Lives of alchemystical philosophers based on materials collected in 1815 : and supplemented by recent researches with a philosophical demonstration of the true principles of the magnum opus, or great work of alchemical re-construction, and some account of the spiritual chemistry / by Arthur Edward Waite ; to which is added a bibliography of alchemy and hermetic philosophy.

  • Waite, Arthur Edward, 1857-1942.
Date:
1888
Catalogue details

Licence: Public Domain Mark

Credit: Lives of alchemystical philosophers based on materials collected in 1815 : and supplemented by recent researches with a philosophical demonstration of the true principles of the magnum opus, or great work of alchemical re-construction, and some account of the spiritual chemistry / by Arthur Edward Waite ; to which is added a bibliography of alchemy and hermetic philosophy. Source: Wellcome Collection.

Provider: This material has been provided by the Francis A. Countway Library of Medicine, through the Medical Heritage Library. The original may be consulted at the Francis A. Countway Library of Medicine, Harvard Medical School.

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    Grant me one instant! he cried in a piteous voice. Sixty ounces of gold ? Is that the irrevocable con- dition ? Undoubtedly, said Balsamo, carelessly. Alas! alas! And at what hour to-morrow ? At six o'clock in the morning and, mark, at the same spot. I will be there. This was the parting speech of the goldsmith, and, as it were, the last gasp of his conquered avarice. On the morrow, punctual to the appointed time, they met as before, Balsamo with his habitual coolness, Marano with his gold. They arrived in due course at the grotto, where the angels, consulted as on the previous day, returned the same oracles. Balsamo assumed ignorance of what would take place. With a terrific struggle, Marano deposited his gold and prepared to cross the threshold. He took one step forward, then started back, inquired if there were no danger in penetrating into the depths of the cavern, was assured of safety if the gold had been faithfully weighed, entered with more confidence, and again returned, these manoeuvres being repeated several times, under the eyes of the adept, whose expression indicated the most uninterested indif- ference. At length, Marano took courage and proceeded so far that a return was impossible, for three black, muscular devils started out from the shadows and barred his path, giving vent to the most alarming growls. They seized him, forced him to whirl round and round for a long time, and then while the unhappy creature vainly invoked the assistance of Balsamo, they proceeded to cudgel him lustily till he dropped overwhelmed to the ground, when a clear voice bade him remain absolutely silent and motion- less, for he would be instantaneously despatched if he stirred either hand or foot. The wretched man did not