Elixir und Tinctura

From Theatrum Paracelsicum
also:
Labor vegetabilis


I. Basic information


Printing History, Manuscripts. First printed in 1598. One manuscript.

Editions. Not edited by Huser or Sudhoff.

Relationship between different versions. The text in the printed version and in the manuscript is almost word by word the same, but the Kassel manuscript has extra paragraphs. Both texts have an illustration showing glass vessels. The manuscript does not explain how to use the remedies. The printed version has: “Curiert lepram, podagram, hydropisin, schlag vnd allerley zufallende kranckheyten” in the title (which would mean that it cures all severe diseases), but has no details about it in the text either.

Structure, genre/form, perspective, style. Detailed instructions for the preparation of several remedies.

Relationship to other texts.

Authenticity, authorship. According to Sudhoff, with no sign of authenticity. The Kassel manuscript is not attributed to Paracelsus.

Time of writing. Further study required.

II. Sources


Manuscripts:

  • Kassel, Landesbibliothek: 4° Ms. chem. 32, f. 64v–72r [not attributed to Paracelsus]

First printed:

  • 1598 (in: Aurei Velleris Oder Der Guldin Schatz vnd Kunstkammer Tractatus II (Rorschach, 1598); VD16 T 1961; Sudhoff, Bibliographia Paracelsica, 424–427 n° 244)
III. Bibliography


Essential bibliography: Sudhoff, Bibliographia Paracelsica, 426, 695 n° 12.

Further bibliographical references:

Broszinski, Manuscripta chemica in quarto (2011), 104.