AdminHistory | Saltpetre (also known as nitre) is potassium nitrate, a white crystalline substance used in gunpowder, in preserving meat, and medicinally. Chile saltpetre (sodium nitrate) and lime saltpetre (calcium nitrate) also occur. |
CustodialHistory | The manuscript belonged to Sir Thomas Phillipps (1792-1872), baronet, an antiquary and bibliophile whose collection included c60,000 manuscripts of various kinds, some relating to the administration of Swiss towns. Various manuscripts were sold after Sir Thomas's death, some to the German government, and were dispersed to several libraries. Formerly Phillipps MS 3474(3) and Engel MS. |