DIGBY

DIGBY, SIR KENELM - A LATE DISCOURSE MADE IN A SOLEMNE ASSEMBLY OF NOBLES AND LEARNED MEN AT MONTPELLIER IN FRANCE Touching the Cure of Wounds by the Powder of Sympathy; with Instructions how to make the said Powder; whereby many other Secrets of Nature are unfolded. London, R Lownes, 1658. First edition, 12mo, lacking A1 blank as often (title is A2), collation as per the British Library copy, final advert leaf, title repaired to outer margin and cropped a little close at the head, 19th century half calf re-backed retaining the spine, surface wear to boards. Digby had a strong interest in astrology and alchemy which he studied in the 1630's with Van Dyck. His 'Powder of Sympathy' in the title referred to the manufacture of a powder using astrological techniques which was then applied, not to the injury of the body, but to whatever had caused the injury - for example the point of a sword. ESTC R27859