Alchemy texts archives - Lapidus

Date: Wed, 20 Aug 1997
From: Johann Plattner

Is`s a few time ago, when I have studied "In pursuit of Gold" by Lapidus
(Stephen Skinner). After an intensive reading of the book (three or more
times), I came across, that what have been absolutely clear to the
beginning, became completely perplex to the final reading.
Especially the terms "secret fire" and "water" are always mixed in
different meanings.

Have anyone of the group practical experience with the work from
Lapidus?

Some other questions:

1. Is Stephen Skinner = Lapidus, or are they different persons ?
2. Is Lapidus (Skinner) still active ?
3. Did Lapidus write another book since 1976 ?

I should be very glad for getting some comprehendsible information.

Thank you very much !

Johann Plattner

From: Adam McLean
Date: Wed, 20 Aug 1997

Johann Plattner asked some questions about "In pursuit of Gold" by
Lapidus published by Stephen Skinner.

>1. Is Stephen Skinner = Lapidus, or are they different persons ?

About a year ago Stephen Skinner told me that since Lapidus had died,
Stephen felt able to clear up the mystery of the authorship of the book.
He assured me that he himself had not written the book and told me
the name of the author. He wished me to not to make this identity
public. The name of the author meant nothing to me. Lapidus
appears to have been someone who did not want his interest in
alchemy publicly revealed, and I think Stephen is right not to want it
openly revealed. Suffice it to say that he was British and
lived in England. He does not seem to have made any impact on
outer history and as I said above, his name was unknown to me.

>2. Is Lapidus (Skinner) still active ?

Lapidus died some years ago. Stephen is very much alive
and living in London.

>3. Did Lapidus write another book since 1976 ?

I do not know. I have not heard of any other material under the
name of Lapidus.

From: Adrian Monk
Date: Thu, 21 Aug 1997

>From: Johann Plattner
>Is`s a few time ago, when I have studied "In pursuit of Gold" by Lapidus
>(Stephen Skinner). After an intensive reading of the book (three or more
>times), I came across, that what have been absolutely clear to the
>beginning, became completely perplex to the final reading.
>Especially the terms "secret fire" and "water" are always mixed in
>different meanings.

Yes indeed. I think that one needs to be cautious with this book.
There are several major contradictions in it, possibly deliberate, for
instance where he speaks of muriatic acid and nitric acid. Also,
several sections in it have been lifted more or less bodily from
Bacstrom's Alchemical Anthology.

Adrian Monk
Bedford, England

Date: Thu, 21 Aug 1997
From: JORGE MAS MANJON

> Has anyone of the group practical experience with the work from
> Lapidus?

Johann Plattner

I have followed the work by Lapidus, my opinion is that the book is the
most accurate in the current era, in the description of the operative
work. It is a excellent book. I am gratified that there are such
books as this.

The author Lapidus is live, and will probably in the next years publish a
new work.

In the modern era that we live, it is necessary that works describe
with clarity the process of the Art, already we are fatigued of work
rhetorics of other authors.

JORGE. M.

Date: Thu, 21 Aug 1997
From: Johann Plattner

> From: JORGE MAS MANJON
> The author Lapidus is live, and will probably in the next years publish a
> new work.
> JORGE. M.
> ----------------------

Dear Jorge,

I am amused to read such controversal mails. What is correct,
that which Adam McLean wrote (Thu, 21 Aug 1997 09:55:18 +0000)
or yours ?

Adam McLean wrote:

>Lapidus died some years ago. Stephen is very much alive
>and living in London.

In refering to a new book:

> I do not know. I have not heard of any other material under the
> name of Lapidus.

That is why it is no wonder that we misunderstand Alchemist's Enigmas!

Sincerely

J. Plattner

Date: Fri, 22 Aug 1997
From: JORGE MAS MANJON

Regards to Johann Plattner

It is not too important who is right. What is
important is the validity of the book of Lapidus. This author
shows us a road which can be the Alchemy of the 21st century.
I wait that other authors may continue the example of an operative Art,
and abandon a rhetoric that it does not lead anywhere.

Cordially,

JORGE M.