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Treatises on alchemy.

 Item
Identifier: Adv.MS.20.8.1

Scope and Contents

The contents of the manuscript are as follows:

(i) 'Conpositum de Conpositis abstractis a philosophis'. See 'Catalogue of Latin and vernacular alchemical manuscripts', number 290, which ascribes the work to 'magistri Parisii'. For a summary of the contents and discussion of possible authorship, see ‘History of magic and experimental science’ (London, 1923-1958), volume iii, page 133-135. A colophon gives the place and date of compilation of the treatise as Paris, May, 1331, and adds 'Hec scripta Anno eodem revoluto'. (Folio 6.)

(ii) 'Nota nobilissimam medicinam ad omnem egritudinem cuiuslibet generis expellandam', in praise of a panacea. ‘Catalogue of Latin and vernacular alchemical manuscripts’, number 1097. (Folio 40 verso.)

(iii) Alchemical verses, printed in ‘Catalogue of Latin and vernacular alchemical manuscripts’, number 523. (Folio 42.)

(iv) Miscellaneous notes on Arab philosophers and alchemical matters. ‘Catalogue of Latin and vernacular alchemical manuscripts’, number 523. (Folio 42 verso.)

Large initials and tituli in red. Written in littera textualis Gothica formata. Folios 2-5 and the last five folios are blank except for ruling.

On folio 1 is the name 'Jacq. Wurringen. Pharmacien' in a 17th-century hand.

Dates

  • Creation: 14th century.

Extent

1 Volumes (49 folios.)

Language of Materials

Latin

Arrangement

Collation: 1⁴, 2-5¹⁰, 6⁶ (-1). 19 lines.

Physical Characteristics and Technical Requirements

Vellum. Vellum covers.

Immediate Source of Acquisition

Presented, 1925, by the Faculty of Advocates to the nation on the foundation of the National Library of Scotland.

Bibliography

Singer, Dorothea Waley. ‘Catalogue of Latin and vernacular alchemical manuscripts’ (Brussells, 1928-1931).

Thorndike, Lynn. ‘History of magic and experimental science’ (London, 1923-1958).

Physical Description

0.00 linear metres49 folios.130.00 x 170.00 millimetres

Dimensions

130.00 x 170.00 millimetres

Title
National Library of Scotland Catalogue of Manuscripts
Author
National Library of Scotland
Date
08 05 2015
Description rules
Finding Aid Prepared Using Local Descriptive Rules
Language of description
English
Script of description
Latin

Repository Details

Part of the National Library of Scotland Archives and Manuscripts Division Repository

Contact:
Archives and Manuscript Division
National Library of Scotland
George IV Bridge
Edinburgh EH1 1EJ
0131 623 3700