Bird symbolism in Michael Maier

[Paul Ferguson]

"Our first analysis will be of the bird imagery in Michael Maier’s alchemical, emblematic art. For this study we will focus on his etching for the “9th key of Basil Valentine.” Basil Valentinus, an alchemist of the 16th century, inspired many later alchemists from the 17th century. Those who followed his work considered him a a true alchemist in possession of the secrets of the elixir of life, and that of the lapis philosophorum: also known as the Philosopher’s Stone."

http://www.tetraskele.com/sacred_science...ier_1.html