A decorative woodcut horizontal band featuring symmetrical floral and scrollwork motifs.

CATALOG OF THE

FIRST DECADE The term "decade" here refers to a set of ten scholarly or alchemical treatises grouped together.

I. On the Principles of nature, & the alchemical art, by an Anonymous author.
II. On the property, nature, transmutation, qualities & mixing of the planets, metals, masters, & elements.
III. The Book of Lights, by Rasis of Chester original: "Rasis Cestrensis." This likely refers to an alchemical work attributed to the Persian physician Rhazes, perhaps associated with the translator Robert of Chester.
IV. The Light of Lights, by Rasis of Chester.
V. The Praiseworthy Holy [Work], or the treatise of the twelve waters, by Merlin, the English Philosopher original: "Merlini, Philosophi Angli." Merlin, the legendary figure of Arthurian myth, was frequently cited as an alchemical authority in the Middle Ages and Renaissance.
VI. On the Chemical Art, by Guido de Montano.
VII. On the Philosophers' Stone, by Jean Saure of Tournai original: "Ioannis Saure Tornayensis."
VIII. On the Philosophical Stone, by an Anonymous author.
IX. On the Philosophers' Stone, by Johann Wittich of Bolesławiec original: "Ioannis VVittichii Boneslauiensis." Johann Wittich (1537–1596) was a German physician and chemist known for documenting medicinal recipes.
X. The Concordances of the Philosophers A "concordance" is a text that attempts to reconcile the various and often contradictory instructions found in the writings of different alchemists., by an Anonymous author.