26 BOOA'S OF SECRETS. 



The history of this book is curious, for it appeared in two distinct 

 forms and with different title-pages. Examination of the two raises doubts 

 about Tliomas Moulton, of whom nothing is recorded, so far as I have 

 ascertained, except that he was a Dominican friar, and was urged to 

 compose this tract. In the other issue part of Moulton's work is omitted 

 and some of the remainder is claimed by one who speaks of having been 

 in medical practice for many years. This subject, however, must be 

 discussed elsewhere, along with the other contemporary medical works 

 quo'ted above, such as the "Treasure of Pore Men" and the "Treasury of 

 Health." 



The books of receipts for arts and manufactures are in great numbers. 

 Some of them are general and contain directions for all kinds of practical 

 purposes, while others take up one topic only but with fuller detail. 



Amongst the general collections, there is one of the sixteenth century 

 which is too conspicuous to be passed over. It is that which goes by the 

 name of Alexis, or Alessio, of Piedmont.' It presents problems as to its 

 origin and history, it went through quite a number of editions and trans- 

 lations and in its final form contained a great deal of matter. It was the 

 model which subsequent compilers followed and was a reservoir of 

 information which could be drawn on if required, so that in a way the 

 hook is one of the classics of the subject. It is a remarkable gathering, 

 for though it is not devoid of many singular notions, disagreeable remedies, 

 superstitious beliefs, all the more does it throw light on the state of 

 knowledge and skill at the time, the demand there was for information and 

 guidance, and the practical methods which must have been current, and of 

 which, it is likely, only samples found a place in the book. 



It first appeared in 1555, in Italian, and consisted only of the first 

 part or division in six books. A second division followed, possibly by the 



(l) Some years ago I discussed the author and the bibliography of the book in a 

 paper read to the Society of Antiquaries, but as the printing of it was postponed and has 

 never been carried out, I am unable to refer to the lists I then drew up. 



