Alchemical Symbolism in the VMS

[bi3mw]

I do wonder how long the symbol for aqua vitae had been used before Valentine.

It has been proven that the term “aqua vitae” was introduced by John of Rupescissa at the latest:

The term "Aqua vitae" was used by the 14th-century alchemist John of Rupescissa, who believed the then newly discovered substance of ethanol to be an imperishable and life-giving "fifth essence" or quintessence, and who extensively studied its medical properties.[1]

[1] Principe, Lawrence M. (2013). The Secrets of Alchemy. Chicago: The University of Chicago Press, pp. 69-71
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However, I was only able to find clear evidence of the alchemical symbol in the 17th century. Here is an example (aqua vitae => spiritus vini).

Folger MS V.a.287, Notebook of John Ward, 1658 – 1671, front endleaf 4 verso – 1 recto
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Folger MS V.a.291, Notebook of John Ward, January 1660/61-February 1661/62., 219688
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If you know of any writings by Basilius Valentinus that contain this symbol, that would be very interesting. After all, the first prints appeared around 60 years before John Ward's notebooks.