Collection of Alchemical Manuscripts

original: "40. Multiplicatio"

An ink and wash drawing shows an alchemical vessel. The main container is a large, round glass flask with a wide neck. Inside this flask sits a smaller, shaded sphere. A long, scaled serpent descends into the flask through the neck. Its tail extends out of the top and merges into stylized wisps of smoke or vapor. The serpent's head reaches down to bite or consume the smaller sphere inside. The serpent is drawn with a detailed scale pattern, a visible eye, and a tongue. The drawing is set within a faint rectangular frame on a plain background.

Multiplication: This stage follows the creation of the Philosopher's Stone. It is the process used to increase the quantity and the transformative power of the alchemical "medicine." Through repeated cycles of heating and cooling, the substance becomes more potent.
original: "Multiplicatio"
Multiplication: an alchemical operation where the power of the perfected Stone is multiplied, allowing a small amount to transform a much larger mass of base metal.

The Serpent: The serpent often represents the "mercurial" spirit or the chemical solvent. Here, it acts upon the inner sphere to nourish and expand its properties. The act of biting the sphere suggests the union of the active and passive principles within the vessel.

Alchemy: This is a philosophical and experimental tradition. Its practitioners sought to achieve the "Great Work," which is the purification of both matter and the human soul.