1572 – Secrets of Nature – Ulsted | Alchemy, Wine Making + Philosopher’s Stone!

Coelum philosophorum seu liber de secretis naturae is a 16^th-century treatise on the secrets of nature with a heavy emphasis on alchemy! First published in 1557, this book examines distillation, preparation of medicinal compounds, furnace construction, and of course the secrets to alchemical transformations. Author Philipp Ulsted includes numerous woodcuts throughout this 1572 edition; however, this edition is notable not just for the woodcuts, but for the curious inclusion a portion of Aranld de Villanova’s De Lapide Philosophorum.

This additional text contains a description of the Philosopher’s Stone with numerous topics including how the stone is made and how to make more of them! This additional work was published in each example of this 1572 edition.

Bibliographic Details

• Title: Coelum philosophorum seu liber de secretis naturae
• Author(s): Philipp Ulsted
• Publisher: Lvgdvni: Rovillius
• Edition: 1572. Second edition.
• Binding: Full vellum
• Format: (16mo), single volume
• Size:  4.5 x 3 in (11 x 8 cm)
• Collation: 431, 609-649, [10] pp (erroneous pages from a different work)
• Illustrations: Woodcuts throughout
• Contents Include:
  • Distillation methods and apparatus
  • Medicinal compounds and preparations
  • Transformation of substances
  • Furnace construction techniques
  • Apothecary practices
  • Wine production processes
  • Aranld de Villanova’s De Lapide Philosophorum
• Reference(s): USTC 140932

Condition:

Near Fine. Vellum binding tight and secure with clean corners and edges; gilt title on spine retained; text block stable; pages show expected age but remain clear.

Why Collect This?

• Famous 16th century alchemical and natural philosophy text
• Includes Villanova’s treatise on the Philosopher’s Stone

Item Number: #50201