"This bizarre story begins when “a penniless” Italian-born cleric by the name of John Damian de Falcuis, found his way to the city of Stirling in Scotland at the end of the 15th century. John was bereft of cash but loaded with charm, evident in that he was recorded as “attending the royal court of James IV of Scotland" at the beginning of the sixteenth century."

https://www.ancient-origins.net/history-...ent-009666

"Whilst the word ‘hermaphrodite’ is now understood to be a derogatory term, in this blog we use it in reference to classical, medieval and early modern sources. Indeed, as argued by Leah DeVun, in the European Middle Ages the term ‘hermaphrodite’ was not always associated to individuals.Instead, it was often used as an abstract analytical tool through which to explain the very nature of human identity. As such, the ‘alchemical hermaphrodite’ provides a powerful tool through which to explore how medieval scientists were thinking about sex and gender within the wider world."

https://historycollections.blogs.sas.ac....f-alchemy/

By Matteo Martelli and Maddalena Rumor

"The paper investigates the interplay between Near Eastern esoteric traditions and Graeco-Egyptian alchemy, focusing on the distinction between initiated and uninitiated knowledge in both cultures. It highlights ancient Babylonian and Greek philosophical concepts of secret knowledge, tracing their evolution from mystery cults to scholarly traditions and examining their implications for understanding alchemical practices. The work argues for significant parallels between ancient esoteric texts and emerging philosophical frameworks, providing insights into the transmission of knowledge across cultures." (AI-generated abstract).

https://www.academia.edu/6570789/_with_M...rints_2014

The Alchemical Laboratory in the Mirror of 16th and 17th Century Fine Art

by Ivo Purs

"During the first half of the 17th century, the depiction of the alchemist in the laboratory became one of the common themes in Dutch and Flemish genre painting. These depictions took different forms: some were satirical, while others showed the alchemist with some seriousness and were frequently surrounded by a melancholic atmosphere."

https://www.academia.edu/124739784/The_A...y_Fine_Art

"Step back into the mysterious world of medieval love potions — a time when alchemists whispered promises of passion in candlelit rooms, and hearts were as easily stirred as cauldrons. “The Love Potion Craze of the Middle Ages” is a 3-hour immersive history experience designed for relaxation and sleep. Let the soft crackle of fire sounds and gentle narration carry you through stories of secret elixirs, royal romances, and dangerous obsessions with desire. Learn how love potions shaped medieval science, superstition, and even tragedy — all while drifting peacefully into sleep. Perfect for lovers of history, mythology, and cozy nighttime listening."

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=U7MfhUa474w

"Inspired by lost alchemical manuscripts, this immersive journey explores twelve sacred plants and their forgotten powers of healing, transformation, and inner awakening. A captivating fusion of knowledge and mystery — narrated with immersive AI voice, crafted for the soul."

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nOC7_GV89Co

"Over centuries, perception shifted from purely alchemical spice to a mainstream herbal remedy valued for joint health, digestive support, and occasional topical treatments for minor skin irritations. Interestingly, while classical texts emphasize bark, contemporary practitioners often prefer seed extracts—this switch reflects better extraction yields of active glycosides from seeds."

https://ask-ayurveda.com/wiki/article/38...nia-digyny

"A queen in red is presented with dishes of blood on a hill; below, a man in a white robe gesticulates to the heavens; while another man stands next to alchemical apparatus, facing a man who is lying sick in bed; representing a stage in the process of alchemy. Coloured etching, ca 18th century"

https://www.lookandlearn.com/history-ima...-on-a-hill

Includes several videos of alchemical interest.

https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PL...68b243SsAE

A paper analyzing (and illustrating) a secret handwritten note from an 18th century Swedish physician.

https://ethnobiomed.biomedcentral.com/ar...25-00813-0