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COUNT
MICHAEL MAIER
Doctor of Philosophy and of Medicine Alchemist, Rosicrucian, Mystic
1568-1622
Life and Writings
The Rev. J. B. Craven, D.D.
1968
DAWSONS OF PALL MALL London
First Published in 1910 Reprinted 1968
Dawsons of Pall Mall,
16 Pall Mall, London, S.W.l.
SBN 7129 0335 6
Printed in Great Britain by Photolithography Unwin Brothers Limited Woking and London
COUNT MICHAEL MAIER
Digitized by the Internet Archive
in 2015
https://archive.org/details/b2152354x
1 RE 5 5CHOLA.TRE5 CQESAR TITVLD5 DE';
DIT; Hi^C MIHI RpSTANT, FOSSEBENE IN* CHRISTO VIVERE, POSSE MORI. Michael MAIERVS COMES IMPERIALIS CON; SIS TORI I clc: PHILO SOPH r ET MEDIQNARYM DOCTOR . P. C C. NOBIL; EXEMPTVS FOROLIM ^ MEDI£V4 CA>S-^fC; « ,, -. ..-..J
Count Michael Maier
Doctor of Philosophy and of Medicine Alchemist, Rosicrucian, Mystic
1568*1622
LIFE AND WRITINGS
“Adamurn hunc Lapidem secum portable e Paradyno, et quemlibet turn secum habere, in me, in te, et in quolibet alio ” — ut Morienus ait.
— “ Vkkum Inventum,” p. 87.
BY
The Rey. J. B. CRAVEN, D.D.
Rector of St Oiaf's Church, Kirkwall
fdrhwall
WILLIAM PEACE & SON, ALBERT STREET
1910
UNIVERSITY
LIBRARY
LEEDS
~?lj
TO
THE MEMORY
OF
MY FATHER, MY MOTHER, AND MY ONLY BROTHER
ALL LONG SINCE PASSED TO
“THE UNDISCOVER’D COUNTRY FROM WHOSE BOURN NO TRAVELLER RETURNS” BUT WHO ARE NOW IN POSSESSION
OF
“ THE MYSTERIOUS SECRET OF THIS STRANGE EXISTENCE.
CONTENTS.
Pass
Life of Maier 1
References to Maier and his Works 11
Introduction 13
WORKS.
Arcana Arcanissima 31
De Circulo Physico, Quadrato 51
Lusus Serius 53
Examen Fucorum Pseudo-Chymicorum 61
Jocus Severus 64
Silentium Post Clamores 65
Symbola Aurea Mensae duodecim nationum 68
Atalanta Fugiens 85
Tripus Aureus 94
Themis Aurea 98
V IATORIUM 105
Verum Inventum ill
Tractatus de Volucri Arborea 117
Septimana Philosophica 132
Ci vitas Corporis 140
Cantilena Intellectuales de Phcenice Redivivo . . 146
Ulysses 156
Colloquium Rhodostauroticum 161
Echo Colloquii Rhodo-Staurotici 161
Christiana Religionis Summa, Diaz 163
ScHOLASTERIUM ChRISTIANUM 163
Contributory Works and Works not seen by the
Author, a List of 164
LIFE OF MICHAEL MAIER.
93 LL authorities agree that Michael Maier was born at Rendsburg, in Holstein, about the year 1568. The date is taken from the inscription on his portrait as prefixed to his “ Symbola,” “ Atalanta fugiens,” and " Septimana Philosophica.” The picture was painted in 1617, when he was forty-nine years of age.
In one of his dedications to Frederick, Count of Holstein, he refers to the fact that “ my family is well known, not only by all the nobility of Holstein, but also to your highness’ father and grandfather, to whose service mine have always been faithfully attached.” Rendsburg is a town on the north side of the now famous Baltic Canal, nineteen miles west of Kiel, with a population of some 15,000. Unfortunately, the Church records extend only to the seventeenth century, and therefore can yield us no information as to the birth of Maier.
On the other hand, a John Meyer or Meyger was a church official in Rendsburg in 1541 — an old Lutheran clergyman in 1577. Others are found bearing the same name. There was a Grithoffe Meyer or Meyger, a revenue officer in Rendsburg — that is a tax-collector for the landed proprietors; also a John Meyer, who was a district official on the west coast — a dyke inspector.1
Michael Maier’ himself tells us that he left Holstein in 1608. It w'as his desire to return to end his days in his native province, but bis almost premature death prevented
1 Information from Herr R. R. von Lilienstern, first Burgomaster of Rendsburg.
2
COUNT MICHAEL MAIER.
this being accomplished. After graduating in medicine, we find him at Rostock. Beyond the fact that he appears to have graduated at that university, the archives of Rostock throw no light upon his history.1
At any rate, he soon proved himself to be a man of distinction, and came under the notice of the Emperor Rudolph II. He was appointed a body physician to the Emperor. Rudolph, the son of Maximilian II. and of Maria of Austria, daughter of Charles V., was born in Vienna in 1552. His mother gave him an ardent zeal for the Roman Church, which feeling was strengthened by his early residence in Spain. Rudolph was crowned Emperor and King of Hungary in 1572, and King of Bohemia in 1575. Lutheranism had considerably increased through the allowance of Maximilian, and although Rudolph con- firmed his father’s privileges granted to noble Protestants, yet he banished some of their preachers and restricted their meetings. Rudolph resided at Prague, to which he sum- moned Maier, enobled him, making him Pfalzgraf — Count Palatine— and his private secretary. The Emperor, who was devoted to science, invited to his court the celebrated Tycho Brahe, who was greatly attached to the practices of judicial astrology and alchemy. His prognostics warned Rudolph that he would suffer great danger through a prince of his own blood. He began to lose affection for his own family, and to elude all propositions for marriage. Ceasing to show himself in public, he had covered galleries constructed in order to pass into his gardens, from a fear of assassination. He surrounded himself with “astrologers, chemists, painters, turners, engravers, mechanicians, and amused himself with his botanic gardens, his cabinets of natural history and galleries of antiquities.” In 1611, Matthias, his brother, arrived at Prague, when Rudolph, having called a diet, offered to resign the crown to his brother on account of his advanced age, and then dispensed his subjects from their oaths of fidelit}L Matthias being
1 Information from Dr Kohfeldt, Librarian of Rostock University.
COUNT MICHAEL MAIER.
3
crowned with great magnificence, Rudolph then retired to one of his pleasure houses. He was eventually allowed to inhabit the palace at Prague, and had a pension of 400,000 florins. Vexed and humiliated by what he had undergone, his sedentary life brought him to the tomb in the 00th year of his age and in the 37th year of his reign — 20th January 1012. Rudolph was a man of elegant manners, affability, and easy conversation. He possessed a great knowledge of languages, both ancient and modern, and was skilled in painting and mechanical arts, in botany, zoology, and chemistry. “ His century and his country owed much to this love of science and art, which caused bis misfortune. His court was filled with artists and men of eminent merit. Kepler was employed conjointly with Tycho Brahe to arrange the calendars, which have thence received the name of Rudolphine. He also formed superb collections, and many of his precious stones, antiques, and pictures are now among the finest ornaments of the cabinets of Vienna.” 1
Maier does not appear, however, to have been in constant attendance on the Emperor. In 1611, he tells us he was at Amsterdam, where he saw a superb collection of shells in the cabinet of a Dutch antiquary. After the death of Rudolph, Maier visited England, where he made the acquaintance of Doctor Robert Fludd, Sir William Paddy, Sir Thomas Smith, and Francis Anthony.
Maier’s first publication was his “Arcana Arcanissima,” which he dedicated to Sir William Paddy, physicion to King James I. of England, a fellow of St John’s College, Oxford, a graduate in medicine of Leyden, afterwards President of the College of Physicians of London, the friend of Laud, and a benefactor to St John’s.” 2 The “Arcana” bears no date, but is generally believed to have been printed about the year 1614.
Morhof, in his Polyhistor, referring to the opinions held by Faber and Vignerius, that the chymic doctrine was 1 Die. Univ. Biog., in voce. 2 Die. Nat. Biog., xliii. 35.
*
COUNT MICHAEL MAIER.
hidden or embodied in many ancient inscriptions, adds that Maier advances this doctrine in his “Arcana,” altho.ugh he thinks (rightly) that in some respects he seems to read more into the inscriptions and hieroglyphics than can be actually found in them. As illustrating the views put forward by Maier in the “Arcana,” a MS. written by him may be mentioned. It is still preserved in the library of the University of Leipzig, and bears the title, “ Tractatus de Theosophia vEgyptioruin ab antiquissima sic abdita sacra.” It is believed that this is the only MS. in Maier’s writing which has survived the destruction of Magde- burg.1
The writer has to thank the Rev. E. F. Scofield, B.D., lately British chaplain at Leipzig, for the following inter- esting description of this MS. He writes : — “ It consists of 130 sheet = 2G0 pages, including title page and blank back of ditto ; size of paper = 6% x 8§ in. Sheets are written in small, neat hand on both sides — doubtless easily legible to experienced eye, but to me somewhat difficult to decipher. The ink is for the most part well preserved ; paper strongly yellow. The binding is merely paper of the same nature apparently as paper of body of book, with an extra large sheet of a sort of pergament paper folded over same, much as one covers a book in reading to protect cover. This outer wrapper bears the title which you have given me, fairly distinct, i.e., ‘ Tractatus de Theosophia vEgyptiorum ab antiquissima sic abdita sacra.’ There follows a good deal of writing, but in consequence of water or some stain, this is quite illegible. The title page outside cover reads thus : — * De circulo artium Coelidonia Medicina Mystica, &c. Haec de Lapide sanitatis, philosophia, &c. Tractatus Hermeticus quo Diversas artes et Disciplinas ex una iEgytiorum antiquissimorum ohemia, tanquam fonte, pro fluxine demonstratus, et antiquitas ejus ad laudem Dei
1 The mention of a MS. by Maier in the University of Leyden by Mr Yarker, in his “Arcane Schools” (p. 212), is a mistake. The Librarian of Leyden University assures the writer that “Leyden” was mistaken for “ Leipzig.”
COUNT MICHAEL MAIER.
5
Opt. Max. nee non utilitatem hominis clavissiina afferitur, authore, Michaele Mayero Phil, et Med. D., &c.’ [sic.]
“ Inside first page of cover is a short note, apparently in a somewhat later but not recent hand, which, so far as I could decipher, reads thus : — ‘ Eadem . . . Mich. Meiero in Arcana Arcanissima sive Hieroglyph. iEgypto-Graec. Vulgo nondunt cognitur. Eum sequntur in hoc institute vize . . . Commentario in Philosoph. Tabulas et Peter (?) Joh. Faber in Paro (? Pavo) chymico suo V. Norhof . . .
cept de Transmut. rnetall. p. 103, 104, 105.’
“ The title page is followed by preface, but so fkr as I can make it out, there are no details of any sort re Maier’s own personality, nor is any such appended at end. It Concludes with a loose leaf, which appears to be brief annotations or supplementary remarks relating to state- ments in the body of the MS.’
The dedication to Sir William Paddy of the “Arcana” is printed on an engraved page, but Maier seems to haVe had some copies thrown off’ with the dedication omitted* in place of which he inserted in manuscript inscriptions to various friends. One of these has been preserved, and as it is believed that the writing is in Maier’s own hand, a facsimile is given of the page. It bears the inscription : — “ To the Right Worshipful and most Worthy favourer of all vertues, Sir Thomas Smith, Knight, &ci} Michael Maierus, Med. D., &c., author, wisheth much health and prosperous felicitie, and al increase of worship in this life; &c.” 1 This Sir Thomas Smith was “ so much in favour with K. James that he sent him ambassador to the Emperor of Russia, 19 March 1604.” He was first governor of the East India Company, and treasurer of the Virginia Company. “ He built a fair, magnificent house at Deptford, near London.” In the year 1612* he was “ prime undertaker for that noble design, the discoverie of the North-West passage.” In his later age he retired from public life, and lies buried in the church of Sutton-at-Hone, 1 Through the kindness of J. Rosenthal, of Munich.
6
COUNT MICHAEL MAIER.
Kent, where his stately monument, inclosed with iron rails, may still be seen—
“ To this obscured village he with drewe ;
From thence his heavenlie voiage did persue :
Here summ’d up all.”
Sir Thomas Smith died 4th April 1G25.1
Another English friend was Francis Anthony. To him (along with two other friends) is inscribed Maier’s “ Lusus Serius.” The dedication is dated at Frankfort, “ ex Anglia reditu, Pragam abituriens anno 1616, Mense Septembri.” These three friends are described as most wise doctors of medicine, expert chemists, and his most jocund friends. Francis Anthony was a graduate of Cambridge, and son of a goldsmith in London. He “ pretended to be the first discoverer and to make known to the world a ‘ medicine called Aurum Potabile.’ ” This discovery caused consider- able stir, and a number of pamphlets appeared for and against. This Dr Anthony died “ in St Bartholomew’s Close (where he had lived many years) on 26th May 1623, and was buried in the isle joining to the north side of the chancel of St Bartholomew the Great in London.” He appears to have been a student and rather a recluse, but “ a great Paracelsian.” 2
But the most distinguished friend in England whom Maier had was the famous Doctor Robert Fludd; How. they became acquainted we do not know, but it appears that when in England Maier “ lived on friendly terms ” with Fludd. It is said that it was at Maier’s instigation Fludd wrote, or at least published, in 1617 his most excellent “ Tractatus Theologo-Philosophicus,” dedicated to the brethren of the Rosy Cross.
We are told that Maier, having become a member of this mysterious order, admitted Fludd to its privileges when in England. The whole matter is, however, buried
1 Wood’s “Athen®,” ii. 54,55.
2 Wood’s “Athen®,” ii. 416; Aubrey’s “Lives,” i. 32. For Dr Anthony’s recipe for the “Aurum Potabile,” see “Collectanea Chemica,” 1893. It is entirely chemical.
COUNT MICHAEL MAIER.
7
in obscurity, if not in contradiction. In addition to the publication of the “ Themis Aurea,” a number of references to the Rosicrucian mystery will be found in Maier’s woiks. There is, of course, the “ Silentioi,” and in the “ Symbola ” he gives an account and defence of the society. A number of offered doubts are there proposed and answered. He defends the genuineness of the “ Confessio,” innumerable editions of which, ami of the “ Fama," have appeared. The “Fama” was issued in English by Thomas Vaughan in 1663, but as early as 1633, it had been translated into “braid Scots,” an edition still in MS., but which I should like greatly to have printed, with some notes on earlier esoteric studies in Scotland. The idea of the society took hold on many minds, and its occult and mysterious nature (yet abiding) seemed to appeal to members who were both learned and devout. Fludd’s “Apologia” is said to have been written at the instigation or request of Maier. It was published at Leyden in 1616, and again in 1617.1
With the exception of the “ Lusus Serius ” and the “ Themis Aurea,” none of Maier’s works have been trans- lated into English The “ Lusus,” of which the English edition is extremely rare, was issued in our language in 1654, translated by Robert Hegge — “ a prodigy of his time for forward and good natural parts ” — a native of Durham. “ Half of which almost was done in one afternoon over a glass of wine in a tavern.” 2
Maier is said to have been wiled away from the practical path he had long followed by “ some adepts,” and become greatly enamoured of the discovery of the alchemic secret in its lower forms. It is said that “ he scoured all Germany to hold conferences with those whom he thought to be in possession of transcendent secrets.”
1 Those who wish to pursue this subject further may consult the able paper (and authorities) by Dr Wynn Westcott in the “Ars Quat. Ooron.,” viL 30., et seq. ; and my “ Life and Writings of Dr Robert Fludd.”
2 W ood’s “Athena;,” ii. 460.
8
COUNT MICHAEL MAIER.
Another account declares that he sacrificed his health, his fortune, and his time in these " ruinous absurdities.” 1
In 1619 he became physician to the Landgrave Moritz of Hesse, to whom he had, in 1616, from Frankfort, dedi- cated his little treatise, “ De Circulo.” But eventually he settled and practised medicine at Magdeburg, whence, in 1620, he issued his “ Septimana Philosophies It is dedicated to Christian Wilhelm, postulated Archbishop of Magdeburg and Primate of Germany, to whose celsitude he pays the deepest reverence, and subscribes himself his most obedient subject and servant. The date of this dedication is Magdeburg, 11th Jan. (old style) 1620. In August 1620, he dates the dedication of his “ Civitas Corporis humani ” from the same city. The volume was issued at Frankfort in 1621.
Maier was not destined to return and end his days in Holstein. He died at Magdeburg in 1622, “ tempore JEstivo.” We are told by his friend who published his “Ulysses” in 1624, that he passed away “piously,” and before his death gave into the hands of his friend that little treatise. It is added that he was a regular attendant at the house of God, a Christian in life and conversation, and that he practised that charity exhibited in the person of Christ as shown in the parable of the good Samaritan.
The writer has taken every measure to ascertain if any monument to Maier exists at Magdeburg. Unfortunately, all the official records of that city were destroyed in the great fire of 1631. The present authorities of the cathedral state “ that so far as they know, Michael Maier was not buried in the cathedral,” at anyrate, “ they have no trace of his tomb.” 2 The history of the destruction of the city of Magdeburg is well known. In 1629 it was vainly beseiged for six months by Wallenstein, but in May 1631, after a heroic defence (2000 against 25,000), it was taken
1 Waite, “ Real History of tlie Rosierucians,” 268.
2 Information kindly communicated by Mr Edgar Drake, British Vice- Consul at Magdeburg.
COUNT MICHAEL MAIER.
9
by Tilly and burned to the ground, the cathedral (re- consecrated to Roman Catholic worship) being almost all that remained after the three days’ sack in which nearly the whole population of 30,000 perished by fire, sword, or drowning in the river Elbe. In 1646, the archbishopric was converted into a secular duchy.
In religion, Maier appears to have been a devout Lutheran. In his “ Munera ” there are several severe attacks upon the Roman Church and Court. In the “ Symbola ” he gives some account of what were appar- ently his impressions of the Church of England. He refers to the disuse of images and other ancient symbols of religion. These were in a great measure retained by the Lutherans. He asks on what grounds the Church of England has cast down and rejected the statues of the saints, while preserving the figures of the Lion and Unicorn in her places of Divine worship.
It is to be regretted that the materials for a life of Maier are so scanty and elusive. Much must have per- ished in the sack of Magdeburg. Yet the best memorials are those in his writings, the “Symbola” and “ Atalanta fugiens ” particularly.
His works contain, says Langlet de Fresnoy, “much curious material, and I am astonished that the German booksellers, who publish innumerable worthless works, have not condescended to perceive that a complete col- lection of the writings of Michael Maier would be more useful, and command a larger sale, than the trash with which they overwhelm scholars and the public generally.” 1 It is much to be wished that the two works mentioned above, supplemented by the “ Ulysses,” were translated into English and published for the use of students. An explanatory key to some portions of the “ Atalanta ” would show readers how deep, how wonderful, and how learned were Maier’s researches.
1 Quoted by Waite, “ Real Histy.,” 249.
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COUNT MICHAEL MAIEll.
Some references to the opinions and criticisms of others may not be unsuitable,
Fludd, no doubt, was as deeply learned as Maier — more extensively so, perhaps. But his studies were different. They were anatomical, cabalistic, in Jewish and Christian theology. Maier, again, excelled in classical and profane learning. He had a thorough knowledge of all ancient mythology, particularly of Egypt as then known, and of Greece. The lives in the “ Symbola ” are really the mines from which subsequent writers have imperfectly equipped themselves. These lives are the sources from which many later authors have drawn many curious stories and quaint anecdotes of the times" and doings of the ancient alchemists aud nature students. Maier did not profess to be a theo- logian. Fludd was one. Both types were united in a third, Henry Khunrath, whose “ Amphitheatrum,” and “ Chaos ” deserve more study than they have received.
Putting aside for the time Rosicrucian stories and disputes, let us try to gather some moral and religious lessons from these three great students.
There is no treatise which breathes more love, warm and devout, to Jehovah, Greatest and Best, than the “ Trac- tatus Theologo-Philosophicus” of Robert Fludd. The same devout spirit may be seen, though perhaps in a stiffer form, in Maier’s “ Ulysses.”
There appears to have been little learning then known which was not studied and assimilated by Maier. He had, uo doubt, great opportunities at Prague. The library of Rudolph was immense, choice, complete. Fludd’s reading is, perhaps, more restricted, and Khunrath’s mostly Scrip- tural. Yet these three complete the circle, and reveal to us eager souls, determined to master antiquity — Classic, Jewish, and Christian. Perhaps the “ Ulysses,” the last note struck by Maier, is the apex. After all his adven- tures, the great hero of antiquity returns home, there finding love and rest. Astute, eloquent, prudent, ingenious in labour, in war, in danger, ever constant and true,
COUNT MICHAEL MAIER.
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Ulysses is to Maier the symbol of perfect human manhood and wisdom, that wisdom which adorns manners, gains riches, and tempers virtues.
That Maier was a searcher after the actual stone and tincture, there can be little doubt. In parts of his writings this seems clear enough. He believed (as many did) in the transmutation of metals, in the art of multiplying gold. These old naturalists believed that metals grew like plants, and therefore could be cultivated from seed. They sought to find this seed. Some believed that they did find it. Maier was not free from this gold fever, nor was Khunrath. They desired riches, and that desire at times may have di-awn Maier away from higher studies. Yet the most precious gold which they all sought, the wine of the wise — these were not merely material. They really are seeking, sometimes groping after, the real experiment of Nature. In a measure they succeeded. Perhaps in this Maier stands on the lower level. His conception of the Rosicrucian Society, with all its secrets, is not a high one, nor a mys- terious one. In his “ Themis Aurea,” the brethren appear merely as hard-working students of Nature, physicians and chemists. They “ have alwaies had one among them as cheefe and governor, to whom they are obedient. They have the true astronomy, the true physicke, mathematicks, medicine, and chymistry by which they are able to produce rare and wonderful effects. They are very laborious, frugall, temperate, secret, and true.”
References to Maier will be found in the following works : —
Van der Linden, “ De Scriptis Libri Duo,” 1637, p. 362.
Borel, “ Bibliotheca Dhimica,” 1654, pp. 149-153, 267.
Morhof, “ De Metallorum Transmutatione Epistola,” 1673, pp. 84, 104, 146.
Kbnig, “ Bibliotheca Yetua ot Nova,” 1678, p. 496.
Mercklin, “ Lindenius Renovates, ” 1686, p. 817.
Manget, “Bibliotheca Sciiptorutn Medicorum,” 1731, ii., i., p. 128.
“Jacob Leopolds Piodmmus,” 1732, p. 96.
Morhof, “ Polyhistor,” 1732, i., p. 100, 123 ; ii., pp. 169, 422, 434, 444 ; iii., p. 554.
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COUNT MICHAEL MAIER.
Kestner, “ Med. Gelehrten-Lexicon,” 1740, p. 503.
Arnold, Kirchen und Ketzer-Historien, 1741, Bd. ii., p. 253 (Th.
ii., B. xvii., c , xviii., sec. 24), Bd. iii., A. p. 116, sec.- 3. Lenglet Dufresnoy, “ Hist, de la Phil. Hermetique,” 1742, i., pp.
3S4, 477 ; iii., pp., 47, 48, 225-230, 284.
Moller, “ Cimbria Literata,” Havnise, 1744, i., pp. 376-380.
Vogt, “ Catalogue Historico-Criticus Libroruin Bariorum,” Ed. 3rd, 1747, p. 430.
Jocher, “Allgeineines Gelehrten-Lexicon,” 1751, iii., col. 329 ; Rotermund’s “ Fortsetznng und Erganzungen,” 1813, iv., col. 1106.
Matfhise, “ Conspectus Historise Medicorurn chronologicus,” 1761, pp. 366-7.
Guil. Francois de Bure, “ Bibliographie Instructive,” 1764 ; “Volume . . . des Sciences et Arts,” Nos. 1912-1924
(gives a list of fourteen of his works).
Haller, “ Bibliotheca Botanica,” 1771, i., p. 425.
Haller, “ Bibliotheca.Medicinse Practicse,” 1777, ii., pp. 470, 498.
“ Missiv an die Hocherleuchtete Briiderschalt des Ordens des Goldenen und Rosen kreutzes,” Lespzig, 1783, pp. 61-63.
“ Beytrag zur Geschichte der Hohern Chemie,” 1785, pp. 520, 601, 603.
Beckman, “ Beytrage zur Geschichte der Erfindungen,” 1792, iii., p. 458 ; English translation, 1814, iv., p. 577.
Gmelin, “Geschichte. der Chemie,” 1797, i., p. 516.
Murr, “ Uber den Wahren Ur, sprung der Rosenkreuzer und des Freymaurerordens,” 1803, pp. 28, 34, 44, 45, 57.
Fuchs, “ Repertorium der Chemischen Litteratur,” 1806-8, pp. 115,116,118,119,121,123.
Chalmers, “ The General Biographical Dictionary,” 1815, xxi., p. 138.
“ Biographie Medicale,” Paris, Panckoucke (1820-25), vi., p. 236.
“ Biographie Universelle,” 1820, xxvi., p. 231, n.d. ; xxvi., p. 113 (article by Weiss, contains a short biography, a list of his principal works, and a discussion on the Rosicrucians). Schmieder, “Geschichte der Alchemie,” 1832, p. 353.
“Nouvelle Biographia Generale,” 1863, xxxii., col. 862.
Ladrague, “ Bibliotheque Ouvaroff, Sciences Secretes,” 1870, No. 1127.
Bauer, “ Chemie und Alchymie in Osterreich,” 1883, p. 18.
H. Peters, “Aus Pharmazeutischer Vorzeit in Bild und Wort,” 1886, p. 205.
Kopp, “ Die Alchemie,” 1886, i., p. 220 ; ii., pp. 8, 220, 323, 339, 341, 350, 354, 366-370, 375, 381, 382, 384.
Brieka, “ Dansk Biografisk Lexicon,” 1897, xi., p. 67 (art. by S.