An extremely rare 1658 alchemical opus, “Lucerna Salis Philosophorum” or “The Salt Lamp of the Philosophers” by a Son of Sendivogius (J.F.H.S. Filio Sendivogio).
Published by Henricum Betkium in Amsterdam
1658 First Latin Edition
Bound in a marbled paper wrap and housed in a beautiful custom-made clamshell case.
This work is often attributed to Josophat Frederick Hautnorthon, who is said to be a pseudonym of the German lawyer & alchemist Johann Harprecht, although some scholars disagree. Others such as the famed scholar of alchemy Adam McLean attribute it to Johann Rudolf Glauber on the basis of an anagram. Glauber is regarded as one of the first chemical engineers and is famed for the discovery of sodium sulfate (Glauber’s salt). This is the only original copy available on the market and one of a handful in existence locked in university archives.
Condition: Wrappers a little bowed. A closely cropped copy – part of the “A” of “LUCERNA” in the title page is missing, as is the last line of the text on that same page which should have the publisher’s imprint. Otherwise although the margins are closely shaved throughout, the only loss is a few signature letters and some shaving of the dropped final words that repeat those at the start of the next page. This occurs only on the first few leaves, after that only a few of these signatures / words are partially cropped. Otherwise a clean, crisp copy in VG+ condition. Clamshell case in fine condition.
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