Turba Philosophorum, 12th Century
RMID:Image ID:HRKRXE
Image details
Contributor:
Science History Images / Alamy Stock PhotoImage ID:
HRKRXEFile size:
85.1 MB (1.4 MB Compressed download)Releases:
Model - no | Property - noDo I need a release?Dimensions:
5400 x 5508 px | 45.7 x 46.6 cm | 18 x 18.4 inches | 300dpiPhotographer:
Photo ResearchersMore information:
This image could have imperfections as it’s either historical or reportage.
The King and Queen now sit in a hexagonal (mercury) bath. The King holds out his branch (long stemmed flower) in his right and the Queen in her left hand, and now grasp the leafy tips of each others branch with their left and right hands respectively. From above a bird descends holding another branch. Image appeared in "The Turba Philosophorum" or assembly of the alchemical philosophers, it is one of the earliest Latin alchemical texts, probably dating from the 12th century. It introduced many of the key themes of the alchemical tradition and was often quoted in later writings.