Alchemical Symbolism in the VMS

[Barbrey]

I still find it surprising that people dismiss potential alchemy in the VMS because its illustrations don’t resemble other alchemical illustrations.

In fact, I seem to remember that even Adam McLean rejected a (partially) alchemical interpretation of the VMS for this reason.
You are not allowed to view links. Register or Login to view.

I consider the fact that the VMS cannot be forced into any alchemical tradition to be less problematic. The depiction of processes, mainly in Quire 13, is, in my opinion, “free style,” and it is only the correct interpretation of the (step-by-step) processes that matters. Some of the illustrations certainly allow for this.
You are not allowed to view links. Register or Login to view.

Most of them were quoting wise men of the past ...

I just started a You are not allowed to view links. Register or Login to view.to old authorities in herbals. This question is also interesting in an alchemical context, and I would say that such references were quite common. If anyone is looking for cribs to deciphering the VMS, I think that's where they're most likely to find them

Yes, that statement by McLean is the one I find most surprising. 

There are quite a few illustrations that could be based on alchemical instruments and containers, but none of them are exact as if made purposefully vague. I think there’s a good chance the illustrator starts with the alchemical container/instrument but then stylizes it for double or triple meaning. Add scales to tubing, for example, and you have a snake. As I believe the image you present is part of an Ovidian tale, Myrrha, you end up with connotations of both sex and alchemical process. 

I am so with you reregarding collecting references. A marvellous idea.Im not so sure of the herbal focus. I’d love, and I’m sure many would, a list of the canonical university textbooks of the time, and also specialized medical texts that were widely read. Alchemical references would be grand too, but I think it would be up to you and I to find them as we don’t have many interested in the topic on here!