A choice collection of rare secrets and experiments in philosophy as also rare and unheard-of medicines, menstruums and alkahests : with the true secret of volatilizing the fixt salt of tartar / collected and experimented by the honourable and truly learned Sir Kenelm Digby, Kt., Chancellour to Her Majesty the Queen-Mother ; hitherto kept secret since his decease, but now published for the good and benefit of the publick by George Hartman.

The Countess of Kents Powder, as it was pre∣pared by Sir Kenelm Digby's Order in his Operatory.

TAke ℥iv. of the black ends of the shares of Crabs, the Sun being in the Sign of Can∣cer, Crabs-eyes, fine Pearls and Corals pre∣pared, of each ℥j. yellow Amber ℥ss. Roots of Contrayerva, Virginian Snake-root, an•• ʒvj. Oriental Bezoar ʒiij. of the Bones that are found in the hearts of Stags ℈iv. Re∣duce all into a subtil Powder; moisten the Crabs Claws and Crabs-eyes, and the Pow∣ders of Pearls and Corals with a little juice of Lemons, to make them ferment a little: Then the next day mix all well together, adding ʒj. of Tincture of Saffron, and pour upon the Mass (when you incorporate it) three or four spoonfuls of Spirit of Honey, or instead thereof you may take Jelly of Harts∣horn, and Jelly of the Skins of Vipers dryed in the shadow. Then add to this Composi∣tion ℥j. of Trochisque of Vipers; grind it all well together to make it well incorporate: Then make it up into Balls, and let them dry, and keep them for Use.

This Powder is a most Excellent Remedy in all Epidemical Distempers, all Malignant, Spotted, and Purple Fevers; to drive out the Small-pox and Measles. It is Sudorifick, and resists all Corruption, and is admirable in a Surfeit. It drives the Venom from the heart, and hinders the Vapours to fly up into the Head and Brain. It drives out by transpi∣ration all bad Humours, corroborates and strengthens Nature. The Dose is from six to twenty, or twenty five grains. In an ex∣tremity of the Plague, one may take from thirty to fourty grains.

Hartman.) Sir K. D. had this Powder always ready by him in his Closet; and I re∣member that many Persons of Quality sent to him for some of it when any of their Chil∣dren had the Small-pox or Measles; and ne∣ver any did miscarry of all those that took it. It is also Excellent against the biting of Mad Dogs, stinging of Vipers, and other Venemosis Beasts.