Literary Notices on the History of So-called Gold-making

...references to Durand’s Mirror of Law original: "Durandi Speculum Iuris," a foundational 13th-century textbook on legal procedure, Part IV, Vol. III, under the section on the crime of forgery, at the end, according to the Padua edition *).

Johannes Andreae **) in his additions to the Mirror of Law by Guillaume Durand; Part IV, Vol. III, folio YYb of the Padua edition, 1479, printed in folio by Master Johann the Great of Germany, from Villingen original: "Ioannem magnum ex alemania de filligenstat." Villingen is a town in the Black Forest..

The Title concerning the crime of forgery. original: "De crimine falsi rubrica." In medieval law, a "rubric" was a heading or title of a legal section. It is often questioned regarding alchemists whether they fall under the penalty for forgery. Some apply to them the words of Paul in the second letter to Timothy, chapter 4, at the beginning, ***) which you may see. [Canon] 26, "that indeed nor a wonder"; there and according to Paul's opinion, etc. Similarly, they give cause for many deceptions, nor is it a science of piety. [Canon] 37, distinction: "if anyone." These references point to specific sections of Canon Law (Decretum Gratiani) used to argue against the morality of alchemy. It is also said that this art, where it aims for gold, cannot be done without the smelting of gold, which is prohibited by law. (Code of public gold prosecution, book 1, title 10). Refers to the "Corpus Juris Civilis," the body of Roman Law, which regulated the handling of precious metals. To the contrary, he who, through the mastery of the art, without magic or other means prohibited by law (Code, concerning treasures, book 1, title 10), makes something precious out of a base metal, is to be commended, because in

*) This same legend is also held by the famous jurist from Lodi, Oldrado da Ponte, (Molossi’s Memoirs of illustrious men of Lodi, Part I, 1776, 4th reg. pages 97–100) who died in 1335, in his 74th Counsel on Sorcery original: "Consilio de Sortilegiis". Rome, 1472, folio.

**) He died in 1348 in Bologna. In the Basel edition of 1563, in folio, this passage can be found in Part IV, page 471.

***) Verses 3 and 4: For the time will come when they will not endure sound doctrine; but after their own lusts shall they heap to themselves teachers, having itching ears. And they shall turn away their ears from the truth, and shall be turned unto fables. The author uses this biblical warning against false teachers to characterize the "fables" told by alchemists.