Image of Isaac NewtonThe Chymistry of Isaac Newton Project

Keynes MS. 53, King's College Library

IntroductionNormalized TranscriptionDiplomatic Transcription

Author:

Newton, Isaac

Title:

Of ye first Gate

Contents:

A compilation of abbreviated alchemical extracts taken from a variety of sources, sometimes with brief commentary.

Physical Description:

Keynes MS. 53 consists of two full-sheets. The first is folded and slit like CU add. 3973. The second is folded but not slit.
The handwriting of this MS. is not nearly as small as that of Keynes 51 and 52. 1r, which is similar in size to the folios of those MSS., has only 32 lines. In fact, this is similar to the Sheet 3 inserted in Keynes 52 (which has 38 lines).
Measurements
  • Sheet 1: 392 x 300 mm (vertical x horizontal).
  • Sheet 2: 380 x 301 mm.
Watermarks
  • Sheet 1: Crowned fleur-de-lis within a shield. The inside of the crown is not visible. The fleur-de-lis is inserted into a single band towards its bottom and extends out below, forming an upside-down and smaller image of the flower. There is no countermark or attendent mark.
  • Sheet 2: Same as Sheet 1 but much clearer.

Languages:

English, Latin, Greek

Custodial History:

From the Newton Project Catalogue: Bought at the Sotheby sale by Heffers for ยฃ12.10s.; Keynes expressed an interest on 12 August 1936 and presumably went on to buy it.

Physical Location:

Keynesย MS. 53ย King's College Libraryย Cambridge Universityย Cambridge , England, United Kingdom

Electronic Publication:

Keynesย MS. 53. Published 2006, Indiana Universityย Bloomington, IN.

General Editor:

William R. Newman

Transcription Editor:

Lawrence Principe

Transcriber/Encoder:

John A. Johnson

Citation Editor:

Alex Wingate

Preferred Citation:

Newton, Isaac. "Keynesย MS. 53".The Chymistry of Isaac Newton. Ed. ย 2006. Retrieved April 30, 2024 from: http://purl.dlib.indiana.edu/iudl/newton/ALCH00042
1r
๐Ÿ“„
10 Of the first gate 1
Duc nigras pecudes ea prima piacula sunto.
First calcine & after that putrefy, dissolve destill sublime
descend & fix with aqua vitae oft times.

Theatrum Chemicum Britannicum. Nath. Brooke, 1652.

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Citation certainty: Unknown Likelihood

Newton is referencing George Ripley's "Epistle to King Edward IV" contained within The Compound of Alchemy. It is unknown what edition he used, but see the second stanza on p. 115 of the Theatrum Chemicum Britannicum (London: J. Grismond for Nath. Brooke, 1652) or the second stanza on f. M2r of The Compound of Alchymy (London: Thomas Orwin, 1591). We have linked to the Theatrum Chemicum Britannicum since there is a paginated citation to this edition in this same manuscript and Newton's copy survives at the Kislak Center at the University of Pennsylvania (call number QD25 .A78 1652).

Ripley's Epistle
We have 3 mercuries which Raymond calls his menstrues
two of which are superficial the 3d essential to sun & moon
With the first we naturally calcine perfect bodies, but not
any uncleane ones except the green Lyon, who is the mean
between the โ˜‰ & โ˜ฝ of joyning tinctures. With
the 2d, which is a vegetable humidity reviving what was dead the
material & formal principles most be losed. With the 3d
which is a permanent incombustible unctuous humidity, our fire
natural, Hermes tree is burnt to ashes.

Theatrum Chemicum Britannicum. Nath. Brooke, 1652.

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Citation certainty: Unknown Likelihood

Newton is referencing the preface of George Ripley's The Compound of Alchemy. See pp. 124-125 of the Theatrum Chemicum Britannicum (London: J. Grismond for Nath. Brooke, 1652) or ff. B4v-C1r in The Compound of Alchemy (London: Thomas Orwin, 1591). We have linked to the Theatrum Chemicum Britannicum since there is a paginated citation to this edition in this same manuscript and Newton's copy survives at the Kislak Center at the University of Pennsylvania (call number QD25 .A78 1652).

Ripley Preface
Solution (which is the 2d Gate) intenuates thick things by
vertue of the first menstrue clear & bright in which our bodies
eclypsed be to sight (viz in the black pouder) & from their
hard & dry compaction relent into their first matter

Theatrum Chemicum Britannicum. Nath. Brooke, 1652.

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Citation certainty: Likelihood

Newton is referencing "The Second Gate" in The Compound of Alchemy. See p. 135 in the Theatrum Chemicum Britannicum (London: J. Grismond for Nath. Brooke, 1652). Our citation certainty is rated as "high likelihood" because of use of "sight" in "eclypsed be to sight" and the paginated citation to p. 167 of the Theatrum Chemicum Britannicum in this manuscript. The 1591 edition of The Compound of Alchemy (London: Thomas Orwin) has "light" (ff. D1v).

Ripley Gate 2.
The stone congeled & not yet cold is nourished with its own menstrual
which water only [our 1st fire] did bring out of the earth [our matter] whose colour is green
in the first showing [during the digestion to the 1st putrefaction] & for
that time the Sun is eclipsed & darkned taking his course by
night through the north. This menstrue [brought out of our
earth by the water] is the blood of the green Lyon & not of Vitriol, as dame
Venus [that water] can tell you if you ask her in the beginning of the
work. For this secret is hid by all Philosophers.

Theatrum Chemicum Britannicum. Nath. Brooke, 1652.

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Citation certainty: Verified

Ripley Gate
6 pag 167
Our Vulcan lunatique or watery fire (chiefly described
by Artephius & Pontanus) is of the same nature which our matter
& both must be prepared by the Artist. The sages are very
reserved about both. The property of this fire is to calcine
1v
๐Ÿ“„
[by a putrefaction of 40 days in the first Gate & afterwards to] dissolve &
sublime the stone [in the 2d.] Tis the only fire in the world
that can do this. Tis of the nature of calx & no wise
a stranger to the subject of Philosophy. Consider how
Geber teaches the sublimations of this art. For my part
I can say no more then Sidera Veneris et
corniculatae Dianae tibi propitia sunto.

Limojon de Saint-Didier, Alexandre-Toussaint. Le triomphe hermetique. Chez Henry Wetstein, 1689.

[View Full Citation] [View Full Text]

Citation certainty: Unknown Likelihood

Newton is referencing Le triomphe hermetique of Limojon de Saint Didier. See pp. 42-44 of either the 1689 or 1699 editions (both Amsterdam: Henry Wetstein). It is impossible to know which edition Newton consulted since each edition has the same material on the same numbered page. We have linked to the 1689 edition since it is earlier and Newton's copy survives at Trinity College Cambridge (shelfmark NQ.16.123).

Le Triomphe p 42 43, 44
Happy is he that doth not only know the stone but
also how to convert it into water. This is the chief secret
& Key of the art, & cannot be otherwise done then by
our secret fire which calcines, dissolves & sublimes the stone.

Limojon de Saint-Didier, Alexandre-Toussaint. Le triomphe hermetique. Chez Henry Wetstein, 1689.

[View Full Citation] [View Full Text]

Citation certainty: Unknown Likelihood

Newton is referencing Le triomphe hermetique of Limojon de Saint Didier. See pp. 61 of either the 1689 or 1699 editions (both Amsterdam: Henry Wetstein). It is impossible to know which edition Newton consulted since each edition has the same material on the same numbered page. We have linked to the 1689 edition since it is earlier and Newton's copy survives at Trinity College Cambridge (shelfmark NQ.16.123).

ib. p. 61.
The heaven & stars & particularly the sun & moon
are the principle of this fountain of our living water. For
saith Cosmopolite the water was useless unles drawn out
of the rays of the sun or of the moon

Limojon de Saint-Didier, Alexandre-Toussaint. Le triomphe hermetique. Chez Henry Wetstein, 1689.

[View Full Citation] [View Full Text]

Citation certainty: Unknown Likelihood

Newton is referencing Le triomphe hermetique of Limojon de Saint Didier. See pp. 87-88 of either the 1689 or 1699 editions (both Amsterdam: Henry Wetstein). It is impossible to know which edition Newton consulted since each edition has the same material on the same numbered page. We have linked to the 1689 edition since it is earlier and Newton's copy survives at Trinity College Cambridge (shelfmark NQ.16.123).

ib p 87, 88

Despaire not. seeke the source of the liquor of the sages
which conteins all that is requisite for the work. 'Tis hidden
under a stone. Strike upon it with the rod of the magical
fire, & then will come out of it a clear fountain.
Afterwards prepare the kings bath with the blood of the
innocents (which is the ๐Ÿœs of )
& you shall have the mercury of the sages animated, that is the
grand Lunary, our incombustible oyle which congeles in cold like
ice & melts in heat like butter, which is Trevisans clear
fountain & the great Alkahest

Limojon de Saint-Didier, Alexandre-Toussaint. Le triomphe hermetique. Chez Henry Wetstein, 1689.

[View Full Citation] [View Full Text]

Citation certainty: Unknown Likelihood

Newton is referencing Le triomphe hermetique of Limojon de Saint Didier. See pp. 144-145 of either the 1689 or 1699 editions (both Amsterdam: Henry Wetstein). It is impossible to know which edition Newton consulted since each edition has the same material on the same numbered page. We have linked to the 1689 edition since it is earlier and Newton's copy survives at Trinity College Cambridge (shelfmark NQ.16.123).

ib. p. 144, 145.
The purification of metalls is done by many
operations. First the culinary fire separate the heterogeneities
Then the secret fire produces the same effect but more
efficaciously by introducing a fiery spirit into the matter which
opens
2r
๐Ÿ“„
2 inwardly the secret gate which sublitises & sublimes the pure
parts separating them from the terrestrial & adust parts.
The solution which follows by the addition of the astral
quintessence which animates the stone makes in it a third
depuration & the destillation completes it. To these several degres
of purgations philosophers give the names of as many
operations & of the conversion of the elements.

Limojon de Saint-Didier, Alexandre-Toussaint. Le triomphe hermetique. Chez Henry Wetstein, 1689.

[View Full Citation] [View Full Text]

Citation certainty: Unknown Likelihood

Newton is referencing Le triomphe hermetique of Limojon de Saint Didier. See p. 109 of either the 1689 or 1699 editions (both Amsterdam: Henry Wetstein). It is impossible to know which edition Newton consulted since each edition has the same material on the same numbered page. We have linked to the 1689 edition since it is earlier and Newton's copy survives at Trinity College Cambridge (shelfmark NQ.16.123).

ib p. 109
After I knew the true matter I studied five years
before I could extract out of the stone its pretious juice
by reason I knew not the secret fire of the sages
which makes to flow out of this
Plant which is dry in appearance, a water which wets
not the hands & which by the magical union of the dry
water of the sea of the sages resolves it self into a
viscous water, a mercurial liquor which is the
principle the foundation & the Key of our art.

Limojon de Saint-Didier, Alexandre-Toussaint. Le triomphe hermetique. Chez Henry Wetstein, 1689.

[View Full Citation] [View Full Text]

Citation certainty: Unknown Likelihood

Newton is referencing Le triomphe hermetique of Limojon de Saint Didier. See p. 150 of either the 1689 or 1699 editions (both Amsterdam: Henry Wetstein). It is impossible to know which edition Newton consulted since each edition has the same material on the same numbered page. We have linked to the 1689 edition since it is earlier and Newton's copy survives at Trinity College Cambridge (shelfmark NQ.16.123).

ib p. 150
After I had this fire I erred several years
before I could arrive at the misterious fountain where
the King baths & renues himself [that is at the 3d
menstrue made by conversions of Elements]

Limojon de Saint-Didier, Alexandre-Toussaint. Le triomphe hermetique. Chez Henry Wetstein, 1689.

[View Full Citation] [View Full Text]

Citation certainty: Unknown Likelihood

Newton is referencing Le triomphe hermetique of Limojon de Saint Didier. See p. 151 of either the 1689 or 1699 editions (both Amsterdam: Henry Wetstein). It is impossible to know which edition Newton consulted since each edition has the same material on the same numbered page. We have linked to the 1689 edition since it is earlier and Newton's copy survives at Trinity College Cambridge (shelfmark NQ.16.123).

ib. p. 151.
We first triturate the stone; then separate by the
secret fire the feces & terrestrial heterogeneities, then
sublime, then dissolve it with the [saturnal] water of the sea of
the sages, then coct it to make it a perfect
medicine

Limojon de Saint-Didier, Alexandre-Toussaint. Le triomphe hermetique. Chez Henry Wetstein, 1689.

[View Full Citation] [View Full Text]

Citation certainty: Unknown Likelihood

Newton is referencing Le triomphe hermetique of Limojon de Saint Didier. See p. 46 of either the 1689 or 1699 editions (both Amsterdam: Henry Wetstein). It is impossible to know which edition Newton consulted since each edition has the same material on the same numbered page. We have linked to the 1689 edition since it is earlier and Newton's copy survives at Trinity College Cambridge (shelfmark NQ.16.123).

ib p 46.
The work beginns with two Parabolic Rivers mixing
secretly in the triangular stone & then the secret fire
burns the matter to separate the feces.

Limojon de Saint-Didier, Alexandre-Toussaint. Le triomphe hermetique. Chez Henry Wetstein, 1689.

[View Full Citation] [View Full Text]

Citation certainty: Verified

Newton is referencing an emblem contained within Le triomphe hermetique of Limojon de Saint Didier. See either the 1689 or 1699 editions (both Amsterdam: Henry Wetstein). It is impossible to know which edition Newton consulted since both editions have the emblem on a folded plate. We have linked to the 1689 edition since it is earlier and Newton's copy survives at Trinity College Cambridge (shelfmark NQ.16.123).

ib in Emblem .

Philaletha, Eyraeneus. Secrets Reveal'd. William Cooper, 1669.

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Citation certainty: Unknown Likelihood

Newton is referencing chapter 2 of Starkey's Introitus apertus, later revised and published as Secrets Reveal'd. Without a page number, it is unknown what edition Newton is referencing here, but see pp. 4-5 in Introitus apertus (Amstelodami: apud Joannem Janssonius a Waesberge, & Viduam ac Haeredes Elizei Weyerstraet, 1667) or pp. 4-6 in Secrets Reveal'd (London: W. Godbid for William Cooper, 1669). We have linked to the 1669 Secrets Reveal'd since it is also in English and Newton's wording further in this passage closely matches the wording in Secrets Reveal'd. Newton's copy is held at University of Wisconsin-Madison's Memorial Library (call number Duveen D 1328a).

Introitus apertus cap 2 saith The work begins with thre things the fire, the liquor
of the vegetable saturnia & the venereal bond of โ˜ฟ described in the

Philaletha, Eyraeneus. Secrets Reveal'd. William Cooper, 1669.

[View Full Citation] [View Full Text]

Citation certainty: Unknown Likelihood

Newton is referencing chapters 3-5 of Starkey's Introitus apertus, later published as Secrets Reveal'd. Without a page number, it is unknown what edition Newton is referencing here, but see Introitus apertus (Amstelodami: apud Joannem Janssonius a Waesberge, & Viduam ac Haeredes Elizei Weyerstraet, 1667) or Secrets Reveal'd (London: W. Godbid for William Cooper, 1669). We have linked to the 1669 Secrets Reveal'd since it is also in English. Newton's copy is held at University of Wisconsin-Madison's Memorial Library (call number Duveen D 1328a).

3
2v
๐Ÿ“„
next chapters under the names of the Chalybs the magnet
& the Chaos of the sophi, which Chaos is composed of heaven & earth
& the things therein, & is there called a volatile air.
This chaos he tells you is composed of the fiery
Dragon & juice of Saturnia (that is of the fire & liquor
of the vegetable saturnia) & flows in the fire
like a melted metal, & yet is volatile, & that in respect
of its various states tis called our Arsenick (or Orpiment)
our Air, our โ˜ฝ our magnet our Chalybs. And in the next
words teaches how to perfect & proceed on
with this Chaos: Learn saith he who the companions of
cadmus are [the infants of Abraham the Jew] & what that serpent is which devoured them[the King with a great sword] &
what the hollow oak is to which Cadmus fastned the serpent
unto. Learn which Dianas Doves are which do vanquish
the Green Lyon by aswaging him, [that is, learn to sublime
this oak by the central salt of Venus, (as he elswhere
expresses it) to infold Diana in the arms of Venus, by
which means the activity & dissolving faculty of the salt is
asswaged.] And then learn to turn these Doves into the
Caducean rod of โ˜ฟ with which he worketh wonders & what the
nymphs are vizt two serpents about his rod etc which
he infects by incantation, & calcines into a black powder For without this golden rod upon which the two doves sit, there is no going down to hell.
The hollow oak the rose tree & the white heavy water, in the 3d Embl. of Abraham the Jew, compose this rod. Thus
also, as saith Mary, fumus complectitur fumum et herba alba crescens super monticulis capit utrumque.

Maier, Michael,. Symbola aureae mensae duodecim nationum. Lucas Jennis, 1617.

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Citation certainty: Likelihood

See p. 57 of Michael Maier's Symbola aureae mensae duodecim nationum (Francofurti: Typis Antonij Humanij impensis Lucae Iennis, 1617). The citation certainty is rated as "high likelihood" to be the 1617 Symbola aureae mensae because there appear to be no other known, surviving editions of this work that Newton could have consulted. Newton's copy survives at the National Library of Israel (system number 990025756660205000, shelfmark 8= 2007 C 4619).

Maier. Symbolae aureae mensae l. 2.
etc. Thus do
This rod as was said is the fire of the Sophi called above
the bond of โ˜ฟ. Unless you had rather there understand by
that bond, the mountain of โ™€ & โ˜ฟ without theother two principles of the fire & the liquor of saturnia . This
rod is also Philaletha's waterbearer who was all one with
his water & his silver-coloured pitcher; in which pitcher
was conteined fire shining like a lamp from the center on the starry
surface. For the water saith Cosmopolite is extracted
out of the rays of the Sun & Moon. This rod was anciently
painted thus
caduceus with wings
with wings (whence this figure โ˜ฟ) & therefore
tis
3r
๐Ÿ“„
3 volatile

Maier, Michael. Secretioris naturae secretorum scrutinium chymicum. Georgius Heinricus Oehrlingius, 1687.

[View Full Citation] [View Full Text]

Citation certainty: Unknown Likelihood

Newton is referencing an emblem with the motto: "Da ignem igni, Mercurium Mercurio, & sufficit tibi" that appears in various works of Michael Maier. Without a page number, it is impossible to narrow this citation to a specific work or edition, but the emblem in question appears as the tenth emblem in Atalanta fugiens (Oppenheimii: Ex typographia Hieronymi Galleri, sumptibus Joh. Theodori de Bry, 1618) on p. 49, and in Secretioris naturae secretorum scrutinium chymicum (Francofurti: impensis Georgii Henrici Oehrlingii, Bibliopolae, typo Johannis Philipii Andreae, 1687) on p. 28. We have linked to the 1687 edition since Newton's copy survives at Trinity College Cambridge (shelfmark NQ.16.88).

Maier Emblem 10.. ๎€ชThe two serpents saith

Exposition of the Hieroglyphicall Figures. Thomas Walkley, 1624.

[View Full Citation] [View Full Text]

Citation certainty: Unknown Likelihood

Newton is referencing Flamel's Exposition of the Hieroglyphical Figures. It is unknown what edition Newton might have consulted here without a page number, but see His Exposition of the Hieroglyphicall Figures (London: T.S. for Thomas Walkley, 1624), particularly p. 65. We have linked to it because it is in English, matching the language Newton is using here.

Flamel are the two
Dragons which in the whole work devour each other the
one male without wings the other female & winged &
therefore they are the Chalybs & Magnet prepared.
They are the king & Queen with which together
with the waterbearer

Philalethes, Eirenaeus. Ripley Reviv'd. William Cooper, 1678.

[View Full Citation] [View Full Text]

Citation certainty: Unknown Likelihood

Newton seems to be referencing "An Exposition upon the First Six Gates of Sir George Ripley's Compound of Alchemy". See pp. 105-106, 133 in Ripley Reviv'd (London: Tho. Ratcliff and Nat. Thompson for William Cooper, 1679) where "An Exposition" has a separate title page dated 1677. While there appears to be only one known, surviving edition of Ripley Reviv'd, due to the more paraphrased nature of the referenced material and the lack of a page number to confirm the edition, the citation certainty is "unknown likelihood."

Philaletha begins the work. The
King is there described one of the 7 metals cloathed down to the
ground with a roab of Gold & with a crown of gold
He is prepared artificially for he called the Son of
the waterbearer & of the Queen that is of a substance
common to them both whereby he is extracted. He
lies hid in the bottom of the great sea of the world
without blood & bone & can stop the high ships of this sea
that is retain the spirits of the world. He is the treasure lying
hid in the caelestial aqua vitae of our sea & is extracted
out of the great sea by our Magnet. The natural
way to take him is to turn him first into water &
then into earth

Theatrum chemicum, vol. 6. Haeredes Eberhardi Zetzneri, 1661.

[View Full Citation] [View Full Text]

Citation certainty: Likelihood

Newton is referencing Instructio patris ad filium de arbore solari. See pp. 172-173 in vol. 6 of the Theatrum chemicum (Argentorati: Haeredes Eberhardi Zetzneri, 1661). The citation certainty is rated as "high likelihood" since there does not appear to be another known, surviving printed edition of this work.

(Instructio patris de arbore solari c.3.) This
is the metallique fixt salt, through the help of which Mercu
after he had by his wings brought the King
up to his throne, (that is after
he became the rod of โ˜ฟ) established an
everlasting Kingdom (

de Monte Snyder, Johann. Metamorphosis planetarum. unknown, 1684.

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Citation certainty: Verified

Snyders Metamorphosis Cap.6
p.15.) the carbuncle set in Mars's crown

de Monte Snyder, Johann. Metamorphosis planetarum. unknown, 1684.

[View Full Citation]

Citation certainty: Verified

(Snyders ib p 23) the martial ruby which with the venereal
Emrauld were stuck in Diana's crown &, by the
help of which Diana was to bear solary children

de Monte Snyder, Johann. Metamorphosis planetarum. unknown, 1684.

[View Full Citation]

Citation certainty: Verified

(ib.
p. 42.) This is the spere of โ™‚ & the living gold of Philosophers
Our Vulcan
3v
๐Ÿ“„
The other serpent is our matter, Saturnia vegetabilis The Queen called by
Philaletha, Dame nature which saith he, is naked
(that is divested of its impurities,) & metamorphised
from its first state, after which change she is beautifull
& a body which is all spirit, that is a spiritual body. She
is the waterbearers daughter conteined in his pitcher invisibly
& arising out of the water of the pitcher in which was seen a lamp
burning, that is (as cosmopolite saith) out of the rays of the
moon. For this matter must be taken before the sun hath
cast his rays upon it. This matter saith the author of

Theatrum chemicum, vol. 6. Haeredes Eberhardi Zetzneri, 1661.

[View Full Citation] [View Full Text]

Citation certainty: Likelihood

Newton is referencing Instructio patris ad filium de arbore solari. See pp. 171-173 in vol. 6 of the Theatrum chemicum (Argentorati: Haeredes Eberhardi Zetzneri, 1661). The citation certainty is rated as "high likelihood" since there does not appear to be another known, surviving printed edition of this work.

instructio
de arbore solari is our terra virginea our first matter no
where to be found above the earth tis a corporeal spirit
& spiritual body, fat, viscous heavy & juicy. Our niter, the mother
of all metalls, our Hermaphrodite consisting of two natures ๐Ÿœ &
โ˜ฟ ( which

de Monte Snyder, Johann. Metamorphosis planetarum. unknown, 1684.

[View Full Citation]

Citation certainty: Likelihood

Newton is referencing Johannes de Monte-Snyder's On the Metamorphosis of the Planets. See p. 9 (f. 11r) in Yale Ms., Harvey Cushing/John Hay Whitney Medical Library, Yale University (Newton Project identifier ALCH00107). The citation certainty is rated as "high likelihood" since the previous three paginated citations to Monte-Snyder were to this manuscript.

Snyders calls the Solary soul & doubled spirit.)
Tis our Chameleon & Proteus. Tis not that earth which we
tread on but that which (by sublimation) hangs over our heads.
which the wise call their terrra virginea foliata, (called
by

Philosophiae chymicae IV. Joannes Bernerus, 1605.

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Citation certainty: Unknown Likelihood

This phrase is commonly attributed to Hermes. It is unknown what source Newton consulted here, but see pp. 32 and 37 in Philosophiae chymicae IV. vetustissima scripta (Francofurti: Ioannes Saur, 1605) or pp. 205 and 207 in vol. 5 of the Theatrum chemicum (Argentorati: Heredes Eberh. Zetzneri, 1660). The phrase is mentioned on both pages of each book in connection with Hermes. We have linked to the Philosophiae chymicae since it is earlier, and Newton's copy survives at Trinity College Cambridge (shelfmark NQ.16.136).

Hermes a terra alba foliata in qua aurum
seminandum & by

Theatrum Chemicum Britannicum. Nath. Brooke, 1652.

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Citation certainty: Unknown Likelihood

Newton is referencing the "Versus upon the Elixir" often attributed to Pearce the Black Monk. It is unknown which source Newton consulted here, but see p. 269 in the Theatrum Chemicum Britannicum (London: J. Grismond for Nath. Brooke, 1652). Newton's copy survives at the Kislak Center at the University of Pennsylvania (call number QD25 .A78 1652).

Pierce Terra terrae, that is after its
prepation. Tis the heavenly benediction indowed with the
tue of the starry heaven. Tis prepared by bringing
down the [sublimed] moon from heaven & [by precipitation] placing her upon earth
& Turning her first into water & then into earth. For tis
necessary in the beginning to turn this matter into
water by a singular & hidden artifice & after it has
naturally evaporated then by a gentle & natural hidden means
to turn it into earth: which being done you shall have
the terra virginea of the wise.
This phrase is not a citation. It indicates that the material extracted from the Instructio de arbore solari ends here. The passage taken from the text begins at the citation "This matter saith the author of instructio de arbore solari" on line 10 of this page.
Thus far the author of
Instructio de arbore solari: Our Antimony, saith

Maier, Michael,. Symbola aureae mensae duodecim nationum. Lucas Jennis, 1617.

[View Full Citation] [View Full Text]

Citation certainty: Likelihood

See p. 380 of Michael Maier's Symbola aureae mensae duodecim nationum (Francofurti: Typis Antonij Humanij impensis Lucae Iennis, 1617). The citation certainty is rated as "high likelihood" to be the 1617 Symbola aureae mensae because there appear to be no other known, surviving editions of this work that Newton could have consulted. Newton's copy survives at the National Library of Israel (system number 990025756660205000, shelfmark 8= 2007 C 4619).

Maier, is the
4r
๐Ÿ“„
4 King which crys in the Sea, Qui me liberabit
ex aquis et in siccum: [denuรฒ] reducet
Ego hunc divitiis beabo. This is the aqua salis nitri de terra alba in qua est rivulus et unda riva si ad genua foveam foderis. Di Thomas Antimonio Hispanico, non
tamen absque singulari praeparatione usus est, cum ex
vulgaribus ut Greverus loquitur, physica faciendae sint Quicquid
enim opus philosophicum ingreditur, debet esse purum
homogeneum ab omni sua heterogeneitate et terra
superflua purgatum in substantiam claram, operi physico
conventientem, quae vel tota volet vel tota in fundo
remaneat pro operationis diversitate. Haec

Maier, Michael,. Symbola aureae mensae duodecim nationum. Lucas Jennis, 1617.

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Citation certainty: Likelihood

See p. 381 of Michael Maier's Symbola aureae mensae duodecim nationum (Francofurti: Typis Antonij Humanij impensis Lucae Iennis, 1617). The citation certainty is rated as "high likelihood" to be the 1617 Symbola aureae mensae because there appear to be no other known, surviving editions of this work that Newton could have consulted. Newton's copy survives at the National Library of Israel (system number 990025756660205000, shelfmark 8= 2007 C 4619).

Mayerus l.8 Symbolae aureae mensae
Our Vulcan Lunatique or fire described by Artephius, (saith the

Limojon de Saint-Didier, Alexandre-Toussaint. Le triomphe hermetique. Chez Henry Wetstein, 1689.

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Citation certainty: Unknown Likelihood

Newton is referencing Le triomphe hermetique of Limojon de Saint Didier. See p. 42 of either the 1689 or 1699 editions (both Amsterdam: Henry Wetstein). It is impossible to know which edition Newton consulted since each edition has the same material on the same numbered page. We have linked to the 1689 edition since it is earlier and Newton's copy survives at Trinity College Cambridge (shelfmark NQ.16.123).

Triumph p 42) is of the same
nature with our matter & both must be prepared by the
Artist. The sages are very reserved about both. Alii
appellaverunt hanc terram, saith Lullius, Leonem viridem
fortem in praelio, alii draconem devorantem
congelantem vel mortificantem caudam suam, i. e. suum argentum
vivum; alii appellaverunt illum locum desertum quia
depopulata est a suis spiritibus, alii Hyle occultum quia
totius naturae est fundaementum. Haec Lullius
apud

Maier, Michael,. Symbola aureae mensae duodecim nationum. Lucas Jennis, 1617.

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Citation certainty: Likelihood

See p. 427 of Michael Maier's Symbola aureae mensae duodecim nationum (Francofurti: Typis Antonij Humanij impensis Lucae Iennis, 1617). The citation certainty is rated as "high likelihood" to be the 1617 Symbola aureae mensae because there appear to be no other known, surviving editions of this work that Newton could have consulted. Newton's copy survives at the National Library of Israel (system number 990025756660205000, shelfmark 8= 2007 C 4619).

Maierum, Symbolae aureae mensae l. 9. Cadmus in Rhodum veniens
Neptuno aedificavit templum et ollam aeream obtulit
cum hac inscriptione vatidica, Terram Rhodum a
serpentibus vastatum iri: quae verba rite intellecta totam
artem continent.

Maier, Michael. Arcana arcanissima. 1614.

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Citation certainty: Unknown Likelihood

Newton is referencing Michael Maier's Arcana arcanissima also known as Hieroglyphica aegyptio-graeca. While there is a single Latin edition of the Arcana arcanissima printed prior to Newton's death, it exists in three issues (see STC 17196.3, 17196.5, 17196.7) between 1614 and 1625, which primarily differ only in their title pages. It is impossible to know which issue of Maier's work Newton consulted since they are from the same setting of type, but see p. 45 of the 1614 Arcana arcanissima with a letterpress title page (No location: n.p.). It is often assumed that this issue was published in London by T. Creede because of an entry in the Stationers' Register stating "Entered to T. Creede 28 May 1613" (see ESTC S1358). We have linked to this issue since it is the earliest issue with a clearly dated title page. The other issues are Arcana arcanissima with an undated, engraved title page (c. 1614) and De hieroglyphicis Aegyptiorum libri sex (Societatem Londinensem, 1625).

Maierus Hieroglyphica l.1. p. 45 The double
saturn is the earth of the high mountain [or sublimed matter]
in which the Dragons & Griffins of the north made their nests
& abode, in the second Emblem of Abraham the Jew.
4v
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Saturn, saith Basil Valentine, will put into thy hand a
deep glittering minera which in his mine is grown of the
first matter of all metalls. If that minera after its
preparation which he will shew unto thee, is set in a strong
sublimation mixed with three parts of bole or tyle meal
then riseth to the highest mount a noble sublimate,
like feathers or alumen plumosum which in due time
dissolveth into a strong & effectual water which bringeth thy
[martial] seed very suddenly into the first volatility if so there
be added to it a due quantity of [our fiery] water that it
may be dissolved therein. For then these two [mercuries] the
soul & the spirit unite & are able to ascend above the
highest mountain & stay inseparably together.

Basilius Valentinus. The last will and testament of Basil Valentine. 1657.

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Citation certainty: Unknown Likelihood

Newton is referencing An Elucidation of the Twelve Keys (also titled A Declaration of the Twelve Keys). See A Declaration of the XII. Keyes in The Third Part of...His Last Testament (separate title page with London: n.p., 1656) in either the first issue of the 1657 edition of Basilius Valentinus...His Last Will and Testament (London: n.p.) or the 1658 reissue (London: W.B. for T. Davis). It is impossible to know which issue Newton is citing since the setting of type is the same. We have linked to the 1657 first issue since it is earlier, and Newton's copy is held at Trinity College Cambridge (shelfmark NQ.16.135). There is no open access digital facsimile available, but it is possible with a subscription to access the Early English Books Online (EEBO) facsimile by searching "2248495241".

Basil Valentine
Elucidation of the Keys p. 127.
Now the rod & these two serpents are the three
principles & 4 elements, one of the principles vizt the earth
or โ˜ฟ in several states being put for two elements air & earth. These
are the elements which

Artis auriferae, vol. 1. Conradus Waldkirchius, 1610.

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Citation certainty: Unknown Likelihood

Newton is referencing Turbae philosophorum. It is unknown what edition he consulted here, but see p. 95 in vol. 1 of the 1572 Artis auriferae (Basileae: Petrus Perna) or p. 57 in vol. 1 of the 1610 Artis auriferae (Basileae: Conradus Waldkirchus). We have linked to the 1610 edition since Newton's copy survives at Trinity College Cambridge (shelfmark NQ.16.121).

Turba mentions in the beginning &
whose conjunction he thus describes. Our Gumm, saith he, is the
water permanent which is not mended but by Gold & which
Merchants would not sell so cheap if they knew it. Accipe itaque
gumae candidissimae [i.e. praeparatae] partem unam et
urinae albi vituli [i.e. โ™€is vel materiae nostrae] partem aliam
at ex felle piscis [Echineis] partem unam et
de corpore gumae [i.e. vel purpuri impuri vel potius auri sine quo jam ante dixit
gumam emendari non posse] partem unam, & decoquite per
quadraginta dies. Whence

Maier, Michael,. Symbola aureae mensae duodecim nationum. Lucas Jennis, 1617.

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Citation certainty: Likelihood

Newton seems to be referencing the motto in Michael Maier's emblem for Roger Bacon in the Symbola aureae mensae. See p. 450 of Symbola aureae mensae duodecim nationum (Francofurti: Typis Antonij Humanij impensis Lucae Iennis, 1617). The citation certainty is rated as "high likelihood" to be the 1617 Symbola aureae mensae because there appear to be no other known, surviving editions of this work that Newton could have consulted. Newton's copy survives at the National Library of Israel (system number 990025756660205000, shelfmark 8= 2007 C 4619).

Bacon, Fac Elementorum
aequationem et habes. But yet the urin or water hides
in it two other substances not here mentioned. For Hermes
describes the first conjunction thus Intelligite filii
sapientum scientiam quatuor Elementorum. Est enim eorum
occulta operatio nam nihil agit nisi componatur Scitote filii
Sapientum
5r
๐Ÿ“„
5 sapientum quod priscorum Philosophorum aquae est
divisio, quae dividit ipsam in alia quatuor: unum [Solis]
duobus [Lunae] & tria [Caduceo โ˜ฟii] uni [โ˜‰is]: quorum colori [i.e.
Sulphuri colorum causae] tertia pars est, humori scilicet
coagulanti [in โ˜‰e et โ˜ฟio,] duae verรฒ
tertiae aquae sunt pondera. Accipe de humore
[i.e. aqua] unciam unam
et mediam & de rubore meridionali id est
anima solis [seu igne] quartam partem id est mediam
unciam & de Seyre citrino [i.e. terra foliis aureis
micante] similiter unciam mediam & de auripigmento
[i.e. aere albo] dimidium quae sunt octo id est unciae
tres. Scitote quod vitis sapientum succus in quibus

Maier, Michael,. Symbola aureae mensae duodecim nationum. Lucas Jennis, 1617.

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Citation certainty: Unknown Likelihood

This is likely a reference to Michael Maier's Symbola aureae mensae. While there is only one known, surviving edition that was published in Frankfurt in 1617 by Lucas Jennis and printed by Antonius Humanius, due to the fact that we have not been able to trace this citation to a specific location in the edition, the citation certainty remains as "unknown likelihood."

(maier Symbolae aureae mensae) in tribus extrahitur,
& vinum [forte sanguis leonis viridis] in fine triginta
peragitur. Intelligite igitur operationem: decoctio ipsum
minuit, tinctura ipsum augmentat, quia Luna post 15
dies diminuitur & in tertio [tricesimo] augmentatur. Hoc
igitur est initium et finis. Ecce vobis exposui quod
celatum fuerat.

Philosophiae chymicae IV. Joannes Bernerus, 1605.

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Citation certainty: Unknown Likelihood

Newton is referencing chapter 1 of Hermes Trismegistus' Liber de compositione. It is unknown what edition Newton might have referenced here, but see pp. 117-118 in Philosophiae chymicae IV. vetustissima scripta (Francofurti: Ioannes Saur, Ioannes Bernerus, 1605) or pp. 606, 612-614 in vol. 4 of the Theatrum Chemicum (Argentorati: Heredes Eberh. Zetzneri, 1659). We have linked to the 1605 Philosophiae chymicae because it is earlier and Newton's copy survives at Trinity College Cambridge (shelfmark NQ.16.136). Note that all of the Latin material after "For Hermes describes the first conjunction thus" up to this point is part of chapter 1 of Liber de compositione.

cap.1. And a little after in ovo nostro
compositio ex quatuor elementis coaptata et composita.

Philosophiae chymicae IV. Joannes Bernerus, 1605.

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Citation certainty: Unknown Likelihood

Newton is referencing chapter 2 of Hermes Trismegistus' Liber de compositione. It is unknown what edition Newton might have referenced here, but see p. 123 in Philosophiae chymicae IV. vetustissima scripta (Francofurti: Ioannes Saur, Ioannes Bernerus, 1605) or p. 641 in vol. 4 of the Theatrum Chemicum (Argentorati: Heredes Eberh. Zetzneri, 1659). We have linked to the 1605 Philosophiae chymicae because it is earlier and Newton's copy survives at Trinity College Cambridge (shelfmark NQ.16.136).

cap 2. And again Et scias fili quod lapis noster ex
pluribus rebus & variis coloribus [id est sulphuribus] & ex quatuor
coadunatus et compositus est elementis quae nos oportet
dividere.

Philosophiae chymicae IV. Joannes Bernerus, 1605.

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Citation certainty: Unknown Likelihood

Newton is referencing chapter 2 of Hermes Trismegistus' Liber de compositione. It is unknown what edition Newton might have referenced here, but see p. 125 in Philosophiae chymicae IV. vetustissima scripta (Francofurti: Ioannes Saur, Ioannes Bernerus, 1605) or p. 653 in vol. 4 of the Theatrum Chemicum (Argentorati: Heredes Eberh. Zetzneri, 1659). We have linked to the 1605 Philosophiae chymicae because it is earlier and Newton's copy survives at Trinity College Cambridge (shelfmark NQ.16.136).

cap.2. The proportion in this first work
(or perhaps in that of โ™„ & his sith)

Maier, Michael,. Symbola aureae mensae duodecim nationum. Lucas Jennis, 1617.

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Citation certainty: Likelihood

See p. 582 of Michael Maier's Symbola aureae mensae duodecim nationum (Francofurti: Typis Antonij Humanij impensis Lucae Iennis, 1617). The citation certainty is rated as "high likelihood" to be the 1617 Symbola aureae mensae because there appear to be no other known, surviving editions of this work that Newton could have consulted. Newton's copy survives at the National Library of Israel (system number 990025756660205000, shelfmark 8= 2007 C 4619).

Maier describes by
say that his Mare & Mule would ingender without this
proportion of their foder,
Dimidia quod agentis et illius adjice duplo.
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Notes
^ fol. 3v, l. 29
This phrase is not a citation. It indicates that the material extracted from the Instructio de arbore solari ends here. The passage taken from the text begins at the citation "This matter saith the author of instructio de arbore solari" on line 10 of this page.