Müller, Jodocus

Ars algebra et analytica ac alma cabula. MDCLXXX: in German. A work of cabbalistic alchemy in prose and verse by a Dresden apothecary. Illustrated by many remarkable wash drawings, symbolic emblems, and pictures in red chalk. At the end are copies of various documents, orders from, and petitions to Johann Georg II, Elector of Saxony [1656-1680], one of which gives the author permission to search for metals. On the title given above is the date 1680, but near the beginning of the work is a mention of Elector Johann Georg III [d. 1691] and of Elector Johann Georg IV [d. 1694], the latter apparently still being alive; hence the MS. seems to have been written 1691-1694. Produced in Dresden.

Late 17th century

1 volume 240 ll. obl. 4to. 20 × 26 cm. Original calf binding with silk ties; spine damaged. Two large folding symbolic illustrations are inserted.

Purchased 1925.

Signature on fly-leaf of 'G. Hillman Magd. College [1819- ]. The gift of Baron [Friedrich Ludwig Wilhelm] von Ahlefeldt of Schestedt 1842' [1817- ]. Inserted a letter from a member of the B.M. Library staff referring to the MS.

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).

This material has been digitised and can be freely accessed online through Wellcome Collection catalogue.