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Epistola fixionis cinabrii et conversionis eius in lunam by Pseudo-Roman Llull and other prescriptions, 1478

 part
Identifier: MS 131/ff. 116v-123v

Contents

A group of alchemic prescriptions. The first text is a letter presumably attributed to Ramon Llull (c. 1232-c. 1315), a polymath of great fame who paved to way to subsequent knowledge in many fields such as mathematics, logic, and theology. Several texts have been falsely attributed to Llull and started to circulate under his name from the 14th century; many of these texts concern alchemy. This particular letter concerns the process of fixation (in alchemy, the transformation of a volatile substance into a solid one which is not affected by fire) of cinnabar and its conversion into silver. It begins on f. 116v and it is introduced by the rubric Epistola fixionis cinabrii et conversionis eius in lunam a domino Raymundo et cetera. It starts with the words Recipe limaturas cupri libram unam; it ends on f. 118r with the words cum mercurio numquam haberet ingressum.

The letter is followed by several other prescriptions. The first four of these prescriptions, all concerning cinnabar, are attributed respectively to the same author of the letter (first, second and third recipe) and to 'master Mark' (magistrum Marcum, fourth recipe); all other recipes are anonymous.

They end on f. 123v with the words ad humidum sicut lunam.

Dates

  • Creation: 1478

Creator

Language of Materials

Latin.

Conditions Governing Access

The collection is open to all. The manuscripts can be consulted in the Centre for Research Collections, Edinburgh University Main Library.

Extent

8 folios

Bibliography

Singer, Dorothea Waley. Catalogue of Latin and Vernacular Alchemical Manuscripts in Great Britain and Ireland. Dating from before the XVI Century, vol. 1. Brussels: Maurice Lamertin, 1928, p. 255, n. 264.

Repository Details

Part of the University of Edinburgh Library Heritage Collections Repository

Contact:
Centre for Research Collections
University of Edinburgh Main Library
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Edinburgh EH8 9LJ Scotland
+44(0)131 650 8379