Music from 'Atalanta fugiens' emblem 18

Michael Maier's alchemical emblem book Atalanta fugiens was first published in Latin in 1617. It was a most amazing book as it incorporated 50 emblems with a motto, an epigram and a discourse, but extended the concept of an emblem book by incorporating 50 pieces of music the 'fugues' or canons. In this sense it was an early example of multimedia.

Back to alchemical music page.

Atalanta Fugiens

Emblem 18
The fire likes making things fiery, but not, like the gold, making gold.

Epigram 18
As far as there has been an active principle in nature,
It spreads its forces around and wants to multiply them.
In this way fire makes everything it meets fiery,
And there is nothing that produces a noble work without cause.
By itself gold makes nothing fiery, neither does fire make gold,
Each thing discerns the seed which it carries in itself.

Alchemical imagery

Graphic signs for
substances and processes

Images of alchemical apparatus, from Greek, Arabic and European sources.

Alchemical emblematic
imagery from books and
manuscripts

Paintings on alchemical themes

Other material:
Enochian, Rosicrucian or Elemental Chess
Alchemical music [from Atalanta fugiens

Alchemical, astrological and
emblematic art prints

Alchemy and art

Art books Series

Study course on Bosch's
Garden of Earthly Delights
New Hieronymus Bosch Website