– Manuscript All.113 in the Bibliothèque Nationale de France is one of the oldest and most refined surviving Splendor Solis. It was a model for later copies, including the British Library’s Harley manuscript 3469.
– Considered the origin of chemical science and modern medicine. Its text is attributed to Solomon Trismosin, a supposed alchemist who investigated the secret of the philosopher’s stone, in the presence of which all metals turn to gold, and of the elixir of long life.
– The illustrations in Splendor Solis make it the most refined alchemical manuscript. It evokes the work of his contemporaries Dürer, Hans Holbein and Lucas Cranach.
– Many have devoted their attention to it, including writers such as Umberto Eco, James Joyce and Butler Yeats.
– Unique edition limited to 999 numbered and notarised copies.
The Templars and the Philosopher’s Stone
Their essays became prominent and widespread in Europe during the Middle Ages and the Renaissance. Consequently, this development made possible the rise of modern chemistry and medicine. The Templars, who possessed large quantities of gold and silver, were accused of practicing this secret knowledge, which they allegedly acquired while guarding the Ark of the Covenant — believed to contain all the secrets and knowledge of the Universe — and was kept in the Temple of Solomon in Jerusalem. Furthermore, the main European monarchs showed great interest in this art, which stood somewhere between science and magic. For example, Philip II commissioned the construction of the most important distillation laboratory in Europe, located in El Escorial. Don’t miss our magnificent collection that explores these fascinating mysteries.
Secretum Templi – Processus contra Templarios
The Holy Grail of Manuscripts
Current owner:
© Bibliothèque Nationale de France, Ms. All.113. 16th century. Ca. 1572.
Extent:
100 parchment pages illuminated in gold and silver.
Language:
German.
Format:
30 x 21 cm.
Illustrations:
22 beautiful full-page miniatures, with ornamental borders depicting vegetation and architecture.
WHAT IS A TREATISE ON ALCHEMY?
An alchemical treatise is a type of written work that discusses theories, practices, experiments, and philosophies related to alchemy. These treatises were written by alchemists throughout the centuries, from Antiquity to the Modern Age. Throughout history, they cover a wide range of topics within the field of alchemy.
Content
Alchemical treatises often include detailed information on alchemical processes, such as the transmutation of metals, the making of elixirs and remedies, the manufacture of the ‘philosopher’s stone,’ and the ‘universal panacea,’ among others. In addition, they may also cover topics such as astrology, symbology, the theory of the elements, and hermetic philosophy.
Objectives
Alchemical treatises have a variety of aims, ranging from the quest to transmute base metals into gold and obtain the philosopher’s stone to the pursuit of spiritual enlightenment and universal wisdom. These goals, however, may vary according to the alchemical current and the individual beliefs of the author.
Styles and Approaches
Alchemical treatises can present a wide variety of styles and approaches. Some may be highly technical and detailed, with descriptions of alchemical processes and experiments. On the other hand, others may adopt a more poetic and philosophical tone, exploring the spiritual and symbolic aspects of alchemy.
Historical Significance
Alchemical treatises are important historical documents that reflect the thinking and practices of a wide range of cultures and time periods. Although many of the alchemical processes described have been discredited by modern science, they remain valuable for understanding the evolution of human thought and the interaction between science, philosophy, and spirituality throughout history.
In short, a treatise on alchemy is a written work that offers a detailed and diverse view of the fascinating world of alchemy. It covers both its practical and technical aspects as well as its philosophical and spiritual dimensions.
Other alchemy treatises by Patrimonio Ediciones that may interest you: The Voynich Manuscript.
SPLENDOR SOLIS: A MAGNIFICENT TREATISE ON ALCHEMY
Alchemy is central to the relationship with the fine facsimile “Splendor Solis”. This fine facsimile is a visual and textual representation of an ancient alchemical manuscript. It dates back to the 16th century. Alchemy is a philosophical and proto-scientific system that encompassed diverse areas such as chemistry, physics, medicine and spirituality. And which sought to transmute base metals into gold, as well as to obtain the “philosopher’s stone” and the “universal panacea”.
Alchemical symbolism in Splendor Solis
The fine facsimile Splendor Solis is full of alchemical symbols and allegories. Indeed, the detailed illustrations and textual descriptions in the fine facsimile contain alchemical elements. Those are the sun and the moon, the four elements (earth, water, air and fire), the seven traditional planets, as well as mythological and hermetic figures. As a result, these alchemical symbols represent abstract concepts and spiritual processes that alchemists sought to understand and master.
Search for wisdom and transformation in Splendor Solis
Alchemy was not only limited to the transformation of metals, but also encompassed the search for inner wisdom and spiritual transformation. In this sense, the fine facsimile Splendor Solis reflects this deeper dimension of alchemy. It presents symbolic teachings on the alchemist’s journey towards enlightenment and spiritual perfection. Through both its images and text, the fine facsimile invites the reader to reflect on the nature of the universe and of the human being. And as well as on the process of personal transformation.
Splendor Solis: Art and Mysticism
The fine facsimile Splendor Solis is a work of art in itself, and its aesthetic beauty serves as a vehicle for conveying alchemical principles and teachings. Moreover, the combination of elaborate illustrations and poetic text creates a visual and emotional experience that captivates the reader and immerses them in the mystical and enigmatic world of alchemy.
This fine facsimile not only documents the alchemical knowledge and practices of the time, but also embodies the ideals and spiritual aspirations of the Renaissance alchemists. Ultimately, through its images and texts, Splendor Solis invites us to explore the mysteries of the universe and to embark on a journey of self-discovery and transformation.
WHY IS IT CALLED SPLENDOR SOLIS?
The alchemical treatise Splendor Solis gets its name from the Latin, which translates as The Splendour of the Sun. This title reflects the symbolic importance of the sun within alchemy and Hermetic philosophy. The sun, as a universal symbol of light, knowledge, and power, plays a central role in many spiritual and alchemical traditions.
The sun as an alchemical symbol
In alchemy, the sun represents spiritual perfection, enlightenment and the search for transcendental knowledge. It is seen as a source of energy and vitality that drives the process of alchemical transformation, both materially and spiritually. Alchemy sees the sun as a symbol of the inner divinity of the human being and his or her potential to achieve perfection and wisdom.
Splendour and brilliance
The term “splendor” suggests radiant brightness or splendour, evoking the idea of the sun’s luminosity and its ability to illuminate and reveal hidden truth. In the context of “Splendor Solis”, this splendour refers not only to the physical light of the sun, but also to the spiritual illumination and knowledge revealed through alchemical practice.
Spiritual and philosophical meaning of Splendor Solis
The name “Splendor Solis” encapsulates the spiritual and philosophical goal of alchemy, which is to achieve enlightenment and wisdom through the search for the philosopher’s stone and spiritual transmutation. The sun, as the supreme symbol of light and knowledge, represents the alchemist’s ultimate destiny: the realisation of his true self and union with the divine.
In short, the name “Splendor Solis” encapsulates the essence and ideals of alchemy, which are the pursuit of light, wisdom and spiritual transformation. It is a reminder of the power and beauty of the sun, both in the physical world and in the inner world of the individual alchemist.
