Alchemy discussion forum > Alchemical Symbolism and Imagery > Alchemy Symbolism and Imagery > Reading text on two alchemical frontispieces
Alchemy discussion forum > Alchemical Symbolism and Imagery > Alchemy Symbolism and Imagery > Reading text on two alchemical frontispieces |
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adammclean Member 
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A colleague has asked me to read the text on the frontispieces from the Artis Auriferae and the Rosarium Philosophorum which are obviously related though not identical. I wonder if anyone can assist with this. First we have the Artis Auriferae, 1572. Frontispiece to 'Turba Philosophorum', showing eight philosophers disputing. Attached Image (viewed 982 times): |
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adammclean Member
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The frontispiece to the Rosarium Philosophorum from De Alchimia opuscula complura veterum philosophorum 1550. Attached Image (viewed 968 times): |
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Paul Ferguson Member 
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Seem to be the same texts with different spellings. Here are some suggestions. Solve [et] coagula. Solvite corp[or]a in aquas = Dissolve the bodies in the waters. Wer onseren maisterlichen steÿn wil bauwen/ Der sol der naturen anfanck schauwen = He who wants to construct our masterly stone/ He should consider the beginning of nature. Lapis noster habet spem corpore, aiant. = They say our Stone has hope in the body. Coagulate nostram [?] quamvis invenies = Coagulate our [?] however much you may find. Last edited on Sun Sep 21st, 2014 09:00 pm by Paul Ferguson |
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Paul Ferguson Member
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Warm thanks to Bernard Fortin who has drawn my attention to Etienne Perrot's 1973 translation of the Rosarium which transcribes the legends as follows: Solve [et] coagula Solvite corpora in aquas Lapis noster habet spiritum, corpus et animam = Our stone has a spirit, a body and a soul Coquite et quod quaeris invenies = Cook and you shall find what you are seeking Wer unseren maysterlichen Steyn will bauwen/ Der soll der naehren Anfang schauwen = He who wishes to construct our masterly Stone/ He should consider the nearest beginning (principle?) |
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