Finally: Chemical Secrets and Experiments by Sir Kenelm Digby!

Chemical Secrets and Experiments

by Sir Kenelm Digby

1682

Volume 12 in the R.A.M.S. Library of Alchemy is now available. This classic R.A.M.S. work on Alchemy has been carefully reviewed,  and compared with the actual 1682 printed edition. All of the engravings were restored from the original printed edition, replacing the hand-drawn images used in the R.A.M.S. version.

Numerous typographical errors were corrected, including several missing symbols. Added footnotes indicate items of interest. For example, one sentence included the symbol for "fire" in both editions, but I believe it should have been the symbol for water. Hans Nintzel's original footnotes were preserved.

 The result is a new edition that also includes a small symbol table that shows the meanings of symbols used and verified with the 1682 edition. .

The R.A.M.S. Library edition is much improved over the original R.A.M.S. work. You should consider adding it to your collection!

The R.A.M.S. Library of Alchemy is published with permission of the Estate of Hans W. Nintzel.

Ruesenstein's Processes in English!

 Selected Chemical and Universal Processes 

by Alexius von Ruesenstein. 

It is with great excitement that I have finally completed Volume 47 of the R.A.M.S. Library of Alchemy! This is exciting for two reasons:

1. The R.AM.S. edition is the only English edition of the work. The German version is available, but I have never found another English edition.

2. The contents are amazing! The Baron travels with five other Alchemists who exchange stories about their various Alchemical processes, while sharing their insights into the Art. Their stories are fascinating. Many Alchemical laboratory procedures are detailed with various alternatives discussed.

Here is a short example from a discussion about the  Philosophical Mercury:

Here is a section from the Foreward:

Oh happy child, discoverer of this book and of this treasure of philosophical secrets! Praise be to you. For you will become a wise artist. For this book will tell you everything that is hidden between heaven and earth in the treasure-house of the wise art. Because it is fitting that all books on our art should have a forward or explanation, I have added this foreword here, so that you will know what is hidden in this book. You should know that great universal works of various kinds are to be found in this book. You will discover nature itself.

This is one of the very best works in the R.A.M.S. Library, almost as good as The Golden Chain of Homer. I highly recommend this book to all students of Alchemy.

The R.A.M.S. Library of Alchemy is published with permission from the Estate of Hans W. Nintzel.