1613 - The Extremely Rare Theatrum Chemicum, Vol. I: Cornerstone of the Alchemical Canon
This volume constitutes the first part of Lazarus Zetzner's monumental Theatrum Chemicum, the most comprehensive anthology of European alchemical texts ever published. Originating with a smaller Ursel edition in 1602 (now described as "virtually unobtainable" by Neville), Zetzner greatly expanded the collection, beginning with this 1613 edition published in Strasbourg. This ambitious project aimed to gather the most important known treatises on alchemy and the Philosopher's Stone, covering its history, theory, justification, and practical operations, making them accessible "for the benefit of students of True Chemistry and Chemical Medicine." Even individual volumes of the Zetzner editions are noted for their rarity. Indeed, this was the textbook that Newton obtained in his alchemical pursuits.
Volume I, presented here and complete in itself, offers a diverse selection of sixteen foundational and contemporary alchemical works. It opens with Robertus Vallensis defending the truth and antiquity of the chemical art, followed by texts attributed to influential figures like Arnaldus de Villanova (Testamentum) and Bernardus Trevisanus. The collection explores both the theoretical underpinnings and the practical applications, including Johannes Fanianus's discussions on metallic transmutation and the legality of alchemy, and Thomas Muffet's defense of chemical medicines. A significant portion is dedicated to the prolific Gerard Dorn, featuring several of his key works exploring the chemical philosophy, the "light of nature," the nature of minerals, and Paracelsian chemistry. The inclusion of annotated excerpts from Nicolas Flamel provides insights into the practical pursuit of the Stone.
This copy, bound in its original contemporary vellum, presents a tangible connection to the early 17th-century study of alchemy. It represents a significant artifact from the height of alchemical printing, containing a curated library of texts considered essential by Zetzner for understanding the Ars Magna during a period of intense interest and debate surrounding its validity and potential.
Theatrum Chemicum, praecipuos selectorum auctorum Tractatus de Chemiae et Lapidus Philosophici antiquitate, veritate, jure praestantia, & operationibus, continens: In Gratiam Verae Chemiae et Medicinae Chemiae Studiosorum... Vol. I. Argertorati [Strasbourg]: Sumptibus Lazari Zetzneri. 8vo (Octavo). 869, [15, Index]. Complete textually for Volume I. Bound in contemporary vellum with a handwritten title in ink on the spine. Binding is soiled but remains sturdy and well-bound. Internally, the volume lacks the initial blank leaf. Most pages exhibit age-related darkening, with some sections significantly darkened. General signs of wear consistent with age and use, including one loose signature. Good condition overall.
This volume constitutes the first part of Lazarus Zetzner's monumental Theatrum Chemicum, the most comprehensive anthology of European alchemical texts ever published. Originating with a smaller Ursel edition in 1602 (now described as "virtually unobtainable" by Neville), Zetzner greatly expanded the collection, beginning with this 1613 edition published in Strasbourg. This ambitious project aimed to gather the most important known treatises on alchemy and the Philosopher's Stone, covering its history, theory, justification, and practical operations, making them accessible "for the benefit of students of True Chemistry and Chemical Medicine." Even individual volumes of the Zetzner editions are noted for their rarity. Indeed, this was the textbook that Newton obtained in his alchemical pursuits.
Volume I, presented here and complete in itself, offers a diverse selection of sixteen foundational and contemporary alchemical works. It opens with Robertus Vallensis defending the truth and antiquity of the chemical art, followed by texts attributed to influential figures like Arnaldus de Villanova (Testamentum) and Bernardus Trevisanus. The collection explores both the theoretical underpinnings and the practical applications, including Johannes Fanianus's discussions on metallic transmutation and the legality of alchemy, and Thomas Muffet's defense of chemical medicines. A significant portion is dedicated to the prolific Gerard Dorn, featuring several of his key works exploring the chemical philosophy, the "light of nature," the nature of minerals, and Paracelsian chemistry. The inclusion of annotated excerpts from Nicolas Flamel provides insights into the practical pursuit of the Stone.
This copy, bound in its original contemporary vellum, presents a tangible connection to the early 17th-century study of alchemy. It represents a significant artifact from the height of alchemical printing, containing a curated library of texts considered essential by Zetzner for understanding the Ars Magna during a period of intense interest and debate surrounding its validity and potential.
Theatrum Chemicum, praecipuos selectorum auctorum Tractatus de Chemiae et Lapidus Philosophici antiquitate, veritate, jure praestantia, & operationibus, continens: In Gratiam Verae Chemiae et Medicinae Chemiae Studiosorum... Vol. I. Argertorati [Strasbourg]: Sumptibus Lazari Zetzneri. 8vo (Octavo). 869, [15, Index]. Complete textually for Volume I. Bound in contemporary vellum with a handwritten title in ink on the spine. Binding is soiled but remains sturdy and well-bound. Internally, the volume lacks the initial blank leaf. Most pages exhibit age-related darkening, with some sections significantly darkened. General signs of wear consistent with age and use, including one loose signature. Good condition overall.
This volume constitutes the first part of Lazarus Zetzner's monumental Theatrum Chemicum, the most comprehensive anthology of European alchemical texts ever published. Originating with a smaller Ursel edition in 1602 (now described as "virtually unobtainable" by Neville), Zetzner greatly expanded the collection, beginning with this 1613 edition published in Strasbourg. This ambitious project aimed to gather the most important known treatises on alchemy and the Philosopher's Stone, covering its history, theory, justification, and practical operations, making them accessible "for the benefit of students of True Chemistry and Chemical Medicine." Even individual volumes of the Zetzner editions are noted for their rarity. Indeed, this was the textbook that Newton obtained in his alchemical pursuits.
Volume I, presented here and complete in itself, offers a diverse selection of sixteen foundational and contemporary alchemical works. It opens with Robertus Vallensis defending the truth and antiquity of the chemical art, followed by texts attributed to influential figures like Arnaldus de Villanova (Testamentum) and Bernardus Trevisanus. The collection explores both the theoretical underpinnings and the practical applications, including Johannes Fanianus's discussions on metallic transmutation and the legality of alchemy, and Thomas Muffet's defense of chemical medicines. A significant portion is dedicated to the prolific Gerard Dorn, featuring several of his key works exploring the chemical philosophy, the "light of nature," the nature of minerals, and Paracelsian chemistry. The inclusion of annotated excerpts from Nicolas Flamel provides insights into the practical pursuit of the Stone.
This copy, bound in its original contemporary vellum, presents a tangible connection to the early 17th-century study of alchemy. It represents a significant artifact from the height of alchemical printing, containing a curated library of texts considered essential by Zetzner for understanding the Ars Magna during a period of intense interest and debate surrounding its validity and potential.
Theatrum Chemicum, praecipuos selectorum auctorum Tractatus de Chemiae et Lapidus Philosophici antiquitate, veritate, jure praestantia, & operationibus, continens: In Gratiam Verae Chemiae et Medicinae Chemiae Studiosorum... Vol. I. Argertorati [Strasbourg]: Sumptibus Lazari Zetzneri. 8vo (Octavo). 869, [15, Index]. Complete textually for Volume I. Bound in contemporary vellum with a handwritten title in ink on the spine. Binding is soiled but remains sturdy and well-bound. Internally, the volume lacks the initial blank leaf. Most pages exhibit age-related darkening, with some sections significantly darkened. General signs of wear consistent with age and use, including one loose signature. Good condition overall.