Medieval Manuscripts in Cambridge Libraries

A catalogue of Western manuscripts and papyri at Cambridge University Library, the Fitzwilliam Museum and selected Cambridge colleges

Cambridge, Trinity College, MS O.8.25

Alchemical Texts

Physical Description

Secundo Folio: 2r: naturaliter desiderant numquam corrumpi secundum aristotelem
Form: codex
Support: Paper and parchment
Extent: Codex: ii + 1 | 3 + 40 | 30 | 38 | 30 | 30 | 1 + i leaves. 205-210 × 145-150 mm.
Foliation:

16th-century foliation, with 20th and 21st century additions.

[aa]-[bb] + a | i-iii + 1-168 | [b] + [cc]-[dd]

Foliation sequence in use in this record. The core leaves (ff. 1-168) are foliated in ink in Hindu-Arabic numerals in the upper outer corner of each recto in a 16th century hand. The medieval flyleaves at the beginning of the volume are foliated in pencil in a 20th or 21st century hand in two groups, f. a for the parchment former-pastedown, and ff. i-iii for the three paper endleaves. The parchment former-pastedown at the rear of the volume is unfoliated and so has been assigned the designation [b] in this record. There are two unfoliated early-modern paper flyleaves at each end of the volume and these leaves have been assigned the designations ff. [aa]-[bb] and [cc]-[dd] in this record.

Collation

  • Two early-modern paper endleaves (ff. [aa]-[bb]) +
  • One parchment endleaf (former pastedown) (f. a) |
  • Three paper endleaves (ff. i-iii) +
  • Quire 112-1? (ff. 1-11: ?1st leaf cancelled)
  • Quire 212 (ff. 12-23)
  • Quire 316+1 (ff. 24-40: 1st leaf added) |
  • Quire 410 (ff. 41-50)
  • Quires 5-68 (ff. 51-66)
  • Quire 74 (ff. 67-70) |
  • Quire 814 (ff. 71-84)
  • Quires 9-1012 (ff. 85-108) |
  • Quires 11-1310 (ff. 109-138) |
  • Quire 1410 (ff. 139-148)
  • Quire 1512 (ff. 149-160)
  • Quire 168 (ff. 161-168) |
  • One parchment endleaf (former pastedown) (f. [b]) +
  • Two early-modern paper endleaves (ff. [cc]-[dd])

Two early-modern paper endleaves + parchment endleaf (former pastedown) | three paper endleaves + 112-1? (?1st cancelled) 212 316+1 (1st added) 410 5-68 74 814 9-1012 11-1310 1410 1512 168 one parchment endleaf (former pastedown) + two early-modern paper endleaves

No leaf signatures common to the entire volume.

No quire signatures common to the entire volume.

No catchwords common to the entire volume.

Additions

Decorative fragments cut from another manuscript and pasted onto ff. 1r (two fragments), 24r (one fragment), 149v (one fragment), and 150v (one fragment). The fragments on f. 1r are a cutting of a decorative scene of a man (?wearing a turban) sitting up in bed and a section of a decorative foliate border, the fragment on f. 24r is another cutting from a decorative foliate border and the fragments on ff. 149v and 150v are small single decorative initials. Although it is not possible to be certain of the origin of the fragment without scientific analysis of their pigments, the cuttings are all aesthetically similar and are rendered in a style popular in England, France, and Flanders in the second half of the 15th century. The cuttings were added to the leaves before the text was written, and were possibly added by Giles Du Wés as some of the text copied by Giles Du Wés overlaps the decorative fragment in the outer margin of f. 1r.

Binding

?18th-century binding. Quarter-bound in white vellum with grey paper sides over paste- or mill-boards. No raised bands on spine (not photographed). Three small printed paper labels with the alphanumeric components of the present shelfmark ('O' '8' and '25') fixed to the spine with an adhesive.

Paper pastedowns pasted over the turn ins. The alpha-numeric components of the present shelfmark ('O.8.25') written in ink on the front pastedown as well as two former shelfmarks in ink, 'C. 46' and 'No. 177'. Rear pastedown blank.

Two paper flyleaves at the front of the volume (ff. [aa]-[bb] and two paper flyleaves at the rear of the volume (ff. [cc]-[dd]. Folio [aa] recto contains the alphanumeric components of the present shelfmark ('O.8.25') in pencil. All other paper endleaves blank.

The present ff. a and [b] are coated in an adhesive residue in a pattern consistent with the leaves having been used as pastedowns in a former binding. The text on f. a recto is upside down relative to the rest of the volume.

History

Provenance and Acquisition

Owned and largely copied by Giles Du Wés (Dewes) (d. 1535) , musician at the English royal court of King Henry VII, royal tutor in music and French to members of the English royal household, and royal librarian from c. 1506.

G. Kipling, 'Duwes [Dewes], Giles [pseud. Aegidius de Vadis]' ODNB, https://doi.org/10.1093/ref:odnb/7575
J.M. Rampling, The Experimental Fire: Inventing English Alchemy, 1300–1700 (Chicago: University of Chicago Press, 2020), esp. pp. 140, 143, 167.

J.M. Rampling has suggested that Cambridge, Trinity College, MS O.8.25 was perhaps once owned by Robert Greene , a friend of Giles Du Wés (Dewes) (d. 1535) , to whom Du Wés bequeathed another autograph alchemical manuscript, Cambridge, Trinity College, MS O.8.24 ; in the case of MS O.8.24, Greene added a monogram in two places to one of the endleaves at the beginning of the volume, whereas no such monogram can be found in MS O.8.25.

J.M. Rampling, The Experimental Fire: Inventing English Alchemy, 1300–1700 (Chicago: University of Chicago Press, 2020), esp. pp. 140 and 167

Owned by a Bryan Fytzwyllyam , possibly the Brian Fitzwilliam born c. 1530, son of Sir William Fitzwilliam who was the son of Sir William FitzWilliam (Sheriff of London and servant of Cardinal Wolsey) and Anne (Sapcote) FitzWilliam. A Bryan Fytzwyllyam has signed his name on ff. 14r, 37v, 40v, and 107r.

Owned by Sir Thomas Knyvett (1539-1618) of Ashwellthorpe, book collector: inscription of name 'Thomas Knyuett' in upper margin of f. 1r. A catalogue of Knyvett's library was made in 1618 (now Cambridge, University Library, MS Ff.2.30), but, as noted by David McKitterick, Cambridge, Trinity College, MS O.8.25 is one of a small number of Knyvett's manuscripts not included in the 1618 Catalogue.

D. McKitterick, The Library of Sir Thomas Knyvett of Ashwellthorpe, c.1539-1618, Cambridge University Library Historical Bibliography Series, 3 (Cambridge: Cambridge University Library, 1978), 'MS F'

One of the manuscripts of Thomas Gale (1635/6-1702) , dean of York, antiquary, and fellow of Trinity College Cambridge.

ODNB

One of the manuscripts of Roger Gale (1672-1744) , antiquary and scholar, son of Thomas Gale. Inherited from his father.

ODNB

Donated to Trinity College by Thomas Gale , son of Roger Gale, in 1738. The Gale donation is recorded in .

Part 1: former pastedowns: fragment of a French legal text and a medical recipe [Cambridge, Trinity College, MS O.8.25, ff. a and [b]]

Contents

Language(s): Old French and Latin

1. a recto
Fragment of a French legal text
Language(s): Old French

Written by a 14th-century hand.

2. a verso
Medical recipe for balsamum artificiale
Language(s): Latin
Rubric: a verso Balsamum artificialle excellentes in morbis frigidis
Incipit: a verso Recipe gummi elempriei(?) drachms iij Aloes epatici , Castorum
Explicit: a verso et in sole per duas horas desiccatum postea nullo modo(?) putrefiet[sic] que proba et videbis
Final rubric: a verso Explicit balsamum artificialis . exsuperans naturale

Written by a 16th-century hand.

Symbol in the outer margin that resembles the astrological symbol for Pisces.

3. [b] recto
Two alchemical recipes for cement
Language(s): Latin

Two alchemical recipes for cement, the first for 24-hour cement, the second for 6-hour cement.

A. Timmermann, 'Alchemy in Cambridge: An Annotated Catalogue of Alchemical Texts and Illustrations in Cambridge Repositories', Nuncius: Journal of the Material and Visual History of Science, 30.2 (2015), pp. 345–511, esp. p. 428
4. [b] verso
Fragment of a French legal text
Language(s): Old French

Written by a 14th-century hand.

Physical Description

Form: codex
Support: Parchment.
Extent: Codex: 2 leaves. 205 × 150 mm.

Collation

  • One parchment former-pastedown (f. a)
  • [intervening leaves not in this Part]
  • One parchment former-pastedown (f. [b])

No leaf signatures particular to this Part.

No quire signatures particular to this Part.

No catchwords particular to this Part.

Condition

In fair condition; both ff. a and [b] are from the same original manuscript, a 14th century legal manuscript in medieval French, and both leaves have adhesive residue suggestive of their use as pastedowns in a former binding. Both ff. a verso and [b] recto are palimpsest - the original French legal text has been erased to make space for other text.

Layout

170 Folios [a] recto and [b] verso are ruled in single-column format, frame and lines and the text is written above top line. Width of the text-box unestablished due to trimming of the leaf and situation of leaf within the present binding.

105 Folio a verso ruled in ink, frame and lines, ruling only occasionally visible, see e.g., under 'Gariofilorum' (ln. 3). Ruled in single-column format and written below top line, over an erased 14th century legal text in medieval French.

Hand(s)

Folio a recto and [b] verso written in a cursiva antiquior probably of French origin. Double-compartment a. Loops on the ascender of the letter d. Heavily forked ascenders on the ascender of h, k and l. The letters f, r and s are long and drop below the baseline.

Folio a verso probably written in the hand of Giles Du Wés. Du Wés writes a Cursiva Antiquior with strong anglicana, secretary and even humanist influences. Du Wés typically uses a more calligraphic script for rubrics and titles, and then different, less formal grades of script for the 'main text'.

Decoration

Folios a recto and [b] verso have paraph marks in red and blue to divide minor syntax units within the text.

Additions

Folio [b] recto: a note in ink in the upper margin, now partly trimmed away, 'Anno 1521 f . M . p . i . m. pridie nicolai G.d.d. Egidius du Wes a de vadis'.

History

Origin: 14th century. ; Probably France.

Date and place of production based on palaeographical features.

Part 2: alchemical texts [Cambridge, Trinity College, MS O.8.25, ff. i-iii + 1-40]

Contents

Language(s): Latin

i recto - i verso
Preface to the volume Giles Du Wés
Language(s): Latin
Rubric: i recto Egidii du Wes alias de vadis ad philosophie filios caritatiua monicio
Incipit: i recto Moneo vos O lectores ad cuius manis liber iste peruenerit , Ne in verborum multitudine confidatis quam quidem non in isto dumtaxat libro reperietus verum eciam in omnibus alijs
Explicit: i verso hec posteris relinquere dignum duxi Credat ergo qui velit , iudex enum est deus que vera loquor
Final rubric: i verso Cuius nomine solissimum benedicetur in eternam Amen Amen Amen

By the hand of Giles Du Wés.

A. Timmermann, 'Alchemy in Cambridge: An Annotated Catalogue of Alchemical Texts and Illustrations in Cambridge Repositories', Nuncius: Journal of the Material and Visual History of Science, 30.2 (2015), pp. 345–511, esp. pp. 423-428
i verso
Hexasticon ad Lectores Giles Du Wés
Language(s): Latin

In the hand of Giles Du Wés.

Six lines of poetry.

Full transcription:| Hexasticon ad Lectores | Inuide ne latres Linguam compesce furentem | Nec nimium rabidis garulus esto Labris | Aut pete tartareas superis incognitus vmbras | Et phlegetonteos labere adusque Lacus| At que illic pocius Lites et iurgia misce | Et vivis pacem concubitare sine

By the hand of Giles Du Wés.

ii recto
Totum Opus hic accipe
Language(s): Latin
Rubric: ii recto Totum Opus hic accipe
Incipit: ii recto Igni mittente te fixum cum fugiente | Pondera sint bina limphe , sic fit medicina
Explicit: ii recto Bis denifiscum prestabunt post Basiliscum| Quale quod fermentum similem praestet tibi fructum

By the hand of Giles Du Wés.

Twelve lines of poetry.

DWS 327
A. Timmermann, 'Alchemy in Cambridge: An Annotated Catalogue of Alchemical Texts and Illustrations in Cambridge Repositories', Nuncius: Journal of the Material and Visual History of Science, 30.2 (2015), pp. 345–511, esp. pp. 423-428
ii recto
Pondera mercurij
Language(s): Latin
Incipit: ii recto Pondera mercurij bis sex ad corpora centri | Latera quadrati tria ter sint tibi nati
Explicit: ii recto Cum filijs mater patitur vndigne quater | Proporcio tota sesquialtera sit tibi nota

In the hand of Giles Du Wés.

Seven lines of poetry.

A note below, possibly in the hand of Giles Du Wés: 'Intellige ista vt ? quatre magis quia hic totum habes sine aliqua superfluitate ac mendacio aliquo

DWS 828
DWS 327
eTK 1059B
A. Timmermann, 'Alchemy in Cambridge: An Annotated Catalogue of Alchemical Texts and Illustrations in Cambridge Repositories', Nuncius: Journal of the Material and Visual History of Science, 30.2 (2015), pp. 345–511, esp. pp. 423-428
ii verso
List of the contents of the volume
Language(s): Latin

Written by a 16th-century hand.

iii recto - iii verso
List of the contents of the volume in the hand of Giles Du Wés
Language(s): Latin
Rubric: iii recto Tabula librorum in presenti(?) volumine contentorum Et primo

The final entry on f. iii verso is in another hand.

1r-3r
Extracts from works attributed to pseudo-Arnaldus de Villanova pseudo-Arnaldus de Villanova
Language(s): Latin
Rubric: 1r Incipit Visio mistica arnaldi de vllanoua de libro 7tem sigillum signato
Incipit: 1r Vidi senem nimia claritate fulgentem et in manu sua librum clausum signatum et sigillatum tenentem , Et eleuans oculos vidi librum postibus argenteis et cum folijs aureis cooptatum
Explicit: 3r Intellige ergo et operare et aptetur tibi liber . Nam homines laborent et deus sua bonitate et benignitate eis optatum tribuet Cuius nomen sanctissimum in eternum sit benedictum AMEN
Final rubric: 3r Explicit visio vtilis et propulcra arnaldi De Villa noua

Decorative fragments cut from another manuscript and pasted onto ff. 1r (two fragments), 24r (one fragment), 149v (one fragment), and 150v (one fragment). The fragments on f. 1r are a cutting of a decorative scene of a man (?wearing a turban) sitting up in bed and a section of a decorative foliate border, the fragment on f. 24r is another cutting from a decorative foliate border and the fragments on ff. 149v and 150v are small single decorative initials. Although it is not possible to be certain of the origin of the fragment without scientific analysis of their pigments, the cuttings are all aesthetically similar and are rendered in a style popular in England, France, and Flanders in the second half of the 15th century. The cuttings were added to the leaves before the text was written, and were possibly added by Giles Du Wés as some of the text copied by Giles Du Wés overlaps the decorative fragment in the outer margin of f. 1r.

The name 'Thomas Knyvett' in ink in the upper margin of f. 1r, see Provenance for further information.

An addition after the Final Rubric on f. 3r, 'et artem intelligenti necessaria'.

By the hand of Giles Du Wés.

A. Timmermann, 'Alchemy in Cambridge: An Annotated Catalogue of Alchemical Texts and Illustrations in Cambridge Repositories', Nuncius: Journal of the Material and Visual History of Science, 30.2 (2015), pp. 345–511, esp. pp. 423-428
DWS 227
eTK 1696G
3r-3v
Alchemical note
Language(s): Latin
Incipit: 3r Nota quod in isto magisterio sunt 7tem operationibus quae hic pro septem cathenas figurantur . Vt rasis in septuaginta
Explicit: 3v nisi inopia contradixerit que maxime huic operi inimicatur
Final rubric: 3v Super quibus te monuit Egidius de vadis alias du Wes

A note below the last line of text on f. 3v, 'Experto crede Roberto'.

A. Timmermann, 'Alchemy in Cambridge: An Annotated Catalogue of Alchemical Texts and Illustrations in Cambridge Repositories', Nuncius: Journal of the Material and Visual History of Science, 30.2 (2015), pp. 345–511, esp. pp. 423-428
4r-8r
Rosarius abbreviatus pseudo-John Dastin or Justus van Balbian
Language(s): Latin
Rubric: 4r Tractatulus doctissimi Johannis daustini sic per phisici Lapidis descripcione excellentissimus feliciter incipit
Incipit: 4r [⟨T⟩]estificatur ad credendum meditacionem experimentum quod spiritus magis corporibus assimuLantur
Explicit: 8r omnia eciam corporis membra reparat et illesa conseruat ne eisdem in futurum morbus adueniat
Final rubric: 8r Telos

By the hand of Giles Du Wés.

eTK 1569G
DWS 285
A. Timmermann, 'Alchemy in Cambridge: An Annotated Catalogue of Alchemical Texts and Illustrations in Cambridge Repositories', Nuncius: Journal of the Material and Visual History of Science, 30.2 (2015), pp. 345–511, esp. pp. 423-428
8v-11v
Liber de mineralibus siue de congelatione Avicenna Alfredus Sereshalensis (trl)
Language(s): Latin

Translated by Alfredus Sereshalensis.

8v-11r
Liber de mineralibus siue de congelatione Avicenna Alfredus Sereshalensis (trl)
Language(s): Latin
Rubric: 8v Maximi philosophorum aristotelis de mineralibus
Incipit: 8v [⟨T⟩]erra pura Lapis non fit , quia continuacionem non facit sed commutacionem
Explicit: 11r multi vaporis(?) et fetidi , vide non bene congelatur
11r-11v
De congelatione (excerpt) Avicenna Alfredus Sereshalensis (trl)
Language(s): Latin
Incipit: 11r Et artifices gelacionem fere similem artificaliter facunt , quamuis artificialia non eodem modo sunt quo naturalia nec tam certa licet propinqua sint similia
Explicit: 11v Hoc autem per solam liquefactionem non fit sed acciduntur ei ex hoc res quedam extranee etc
Final rubric: 11v Finis

This section of the text sometimes circulated separately from the preceding part.

Edited (not from this MS) in William R. Newman, The Summa Perfectionis of Pseudo-Geber: A Critical Edition, Translation, and Study (Leiden, 1991) in Appendix I, pp. 48-51

By the hand of Giles Du Wés.

The words 'Aristoteles De mineralibus' in the upper margins of ff. 9r-11v in ink in an early-modern hand.

eTK 1565E
DWS 129
A. Timmermann, 'Alchemy in Cambridge: An Annotated Catalogue of Alchemical Texts and Illustrations in Cambridge Repositories', Nuncius: Journal of the Material and Visual History of Science, 30.2 (2015), pp. 345–511, esp. pp. 423-428
11r
Note
Language(s): Latin

Note in the lower margin of f. 11r in a 16th century hand: 'Nota quod fere omnes lectores hic decapiuntur ... ex arte sola procedit , quod quidem a doctoris sophistica D

A. Timmermann, 'Alchemy in Cambridge: An Annotated Catalogue of Alchemical Texts and Illustrations in Cambridge Repositories', Nuncius: Journal of the Material and Visual History of Science, 30.2 (2015), pp. 345–511, esp. pp. 423-428
12r-14r
Prologue to De perfecto magisterio pseudo-Aristotle
Language(s): Latin
12r
Prologue to De perfecto magisterio pseudo-Aristotle
Rubric: 12r Prologus in Librum sequens
Incipit: 12r Salutem Rogasti me amantissime frater vt secrecio⟨r⟩a et cerciora tam operis solaris quam lunaris tibi scriberem
Explicit: 12r et inextimabili gaudio tuo perpetuo gaudebis
Final rubric: 12r finit prologus
12r-14r
Prologue to De perfecto magisterio pseudo-Aristotle
Language(s): Latin
Incipit: 12r Et quia fessus meditando super secretis philosophie maioris qui dicitur ars occulta
Explicit: 14r quare ex industria eo quod superflue viderentur relicte sunt
Final rubric: 14r Et sic finitur presens tractatus

By the hand of Giles Du Wés.

A 16th-century reader has added notes directing the reader to the work of George Ripley, see e.g., the note on f. 14r after the final rubric, 'Vide philortium dicti Georgij Riplei et Ibi inuenies ipsum'.

A former owner, Brian Fitzwilliam ('Bryan Fytzwyllyam') has added his name to f. 14r.

A. Timmermann, 'Alchemy in Cambridge: An Annotated Catalogue of Alchemical Texts and Illustrations in Cambridge Repositories', Nuncius: Journal of the Material and Visual History of Science, 30.2 (2015), pp. 345–511, esp. pp. 423-428
DWS 212
14v-20r
De perfecto magisterio pseudo-Aristotle
Language(s): Latin
Rubric: 14v Liber perfecti magisterij 2m rasim philosophum
Incipit: 14v Quoniam studij solertis indagine vniuersarum rerum artificia philosophie competit sedulitate , tamen(?) fili karissime exquisiciones sagacie(?) Alkimiee artis magisterium adinuenit
Explicit: 20r Igitur antequam incipiatur delibera , et non inchoes nisi consumare disponas
Final rubric: 20r finis

By the hand of Giles Du Wés.

A 16th century reader has added a note after the final rubric on f. 20r, 'Antequam incipias consulto'.

A. Timmermann, 'Alchemy in Cambridge: An Annotated Catalogue of Alchemical Texts and Illustrations in Cambridge Repositories', Nuncius: Journal of the Material and Visual History of Science, 30.2 (2015), pp. 345–511, esp. pp. 423-428
DWS 114
eTK 0344M
20v-22r
Liber fiduciae (Book 4)
Language(s): Latin
Rubric: 20v Liber fiducie qui est nonus de septuaginta
Incipit: 20v [⟨I⟩]Am preterierunt libri apud nos ad propinquandum tempere preparacionis lapidis maioris
Explicit: 22r sed illi quam non habet usum aggrauabitur
Final rubric: 22r hic opus finis

By the hand of Giles Du Wés.

A. Timmermann, 'Alchemy in Cambridge: An Annotated Catalogue of Alchemical Texts and Illustrations in Cambridge Repositories', Nuncius: Journal of the Material and Visual History of Science, 30.2 (2015), pp. 345–511, esp. pp. 423-428
DWS 80
DWS 102
eTK 0649G
22rv
Liber septuagesimus
Language(s): Latin
Rubric: 22r Liber septuagesimus qui est postremus de 70ta
Incipit: 22r I...(?)m hec meo libro dicta expones rerum preparandarum et incipiam ab animali
Explicit: 22v cum aquas corporum , in sublimatione vero sunt multa signa et in congelatione similiter
Final rubric: 22v finis

By the hand of Giles Du Wés.

Folios 23rv blank.

24r-24v
Liber de Septuaginta (Liber regni) (extract) Jābir ibn Ḥayyān (Geber)
Language(s): Latin
Rubric: 24r Incipit liber Regis qui Liber de 70ta uel 7tuagesimus dicitur
Incipit: 24r Hvnc librum separauimus ab alijs libris vt puta vtiliorem alijs quod hic est medulla operis et opus abreuiatum[sic]
Explicit: 24v ad hunc effectum et post venire non potuerunt quia casus fuit et non ars
Final rubric: 24v Tunc finitur Liber regis

By the hand of Giles Du Wés.

Decorative fragments cut from another manuscript and pasted onto ff. 1r (two fragments), 24r (one fragment), 149v (one fragment), and 150v (one fragment). The fragments on f. 1r are a cutting of a decorative scene of a man (?wearing a turban) sitting up in bed and a section of a decorative foliate border, the fragment on f. 24r is another cutting from a decorative foliate border and the fragments on ff. 149v and 150v are small single decorative initials. Although it is not possible to be certain of the origin of the fragment without scientific analysis of their pigments, the cuttings are all aesthetically similar and are rendered in a style popular in England, France, and Flanders in the second half of the 15th century. The cuttings were added to the leaves before the text was written, and were possibly added by Giles Du Wés as some of the text copied by Giles Du Wés overlaps the decorative fragment in the outer margin of f. 1r.

An erasure (perhaps a name) in the lower margin of f. 24r.

A. Timmermann, 'Alchemy in Cambridge: An Annotated Catalogue of Alchemical Texts and Illustrations in Cambridge Repositories', Nuncius: Journal of the Material and Visual History of Science, 30.2 (2015), pp. 345–511, esp. pp. 423-428
DWS 645
eTK 0646E (t0124800000)
24v-25v
Unidentified alchemical text
Language(s): Latin
Rubric: 24v Liber de numero operacionum et ordine procedendii de 7
Incipit: 24v Completa sunt omnia que sunt de essentia artis transmutatorie ad medicinam componendam in minerabus faciliorem
Explicit: 25v et non vtemur eis in alijs quibuscumque
Final rubric: 25v Explicit numerus operacionum

A note in the outer margin of f. 24v attributes this text to Rasis.

26r-27v
Liber de tribus verbis pseudo-Rasis
Language(s): Latin
Rubric: 26r Sequitur Liber trium verborum \Rasis/
Incipit: 26r Principium huius operis est cum fuerit sol in ariete exaltatus et hic est tempus incepcionis vnius
Explicit: 27v Et quintus niger propter coloris plenitudinis(?) . Et hoc est opus bonum et firmum resistens omni igni et examinacioni
Final rubric: 27v Explicit liber trium verborum
A. Timmermann, 'Alchemy in Cambridge: An Annotated Catalogue of Alchemical Texts and Illustrations in Cambridge Repositories', Nuncius: Journal of the Material and Visual History of Science, 30.2 (2015), pp. 345–511, esp. pp. 423-428
DWS 122
eTK 1126H
28r-31v
Liber triginta verborum Abū Bakr Muḥammad ibn Zakarīyā Rāzī
Language(s): Latin
Rubric: 28r Liber triginta verborum rasis philosophi qui quidem inter septuaginta liber argentenus dicitur
Incipit: 28r Iam scis tu qui hanc queris doctrinam Nos hanc rem multis modis explanasse
Explicit: 31v Ergo cum proieceris(?) vnam partem super nulle , prohite vnam ex illis super super[sic] mille , quod facias donec tuus compleatur numerus
Final rubric: 31v Explicit

Title added in the upper margin of f. 28r in light ink, 'Liber argenteus ceu 30 verborum'.

A. Timmermann, 'Alchemy in Cambridge: An Annotated Catalogue of Alchemical Texts and Illustrations in Cambridge Repositories', Nuncius: Journal of the Material and Visual History of Science, 30.2 (2015), pp. 345–511, esp. pp. 423-428
DWS 84
eTK 0650H
32r-37v
De vitri coloribus
Language(s): Latin
32r-33r
Liber de naturis colorum pseudo-Aristotle
Language(s): Latin
Rubric: 32r Hic incipit liber de naturis colorum
Incipit: 32r Notato quoniam Ignis solus aurum conculcat sine interimit Acetum quoque es ipsum interimit et in viridem et in optimum reducit colorem
Explicit: 33r et sapiens puluerem combustionem in eis id est consistere affirmant quam ex eodem fomento quodam sepius experti sunt
Final rubric: 33r Finis

Title added in the upper margin of f. 32r in light ink, 'Liber de naturis corporum[sic]'.

A. Timmermann, 'Alchemy in Cambridge: An Annotated Catalogue of Alchemical Texts and Illustrations in Cambridge Repositories', Nuncius: Journal of the Material and Visual History of Science, 30.2 (2015), pp. 345–511, esp. pp. 423-428
eTK 0954H
33r-35v
Liber coniunccionum
Language(s): Latin
Rubric: 33r Sequitur Liber conunccionum qui est de 70ta rasis
Incipit: 33r Ex antiqua scientia philosophorum percipitur omne colorum genus ex minera[sic] principalem ducem originem
Explicit: 35v Cuius vna mercal .9. milia in solem transmutabis
Final rubric: 35v Explicit

According to Baroni, Brun, and Travaglio (2013), this text is variously attributed to 'Alcuin, Alquindus, Alkindi, Arnaldus de Villa Nova, Morienus, Johannes and others' and circulated with titles including 'Liber sacerdotum, Liber coniunctionum, Liber de naturis colorum, Liber administrationum, Flos de coloribus and others.'

A. Timmermann, 'Alchemy in Cambridge: An Annotated Catalogue of Alchemical Texts and Illustrations in Cambridge Repositories', Nuncius: Journal of the Material and Visual History of Science, 30.2 (2015), pp. 345–511, esp. pp. 423-428
DWS 110A
eTK 0530H
35v-37v
Prologus Liber administrationum
Language(s): Latin
Rubric: 35v Incipit Liber administracionum Prologus
Incipit: 35v Vt ait alkindus hec disciplina quibusdam posessionis detrimentum infert et mentem perturbat quibusdam vero opes multiplicat et quietem inducit
Explicit: 37v Item cum 4a Lunature indice idem conflabis et auripigmento rubeo permiscebis , exuret que et teres et cetera Item Indici Lunaturam ||

The name 'Bryan fytzwyllyam' added to f. 37v.

A. Timmermann, 'Alchemy in Cambridge: An Annotated Catalogue of Alchemical Texts and Illustrations in Cambridge Repositories', Nuncius: Journal of the Material and Visual History of Science, 30.2 (2015), pp. 345–511, esp. pp. 423-428
DWS 639
eTK 1612H

Baroni, Brun and Travaglio (2013) treat these three texts (ff. 32r-37v) as a single item (De vitri coloribus).

According to Baroni, Brun, and Travaglio (2013), this text is variously attributed to 'Alcuin, Alquindus, Alkindi, Arnaldus de Villa Nova, Morienus, Johannes and others' and circulated with titles including 'Liber sacerdotum, Liber coniunctionum, Liber de naturis colorum Liber administrationum, Flos de coloribus and others.'

Text ends abruptly on f. 37v, folio 38r blank.

Text discussed (but not this MS) in Paola Travaglio, Giulia Brun, and Sandro Baroni, 'Creation and colouration of stained-glass windows in Mediaeval literary sources: new perspectives on technical treatises dated between the 12th and 16th centuries' in H. Roemich, and K. Van Lookeren Campagne (eds.), Recent Advances in Glass, Stained-Glass, and Ceramics Conservation (2013) pp. 133-140
A. Timmermann, 'Alchemy in Cambridge: An Annotated Catalogue of Alchemical Texts and Illustrations in Cambridge Repositories', Nuncius: Journal of the Material and Visual History of Science, 30.2 (2015), pp. 345–511, esp. pp. 423-428
S. Baroni, and P. Travaglio, 'De Vitri Coloribus: Fortuna Medievale Di Un Trattato Bimillenario. Colorazione Del Vetro, Delle Gemme Artificiali, Degli Smalti, Della Decorazione Ceramica', Medioevo Europeo, 4.1 (2020), pp. 5–39
38v-40v
Speculum doctrinale
Language(s): Latin
Rubric: 38v Liber saturni qui est septimus de septuaginta
Incipit: 38v Iam diuino auxilio monstrant totam operacionem completa cum causis suis intendus . Incipit ergo dispositio 7ma et septimum casum ceu septimus liber qui quidem liber saturni vocatur in quo totam magisterium huius sciens conficitur+
Explicit: 40v Et aurum est mutum(?) , et ipsum similiter , et aurum expectat sub terra et non corrumpitur et ipsum similiter
Final rubric: 40v finis

Title added in the upper margin of ff. 38v-39r in light ink, 'Liber Saturni'.

Timmerman notes that this text is sometimes attributed to Vincent de Beauvais, and is also sometimes known as pseudo-Geber, Liber saturni.

A. Timmermann, 'Alchemy in Cambridge: An Annotated Catalogue of Alchemical Texts and Illustrations in Cambridge Repositories', Nuncius: Journal of the Material and Visual History of Science, 30.2 (2015), pp. 345–511, esp. pp. 423-428
DWS 79
eTK 0647L
eTK 0649A
40v
Lumen luminum
Language(s): Latin
Rubric: 40v Lumen luminum aristotelis
Incipit: 40v Proles succedit super vnius Fit quoque coccio Manet ad mensam
Explicit: 40v Vnus mille fugat , pellunt quoque millia dena
Final rubric: 40v Finis

By the hand of Giles Du Wés.

The name 'Bryan fytzwyllyam' on f. 40v.

Timmerman notes that this text is variously attributed to pseudo-Rasis, pseudo-Geber, and pseudo-Aristotle.

A. Timmermann, 'Alchemy in Cambridge: An Annotated Catalogue of Alchemical Texts and Illustrations in Cambridge Repositories', Nuncius: Journal of the Material and Visual History of Science, 30.2 (2015), pp. 345–511, esp. pp. 423-428
DWS 113

Physical Description

Secundo Folio: 2r: naturaliter desiderant numquam corrumpi secundum aristotelem
Form: codex
Support: Mixed support media - paper and parchment. No identifiable watermarks on the paper.
Extent: Codex: 3 + 40 leaves. 210 × 150 mm.

Collation

  • Three paper flyleaves (ff. i-iii) +
  • Quire 112-1? (ff. 1-11: ?1st leaf cancelled)
  • Quire 212 (ff. 12-23)
  • Quire 316+1 (ff. 24-40: 1st leaf added)

No leaf signatures particular to this Part.

No quire signatures particular to this Part.

No catchwords particular to this Part.

Condition

In good condition.

Layout

150 × 100 mm. No visible ruling, script follows to grain of paper. Written in single-column format, typically 30 lines to the page. Folio iii contains a list of the contents of the volume in the hand of Giles Du Wés and is written in double-column format.

Hand(s)

All leaves apart from f. ii verso written in the hand of Giles Du Wés. Du Wés writes a Cursiva Antiquior with strong anglicana, secretary and even humanist influences. Du Wés typically uses a more calligraphic script for rubrics and titles, and then different, less formal grades of script for the 'main text'.

Folio ii verso written in a humanist minuscule with italic influences.

Decoration

Paraph marks in red on f. iii to mark each lemma.

Additions

A (?misplaced) title in the upper margin of f. iii recto in a 16th century hand, 'Aristoteles De mineralibus Libro 3o'.

Trinity College armorial bookplate on f. iii verso.

Two fragments from another manuscript (?mid-late 15th century?) pasted onto f. 1r, perhaps for decorative puposes. A fragment similar to the one pasted into the outer margin of f. 1r has also been pasted onto the outer margin of f. 24r.

History

Origin: 16th century, before 1535. ; England.

Copied by Giles Du Wés (d. 1535).

Part 3: Liber rebis [Cambridge, Trinity College, MS O.8.25, ff. 41-70]

Contents

Language(s): Latin

41r-70v
Liber rebis Mercher
Language(s): Latin
Rubric: 41r Incipit Liber Rebis
Incipit: 41r Dixit merheris ad fledium . Serua quod dicam tibi et scribe . Sume ex lapide ubique reperto qui uocatur rebis . et nascitur in duobus montibus . Ex quo iuuamentum sumunt uolantes
Explicit: 70v Sic enim in optimum puluerem congelabitur cuius nam pars .id est. partes cuiuscumque corporis firmat
A. Timmermann, 'Alchemy in Cambridge: An Annotated Catalogue of Alchemical Texts and Illustrations in Cambridge Repositories', Nuncius: Journal of the Material and Visual History of Science, 30.2 (2015), pp. 345–511, esp. pp. 423-428
DWS 28
eTK 0326N

Physical Description

Secundo Folio: 42r: numera secundum suam naturam
Form: codex
Support: Parchment (HFFH).
Extent: Codex: 30 leaves. 205 × 145 mm.

Collation

  • Quire 410 (ff. 41-50)
  • Quires 5-68 (ff. 51-66)
  • Quire 74 (ff. 67-70)

No leaf signatures particular to this Part.

No quire signatures particular to this Part.

 No catchwords particular to this Part.

Condition

In good condition.

Layout

150 × 100 mm. Ruled in leadpoint, frame and lines. Ruled in single-column format, typically 33 lines to the page and written above top line. Ruling not visible on all leaves, but see e.g., f. 66v

Hand(s)

Written in a calligraphic northern textualis libraria. Double-compartment a. Forked and wedged ascenders on b, h and l. The letter s is long except in the terminal position and occasionally the initial position. The letters f and long-s sit on the baseline or drop only very slightly below. Small flicked feet on minims. The 'et' abbreviation strongly resembles a Hindu-Arabic numeral 7 with a crossbar.

Decoration

Plain enlarged initials in red, some with minor 'Arabesque' flourishing at the minor divisions of the text.

Headings and sub-headings in red throughout.

History

Origin: Second half of the 13th century. ; Probably England.

Date and place of production based on palaeographical features.

Part 4: Alchemical texts [Cambridge, Trinity College, MS O.8.25, ff. 71-108]

Contents

Language(s): Latin

71r
Alchemical Poem
Language(s): Latin
Incipit: 71r Est fons ornatus vulcani monte creatus| Expellit flatus nisi summo sit reparatus
Explicit: 71r Hermetis sensus breuiter tegit iste thelesmus | Deridens stultum qui nescit soluere nodum

Sixteen lines of poetry.

A. Timmermann, 'Alchemy in Cambridge: An Annotated Catalogue of Alchemical Texts and Illustrations in Cambridge Repositories', Nuncius: Journal of the Material and Visual History of Science, 30.2 (2015), pp. 345–511, esp. pp. 423-428
71r
Alchemical Poem
Language(s): Latin
Rubric: 71r Nucd Carmen(?)
Incipit: 71r Ars hoec plena bonis de delicijs salomonis| Ars bona legi lecta quod digria regi
Explicit: 71r Vis genij vigor ingenij secreta minerue | Que cupiat que non capiat satuus(?) ue puer ne

Four lines of poetry.

Folio 71v blank.

A. Timmermann, 'Alchemy in Cambridge: An Annotated Catalogue of Alchemical Texts and Illustrations in Cambridge Repositories', Nuncius: Journal of the Material and Visual History of Science, 30.2 (2015), pp. 345–511, esp. pp. 423-428
72r-75v
Liber solis pseudo-Hermes
Language(s): Latin
Rubric: 72r Incipit liber solis secundum hermetem in Lapide philosophorum
Incipit: 72r Quoniam in opere in quo philosophorum doctorum doctissimi desudanere penitus
Explicit: 75v et erit Luna perfectissima ymago melior quam illa de minera
Final rubric: 75v Explicit Liber solis
A. Timmermann, 'Alchemy in Cambridge: An Annotated Catalogue of Alchemical Texts and Illustrations in Cambridge Repositories', Nuncius: Journal of the Material and Visual History of Science, 30.2 (2015), pp. 345–511, esp. pp. 423-428
DWS 26
eTK 1279G
75v-81r
Liber salum et alluminum
Language(s): Latin
Rubric: 75v Incipit primus Liber salium et allumn=inum(?) rasis
Incipit: 75v Salium autem sunt genera multa , Sal armoniacus , Sal communis et marinus
Explicit: 81r et intendum uterusque cum alio sine aliquo addito , et interdum expedit exponem(?) salem et ad diversitatem operis intenti diversatur sal Explicit
Final rubric: 81r Explicit

According to Ferrario (see Appendix 4-A), Julius Ruska the editor of the Latin text of On Alums and Salts (OAS) analysed Trinity MS O.8.25 'for his edition of the Latin OAS and discarded it as a work different from the OAS'.

Title added in light ink in the upper margin of each opening, 'Liber Salium et Aluminum'

A. Timmermann, 'Alchemy in Cambridge: An Annotated Catalogue of Alchemical Texts and Illustrations in Cambridge Repositories', Nuncius: Journal of the Material and Visual History of Science, 30.2 (2015), pp. 345–511, esp. pp. 423-428
G. Ferrario, 'The Book on Alums and Salts of Pseudo-Rāzī: The Arabic and Hebrew Traditions', Ambix, 70.sup1 (2023), pp. S1-S208, esp Appendix 4-A
DWS 117
eTK 1369E
81r-85r
De aqua vite pseudo-Theodoric bishop of Cervia
Language(s): Latin
Rubric: 81r Sequitur Liber aquarum qui est de 70ta
Incipit: 81r Aquaram quedam sunt simplices et quedam composite
Explicit: 85r Acetum distillari debet in quo extinguitur vitam , album enim denigrat
Final rubric: 85r Explicit liber aquarum
A. Timmermann, 'Alchemy in Cambridge: An Annotated Catalogue of Alchemical Texts and Illustrations in Cambridge Repositories', Nuncius: Journal of the Material and Visual History of Science, 30.2 (2015), pp. 345–511, esp. pp. 423-428
DWS 1000
eTK 0122E
85r-93v
pseudo-Rasis Liber duo spirituum
Language(s): Latin
Rubric: 85r Hic incipit primus Liber spirituum qui est de 7ta
Incipit: 85r Spirituum, quidem sunt principales qudem decundarij principales sunt 4or videlicet Mercurius
Explicit: 93v Si quid ante(?) bonum de armoniaco inueniatur Dictum est superius in libro salium et aluminum
Final rubric: 93v Explicit secundus Liber de spiritibus

Divided into two books; Book 2 begins on f. 87r, 'Incipit secundus qui est de eorum preparationibus'.

A. Timmermann, 'Alchemy in Cambridge: An Annotated Catalogue of Alchemical Texts and Illustrations in Cambridge Repositories', Nuncius: Journal of the Material and Visual History of Science, 30.2 (2015), pp. 345–511, esp. pp. 423-428
DWS 118
eTK 1526H
93v-98v
De vase vitreo
Language(s): Latin
Rubric: 93v Liber de vasis et fornacibus sequitur
Incipit: 93v Utensilium, quedam sunt lignea, quedam sunt ferrea et quedam terrea et quedam vitrea
Explicit: 98v Addentur ergo addenda et auferantur auferenda et tenuetur labor
Final rubric: 98v Explicit liber vasorum
A. Timmermann, 'Alchemy in Cambridge: An Annotated Catalogue of Alchemical Texts and Illustrations in Cambridge Repositories', Nuncius: Journal of the Material and Visual History of Science, 30.2 (2015), pp. 345–511, esp. pp. 423-428
DWS 494A
eTK 1626F
98v-105v
Experimenta ad testimonium artis
Language(s): Latin
Rubric: 98v Experimenta ad testimonium artis
Incipit: 98v Experimenta hic apponuntur non quia ars , sed quia artis , sunt enim ad artis testimonium experimenta in scriptis redacta
Explicit: 105v et vt dixi eorum vsus omnio reprobo
Final rubric: 105v Explicit ergo labor eorum que per omnes sunt de bene esse artis , forte si sanitas permiserit fabulosum vtetur(?) in compendium cum meliori studij deliberacione . Item dico Explicit

Contains two 'experimenta' sub-texts, an 'Experimenta ad album (ff. 98v-103r) and an 'Experimenta ad rubeum (ff. 103r-105v).

A. Timmermann, 'Alchemy in Cambridge: An Annotated Catalogue of Alchemical Texts and Illustrations in Cambridge Repositories', Nuncius: Journal of the Material and Visual History of Science, 30.2 (2015), pp. 345–511, esp. pp. 423-428
DWS 631
105v-107r
Liber de septem pseudo-Rasis
Language(s): Latn
Rubric: 105v Sequitur liber de septem qui est decimus de septuaginta
Incipit: 105v Iam precesserunt nobis libri in quibus dixi preparacionem capituli maioris
Explicit: 107r et cum fiat puluis erit completa , operare cum ea in quocumque volueris
Final rubric: 107r finis

Folios 107v-108v blank.

The name 'Bryan fytzwyllyam' added to f. 107r.

A. Timmermann, 'Alchemy in Cambridge: An Annotated Catalogue of Alchemical Texts and Illustrations in Cambridge Repositories', Nuncius: Journal of the Material and Visual History of Science, 30.2 (2015), pp. 345–511, esp. pp. 423-428
DWS 81
eTK 0649F

Physical Description

Secundo Folio: 72r: Incipit Liber solis secundum hermetem in Lapide philosophorum
Secundo Folio: 73r: DIxit Kanazi de lapide de quo debet hoc
Form: codex
Support: Paper; no identifiable watermarks.
Extent: Codex: 30 leaves. 210 × 150 mm.

Collation

  • Quire 814 (ff. 71-84)
  • Quires 9-1012 (ff. 85-108)

No leaf signatures particular to this Part.

No quire signatures particular to this Part.

 No catchwords particular to this Part.

Condition

In good condition.

Layout

150 × 100 mm. Written in single-column format, typically 33 lines to the page. No ruling visible, text-lines conform to grain of paper.

Hand(s)

Folios 71r-108v written by the hand of Giles Du Wés. Du Wés writes a Cursiva Antiquior with strong anglicana secretary and even humanist influences. Du Wés typically uses a more calligraphic script for rubrics and titles, and then different, less formal grades of script for the 'main text'.

Decoration

Plain initials in a murky-red ink in a 'Lombardic' style at the minor divisions of the texts.

Headings and sub-headings in a murky-red ink. Running titles in the upper margins in the same murky-red ink.

History

Origin: 16th century, before 1535. ; England.

Copied by Giles Du Wés (d. 1535).

Part 5: Alchemical texts [Cambridge, Trinity College, MS O.8.25, ff. 109-138]

Contents

Language(s): Latin

109r-130v
Lumen luminum
Language(s): Latin
Rubric: 109r Incipit lumen luminum liber Rasis philosophi in arte elkimia in quo thesauri secretorum nature occultantur
Incipit: 109r Cum de sublimiori atque precipuo rerum effectum sermo sit habendus
Explicit: 130v et ab omni nephario scelere inmunis[sic] vita que laude digna omnium existimatione utiliter predicat
Final rubric: 130v Explicit \Lumen luminum rasis/

Timmerman notes that this text is variously attributed to pseudo-Rasis, pseudo-Geber, and pseudo-Aristotle.

Title in the upper margin of f. 109r by a 16th-century hand, 'Iste liber qui lumen luminum dicitur continet 10. libros de 70 rasis'.

A. Timmermann, 'Alchemy in Cambridge: An Annotated Catalogue of Alchemical Texts and Illustrations in Cambridge Repositories', Nuncius: Journal of the Material and Visual History of Science, 30.2 (2015), pp. 345–511, esp. pp. 423-428
DWS 113
eTK 0290M
131r-133r
Liber Hermetis pseudo-Hermes
Language(s): Latin
Rubric: 131r Quid sit elkimia . Quoniam fit elkimia . Que utilitas artis . Quibus in omnibus contradicatur arti . Quomodo in omnes contadicentium . Quod effectus artis in potencia sit et propinqua . Que sit artis commendacio . Qvomodo se habere debeant artis securators
Incipit: 131r Elkimia est ars ministralis essentiam .vij. metallorum continens
Explicit: 133r et in sola urina pueri extingue et sic facies et apparebit aurum purissimum

Title added in the upper margin of f. 131r in an early-modern hand, 'Escarus'.

A. Timmermann, 'Alchemy in Cambridge: An Annotated Catalogue of Alchemical Texts and Illustrations in Cambridge Repositories', Nuncius: Journal of the Material and Visual History of Science, 30.2 (2015), pp. 345–511, esp. pp. 423-428
DWS 38
eTK 0076L
133r-138v
Liber de compositione alchemiae Morienus
Language(s): Latin
Rubric: 133r Incipiunt interrogationes Regis khalid . et responsiones Morieni de omnibus inquibus tota efficacia magisterij hermetis constare probatur
Incipit: 133r O Moriene primum querere libet . quae et qualis sit huius rei principalis principalis substantia et materia et utrum multe aut plures sint . Aut ex uno tantummodo conficiatur
Explicit: 138v Nec partem istum alius inuenitur . Anima enim cito suum ||

Ends imperfectly on f. 138v. Giles Du Wés continues the text on ff. 139r-140v.

A. Timmermann, 'Alchemy in Cambridge: An Annotated Catalogue of Alchemical Texts and Illustrations in Cambridge Repositories', Nuncius: Journal of the Material and Visual History of Science, 30.2 (2015), pp. 345–511, esp. pp. 423-428
DWS 66
eTK 0882C

Physical Description

Secundo Folio: 110r: quae in eodem conueniunt
Form: codex
Support: Parchment (HFFH).
Extent: Codex: 30 leaves. 205 × 150 mm.

Collation

  • Quires 11-1310 (ff. 109-138)

No leaf signatures particular to this Part.

No quire signatures particular to this Part.

No catchwords particular to this Part.

Condition

In good condition. Leaves are a little dark and have various liquid stains but text remains legible throughout.

Layout

155 × 100 mm. Ruled in leadpoint, frame and lines. Ruled in single-column format, typically 32 lines to the page and written below top line. Ruling not visible on all pages, but see e.g., f. 109v.

Hand(s)

Folios 109r-138v are written in a northern textualis libraria. Double-compartment a. Wedges with slight forking on the ascenders of b, h, l. A mix of straight- and sloping-back-d. Small flicked feet on minims. Diamond-shaped wedges at the top of minims. The letters f and long-s sit on the baseline.

Decoration

Plain initials in red with 'Arabesque' and 'Lombardic' influences at the minor divisions of the texts, see e.g., ff. 121v-122r.

History

Origin: Second half of the 13th century or perhaps the early 14th century. ; Probably England.

Date and place of production based on palaeographical features.

Part 6: Alchemical texts [Cambridge, Trinity College, MS O.8.25, ff. 139-168]

Contents

Language(s): Latin

139r-140v
Liber de compositione alchemiae Morienus
Language(s): Latin
Incipit: || 139r ingreditur . corpus . quam si alieno corpori coniunger
Explicit: 140v partes argenti ponatur quam totum in aurum purissimum conuentetur
Final rubric: 140v Sit quo deus benedictus percuncta seculorum secula A.M.E.N. | Explicit dialogus int⟨errogationum⟩ morienum et regem kalid super compositione lapidis philosophorum translatus de arabico in Latinum Mo Co octuagesimo[sic] 2o mense februari die xia viii hora eiusdem diei . Egidius de Vadis

By the hand of Giles Du Wés.

The first part of this text is ff. 133r-138v - Giles Du Wés seems to have obtained an atelous copy of the text and completed the missing portion himself on ff. 139r-140v.

The colophon on f. 140v offers a date for the completion of the translation: the 8th hour of the 11th of February, 1082.

A. Timmermann, 'Alchemy in Cambridge: An Annotated Catalogue of Alchemical Texts and Illustrations in Cambridge Repositories', Nuncius: Journal of the Material and Visual History of Science, 30.2 (2015), pp. 345–511, esp. pp. 423-428
DWS 66
eTK 0882C
141v-147
Clavis pseudo-Alphidius
Language(s): Latin
Rubric: 141v Incipit liber alfidij philosophi super lapide philosophico
Incipit: 141v Scito fili quod hunc librum tibi scripsi Esto ergo pro ut puto te esse intelligentia et scientia ac mentis acie
Explicit: 147v Ecce omnia tibi demonstraui Intellige ergo ac mentis acie percipe et quod optas inuenies
Final rubric: 147v Deo concedente Explicit
A. Timmermann, 'Alchemy in Cambridge: An Annotated Catalogue of Alchemical Texts and Illustrations in Cambridge Repositories', Nuncius: Journal of the Material and Visual History of Science, 30.2 (2015), pp. 345–511, esp. pp. 423-428
DWS 144
eTK 1407K (t0269230000)
147v
De vita libri tres (excerpt) Marsilio Ficino
Language(s): Latin
Rubric: 147v Marslius ficinus Libro de Vita celitus comparanda capitulo 3o per moreanum(?) questionis ait
Incipit: 147v Quaerere(?) si elementa atque animantes generant aliquid sibi simile suo quodam spiritu
Explicit: 147v nec aliter inserens quam insitionis studiosus agricola veteri recentem stipiti surculum

There is a partially erased note underneath the text in an early-modern hand, 'O delectabile colloquium , ?(?) intelligenti'.

A. Timmermann, 'Alchemy in Cambridge: An Annotated Catalogue of Alchemical Texts and Illustrations in Cambridge Repositories', Nuncius: Journal of the Material and Visual History of Science, 30.2 (2015), pp. 345–511, esp. pp. 423-428
Text edited and translated (not from this MS) in Carol V. Kaske and John R. Clarke (eds.), Three Books on Life: a critical edition and translation with introduction and note, Medieval and Renaissance texts and studies 57 (NY:Binghampton, 1989)
148r-149r
De alchimia ps.-Khalid Ibn Yazid
Language(s): Latin
Incipit: 148r Inquit Chalit filius ysid Primo necesse est in hac arte nos Ignem et lucem speluncam lapidis habere
Explicit: 149r non sunt adinti quam non alio adiuuantur , eo ergo est sustinencia Deo annuente Deo gracias
Final rubric: 149r Explicit chalid filius ysid
A. Timmermann, 'Alchemy in Cambridge: An Annotated Catalogue of Alchemical Texts and Illustrations in Cambridge Repositories', Nuncius: Journal of the Material and Visual History of Science, 30.2 (2015), pp. 345–511, esp. pp. 423-428
DWS 71
eTK 1107E
149v-150
Roman de la rose (excerpt) Jean de Meun
Language(s): Latin
Rubric: 149v Ex capitulo nature Roman rose | Sequitur tractatulus quidem extractus de quodam libro galico intitulato Roman rose Composito per magistrum iohannem de meun qui opere et sermone artem habuit completam
Incipit: 149v Ars volens naturam | Suam imitare dominam | In omnibus que facit | Homines cum depingit
Explicit: 150r Ex facere nequibunt | Sophiste quadam durabunt | Quia per huiusce viam | Non obuiabunt naturam

Written in two-column format with marginal annotations.

Note by Giles Du Wés on f. 150rfollowing his translation of the poem: | Si quis me culpauerit propter ruditatem vocabulorum atque incongruitatem[sic] faciat ipse melius hortor . Egidus de Vadis

Decorative fragments cut from another manuscript and pasted onto ff. 1r (two fragments), 24r (one fragment), 149v (one fragment), and 150v (one fragment). The fragments on f. 1r are a cutting of a decorative scene of a man (?wearing a turban) sitting up in bed and a section of a decorative foliate border, the fragment on f. 24r is another cutting from a decorative foliate border and the fragments on ff. 149v and 150v are small single decorative initials. Although it is not possible to be certain of the origin of the fragment without scientific analysis of their pigments, the cuttings are all aesthetically similar and are rendered in a style popular in England, France, and Flanders in the second half of the 15th century. The cuttings were added to the leaves before the text was written, and were possibly added by Giles Du Wés as some of the text copied by Giles Du Wés overlaps the decorative fragment in the outer margin of f. 1r.

A. Timmermann, 'Alchemy in Cambridge: An Annotated Catalogue of Alchemical Texts and Illustrations in Cambridge Repositories', Nuncius: Journal of the Material and Visual History of Science, 30.2 (2015), pp. 345–511, esp. pp. 423-428
DWS 71
150v-161r
Liber Rosini ad Euthesiam
Language(s): Latin
Rubric: 150v Incipit tractatus Rosini ad euthesiam per modum dialogi in quo libro Rosinus ponitur loco masculi .j. sulphur Et euthesia loco femine
Incipit: 150v Iam Rosine in doctrinis ad propositum proueni Expone igitur michi ea qua alienis nominibus philosophi nuncupauerunt
Explicit: 161r Certum igitur habeas nulla tinctura fiet vnquam nisi pro aquam sulphuris mundam Deo gratias
Final rubric: 161r Explicit tractatus Rosini ad Euthesiam

Title in the upper margins in red ink, 'Dialogus Rosini ad Euthesiam'.

Decorative fragments cut from another manuscript and pasted onto ff. 1r (two fragments), 24r (one fragment), 149v (one fragment), and 150v (one fragment). The fragments on f. 1r are a cutting of a decorative scene of a man (?wearing a turban) sitting up in bed and a section of a decorative foliate border, the fragment on f. 24r is another cutting from a decorative foliate border and the fragments on ff. 149v and 150v are small single decorative initials. Although it is not possible to be certain of the origin of the fragment without scientific analysis of their pigments, the cuttings are all aesthetically similar and are rendered in a style popular in England, France, and Flanders in the second half of the 15th century. The cuttings were added to the leaves before the text was written, and were possibly added by Giles Du Wés as some of the text copied by Giles Du Wés overlaps the decorative fragment in the outer margin of f. 1r.

A. Timmermann, 'Alchemy in Cambridge: An Annotated Catalogue of Alchemical Texts and Illustrations in Cambridge Repositories', Nuncius: Journal of the Material and Visual History of Science, 30.2 (2015), pp. 345–511, esp. pp. 423-428
DWS 51
eTK 0650E
eTK 0747K
161r
Alchemical note commenting on the Liber Rosini ad Euthesiam
Language(s): Latin

This note appears to comment on the Liber Rosini ad Euthesiam and involves a calculation of duration.

161v-162v
Carmina alchemica (excerpt) pseudo-Rasis
Language(s): Latin
Rubric: 161v Hijs Carminibus totam artem philosophicam Comprehendes
Incipit: 161v Ecce sub in munda viridis latet anguis in vnda | Currens que nescit nam minero septa quescit | Occelis est murus cadens super omnia durus | Vt consuetur fons qui sub fete tenetur
Explicit: 162v Hijs quoque maiora si captas et vtiliora | Effici maiori quod fectus ante minori
Final rubric: 162v Expliciunt Carmina Rasis philosophi artem sancti laudabilis in alkimia E de Vadis

Written in double-column format.

A. Timmermann, 'Alchemy in Cambridge: An Annotated Catalogue of Alchemical Texts and Illustrations in Cambridge Repositories', Nuncius: Journal of the Material and Visual History of Science, 30.2 (2015), pp. 345–511, esp. pp. 423-428
DWS 796
eTK 0481M
163r
Brevis tractatus pseudo-Roger Bacon
Language(s): Latin
Rubric: 163r Excellentissima philosophici Lapidis descripcio
Incipit: 163r Ignis et azoc tibi sufficiunt ad congelacionem mercurij si fueris bonus medicus ad album et rubeum
Explicit: 163r Carissime huius operis est tibi longum sed in mundo breuimus non inuenitur
Final rubric: 163r Explicit
A. Timmermann, 'Alchemy in Cambridge: An Annotated Catalogue of Alchemical Texts and Illustrations in Cambridge Repositories', Nuncius: Journal of the Material and Visual History of Science, 30.2 (2015), pp. 345–511, esp. pp. 423-428
DWS 208
eTK 0658A
163v-165r
Philorcium alchimistarum George Ripley
Language(s): Latin
Rubric: 163v Hec duo capitula subsequencia excerpta sunt ex opere georgi riplay canonici intitulato philoricum alkimistarum in quibus propendes ea quae operi quaerenda sunt nec non fugienda Et primo sequitur capitulum tractatus de erroribus quorundam practicancium in arte multiplicatoria
Incipit: 163v Sunt quidem qui se de secretis alkimie intromittunt
Explicit: 165r qui non veterascunt , sed in vitam permanent sempiternam quam nobis concedat deus qui sine fine viuit et regnat
Final rubric: 165r Amen
A. Timmermann, 'Alchemy in Cambridge: An Annotated Catalogue of Alchemical Texts and Illustrations in Cambridge Repositories', Nuncius: Journal of the Material and Visual History of Science, 30.2 (2015), pp. 345–511, esp. pp. 423-428
DWS 323
eTK 1542K (t0295010000)
165v-166r
Liber creationis pseudo-Geber
Language(s): Latin
Rubric: 165v Liber cerationis qui est .xxx. de 70ta:
Incipit: 165v In hoc nostro libro dicemus olea et lac et quod in eis est de faciendis impressionibus que sunt melioris operatione
Explicit: 166r a corporibus secreta melle et ab ?(?) filibus et hoc totum est cum distillatione

A small monogram-like symbol of a rounded w or ω bisected in half vertically by a j or an l at the end of the text on f. 166r.

A. Timmermann, 'Alchemy in Cambridge: An Annotated Catalogue of Alchemical Texts and Illustrations in Cambridge Repositories', Nuncius: Journal of the Material and Visual History of Science, 30.2 (2015), pp. 345–511, esp. pp. 423-428
DWS 92
166v-167v
Liber coniunctionum Kindī
Language(s): Latin
Rubric: 166v Incipit Liber coniunctationum
Incipit: 166v Vt ex antiquorum vnam[sic] philosophorum percipitur omne colorem genus ex minera ducunt originem perincipalem[sic]
Explicit: 167v libras in veris transmutabis
Final rubric: 167v Finis margarita

Folios blank.

A. Timmermann, 'Alchemy in Cambridge: An Annotated Catalogue of Alchemical Texts and Illustrations in Cambridge Repositories', Nuncius: Journal of the Material and Visual History of Science, 30.2 (2015), pp. 345–511, esp. pp. 423-428
DWS 110A
eTK 0530H

Physical Description

Secundo Folio: 140r: nemini dicas vel detegas
Secundo Folio: 142r: ignis quiescit
Form: codex
Support: A mix of paper and parchment. Folios 139-148 are parchment and folios 149-168 are paper. No identifiable watermarks on paper leaves.
Extent: Codex: 30 leaves. 210 × 150 mm.

Collation

  • Quire 1410 (ff. 139-148)
  • Quire 1512 (ff. 149-160)
  • Quire 168 (ff. 161-168)|

No leaf signatures particular to this Part.

No quire signatures particular to this Part.

No catchwords particular to this Part.

Condition

In good condition. Some spots of damage to text on f. 147v either caused by deliberate erasure or accidental contact with a fat-based substance which has led to the destruction of some words.

Layout

150 × 100 mm. Folios 139-148 are ruled in leadpoint, frame and lines. Ruled in single-column format, typically 29 lines to the page and written below top line.

150 × 100 mm. Folios 139-167 are unruled. Written in single-column format, typically 33 lines to the page; writing conforms to the grain of the paper.

Hand(s)

Folios 139r-167v written in the hand of Giles Du Wés. Du Wés writes a Cursiva Antiquior with strong anglicana, secretary and even humanist influences. Du Wés uses a more formal and calligraphic hand for his scribal stint on ff. 139-148v, and in particular on ff. 139r-140v where he supplies the missing end to an atelous text in an earlier medieval hand on ff. 133r-138v. Du Wés writes a much more informal minuscule for his scribal stint on ff. 149r-167v.

Folios 139r-148v written in the hand of Giles Du Wés. Du Wés writes a Cursiva Antiquior with strong anglicana secretary and even humanist influences. Du Wés typically uses a more calligraphic script for rubrics and titles, and then different, less formal grades of script for the 'main text'.

Decoration

Decorative initials in red at the major and some of the minor divisions of the texts.

Occasional titles and chapter headings in red.

History

Origin: 16th century, before 1535. ; England.

Copied by Giles Du Wés (d. 1535).

Additional Information

Record Sources

This catalogue entry draws extensively on A. Timmermann, 'Alchemy in Cambridge: An Annotated Catalogue of Alchemical Texts and Illustrations in Cambridge Repositories', Nuncius: Journal of the Material and Visual History of Science, 30.2 (2015), pp. 345–511 and on on M.R. James, The Western Manuscripts in the Library of Trinity College Cambridge - A Descriptive Catalogue: Volume III: Containing An Account of the Manuscripts Standing in Class O (Cambridge, 1902), pp. 416-418, no. 1400

Availability

Visitors to Trinity College who wish to consult Special Collections material are required to apply to the Library in advance of their visit. For information on eligibility and admission procedures see: Trinity College: Information for Readers.

Bibliography

    Das Buch der Alaune und Salze: ein Grundwerk der Spätlateinischer Alchemie, Ruska, Julius (Berlin, ) The library of Sir Thomas Knyvett of Ashwellthorpe, c.1539-1618 Cambridge University Library historical bibliography series, McKitterick, David (Cambridge, Cambridge University Library,, 1978) Augurello's Chrysopoeia (1515): a turning point in the literary tradition of alchemical texts Early Science and Medicine, von Martels, Zweder (5, 2, 178-195, 2000) Alchemy in Cambridge: An Annotated Catalogue of Alchemical Texts and Illustrations in Cambridge Repositories Nuncius: Journal of the Material and Visual History of Science, Timmermann, Anke (30, 2, 345-511, 2015) De vitri coloribus: fortuna medievale di un trattato bimillenario. Colorazione del vetro, delle gemme artificiali, degli smalti, della decorazione ceramica Medioevo Europeo, Baroni, SandroTravaglio, Paola (4, 1, 5-39, 2020) The Experimental Fire: Inventing English Alchemy, 1300–1700, Rampling, Jennifer M. (Chicago, University of Chicago Press, 2020) The Book on Alums and Salts of Pseudo-Rāzī: The Arabic and Hebrew Traditions Ambix, Ferrario, Gabriele (70, sup1, S1-S208, 2023, https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/full/10.1080/00026980.2023.2222505)

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Wellcome (cataloguing). All images provided by Trinity College, Cambridge.

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