This Treatise contains some of the Choicest Collections of the Famous Sir Kenelm Digby, some whereof have been wrought by his own hands, some communicated to him by Learned Men of all Nations. I had the Honour for several years to wait upon Sir Kenelm, and to have several of his Manuscripts in my Custody. This choice manual contains rare and profitable Secrets in Philosophy and Chemistry, delivered with more perspicuity and plainness than is yet to be found in any Chemical Book. The student is well advised to have at hand Vol. 21, Alchemical Symbols, since this work is filled with symbols.

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     Sir Kenelm Digby (1603 - 1665) played a lively part in the chemical and alchemical studies of his time. He was an English courtier and diplomat, and a highly respected natural philosopher.

    Digby is the inventor of the modern wine bottle. His manufacturing technique involved a coal furnace, made hotter than usual by the inclusion of a wind tunnel, and a higher ratio of sand to potash and lime than was customary at the time. Digby's technique produced wine bottles that were stronger and more stable than most existing wine bottles, and due to their translucent green or brown color they protected the contents from light.

    His Chemical Secrets gives us considerable insight into ythe studies of science in his time. Throughout the text, translator George Hartman provides commentary on the processes being described.

"I was fortunate in that I had access to the original book printed in 1682, and thus was able to compare it with the R.A.M.S. text. This proved extremely valuable in producing this new edition."        -Philip N. Wheeler