(Al)Chemisches Wissen im Buchdruck

Volkhard Wels

2022, Wissen und Buchgestalt. Hg. v. Philipp Hegel und Michael Krewet



"This article examines the ways in which (al)chemical knowledge was transmitted when it was incorporated into book printing in the 16th century. I proceed on the assumption that, up until the 16th century, the written forms of this knowledge constituted a subsidiary form of oral knowledge. "

https://www.academia.edu/96942385/_Al_Ch..._Buchdruck

https://www.deepl.com/en/translator

Not specifically alchemical, but perhaps of interest.

ILLUMINATED MANUSCRIPTS: The Studio Practices, Materials, and Methods of Medieval Manuscript Illuminators. 

"The brilliant borders, glittering with gold and semiprecious stone, and miniature paintings of impossibly fine detail are so far removed from contemporary experience that few dare to ask the question, how did they do that? Filling the void between technical analysis and academic study, this volume answers just that question. 389 color images illustrate materials, methods, and techniques as described by the illuminators themselves bringing the art and artists into view offering the contemporary audience an intimate connection to these treasured works."

https://tinyurl.com/3445pk3s

"Learn to sketch, paint, and decorate your own initial inspired by Gothic medieval manuscripts, how to apply gold leaf, paint six iconic animals and intricate patterns, and create your own illuminated artwork."

Courses on:
Art of Medieval Initials, Medieval Wildlife, Medieval Patterns, and the Art of Medieval Dragons

https://tinyurl.com/zm44dw8c

Alchemie und Arzneibereitung in Spätmittelalter und Früher Neuzeit by Claudia Sachße

From: Alchemie und Wissenschaft des 16. Jahrhunderts. Fallstudien aus Wittenberg und vergleichbare Befunde Internationale Tagungvom 3. bis 4. Juli 2015 in Halle (Saale)

https://www.academia.edu/85971903/Alchem...16_183_194


Der Arzneischatz des 16. Jhs. und die Formen seiner Verarbeitung stehen – aus arzneimittelgeschichtlicher und hier speziell aus chemisch-pharmazeutischer Sicht – zwischen denen des Mittelalters, das bereits erste alchemische Einflüsse aufzeigt, und denen der institutionalisierten Chemiatrie des 17. Jhs. Zu dieser Zeit fanden die »chemischen« Arzneien und Konzepte Eingang in den amtlichen Arzneischatz und veränderten die Arzneimitteltherapie und die pharmazeutische Lehre nachhaltig. Dabei entwickelte sich im 16. Jh. unter dem Einfluss von Humanismus und Renaissance über eine bloße zeitliche Vermittlerrolle hinaus ein ganz eigenes Erscheinungsbild, mit dem sich diese Phase einerseits bereits deutlich von der Alchemie des Spätmittelalters abhob, auf der anderen Seite aber vor allem noch von vorparacelsischen Theorien und Techniken geprägt war. Über die in Spätmittelalter und Früher Neuzeit angewandten alchemischen Techniken, Substanzen, Arzneiformen und Arzneibereitungen informieren Arzneibücher, Preisverzeichnisse, Inventarlisten von Apotheken und Laboratorien sowie andere schriftliche Aufzeichnungen und Drucke ebenso wie archäologische Funde.

The 16th-century pharmacopoeia and the methods used to prepare its remedies – from the perspective of the history of medicine, and here specifically from a chemical and pharmaceutical point of view – lie between those of the Middle Ages, which already showed the first signs of alchemical influence, and those of the institutionalised ‘chemiatry’ (sic) of the 17th century. It was at this time that ‘chemical’ medicines and concepts found their way into the official pharmacopoeia, bringing about lasting changes to medicinal therapy and pharmaceutical teaching. In the 16th century, under the influence of Humanism and the Renaissance, it developed beyond the mere role of a temporal intermediary to take on a distinct character of its own; whilst this phase already stood out clearly from the alchemy of the late Middle Ages, it was, on the other hand, still primarily shaped by pre-Paracelsian theories and techniques. Information on the alchemical techniques, substances, dosage forms and medicinal preparations used in the late Middle Ages and early modern period is provided by pharmacopoeias, price lists, inventory lists from pharmacies and laboratories, and other written records and printed works, as well as archaeological finds.

https://www.deepl.com/en/translator

Katalog der alchemischen Handschriften der Staats- und Universitätsbibliothek Hamburg

Julian Paulus

1995


https://www.academia.edu/40809057/Katalo...ek_Hamburg

1570 Sammelband With Extensive Early Manuscript Medical & Chymical Recipes PARACELSUS ARCHIDOXA & ETLICHE TRACTETLEIN & DREYZEHEN BUCHER By Paracelsus

Three important early Paracelsian works bound together, including two first editions, with extensive late-sixteenth-/early-seventeenth-century manuscript medical and chymical additions on eleven preliminary and terminal blank leaves.

https://tinyurl.com/3m2jvjrc

"Enrolment is now open for the second edition of the University of Pisa’s Level II Master’s programme in Religions, Esotericism and New Spiritualities: Developments and Prospects, following a successful first year. The programme is offered in Italian and it draws on a high-calibre, interdisciplinary teaching staff from Italian and international universities, combining academic rigour with attention to contemporary religious, cultural and social change."

https://tinyurl.com/47eea774

MSG Saturday 19th Meeting - Frater Mario Morini -

‘Frater Ella da Cortona: Alchemy and its introduction in Europe'

"Fra. Morini introduces the legacy of Frater Ella da Cortona (Elias of Cortona) of the Franciscan Order. For Morini, da Cortona embodies an exemplar of the story of Christian Rosenkreuz, a link which he has meditated on since his initiation into the SRIA. He claims alchemy is deeply connected to the Franciscan Reform, and that the story of Frater Ella da Cortona contains a historical seed from which the legend of Christian Rosenkreuz may be derived!This talk promises to be one of those sessions which upends what we think we know about the Rosicrucian Tradition, revealing hidden worlds hitherto unknown, from which all return changed. Come to the Atlantis Bookshop on the 19th of September to learn more!"

https://www.facebook.com/events/1930413217933557/

https://srialondon.org/


Gemini AI on Elia:

Academic and historical research into Frater Elia’s specific connection to alchemy is fascinating, though it requires navigating a mix of Italian esotericism, Latin manuscript studies, and broader medieval histories of the Franciscan Order.
Because Elia's alchemical legacy is largely a pseudo-epigraphical tradition (texts written by later authors but signed with his name), the best literature focuses on why he was chosen as the "face" of early Franciscan alchemy. [1, 2]
The following books and articles deal directly with Frater Elia's connection to alchemy, categorized by language and focus:

## ?? Essential Italian Studies (Directly Focused on Elia)
Because Elia is an Italian historical figure, the most targeted research on his specific alchemical texts is published in Italian.

* [L'opera alchemica in Frate Elia](https://www.google.com/search?q=l%27oper...11hbghnnqs) by Anna Maria Partini and Paolo Galiano (Edizioni Mediterranee, 2018).
* What it is: This is the most definitive modern book entirely dedicated to this subject. It analyzes the historical figure of Frater Elia alongside a catalog and breakdown of the alchemical manuscripts attributed to him (such as the Vademecum). It explores the symbolic aspects of his architecture and why his association with Emperor Frederick II spawned these legends. [3, 4] 

* “Il Vademecum di Frate Elia” (Research Essay/Article published via the [Associazione Culturale Simmetria](https://www.duepassinelmistero2.com/stud...rate-elia/)).
* What it is: A comprehensive academic article looking specifically at the three main surviving manuscripts of the Ars Alchemiae attributed to Brother Elias (found in libraries in Oxford and Palermo). It explores the 16th-century historical chronicles (like those of Mariano da Firenze) that mixed his architectural brilliance with occult mastery. [4]
*
## ?? English Academic Books & Contextual Studies
In English scholarship, Elia is usually studied as the starting point for the complex relationship between the Franciscan Friars and early science. [1, 5]

*
* [Franciscans and the Elixir of Life: Religion and Science in the Later Middle Ages](https://www.google.com/search?q=francisc...11r86mynxq) by Zachary A. Matus (University of Pennsylvania Press, 2017).
* What it is: A phenomenal book exploring how the Franciscan Order—despite official bans on practicing alchemy—became deeply intertwined with the pursuit of the Philosopher's Stone and medical elixirs. Matus discusses the early rumors regarding Brother Elias's alchemical activities and how later "Spiritual" Franciscans used alchemy as a tool for apocalyptic preparation. [1, 6, 7, 8, 9]
* “[Alchemy and the Mendicant Orders of Late Medieval and Early Modern Europe](https://www.google.com/search?q=alchemy+.../m/0bhpfrz)” (Research Paper available on [Academia.edu](https://www.academia.edu/37548190/Alchem...ern_Europe)).
* What it is: A broad historical review paper that specifically tracks how the Dominican and Franciscan orders shifted from viewing alchemy as a pseudoscience or heresy to a legitimate tool of natural philosophy. It highlights early figures like Elias of Cortona and Roger Bacon as pivotal nodes in this cultural shift. [1, 10, 11]
*

## ? Historical Reference Works (Primary Source Catalogs)
If you want to view how his name was historically circulated in classical alchemical compendiums:
------------------------------

[[Theatrum Chemicum Praecipuos Selectorum Auctorum Tractatus...](https://www.google.com/search?q=theatrum.../m/04f1qmc) (Specifically Volume IV)* What it is: This massive 17th-century compendium of early alchemical writings includes the Latin texts officially attributed to "Fratris Eliae Franciscani." It is heavily referenced by modern historians trying to trace the textual lineage of pseudo-Elias writings.](https://www.google.com/search?q=theatrum.../m/04f1qmc)
------------------------------

[[The Enthusiast: How the Best Friend of Francis of Assisi Almost Destroyed What He Started](https://www.google.com/search?q=the+enth...11bwppzwc6) by Jon M. Sweeney (Ave Maria Press, 2016).* What it is: While this is a popular biography focusing on his tumultuous religious and political life rather than an esoteric manual, Sweeney dedicates space to explaining how Elia's lifestyle, brilliance, and ultimate excommunication perfectly set him up to be mythologized as a wizard and alchemist by later generations. [2] ](https://www.google.com/search?q=the+enth...11bwppzwc6)

[1] [https://www.sehepunkte.de](https://www.sehepunkte.de/2017/12/druckf...30585.html)
[2] [https://en.wikipedia.org](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Elias_of_Cortona)
[3] [https://www.academia.edu](https://www.academia.edu/36627650/_LOper...recensione)
[4] [https://www.duepassinelmistero2.com](https://www.duepassinelmistero2.com/stud...rate-elia/)
[5] [https://dokumen.pub](https://dokumen.pub/franciscans-and-the-...94064.html)
[6] [https://muse.jhu.edu](https://muse.jhu.edu/pub/16/article/701937)
[7] [https://www.degruyterbrill.com](https://www.degruyterbrill.com/document/...restricted)
[8] [https://dokumen.pub](https://dokumen.pub/download/franciscans...94064.html)
[9] [https://muse.jhu.edu](https://muse.jhu.edu/pub/16/article/701937/summary)
[10] [https://scholarsarchive.library.albany.edu](https://scholarsarchive.library.albany.e...ory_honors)
[11] [https://www.academia.edu](https://www.academia.edu/37548190/Alchem...ern_Europe)

THE ADMIRABLE EFFICACY AND ALMOST INCREDIBLE VIRTUE OF TRUE OIL WHICH IS MADE OF SULPHUR VIVE SET ON FIRE
AND COMMONLY CALLED OIL OF SULPHUR PER CAMPANAM.

BY GEORGE STARKEY.

https://tinyurl.com/mrdz5nea

See also this old Facebook post:

https://www.facebook.com/groups/studyalc...FO29mYCy65

Contextual Word Embeddings for Paracelsian Lexicography: Tangled Terminologies and their Origins in Ruland's Alchemical Dictionary
Sarah Lang
2026, Ambix


"Martin Ruland the Younger’s Lexicon Alchemiae (1612) is one of the most influential alchemical dictionaries of the early modern period, yet its sources and compilation methods remain poorly understood. This study applies computational approaches to investigate the vocabulary underlying Ruland’s lexicon and to identify potential textual influences."

https://www.academia.edu/173528204/Conte...Dictionary

Ruland's text here:
https://archive.org/details/bub_gb_a-NEOmbzlgoC