It is commonly stated that dry cleaning was introduced into Britain by the firm of Pullar's of Perth in 1866. If by this is meant a service to customers, then the statement is substantially true. The techniques of cleaning fabrics without recourse to soap and water, however, are much older. During the 16th and 17th centuries a class of books appeared, often aimed at a female readership, known as books of secrets. These were compilations of culinary and other household recipes, amusing chemical tricks, secret writing, and useful advice on such matters as repairing broken china and silvering mirrors. Perhaps the best known were John White's <i>Rich Cabinet of Inventions</i> and Sir Kenelm Digby's <i>Rare Chymical Secrets</i>. Several of these books offered advice on removing grease spots from clothing, usually by means of fullers' earth or the use of paper and a hot iron. In both cases, the method involved absorption rather than dissolution. In a late example of the genre, a chunky 600 page book entitled <i>Secrets concernant les Arts et Metiers</i>, (Paris, 1716), under the heading of removing spots and stains, spirit of turpentine is recommended for dissolving the grease.