Alchemical Didactic Poem from 1556

The Alchemical Didactic Poem from 1556, also known as the Book of Lambspring, was written in the 16th century by a nobleman or noblewoman from the Low German region, who refers to themselves as “Lambspring” in the epilogue. Beyond that, the identity of the author remains a mystery to this day, even though the treatise was to have a considerable influence on 17th century alchemical literature and still inspired esotericists in the 19th century. The oldest surviving manuscript is now kept in the Zurich Central Library and contains 15 allegorical didactic poems and 15 round, richly colored emblems. These translate the mystical content of the verses into captivating images and make this copy particularly appealing. While the first nine poems deal with the creation of the legendary philosopher's stone, the last five poems comprise an allegorical narrative about an old king, his son, and a spiritual leader, which deals with personal transformation. An artistic insight into the mystical world of the early modern period!