The Art of Distillation by John French (1651)

I am pleased to announce that The Art of Distillation is now available as Volume 15 in The R.A.M.S. Library of Alchemy.

John French (1616–1657) was an English physician known for his contributions to chemistry (in particular, distillation) as well as for his English translations of Latin and German works.

            He was born in 1616 at Broughton, near Banbury, Oxfordshire. He obtained a B.A. degree from Oxford University in 1637 and an M.A. in 1640, qualifying as a physician with an MD in 1648. He died in 1657 near Boulogne while serving as a physician to the English army.

            John French is chiefly remembered for publishing in 1651 The Art of Distillation, which is possibly the earliest detailed book on distillation. It is thought to be representative of the English chemistry of this period.

            John French was follower of Paracelsus’ school of alchemy/chemistry, which was skeptical of certain alchemical traditions yet dedicated to seeking medical uses for various chemicals and compounds. Note the frequent references to Paracelsus in this work.

This R.A.M.S. Library of Alchemy edition includes more than 40 meticulously restored illustrations from the 1651 edition, and footnotes to help guide the student of Alchemy.
It is essential to the study of Alchemy that every student master the basic principles explained herein, and in particular the Four Degrees of Fire and the Terms of Art as defined in Book 1.

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

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.