dressed in the same manner.
How to cook cabbage in microwave
Remove the tough outer leaves, and then wash the cabbage under cool, running water. Place the cabbage on a cutting board and use a large, sharp knife to cut the head in half through the core. Cut the two halves lengthwise to make quarters, and then cut out the core. You can also shred the cabbage. Place the cabbage in a glass or other microwave-safe dish with a small amount of water. Cover the dish with a lid or microwave-safe plastic wrap. Cook the cabbage on high power for four to six minutes. Stir an...