Woodcuts and Wood-Engravings

Phillipus Ulstadius (ca. 16th c.)
Coelum Philosophorum
Paris: V. Gaultherot, 1544

Philippus Ulstadius (also Ulstadt or Ulstade), a native of Nuremburg, taught medicine at Fribourg (Switzerland) in the early 16th century. His book, Coelum philosophorum, seu, De secretis naturae liber (The philosopher's sky, or, The book of the secrets of nature) was first published in 1525 in Fribourg and reprinted many times. Seen here is an image from the 1544 edition - an alchemical apparatus, probably a distiller. Ulstadius's work, as do many others in this field, describes various methods of making drinkable gold, dissolving and distilling it into a drinkable elixir that would improve health and even preserve life.

This is only one of many books on the study of alchemy held by the Lloyd.

Page 52, depicting a distillery

Return to Exhibits Home