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Alchemy Theory
- Alchemy Theory
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RE: Alchemy Theory
ololololo > 24-09-2026, 12:32 PM
Overall, I have high hopes for this thread in order to learn more about alchemy. For this theory, the key may well be in Quire 13. It’s easier to latch onto something there. Analyzing plants can be too complex and may lead to incorrect conclusions. -
RE: Alchemy Theory
Maks1 > 24-09-2026, 01:07 PM
I managed to find an image like this. -
RE: Alchemy Theory
Rafal > 24-09-2026, 01:37 PM
Quote:Overall, I have high hopes for this thread in order to learn more about alchemy. For this theory, the key may well be in Quire 13. It’s easier to latch onto something there. Analyzing plants can be too complex and may lead to incorrect conclusions.
Alchemy is mumbo-jumbo. You may struggle if you try to understand it deeper with a rational mind
As for Quire 13 I have wondered too what it is. Two most popular views are that it is about:
- bathing (balneological view)
- human biology (digesting, pregnancy)
Now I think why not both? It may be about some kind of purification of body and soul. By bathing and eating properly you become healthier, get rid of organic waste, protect against miasmata ( You are not allowed to view links. Register or Login to view. ) or whatever.
There seems to be some alchemic symbolism but rather small, like possible "flasks" at f83v.
![[Image: f083v_crd.jpg]](https://voynich.nu/q13/f083v_crd.jpg)
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RE: Alchemy Theory
bi3mw > 24-09-2026, 02:45 PM
Contrary to popular belief, alchemy was not always about making gold. The production of aqua vitae (distillation) was also a goal of alchemical activities. The term was used by the alchemist Johannes von Rupescissa in the 14th century, who believed that ethanol—a substance newly discovered at the time—was an imperishable and life-giving “fifth essence” or quintessence, and who studied its medicinal properties in depth.
Liber de Arte Distillandi
Distillation apparatus for aqua vitae from Hieronymus Brunschwig
The layout concept of illustrating alchemical processes in the margins of the text is also attested for the 15th century. See "Ymage de vie".
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RE: Alchemy Theory
Jorge_Stolfi > 24-09-2026, 03:26 PM
(24-09-2026, 12:32 PM)ololololo Wrote: You are not allowed to view links. Register or Login to view.Overall, I have high hopes for this thread in order to learn more about alchemy.
I found You are not allowed to view links. Register or Login to view. informative. It features one of the few experts who know both Medieval alchemy paleography and chemistry.
Although I don't know how deep his understanding actually goes. Since alchemists were striving to project an image of owners of valuable secrets, I bet that their "graphical language" included a good deal of individual or even nonsense symbols -- which no one will ever be able to "decipher".
"Gee, how should I fill this blank space on this illustration?" "Master, what about a rampant lizard with a bishop's hat, a fish in its mouth, and a knot in its tail?"
All the best, --stolfi -
RE: Alchemy Theory
Maks1 > 24-09-2026, 05:37 PM
Don't you think that girls are that very element itself? Or does it only seem to me that they flow through the pipes? -
RE: Alchemy Theory
Rafal > 24-09-2026, 05:42 PM
For me they rather control the flow. At least some of them. They are a society with:
- working class: hydraulic engineers who control the flow
- leisure class: the ones who just bathe, have fun and do nothing
Okay, I'm not 100% serious
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RE: Alchemy Theory
bi3mw > 24-09-2026, 05:47 PM
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RE: Alchemy Theory
Maks1 > 24-09-2026, 06:41 PM
How many times did the distillate need to be redistilled to obtain the "quinta essentia"?