Author Description

This text, purporting to be copied from a manuscript written around 1300, was added at the end of a mid 18th century book of alchemical symbols. It is a work of practical alchemy in the form of a dialogue between an alchemical sophist and Sapientia-Wisdom. The alchemist tells Wisdom what he has done in his experiments and then receives a critique, often pointing out his errors in his experiment and ways to avoid and overcome these. The text gives a very detailed account of alchemical experiments, with no secret ingredients or processes. All the experiments and methods are revealed in great detail, and the alchemical process uses identifiable materials, metals, salts, acids etc., and straightforward alchemical apparatus. The two participants in the dialogue, examine the alchemical process in an open and intense exploration.