The Chemical Theater

IX. William Menens of Antwerp, The Golden Fleece original: Aurei velleris; a common alchemical metaphor where Jason's quest for the golden fleece represents the alchemist's search for the Philosophers' Stone., Three Books. 267

X. The Counsel of Marriage, or, On the Mass of the Sun and Moon original: Consilium conjugii, seu de massa Solis & Lunæ; in the symbolic language of alchemy, the "marriage" is the union of opposites, while the "Sun and Moon" represent Gold and Silver, or the masculine and feminine principles., Three Books by an Old Anonymous Philosopher. 479

XI. The Most Correct New Pearl original: Margarita novella; a highly influential 14th-century work by the Italian physician Petrus Bonus, which attempted to reconcile alchemy with the philosophy of Aristotle. by Master Petrus Bonus of Lombardy. 567

XII. A Curious Question regarding the Nature of the Sun and Moon by Michael Scot. Michael Scot was a 13th-century mathematician and scholar in the court of Holy Roman Emperor Frederick II; he was legendary for his supposed magical powers. 795

XIII. The Fish of the Lower Zodiac, or, On Philosophical Solution, with an Enigmatic Epitome of the Whole Stone, by Lucas Rodargirus of Eutopia. 806

XIV. A Most Profound Book of Occult Philosophy, especially concerning Metals, by Alphonso, King of Castile, the Most Wise Philosopher of the Arabs. King Alfonso X of Castile was known as "The Wise" and oversaw the translation of many Arabic scientific and mystical texts into Latin. 855

XV. The Treatise of Aristotle the Alchemist, to Alexander the Great, on the Philosophers' Stone. This is a "pseudo-Aristotle" text; medieval scholars often attributed alchemical works to the great philosopher to give them academic legitimacy. 880

Together with a Letter by a certain Monk of the Benedictine Order, to the Most Reverend Hermann, Archbishop of Cologne. 893

XVI. The Sixth Treatise of Saint Thomas Aquinas, treating on the Being and Essence of Minerals. Like Aristotle, Thomas Aquinas was an authority to whom later alchemists attributed their own writings. 901

Where the error in the title "Aquitis" for "Aquinas" should be corrected. The printer is noting a typo in the original manuscript or a previous edition.

XVII. Cornelius Alvetanus Arnsrodius on...