Cavallo

Collection of alchemical extracts, notes and translations made by Padre Cavallo, including a version of 'Le triomphe hermétique': in Italian and Latin. Illustrated by rough pen-drawings of alchemical furnaces and apparatus. The MS. begins with 'Sententiae Lapidis', a note in Italian on a symbolic figure ('emblema') which is not given, though a blank page has been left: and notes, with an illustration, of a furnace. These are followed by 7 ll. of verses 'Lode a Dio del Padre Cavallo', after which comes an Italian translation of 'Le triomphe hermétique'. This work which was first published in Amsterdam in 1689, contains 'Le très ancien duel des Chevaliers' 'Entrétien d'Eudoxe et de Pyrophile'. 'Lettre... contenant six principales Clefs de la Philosophie secrète', etc. [Cf. Ferguson. 'Bibliotheca Chemica' Vol. II, p. 468, 487]. The remainder of the MS. contains alchemical extracts and notes on the stone, universal medicines, etc.

Early 18th century

1 volume 112 ll. 4to. 201/2 x 15 cm. Original vellum binding. The leaf containing the illustration of a 'Fornello di legno murato', towards the end of the volume has been repaired.

Purchased 1929.

Database description transcribed from S.A.J. Moorat, Catalogue of Western Manuscripts on Medicine and Science in the Wellcome Historical Medical Library (London: Wellcome Institute for the History of Medicine, 1962-1973).