ABSTRACT
This chapter examines the intricate ways in which Platt expressed and justified his criticism of books of secrets and of secrecy itself. Platt devised instead a rhetorical and performative stance of revelation through rational elucidation. The existence of Platts shop, as well as his constant ethical analysis of and involvement in contemporary markets makes the use of jewel both more literal and ironic. In Platt's translation and expansion of measures proposed in Magia naturalis, the multiplication of corn became closely linked with the idea of defeating dearth by creating, through good husbandry, a near-mythical abundance. And the methodology of Platt's treatise with its eye on every pragmatic minutia became an enticing illustration of how attendance to each little mundane detail of practical labour could perhaps realize dreams of plenty. In his later years, with financial troubles and ill-health looming large, Platt grew increasingly anxious about his ability to continue to disclose or disperse the most secret Iewels in Natures Cabinet.
