Page 11 - Charnock alchemical letter
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alchemy. Charnock’s Epistle is an entirely engaging series of stories,
some humorous, whether intentionally or otherwise. It gives a rare
insight into the mind of an alchemist struggling to find a means for
undertaking the expensive work of alchemy.
Charnock though brave and confident sadly failed to find a
benefactor to support his work. Another of his verses from MS. Ashmole
1445 sums up the amazing positivity and optimism of this remarkable
man:
30 years truly I practised this science
And was never the richer by two pence
But rather a hundred marks the worse.
Yet hereafter I trust to fill my purse
And help myself and the poor at need
For so God’s word does me lead
And who so to live a godly life doth endeavour
God give him this science for his succour.
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