Manuscript volume, 18th century, containing a treatise on saltpetre.
Saltpetre Treatise
This material is held atUniversity College London Archives
- Reference
- GB 103 MS PHILL 69
- Dates of Creation
- 18th century
- Name of Creator
- Language of Material
- French
- Physical Description
- 1 volume containing 143 leaves
Scope and Content
Administrative / Biographical History
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.
Access Information
Open
The papers are available subject to the usual conditions of access to Archives and Manuscripts material, after the completion of a Reader's Undertaking.
Acquisition Information
The Phillipps Manuscripts at University College London were given to the College by the German government in 1912.
Other Finding Aids
Dorothy K Coveney, 'A Descriptive Catalogue of Manuscripts in the Library of University College London' (London, 1935); handlist at University College London Special Collections.
Physical Characteristics and/or Technical Requirements
Paper manuscript bound in blue boards. Several hands. 37cm.
Conditions Governing Use
Normal copyright restrictions apply.
Custodial History
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.