08-11-2026, 08:23 AM
The 'Sammlung unterschiedlicher bewährter Chymischer Schriften' (Collection of various proven Chymical writings) is an important German-language anthology of alchemical treatises, which is mainly attributed to the Flemish alchemist **Johann Isaac Hollandus** (and his presumed father Isaac Hollandus).
First published in Frankfurt am Main in 1667 (with later editions in Vienna in 1746 and 1773, among others), the work summarizes practical laboratory instructions, symbolic representations and alchemical philosophy of the early modern period.
Major works & treatises included
1. **From the hand of the philosophers** (*Manus philosophorum cum signaturis*)
A symbolic and practical guide with alchemical symbols and tool illustrations.
2. **Opus Saturni**
Focuses on lead (*Saturn*) and its transmutation as well as the production of alchemical preparations from it.
3. **Opera Vegetabilia**
Describes processes using plant substances and wine to produce the so-called *Lapis vegetabilis*.
4. **Opus Minerale** (*Mineral-Werck*)
Contains detailed instructions and engravings/woodcuts of smelting furnaces, distilling devices and recipes (including for the production of artificial gemstones).
5. **Attachment of a Fragment from the Cabala**
Combines hermetic-alchemical ideas with kabbalistic number and symbol theory.
6. **Tractatus de Lapide Philosophico**
A treatise on the nature and manufacture of the *Philosopher's Stone*.
7. **Tractate on the wanderings of those alchymists** (*Auctoris incerti*, partly attributed to Michael Sendivogius)
A critical look at common mistakes, frauds, and misinterpretations in the practice of alchemy.
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### Meaning & Special Features
* **Practical focus:** Compared to purely allegorical texts, the Hollandus writings offer unusually concrete chemical process descriptions (distillation, alloys, salts).
* **Illustrations:** The editions are known for their copperplates and wood engravings that vividly depict stills, laboratory equipment, and the symbolic “Hand of the Philosophers.”
* **Reception:** The writings had a great influence on hermeticism and early chemical technology in Central Europe in the 17th and 18th centuries.
Original texts here:
https://www.digitale-sammlungen.de/en/vi...53?page=,1
First published in Frankfurt am Main in 1667 (with later editions in Vienna in 1746 and 1773, among others), the work summarizes practical laboratory instructions, symbolic representations and alchemical philosophy of the early modern period.
Major works & treatises included
1. **From the hand of the philosophers** (*Manus philosophorum cum signaturis*)
A symbolic and practical guide with alchemical symbols and tool illustrations.
2. **Opus Saturni**
Focuses on lead (*Saturn*) and its transmutation as well as the production of alchemical preparations from it.
3. **Opera Vegetabilia**
Describes processes using plant substances and wine to produce the so-called *Lapis vegetabilis*.
4. **Opus Minerale** (*Mineral-Werck*)
Contains detailed instructions and engravings/woodcuts of smelting furnaces, distilling devices and recipes (including for the production of artificial gemstones).
5. **Attachment of a Fragment from the Cabala**
Combines hermetic-alchemical ideas with kabbalistic number and symbol theory.
6. **Tractatus de Lapide Philosophico**
A treatise on the nature and manufacture of the *Philosopher's Stone*.
7. **Tractate on the wanderings of those alchymists** (*Auctoris incerti*, partly attributed to Michael Sendivogius)
A critical look at common mistakes, frauds, and misinterpretations in the practice of alchemy.
---
### Meaning & Special Features
* **Practical focus:** Compared to purely allegorical texts, the Hollandus writings offer unusually concrete chemical process descriptions (distillation, alloys, salts).
* **Illustrations:** The editions are known for their copperplates and wood engravings that vividly depict stills, laboratory equipment, and the symbolic “Hand of the Philosophers.”
* **Reception:** The writings had a great influence on hermeticism and early chemical technology in Central Europe in the 17th and 18th centuries.
Original texts here:
https://www.digitale-sammlungen.de/en/vi...53?page=,1