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Perfecting Nature: Medicine, Metallurgy and Mysticism Alchemical Texts from Special Collections

You may be interested in Perfecting Nature: Medicine, Metallurgy and Mysticism Alchemical Texts from Special Collections an “exhibition of alchemical books and manuscripts from the 16th, 17th and 18th centuries.” The show is at the Special Collections Gallery of University of Delaware‘s Morris Library, Aug 21st – Dec 20th, 2012. But apparently, the exhibit will also be presented online.

 


Salomon Trismosin. Aureum vellus, oder Guldin Schatz vnd Kunstkam[m]er. Getruckt zu Roschach am Bodensee: [s.n.], annno [sic] MDCCVLII [i.e. 1598]-1604.

 

“Alchemy is a complex and mysterious art that began in ancient times and continued for thousands of years before being challenged as a legitimate science in the 18th century despite the many contributions and scientific facts alchemists established through their experiments. Alchemy was practiced in the Middle East, Asia and all across Europe. Many eminent scientists, religious figures and royalty were practitioners of alchemy, including Isaac Newton, Pope John XXII and John Dee.” [via]

“On exhibition will be works that highlight alchemy’s history, beliefs and practices. These texts contain extraordinary woodcuts and engravings of alchemical emblems and symbols. The materials on display are from the Unidel History of Chemistry Collection, a collection within the Special Collections Department at the University of Delaware Library.” [via]