78 A T R E A T I 6 E on 
Chance, and had been known to the Indians in A~ 
merica long before the Arrival of Columbus: But 
from an implacable Hatred which they had con- 
ceived againft the Spaniards , it was kept a great 
Secret till the Year 1640. At which Time a cer- 
tain Indian having received fome Favours from a 
Spaniard , then Governor of Loxa 9 he imparted to 
him the Knowledge of this invaluable Specifick by 
Way of Gratuity. It happened not long after in 
Lima , the Metropolis of Peru , that the Wife of 
Count del Cinchcn , at that Time Vice-Roy of Peru, 
was feized with a violent intermitting Fever, fuch 
as is commonly epidemical in that Country. The 
Governor hearing of this, informed the Count by 
Letter that he knew a Remedy, which, he could 
abfolutely promife, would fpeedily cure his Coun- 
tefs. She finding no Relief from other Medicines, 
readily confented to take it, and to the Surprize 
of all grew well in a very fhort Time. Hence it 
became famous all over the Spani/h Dominions in 
America , under the Name of the Countefs 9 s Powder : 
And the Vice-Roy returning foon after to Spaing a 
Rumour was immediately fpread abroad there 
concerning this new Febrifuge j which was found, 
after frequent Trials, always to anlwer the Ex- 
pectations of the Sick. About the Year 1649, the 
Provincial of the. Jefuits in America , being recall- 
ed to a general Aflembly of his Order at Rome , 
Thirfl, was forced to drink of this ; by which he was per- 
fectly cured both of his Fever and Thirit. Upon this, he re- 
lated the Experiment he had made to others, and prevailed up- 
on fome of his Friends, who were ill of F'evers, to make ufe 
of the fame Remedy ; which accordingly they did, and with 
equal Succefs. But the Trees after fome Time becoming rot- 
ten, and the Water lofmg its bitter Take and its Virtue, they 
made a diligent Search after the Caufe of this Bittemefs, and 
antifebrile Quality in the Water ; and at length traced it up 
to the Bark of thefe Trees, Introd, ad Mat. Med. p. 48, 
3 carried 
