Theatrum Chemicum Britannicum by Elias Ashmole

Publication: 1967 Johnson Reprint Corporation

One of the best known seventeenth century alchemical works, Theatrum Chemicum Britannicum is a collection of English language metaphysical verse, much of which is composed to convey the essence of the alchemical arts by allegory. It’s compiler, Elias Ashmole (1617 – 1692), the great English antiquary, statesman, astrologer and student of alchemy in English, preserved in its pages many precious works that were then only known in manuscript, including works attributed to William Backhouse, Geoffrey Chaucer, John Dee, Edward Kelly, Thomas Norton, et al. Gardner describes the book as: “A most important collection of Alchemical tracts, including Thos. Norton’s Ordinall of Alchemy, G. Ripley’s Compound of Alchemie, Dr. John Dee’s Testament, etc.

This edition beautifully reprints the original plates engraved by Vaughan including foldout plate on page 116.

Condition: publishers blue cloth boards, gilt title to spine and upper board, corners are only slightly bumped, pages clean and binding tight, overall in Very Good condition. This edition has become quite scarce