Alchemical compilation
Found In:
Beinecke Rare Book and Manuscript Library > Alchemical compilation
2056329
Description
- Title
- Alchemical compilation
- Published / Created
- ca. 1490 and ca. 1790 (additions)
- Publication Place
- Low Countries,
- Abstract
-
Manuscript on paper of an alchemical compilation, apparently the holograph of the original compiler, not identified. Probably the laboratory notes of a practicing alchemist. Includes lists of Flemish names, apparently identifying fellow practitioners in early alchemy; and laboratory procedures, designed primarily to color metals and to carry out other operations with various substances. Leaves inserted and blank pages filled at later dates.
- Description
-
Binding: Probably original. Stiff parchment over paper boards, flaps over the fore-edge, probably dating from about 1525, conceivably later, as the manuscript contents do not appear to have been bound at the time of writing in any case; flat spine with modern inscription in brown ink, "Alchemical
Headings of procedures in red and blue alternating in the original section, and with some capitals stroked red; no color in the additions. No ornament.
Recipes, original blue edges.
Script: The original part of the codex (ff. 1-133) written in a very fine, neat, and clear humanistic hand, and using a considerable range of alchemical symbols; the later additions (ff. 134-145) consist of Latin sections written in a neat italic and German passages in flowing cursive, perhaps both by a single German hand of the 18th century.
Though the whole of the manuscript has suffered some marginal water-staining since it was bound, it appears certain that other stains and damage occurred while the separated quires, or groups of them, remained unbound.
Watermark: Outstretched hand, the fingerjoints indicated, a four-leafed petal extending from the tip of the third finger, the wrist and cuff of a sleeve also depicted, comparable to Briquet 11423. - Extent
- ff. 146 : paper ; 140 x 104 (100 x 59) mm.
- Extent of Digitization
- This object has been completely digitized.
- Language
-
German
Latin
Collection Information
- Repository
- Beinecke Rare Book and Manuscript Library
- Call Number
- Mellon MS 20
Subjects, Formats, And Genres
Access And Usage Rights
- Access
- Public
- Rights
- The use of this image may be subject to the copyright law of the United States (Title 17, United States Code) or to site license or other rights management terms and conditions. The person using the image is liable for any infringement.
- Citation
-
Alchemical Compilation. General Collection, Beinecke Rare Book and Manuscript Library, Yale University.
Witten, Laurence C. and Pachella, Richard. Alchemy and the Occult: A Catalogue of Books and Manuscripts from the Collection of Paul and Mary Mellon. Volume Three: Manuscripts, Mellon MS 20.
Identifiers
- Orbis Record
- 9878237
- Object ID (OID)
- 2056329
- More Information
- https://pre1600ms.beinecke.library.yale.edu/docs/pre1600.mell020.htm