Sir Kenelm Digby (1603-1665), Naval commander, diplomat and
scientist Sitter associated with 24 portraits Naval commander,
diplomat and scientist, Digby, 'the most accomplished cavalier
of his time', was sent by Charles I to ask for the Pope's help
in the Civil War. An early member of the Royal Society, he was
renowned for his tall stories and for his 'sympathetic powder',
said to cure wounds when applied to the weapon which had
inflicted them. His prolific writings include an attack on Sir
Thomas Browne's Religio Medici, and collections of culinary and
medicinal recipes. by Michael Burghers line engraving, 1674
Armed Forces and Intelligence Services Politics, Government and
Diplomacy Ambassadors and diplomats