Curious Chemical Library

Of the Ancients, which Aristotle refutes in his First Philosophy. 34 original: "1. Philosophia." This refers to Aristotle's Metaphysics.
Chapter X. Refutation of the Sophists, Deceivers, and Impostors; and it is shown that the Art in itself is brief and easy; likewise its nobility and truth are demonstrated. 36
Chapter XI. On the Ferment and its modes, conditions, and properties, and the conversion it performs, according to the Philosophers of this Art. 39
Chapter XII. It is shown what the Elements of the Philosopher's Stone are, how they come together in it and in Gold, and in all mixed things, and likewise in the Heavenly bodies, according to the Ancient Philosophers of this Art. 46
Chapter XIII. It is shown what the Theriac and the poison are in the Philosopher's Stone, according to the Ancient Philosophers. 49 original: "Tyriaca." Theriac was a famous medicinal "universal antidote," here used metaphorically for the Stone's power to "cure" base metals.
Chapter XIV. It is shown what the Rennet is, and what the Milk is in the Philosopher's Stone, and who is the Male and Female according to the Philosophers. 50 These are alchemical metaphors for the agents of coagulation and the raw material.
Chapter XV. The Art is proved to be simply true, 1. by Authorities, 2. by reasons, 3. by similarity and examples. 52
Chapter XVI. Contrary reasons are resolved, with notable intervening questions. 52
Chapter XVII. The solution to the said question is strengthened by showing the matter of metals with their causes, properties, and passions; from which matter the Philosopher's Stone is made. 60 original: "passiones." In medieval philosophy, this refers to the ways a substance is acted upon or changed.
Chapter XVIII. In which it is proved from what has been said that Sulfur is the material part with quicksilver of Gold and the Philosopher's Stone. 62
Chapter XIX. It is proved that Sulfur alone is the matter of the Philosopher's Stone and of Gold according to the ancient Philosophers. 63
Chapter XX. Certain things are put forward for the solution of the final reason of the Philosopher and other unresolved matters, by speaking first of act and potency, and of the perfect and imperfect in things, etc. 66
Chapter XXI. It is proved that Gold and Silver cannot be made from Copper and Iron through Alchemy, and the matter is resolved. 70 original: "Aere." This refers to copper, brass, or bronze.
Chapter XXII. It is proved that imperfect metals are not converted into Gold by nature in the mines; and the matter is resolved. 71
Chapter XXIII. The principles of Metals in general are treated, and their generation and transmutation into metals according to nature, showing how Art can follow Nature, etc. 72
Chapter XXIV. On the Principles of metals specifically, and the generation of metals according to the intention of nature, and on the signs of generation; showing how Art ought to follow Nature in a similar way, and by similar signs and similar principles in the generation of the Stone. 74
Chapter XXV. On the similarities of the generation of the fetus from sperm and menstrual blood, and the bird from the egg, comparing the generation of Gold from Sulfur and quicksilver, and of the Philosopher's Stone to their generation. 76
Chapter XXVI. An end is placed to the Treatise, it is concluded and declared by letter that what has been said is true. 79

SUBSECTION II.

John of Rupescissa’s Book of Mastery on the making of the true Philosopher’s Stone, published clearly and without concealment by that man, who was surely

enlightened by God. Which little book he composed for this purpose, being forewarned by Divine revelation. Vol. II. p. 80
John of Rupescissa’s Book of Light. 84

SUBSECTION III.

The book called the Rosary of the Philosophers, composed and compiled into one most diligently. Vol. II. p. 87
Another copy of the Rosary of the Philosophers, from a compilation of all Philosophical Books, by the greatest Toledan Philosopher. 119
The Abbreviated Rosary by an Unknown author from a very ancient Manuscript. 133

SUBSECTION IV.

The Ladder of the Philosophers by Guido de Montanor, a French Philosopher. p. 134

SUBSECTION V.

The Sound of the Trumpet; a wonderful and most attentive Treatise excerpted from a certain very ancient writing. Faithfully and physically explaining the Philosopher’s Stone to all Philosophers. 147 original: "Clangor Buccinæ."

SUBSECTION VI.

The Correction of Fools, a very useful and authentic Treatise. 165 original: "Correctio Fatuorum."

SUBSECTION VII.

The book on the Chemical Art by Marsilio Ficino of Florence. 172

SUBSECTION VIII.

The Book of Secrets of the Art by Khalid son of Yazid, translated from Hebrew into Arabic and from Arabic into Latin, by an uncertain Interpreter. 183 original: "Calid filii Jaici." Khalid ibn Yazid was an Umayyad prince traditionally credited with being the first patron of alchemy in the Islamic world.

SUBSECTION IX.

The Book of Three Words by Khalid, a most sharp Philosopher, from a Manuscript far excelling others. 189

SUBSECTION X.

Merlin’s Allegory, perfectly containing the deepest secret of the Philosophical Stone. 191

SUBSECTION XI.

The Treasury of Philosophy by an Anonymous author. 192

SUBSECTION XII.

The Hidden Aurelia with Senior Zadith’s small Treatise on Chemistry. 198 original: "Aurelia Occulta." Aurelia (the Golden) refers to the sun or gold. "Senior Zadith" refers to the 10th-century Arab alchemist Muhammad ibn Umail.

SUBSECTION XIII.

The Counsel of Marriage, or On the Mass of the Sun and Moon by an anonymous ancient Philosopher. Books III, truly golden and incomparable, translated from the Arabic into the Latin tongue. 235 original: "Consilium Conjugii." "Sun and Moon" are common alchemical terms for Gold and Silver.

BOOK III. SECTION II. SUBSECTION I.

The very useful little book by Richard the Englishman On Chemistry, to which he gave the title The Corrector. original: "πϵρὶ χημείας" (peri chemeias). This is Greek for "On Chemistry" or "Concerning Alchemy."