Fratris Basilij Monarchi Benedicter Ordenns Handtgriffe von Bereitung seiner Vor
Handwritten manuscript
Collection area: History of Science
Collection dates: 1604-1699
Undated, bound compiliation of copied writings on alchemy and antimony; the entries are in a number of different hands. Chemical symbols are used throughout in conjunction with the text. The title page has references to two of Valentinus' published books: Triumph-Wagen Antimonii, or Triumphant Chariot of Antimony, originally published in German in 1604, and Latin in 1646; Zwölff Schlüssel, or Twelve Keys, was printed in German in 1599, and Latin in 1618. The last notation on the title page is to "Auro potabili;" that is, drinkable gold, and could possibly refer to selections from Francis Anthony's book on that subject in 1610, or Albert Otho Faber's book from 1677.
Vellum binding, stained red.
The alchemist Basilius Valentinus, also known as Basil Valentine, was reputed to be a German Benedictine monk, and a prior at St. Peter's in Erfurt in 1414. However, works attributed to him are generally considered to be 17th century forgeries; an individual suggested as the true author is Johannes Thölde of Frankenhausen, Thuringia, the first "editor" of the writings of Valentinus. The works were translated, hand-copied, and published in different languages throughout the 17th and 18th centuries.
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