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.

A most Precious Balsam of great Vertue.

TAke Turpentine lbij. Lignum Aloes ℥ss. Mastick, Cloves, Galingal, Cinnamon, Zedoar, Nutmegs, Cubebs, Olibanum, ana ℥j. Roots of Master-wort, of Angelica, ana ℥ss. Figs cut small six in number, Gum Tra∣gacanth ℥ij. Bruise all the Ingredients, and mix them well together, then put them into a Glass Retort, and having warmed the Tur∣pentine to make it run, pour it upon the In∣gredients, and distill in Sand: Separate the Balsam from a little flegm that will come over with it.

1. This Balsam is a very great preserver of the Health of Mankind, taking every Morn∣ing three or four drops of it in a little Beer or Wine; it strengthens the Stomach, and causeth a good Digestion, and a good Ap∣petite.

2. It strengthens the Brain and Memory.

3. It is good against Deafness, pouring two or three drops every day into the Ear, and stopping the Ear with a little black-wool, moistened with a little of this Balsam.

4. It helpeth Rheumatick Eyes, takes a∣way the heat and pain thereof, and strengthens the Sight, anointing the Eye-lids there∣with.

5. It Cureth all sorts of Scabs, Itches, and Scall'd Heads, be they never so bad.

6. It Cures Fistulaes, the Cancer, Wolf, and all other gnawing Diseases; and Cures all sorts of Wounds, whether old or new.

7. It Cures the Gonorrhaea, the Whites in Women, and strengthens the Reins.

8. It is good against the Biting of a Mad Dog, Vipers, and other Venemous Beasts, being both inwardly and outwardly applyed; and is a great Preservative against the Plague.

9. It is very good against the Cramp, Numbness, aking, and pain in the Joynts, contraction and weakness of the Nerves com∣ing from a cold Cause, as Experience testi∣fieth.

10. It sweetens an unsavoury or stinking Breath, and suffers no Worms to breed in the Stomach and Bowels.

11. It is said, that if a dead Corps be Embalmed with it, it will never rot nor consume, nor any Linnen about it that is imbibed with this Balsam: And that for a tryal, one should take a piece of Flesh, and warm it well against the fire, then rub it over with this Balsam, and let it be well imbibed with it, rubbing it with it three or four times. Then lay it away, and it will remain sound and fresh, so that it may be eaten a twelve Month after.