Text.Duclo.1592-01.A2r
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Source: Gaston Duclo, De recta et vera ratione progignendi Lapidis Philosophici ... Dilucida & compendiosa explicatio, Nevers: Pierre Roussin, 1592, sig. A2r–B2v = pag. 3–12 [BP.Duclo.1592-01]
Summary: Duclo expresses admiration for the marble works crafted by Thomas Tollet, a skilled sculptor and architect from Liège, who undertook considerable risks to travel to France during tumultuous times to serve the Dukes of Nevers, who are related to Ernest. The works, made of diverse marbles from Liège, have been greatly appreciated by the local nobility, particularly for their artistic merit and the rapid completion of projects that exceeded all expectations.
Tollet's contributions include the decoration of the altar in the church of Saint Quiricus in Nevers and the construction of a marble oratory station near the burial place of the illustrious Dukes, alongside completing and installing statues and images. His work is so esteemed that it has led to his name being engraved on these creations to ensure his legacy. Duclo notes that Ernest's support has enabled the region to benefit from Tollet's exceptional talents, which are recognized far and wide, with many seeking his services.
Duclo also delves into a personal encounter with Tollet, discussing his character and hinting at Tollet's possible knowledge of alchemy, specifically the creation of the philosopher's stone. Despite Tollet's modesty and dedication to his craft rather than alchemical pursuits, his experiences, including witnessing the transformation of mercury into gold in Ernest's presence, lend credibility to the legends surrounding the philosopher's stone.
In closing, Duclo expresses his decision to dedicate his writings on alchemy and the philosopher's stone to Ernest, motivated by Ernest's benevolence towards the esoteric and a personal connection with Tollet. He emphasizes the importance of keeping such profound knowledge from the unworthy, highlighting the significance of a specially designed furnace Tollet built under Duclo's guidance, crucial for achieving the alchemical transformation. (generated by ChatGPT)
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Modern English Raw Translation
Most illustrious Prince, we witness with our own eyes and hold in our hands the magnificent marble works crafted by your devoted servant and most obedient citizen of your city of Liège, the exceptionally talented sculptor and architect Thomas Tollet. These works, made of various kinds and colors of marble brought from your homeland of Liège to here, stand testament to his skill. Tollet, upon your command and with your permission, braved countless dangers during these tumultuous times in France to travel and serve our most Illustrious Princes and Dukes of Nevers, your relatives, in constructing these works. This endeavor has not only greatly pleased their excellencies but has also fulfilled their desires through Tollet's work. It is impossible to describe their joy upon seeing the final touches added to works begun many years ago by your most obedient servant. His achievements, completed with such ingenuity and diligence within two years, have garnered universal admiration, surpassing all expectations.
Tollet has adorned the altar in the church of Saint Quiricus in Nevers with exquisite marble craftsmanship, and with equal skill, he constructed a marble oratory station near the esteemed burial place of our illustrious Dukes. He completed marble statues and images begun by a previous sculptor and placed them above the same oratory station, among other recent works. All have been crafted with such artistry that onlookers declare they have not seen finer sculptures in any church in France or even in distant lands. Consequently, to ensure the memory of such a talented and laudable artist endures, our illustrious Princes and Dukes ordered Thomas Tollet's name to be engraved on these marble works.
Not only will our illustrious Dukes be grateful to you, most illustrious Prince, but our entire province will never be able to offer enough praise for the benefit of having such a rare and skilled individual in his art, a man almost unparalleled in the world. His reputation has spread so widely that he has been summoned by many notable men, yet he always longs to return to your highness, refusing to commit to anyone else, eager to comply with your commands.
Upon his arrival here, I met Tollet, whose remarkable talent I recognized from his works and found him to be even more commendable in character. He avoids quarrels, does not slander, shows kindness and friendship to all, and is immune to the usual complaints and blasphemies of those who earn their living through manual labor. I will not speak further of his life and moral integrity, as he has been known to you, most illustrious Prince, for many years and is not unknown to us. Returning to his talent, shortly after his arrival and upon closer acquaintance, I suspected he might know something about Chrysopoeia. When asked if he was as ingenious in creating the philosopher's stone as he was in sculpting and polishing marble, he humbly replied he was ignorant of such secrets, adhering to the principle of not overstepping his bounds. He considers himself a devoted servant of an excellent Prince, who delights in such matters, respects and loves virtuous and honest men, and despises frauds and impostors.
Speaking on your behalf, he mentioned witnessing the projection of a gold-making powder onto mercury, transforming it into pure gold, in your presence and in Liège. This testimony lends credibility to the ancient and contemporary accounts of the Philosopher's Stone. While praising your exceptional virtues and admirable qualities, Tollet expressed his desire to return to your highness, to whom he has dedicated his life and service. I thought you would receive kindly my dedication of what I have seen and my thoughts on the gold-making powder to your name. I had initially decided to publish these works only after my death, but your singular benevolence towards enthusiasts of esoteric knowledge, your virtues, my modest service to you, and my friendship with Tollet, born of a natural affinity, compelled me to write. Although printed, these works will escape the eyes of all but your highness, as it is improper to share such mysteries with scoffers, the impious, and the unworthy. I believe I have clearly explained nearly everything that can truly be said about this matter, without arrogance. The key to the entire secret, which I have entrusted to Tollet's faith, is the furnace, capable of providing consistent and suitable heat. He built it with his own hands, according to my design, to reflect the sun's heat downward. We have learned of its certain effects through experience, and I believe no one has constructed such a furnace with such ease and effectiveness. The power lies in the fire and the mixture of these inanimate bodies. Ignorance of this consistency has caused many to miss the desired transformation, and they will continue to do so. Tollet will not describe or depict this furnace in words or pictures but will demonstrate it in practice. He has also witnessed remarkable things, which I deemed dangerous to disclose publicly. In the meantime, most illustrious Prince, please receive my efforts with equanimity. Nevers, on the Loire, on the Kalends of April, 1592.
