Ripley Corpus

See discussions, stats, and author profiles for this publication at: https://www.researchgate.
net/publication/47542905
The Catalogue of the Ripley Corpus: Alchemical Writings

Attributed to George Ripley (d. ca. 1490)
Article in Ambix · July 2010

DOI: 10.1179/174582310X12719003720322 · Source: PubMed
CITATIONS READS
10 967
1 author:
Jennifer Rampling
Princeton University
8 PUBLICATIONS 24 CITATIONS
SEE PROFILE
All content following this page was uploaded by Jennifer Rampling on 28 May 2014.
The user has requested enhancement of the downloaded file.

ambix, Vol. 57 No. 2, July, 2010, 125–201
The Catalogue of the Ripley Corpus:

Alchemical Writings Attributed to
George Ripley (d. ca. 1490)
Published by Maney Publishing (c) Society for the History of Alchemy and Chemistry
Jennifer M. Rampling
University of Cambridge, UK
The period 1471 to 1700 saw the accretion of a large corpus of alchemical works
associated with the famous English alchemist George Ripley, Canon of Bridlington
(d. ca. 1490). Evaluation of Ripley’s alchemy is hampered by uncertainty over the
composition of the corpus, the dating and provenance of individual texts, and
the difficulty of separating genuine from spurious attributions. The Catalogue of the
Ripley Corpus (CRC) provides a first step in ordering these diverse materials: a
descriptive catalogue of approximately forty-five alchemical treatises, recipes and
poems attributed to Ripley, with an index of all known manuscript copies.
Introducing the canon

The first vernacular alchemical work published in England appeared in London in
1591. The work was the Compound of Alchymy . . . divided into Twelve Gates, a
long poem composed in late Middle English rhyme royal, printed in a quarto volume
of some hundred pages. The author was the fifteenth-century alchemical authority
George Ripley, Canon of Bridlington (d. ca. 1490). The purchaser of this landmark
publication could have been left in little doubt of its significance. The editor, Ralph
Rabbards, dedicated the work to Queen Elizabeth I, and the printed Compound came
laden with endorsements and laudatory verses, including Rabbards’s own praise of
the author, Ripley, who “lived in the time of king Edward the 4 . . . in great fame &
estimation, for his rare knowledge in these secrets.”1
A little over sixty years later, the English Compound received its second outing in
print, providing a major component of the first compendium of English alchemical
verse, the Theatrum chemicum Britannicum (1652). The Theatrum was edited by
Elias Ashmole (1617–1692), who took both an antiquarian and a practical interest in
the fifteenth-century adept, supplementing the Compound with a variety of shorter
works attributed to Ripley, supported by copious notes.
These moments in printing history were to prove decisive in cementing not only
contemporary views of Ripley, but also those of successive generations of scholars.
1
George Ripley, The Compound of Alchymy . . . Divided into twelue gates . . . Set foorth by Raph Rabbards
Gentleman, studious and expert in archemicall artes (London, 1591), 9.
© Society for the History of Alchemy and Chemistry 2010 DOI 10.1179/174582310X12719003720322
126 JENNIFER M. RAMPLING
The George Ripley known to the early twenty-first century is the same in most
essentials as the Ripley presented by Rabbards at the close of the sixteenth century,
and Ashmole midway through the seventeenth century. This Ripley is a canon regular
of Bridlington Priory in Yorkshire, but also a continental traveller. He studied at
Louvain and learned alchemical secrets in Italy, which he enshrined in numerous
English and Latin works, the most important of which he dedicated to King Edward
IV. A pious man, he served the Pope as chamberlain in Rome, and donated fabulous
sums to the Knights of St John on Rhodes for the defence of Christendom.2
This Ripley is the invention of later generations. While a large corpus of works
bearing his name exists, the relationship between these texts and the historical canon
is often problematic. Little fifteenth-century evidence survives of Ripley’s life or work,
the material for his later biographies stemming primarily from later sources. The
historical canon remains an elusive figure: slipping deeper back into the shadows as
each facet of his reputation is held up to the light.
Such myth-making represents the high tidemark, rather than the beginning, of
a process that saw Ripley established as a major alchemical authority of the early
modern period. His works survive in hundreds of manuscripts in Middle English,
Latin, and European vernaculars, copied and translated over the space of several
centuries. Ripley’s name is attached to more Middle English scientific and medical
texts than that of any other author, outweighing Chaucer and Roger Bacon, and
Galen and Hippocrates.3 These documents testify to Ripley’s posthumous fame,
yet individually cannot explain the remarkable popularity of this fifteenth-century
Yorkshire alchemist in early modern Europe.
The Catalogue of the Ripley Corpus (CRC) provides a first step in ordering
this mass of material and, in consequence, a tool for mapping the evolution of an
influential body of alchemical ideas and practices over time. The corpus of works
attributed to Ripley provides a unique lens for studying developments in English
alchemy, acting as a point of mediation between late medieval alchemical texts and
early modern audiences. As a commentator on medieval alchemical traditions, Ripley
reformulated his authorities in the light of textual exegesis and his own practical
findings. By the seventeenth century Ripley was himself an established authority,
2
The seeds of this vita are detectable in early modern accounts by the antiquarians John Bale (1495–1563), John
Leland (1502–1552) and John Pits (1560–1616): John Leland, Commentarii de Scriptoribus Britannicis, vol. II
(London, 1708), 383; John Bale, Illustrium Majoris Britanniae Scriptorum, hoc est, Angliae, Cambriae,
ac Scotiae Summarium . . . (Ipswich and Wesel, 1548), fol. 210r–v; John Bale, Scriptorum Illustrium Maioris
Brytanniae . . . Catalogus (Basel, 1557), 622–23; and John Pits, Relationem Historicarum de Rebus Anglicis, ed.
William Bishop](Paris, 1619), 677. The vita was subsequently developed by Elias Ashmole, Theatrum chemicum
Britannicum (London, 1652), 444, 456–59 (hereafter TCB). It had attained its mature form by the mid-
eighteenth century, in Nicolas Lenglet-Dufresnoy’s Histoire de la Philosophie Hermétique (Paris, 1742), 264–66,
and Thomas Tanner’s Bibliotheca Britannico-Hibernica: sive, de scriptoribus, qui in Anglia, Scotia, et Hibernia
ad saeculi XVII initium floruerunt . . . (London, 1748), 633. Components recur in most modern accounts,
although, for a more critical view, see: Lawrence M. Principe, “Ripley, George,” in Alchimie. Lexicon einer
hermetischen Wissenschaft, ed. Claus Priesner & Karin Figala (Munich: C. H. Beck, 1998), 305–6; and Didier
Kahn, “Stanton J. Linden (ed.): George Ripley’s Compound of Alchemy (1591),” Archives Internationales
d’Histoire des Sciences 53 (2003): 347–53.
3
Linda Ehrsam Voigts, “Multitudes of Middle English Medical Manuscripts, or the Englishing of Science and
Medicine,” in Manuscript Sources of Medieval Medicine: A Book of Essays, ed. Margaret R. Schleissner (New
York: Garland Publishing, 1995), 183–95.
ALCHEMICAL WRITINGS ATTRIBUTED TO GEORGE RIPLEY (d. ca. 1490) 127
whose works were read, expounded and tested by generations of practitioners. Over
two and a half centuries, the “Ripley Corpus” accreted through processes of textual
amalgamation, misattribution, and deliberate pseudoepigraphy, as its components
were incorporated into treatises for prospective patrons, reinterpreted to accommo-
date new practical developments and theoretical principles, and gathered into com-
pendia by collectors anxious to recover the knowledge of England’s great adepts. The
resulting body of related writings is detailed in the CRC: approximately forty-five
works, comprising both the canon’s authentic writings and those later ascribed to
him.4
The Compound and the early corpus

The task of dating the corpus is complicated by the paucity of early manuscripts, and
any study of Ripley’s fifteenth-century writings must rely, to an extent, on late copies
of his works. No fifteenth-century witness survives, for example, of several important
Ripleian texts, including the Medulla alchimiae, Concordantia Guidonis et Raimondi,
and the mysterious compendium known as the Bosome Book. Yet we cannot, on this
evidence alone, discount early provenance for such works, since other items are
anchored to the fifteenth century only by the existence of a single early manuscript.
At the same time, relying on late copies raises fresh problems, given the preponder-
ance of pseudoepigraphy in alchemical writings. Attribution to famous or quasihis-
torical adepts was one means of increasing the auctoritas of these texts, and ensuring
wide manuscript publication.5 Prominent placement of the authority’s name and rea-
sons for writing, sometimes accompanied by other biographical information, is a
common feature of this strategy, as may be seen throughout the large alchemical
corpus pseudonymously attributed to the Majorcan philosopher Ramon Lull
(1232–1316).
In this case, the forgery is apparent. The historical Lull was no believer in trans-
mutation, and none of the alchemical works ascribed to him, however authentically
“Lullian” in tone, may be convincingly linked to his pen. Lull’s authorship and the
myths surrounding his alchemical activities provide fertile ground for scholars, not
for the light that they shed on a historical figure, but as evidence for the construction,
propagation and deployment of authorial identity within alchemical literature. This
approach is exemplified by Michela Pereira’s catalogue of the pseudo-Lullian corpus,
4
An earlier version of the Catalogue provided the appendix to my doctoral dissertation: Jennifer M. Rampling,
“The Alchemy of George Ripley, 1470–1700” (Ph.D. dissertation, University of Cambridge, 2009). This
Introduction is based on material discussed in the body of the dissertation.
5
Robert Halleux, Les textes alchimiques (Turnhout: Brepols, 1979), 97–100; Michela Pereira, The Alchemical
Corpus Attributed to Raymond Lull (London: Warburg Institute Surveys and Texts, 1989). On medieval
authorship more generally, see Alastair J. Minnis, Medieval Theory of Authorship: Scholastic Literary Attitudes
in the Later Middle Ages (London: Scolar Press, 1984).
6
Pereira, The Alchemical Corpus Attributed to Raymond Lull. The alchemical corpus of pseudo-Arnald of
Villanova has also been studied by Antoine Calvet: Antoine Calvet, “La version d’Oc du Rosarius Philosopho-
rum attribué à Arnaud de Villeneuve” [Ph.D. dissertation, Université de Paris-Sorbonne (Paris IV), 1995];
Antoine Calvet, “Mutations de l’alchimie médicale au XVe siècle. A propos des textes authentiques et
apocryphes d’Arnaud de Villeneuve,” Micrologus 3 (1995), 185–209.
which has been instrumental in establishing the parameters of this vast and theoreti-
cally complex body of alchemica.6 Yet such an absolute division between reputed
author and pseudoepigraphic corpus is not possible in the case of George Ripley,
whose historical identity is shaped almost exclusively by his role as an alchemist.
For this reason, the attribution of further works cannot be dismissed out of hand,
particularly since a number of items in the Ripley Corpus are, unlike their pseudo-
Lullian antecedents, dateable to the lifetime of their putative author. This is the case
with the Compound (CRC 9): the only item in the corpus whose authorship is
uncontested. It is also one of very few works that may be dated to Ripley’s lifetime,
in two late fifteenth-century copies: Oxford, Corpus Christi College, MS 172 and
Cambridge, Trinity College, MS O.5.31.
Other than these early Compounds, and some Latin alchemical verses initialled
“G.R.,” the key witness to the early reception of the corpus is a group of late
fifteenth-century vellum manuscripts written in a single hand: British Library, MSS
Sloane 3579 and 3747, and Bodleian Library, MS Ashmole 759.7 At least two of these
belonged around the mid-sixteenth century to one Mr Corthop, and for convenience
I shall refer to the notebooks as the “Corthop Group.”8 The Corthop Group includes
the earliest extant copies (all anonymous) of several core items in the Ripley Corpus:
the Accurtations of Raymond, Cantilena, Mystery of Alchemists, and Pupilla
alchimiae, and an abbreviated version of the Epistle to Edward IV.9 MS Sloane 3579,
the latest of the three, also includes four brief extracts from the Compound,
attributed to the “Canon de Bridlyngton.”10
During the early decades of the sixteenth century, Ripley’s authority continued to
be primarily associated with the Compound: “the flower of all the books of the
philosophers,” according to one note, dated 1525.11 Thus one scribe, writing in the
1530s, produced a long commentary on the Compound, referring to the work through-
out as the “Book of Ripla”: the English poem inseparably welded to its author.12 The
existence of such commentaries, and the extraction of dicta in the books of the
Corthop scribe, point to the Compound’s early establishment as an alchemical classic,
which survived the rigours of time through diffusion in a large number of manuscript
copies. Other works reached sunnier Elizabethan climes through more tortuous
routes, often shedding or gaining attributions, switching languages, or acquiring
textual travelling companions in the process. As the manuscript record reveals, some
7
The initialled verses (CRC 14) are discussed in Jennifer M. Rampling, “Establishing the Canon: George Ripley
and His Alchemical Sources,” Ambix 55 (2008): 189–208.
8
On the back cover of MS Sloane 3579, a secretary hand records the codex as “no. 4 one of the ix vols or
vollumes of Mr Corthops,” while a similar note at the end of MS Ashmole 759 labels it as “no. 9” in the same
set. It has been suggested that “Corthop” is James Courthope, canon of Christchurch from 1546 to 1557:
William Henry Black, A Descriptive, analytical and critical Catalogue of the Manuscripts bequeathed unto the
University of Oxford by Elias Ashmole, Esq., M.D., F.R.S. (Oxford: Oxford University Press, 1845), 372. The
relationship between MSS Sloane 3747 and MS Ashmole 759 has been previously noted by Peter Grund: Peter
Grund, “‘Misticall Wordes and Names Infinite. ’ An Edition of Humfrey Lock’s Treatise on Alchemy, with an
Introduction, Explanatory Notes and Glossary” (Ph.D. dissertation, Uppsala University, 2004), 37 (n. 14).
9
CRC 1.4, 1.8, 1.vi; CRC 6.11; CRC 19.8–9; CRC 27.6, 27.iv; CRC 13.6, 13.9, 13.vi, 13.vii. All but the Latin
Cantilena are in Middle English.
10
CRC 9.xx.
11
CRC 9.12, fol. 55r.
12
MS Ashmole 1426 (part 5), 1–33.
of the most influential texts in the Ripley corpus became so only towards the end of
the sixteenth century.
The Medulla and “Ripleian” alchemy

Of all the prose treatises attributed to Ripley, the most important is the Medulla
alchimiae, which, to judge by the forty surviving complete or near-complete copies,
was also the most popular item in the corpus after the Compound itself. In many
ways, the Compound and Medulla make a complementary pair. The two works are
the only items in the corpus to be consistently dated by colophon, to 1471 and 1476
respectively. Each is reputedly written for a distinguished patron: the Compound
for Edward IV, and the Medulla for Edward’s disgraced former chancellor, George
Neville, Archbishop of York. The former is a Middle English poem, the latter
a Latin prose treatise; yet the two works offer a consistent alchemical philosophy,
hinting at similar and sometimes identical doctrines.13
For instance, each work employs the “Green Lion” as a key ingredient, while spec-
ifying that this mysterious substance should not be confused with green vitriol, the
“Green Lion of fools.”14 For Ripley, the true Green Lion is used to make a powerful
menstruum, the “fire of nature” (ignis naturae), used for the manufacture of the
medicinal vegetable stone. This precious water is contrasted in the Medulla with a
destructive mineral acid made from vitriol, the “fire against nature” (ignis contra
naturam), used for the transmutational mineral stone.15 The two contrary “fires,” one
derived from the Green Lion and the other from vitriol, provide the basis for the
palette of alchemical products outlined in the Medulla, able to heal sickness in both
metals and human bodies.16
The Medulla’s exposition of the vegetable stone is of particular interest, pointing
to an influential yet neglected strand in English alchemical practice, derived from
pseudo-Lullian texts and refined and popularised by Ripley. This approach, which
I shall term “sericonian” alchemy, starts with “sericon” or “adrop”, a metallic body
that lacks the perfection of gold or silver. In the fifteenth and sixteenth centuries, this
13
The two works rely on the same group of authorities, including the pseudo-Lullian Liber de secretis naturae,
seu quinta essentiae, and the Scala philosophorum attributed to Guido de Montanor. The alchemical practices
outlined in these works, and their pseudo-Lullian sources, are discussed in more detail in Rampling, “The
Alchemy of George Ripley,” chapters 1–4. On Ripley’s use of the Scala, see also Rampling, “Establishing the
Canon.”
14
“[D]e fatuorum tum leone viridi extrahitur ea quam diximus aqua fortis,” Cambridge, Trinity College MS
R.14.58 (part 3), fol. 3r (CRC 16.1). The Compound rejects “Vitriall / Whych folys doe call the Grene Lyon,”
TCB, 190.
15
The natural, unnatural and contra-natural fires, staples of pseudo-Lullian and Ripleian alchemy, are named
according to the medieval medical distinction between res naturales, non naturales, and contra (or praeter)
naturam, in which “natural” usually relates to health, and “contra-natural” to sickness and death. On the
distinction between the various res in medical literature, see Ian Maclean, Logic, Signs and Nature in the
Renaissance (Cambridge: Cambridge University Press, 2002), at 251–59.
16
The contrary fires are ultimately derived from the Testamentum: Michela Pereira and Barbara Spaggiari, eds.,
Il Testamentum alchemico attribuito a Raimondo Lullo: Edizione del testo latino e catalano dal manoscritto
Oxford, Corpus Christi College, 244 (Florence: Sismel, 1999), 100; 114–16). In the Medulla, Ripley relies on a
passage from the pseudo-Lullian Testamentum novissimum, also cited in the Scala philosophorum: “[H]îc
iacent contrariae operationes quia sicut ignis contra naturam dissolvit spiritum corporis fixi in aquam nubis,
& corpus spiritus volatilis constringit in terram congelatum” [Jean-Jacques Manget, Biblioteca chemica
curiosa, vol. II (Geneva, 1702), 138].
imperfect body was usually interpreted as a lead compound: minium (red lead), or
litharge. When dissolved in a solvent derived from wine (spirit of wine or distilled
wine vinegar), this body yielded a gummy substance (sugar of lead) that was thought
to unite the mineral and vegetable qualities of its ingredients. Unlike recipes for the
mineral stone, the sericonian gum was considered to be safe for ingestion, and there-
fore provided a staple ingredient for medicinal elixirs. When prepared in conjunction
with the fire against nature, this versatile substance also produced an aqua
composita, or compound water, capable of transmuting base metals into gold.
The versatility of sericonian alchemy undoubtedly contributed to its popularity in
English alchemica. The preparation of two powerful solvents — the deadly, mineral
ignis contra naturam and life-giving, vegetable ignis naturae — is a characteristic
feature of this approach, identifiable in numerous texts from the late fifteenth cen-
tury onwards. For instance, the Pupilla alchimiae describes a “Red Lion” (red lead)
used in the vegetable work, and a “Green Lion” (vitriol) used for transmutation.17
Unlike the Compound and Medulla, however, the Pupilla equates the Green Lion
with fire against nature, suggesting that, despite the sericonian approach and the
author’s interest in pseudo-Lull, the treatise was not written by George Ripley.18
In the absence of early exemplars for many works, bibliographical analysis is often
insufficient to resolve issues of date, authorship, and content. In such cases, source
criticism is necessary to distinguish authentic from spurious attributions: isolating
distinctive characteristics of Ripley’s thinking on alchemical topics in order to
position texts within the wider context of early modern alchemy. The views expressed
in Ripley’s genuine works therefore provide the measure for the authenticity of
unproven ones: a useful approach in the case of texts that, like the Medulla, survive
in no early exemplar.
The Elizabethan expansion of the corpus

The last third of the sixteenth century witnessed a marked increase in the circulation
of Ripleian works in manuscript: a movement linked to the vernacularisation of the
corpus. It is a curious aspect of the Medulla’s transmission that the earliest copies of
this famous work survive not in Latin, but in English: as the Marrow or Mary of
Alchemy, translated by David Whitehead in 1552.19 The importance of vernacular
translation in propagating the corpus is clear from the manuscript record, which
17
“[T]he redde lyon and the grene lyon that is red lede and vitriol romayn,” MS Sloane 3747, fol. 49r (CRC 27.6).
“Red lead” is frequently glossed as “antimony” in later copies; cf. George Ripley, Opera omnia chemica, um
praefatione a Ludovico Combachio (Kassel, 1649) (hereafter OOC), 301.
18
“And this mercury as Reymonde seiyth in the boke of accurtacion is a thyng hidde withyn the body of the greyn
lyon . . . Wherfore this mercury is namyd by Reymonde ignis noster contra naturam.” MS Sloane 3747,
fol. 48r.
19
“Here endyth the treates called the Marye of Alkamye compiled by gorge Rypley the yere of our Lord 1476
And turned into Englyse by Mr Davye Whithede clarke. anno 1552,” CRC 16.25. This is perhaps the Protestant
divine David Whitehead (1492–1571), who may, in turn, correspond to the “Mystar Whithed” described as an
alchemist by John Stow. See “Introduction: Documents Illustrative of Stow’s Life,” in John Stow, A Survey of
London, reprinted from the text of 1603 (1908), XLVIII–LXVII. Available at: URL: http://www.british-history.
ac.uk/report.aspx?compid=60007&strquery=alchemy (accessed 13 May 2009). Another manuscript attributes
the same translation to “John Mayre parson of Chipsted 1552” (CRC 16.32).
includes twenty-four English copies of the Medulla, as compared with fifteen in

Latin. The version of the Medulla preserved in the majority of these Latin copies, and
subsequently printed (hereafter Type II), is, in fact, a Latin translation of Whitehead’s
English Marrow.20 The original Latin text translated by Whitehead (hereafter
Type I) was never printed, surviving only in six late sixteenth- and seventeenth-
century manuscripts.21 Adding yet another layer to this complex translation history,
the Type II Latin version was itself “Englished” by the irregular medical practitioner
William Salmon (1644–1713), who published it in 1692.22
At the same time, English works also circulated abroad in Latin translation. The
Type II Medulla had reached Venice by 1566, while the Latin Compound was circu-
lating in France, as the Liber duodecim portarum, by 1571.23 Other texts, including
the Pupilla, the De mercurio et lapide philosophorum, and the Epistle to Edward IV,
were probably translated around the same time.24 The Concordantia followed the
same pattern as the Medulla: a mid-century English translation of the Type I text was
retranslated, and later printed in its Latin Type II redaction.25 The Middle English
poem “Take Erth” was rendered into Latin as a prose treatise, Terra terrarum, which,
unlike the original verses, was usually attributed to Ripley.26
Ripley’s name was added to texts with increasing frequency throughout the six-
teenth century. This movement, paralleled by the increase in vernacular translations
of alchemical works, suggests a growing interest in alchemy’s history, and a corre-
sponding need to locate anonymous texts within genealogies of famous alchemists.
This interest perhaps explains the attribution of the Accurtations of Raymond to
Ripley around the mid-sixteenth century. While the contents of this heterogeneous
work are usually attributed to Lull, Ripley is often assigned the role of editor and
translator.27 In this case, the canon’s penchant for vernacular composition and
reputation as an expositor of “Raymond” made it plausible that he might translate
Lullian processes into English: an impression that could only have been supported by
the incorporation of several stanzas from the Epistle to Edward IV into one of the
component recipes.28
20
Printed in Opuscula quaedam Chemica. Georgii Riplei Angli Medulla Philosophiae Chemicae . . . Omnia partim
ex veteribus Manuscriptis eruta, partim restituta (Frankfurt, 1614), 6–43; OOC, 123–78.
21
CRC 16.1–6.
22
“The Marrow of Alchymie,” in William Salmon, Medicina Practica, or, Practical Physic: shewing the method
of curing the most usual diseases (London, 1692), 644–87. See also CRC 16.36.
23
“Explicit Medulla Philosophye . . . Exemplata anno. 1566 Venetiis” (CRC 16.11). The Liber duodecim portarum
in Paris, Bibliothèque Nationale, MS Lat. 12993 is dated 1571 (CRC 9.46).
24
Bologna, Biblioteca Universitaria, MS 142 (109), vol. 2 (see CRC 9.42), part of the Caprara collection, was
probably compiled in France shortly after 1570, and includes the Latin Epistle, Liber duodecim portarum,
Philorcium, Medulla, Pupilla, and Terra terrarum. De Mercurio was published with the Liber duodecim
portarum in Nicholas Barnaud, Quadriga aurifera (Leiden, 1599).
25
The early seventeenth-century copy in British Library, MS Harley 2411 (CRC 10.1) is the only Type I
text identified to date. It was translated into English at least three times during the sixteenth century (see CRC
10).
26
The poem “Take Erth” is one of a group of related Middle English and Latin texts, most of which were at
some point attributed to Ripley. For a detailed study of this corpus, including complete or partial editions of
the texts, see Anke Timmermann, “The Circulation and Reception of a Middle English Alchemical Poem: The
Verses upon the Elixir and the Associated Corpus of Alchemica” (Ph.D. dissertation University of Cambridge,
2006).
27
See particularly CRC 1.2.
28
Alchemical verse is interpolated into prose texts throughout the Corthop Group, which contains the earliest
witnesses of the Accurtations. See CRC 1.
A concern with plausibility is apparent in several more overtly pseudoepigraphic

works, in which information probably gleaned from the Compound and Medulla
provides the basis for further imaginative elaboration. Since the canon was known to
have dedicated one work to George Neville, it was reasonable to suppose that he
might have written to him on other occasions. This circumstance perhaps explains
the Breviation of the Philosophers’ Stone, or “George Ripley’s Letter to the Arch-
bishop of York,” an alchemical epistle offering a profusion of biographical informa-
tion, including details of Ripley’s age and occupation.29 The letter, which circulated
widely in late sixteenth- and seventeenth-century English copies, seems to be an
Elizabethan fabrication in which a preexisting process has been framed as a letter to

Ripley’s supposed patron. The recipe was probably not selected at random. It begins
by amalgamating the “waight of one olde Edwarde noble of fyne gold” with mercury
and salt. This perhaps struck a chord with a reader familiar with the Whitehead
translation of the Medulla, which assures the Archbishop that “with one noble, the
whole maistery is performed.”30 Rather than indicating direct forgery, the spurious
additions may represent attempts to cement the authenticity of a process already felt
to be Ripleian in character.
The Bosome Book and the consolidation of the corpus

While many works, such as the Medulla, survived through repeated transcription, this
was not the only method by which texts were preserved. This is demonstrated by the
reappearance of a fifteenth-century manuscript in Elizabethan England: a neglected
episode that played a key role in shaping both the corpus and Ripley’s reputation in
the closing decades of the sixteenth century. The Bosome Book, a compendium of
practical and theoretical alchemica reputedly written in Ripley’s own hand, was
rediscovered in 1573/431 by the Somerset gentleman Samuel Norton (1548–1621), who
used it as the basis of a patronage proposal addressed to Queen Elizabeth I in 1577.32
While the original Book has not survived, its contents are recorded in numerous
copies, in both the original Latin and English translation. The broadly sericonian
approach of the Book’s recipes and theoretical texts is compatible with that of other
Ripleian texts, particularly the Medulla. Despite the curious circumstances of its
discovery, it seems likely that Norton’s find was an authentic fifteenth-century
collection, possibly even connected to Ripley himself.33
The rediscovery of the Book injected a large volume of “new” content into the
corpus at a relatively late stage in its development. Two English works, the Practise
29
See CRC 4, where Ripley is described as curate of either Sixforthe, Flixburch or Fax Bulburgh Church. In spite
of wide scribal publication, the work was, like most of the shorter practicae in the corpus, never printed. The
Compositio mercurii (CRC 8), another short practicae, seems to have been included in the OOC only because,
at some point, it was appended to the Concordantia in manuscript copies (see CRC 8.1–3).
30
Whitehead translation, CRC 16.16, fol. 4v.
31
In England before 1752, the new year began on 25 March (Lady Day). Dates between 1 January and 24 March
are therefore indicated in the format “5 March 1573/4.”
32
Samuel Norton, “The Key of Alchemie.” Although Norton’s original has not survived, the treatise is preserved
in several manuscript copies: MS Ashmole 1421, fols. 165v–220v (“By Me Thomas Robson 1613,” fol. 217v);
MS Ashmole 1424 (part 2), 49–90 (partial copy by Robson; “Finnis 1616: february 28,” 102); and Los Angeles,
Getty Research Institute, MS 18, vol. 10 (part 2), 1–156. The last of these is probably the exemplar for a
transcription by William Alexander Ayton (1817–1909) in Wellcome Library MS 1027.
33
The contents of the Bosome Book are analysed in Rampling, “The Alchemy of George Ripley,” chapter 6.
by Experience of the Stone and the Whole Work of the Composition of the Stone
Philosophical, were translated and adapted from sericonian recipes in the Book,
almost certainly by Norton himself.34 The Book also left its mark in print. Its best
known component, the Visio, a short poem translated into English by Norton, was
printed alongside the Compound in 1591 as the Vision of Sir George Ripley Chanon
of Bridlington.35
Ripleian works were also printed abroad throughout the seventeenth century, both
individually and in compendia, in Latin and European vernaculars. The selection of
works gathered in Ripley’s Opera omnia chemica, published by the physician Ludwig
Combach (1590–1657), reproduces the complex history of the corpus in microcosm.36

Of Combach’s collection of twelve Latin works, only two — the Cantilena and
Philorcium — remain relatively close to fifteenth- and early sixteenth-century sources.
The Medulla and Concordantia appear in their Type II redactions, derived from mid-
century English translations, while other works, including the Compound and the
Pupilla, have been translated from original English texts. Ripleian pseudoepigraphy
is represented by the misattributed Terra terrarum, and more overtly by the Clavis
aureae portae, an elaborated version of the Accurtations (also printed by Combach)
dating from the late sixteenth century.37 The Book appears in the guise of the
Viaticum, seu varia practica: a compendium of recipes and precepts compiled from
the Book during the 1580s, probably in Bohemia.38
While print helped concretise both the texts and the Ripleian ascriptions of many
of these items, neither texts nor attributions can be accepted with complacency. Struc-
ture, function, language, authorship and even alchemical content shifted in the course
of a long reception. Like hidden props, the scribal underpinnings of the corpus are
not always apparent on first view. By widening our focus, we gain access to both the
prehistory of well-known works, and to a host of lesser known texts, ideas, and
practices, including the long-lived sericonian tradition in which Ripley was an active
participant. The manuscripts listed in the Catalogue — together with many more that
doubtless remain to be identified — provide the essential evidence for understanding
this tradition.
Compiling the CRC

In delineating the corpus, it has been necessary to reduce a large and heterogeneous
body of treatises, recipes, poems and diagrams into manageable and discrete catego-
ries. Accordingly, texts that usually travel together are classed under a single heading,
34
CRC 26 and 35. The Whole Work was published by William Cooper as “The Bosome-Book of Sir George
Ripley, Canon of Bridlington. Containing His Philosophical Accurtations in the making the Philosophers
Mercury and Elixirs,” in Collectanea Chemica: A Collection of Ten Several Treatises In Chymistry . . . (London,
1683), 101–21.
35
Ripley, The Compound of Alchymy, 15.
36
The OOC includes, in order: Liber 12 portarum, Liber de mercurio & lapide philosophorum, Medulla philoso-
phiae chemicae, Philorcium alchymistarum, Clavis aurae portae, Pupilla alchemiae, Terra terrae philosophicae,
Concordantia Raymundi & Guidonis, Viaticum seu varia practica, Accurtationes & practicae Raymundinae,
Cantilena, Epistola ad Regum Eduardum.
37
See CRC 7.
38
See CRC 31.
although they may technically be regarded as separate items. For instance, several
components of the Book that did not achieve independent circulation (such as the
Compendium and Maria dicit) appear under the single heading of “Bosome Book”
(CRC 3). Components that circulated outside the context of the Book (such as the
Concordantia and Vision) have their own entries.
Florilegia and commentaries of Ripleian works present further problems. It was
common practice for alchemical writings to be excerpted into “new” texts or
compilations, or to provide the basis of commentaries, and Ripleian works are no
exception. For instance, substantial extracts from the Medulla and Concordantia are
anonymously incorporated into Humfrey Lock’s Treatise on Alchemy (ca. 1578).39

While composite works of this kind provide valuable evidence for Ripley’s reception,
they are not generally attributed to the canon himself. They are therefore excluded
from the CRC unless explicitly attributed to Ripley, as in the case of the Clavis
aureae portae (CRC 7) and Opus aureum verum (CRC 24).
Another problematic category is that of alchemical verse. Many fifteenth-century
Middle English poems and works derived from them, including the “Ripley Scroll”
verses, Bost of Mercury, Liber patris sapientiae, and the Short Work published
by Ashmole, were at some point associated with Ripley in print or manuscript.40
The manuscript record reveals that the Ripleian attribution was only one of several
suggested in the course of the early modern reception of these works, perhaps reflect-
ing the canon’s reputation as an alchemical poet. Given the tenuous nature of such
connections, these works have been excluded from the corpus, with the exception
of two works consistently attributed to Ripley during the early modern period: the
Mystery of Alchemists (CRC 19) and Terra terrarum (CRC 29). The Ripley Scrolls
are excluded on similar grounds. This group of emblematic scrolls includes, besides
the famous illuminations, several Middle English verses belonging to the category
discussed above, probably compiled during the late fifteenth century, and seldom
attributed to Ripley prior to the seventeenth century. The selection and adaptation
of verses for inclusion in the Ripley Scrolls suggests that it may be useful to consider
these striking documents as composite works, rather than as individual items
attributable to a single author.41
In identifying and studying manuscripts for inclusion in the CRC, I have been
guided by a valuable and extensive bibliographical literature.42 In all but a few cases,
39
Grund, “Misticall Wordes and Names Infinite.” Known copies of the Treatise and another text based on it, the
Picklock to Riply his Castle, are listed in Grund’s dissertation.
40
See Timmermann, “The Circulation and Reception of a Middle English Alchemical Poem.” A list of extant
manuscripts of all of these works is included in the appendix to this dissertation.
41
For a descriptive catalogue of the Scrolls, see R. Ian McCallum, “Alchemical Scrolls Associated with George
Ripley,” in Mystical Metal of Gold: Essays on Alchemy and Renaissance Culture, ed. Stanton J. Linden (New
York: AMS, 2007), 161–88.
42
In addition to the works already cited, this includes: P. C. Boeren, Codices Vossiani Chymici (Leiden:
Universitaire pers Leiden, 1975); Die Handschriften der Universitätsbibliothek Kassel Landesbibliothek und
Murhardsche Bibliothek der Stadt Kassel, Band 3, 2: Manuscripta Chemica bearbeitet von Harmut Broszinski
(Wiesbaden: Harrassowitz; in preparation); Calames: Catalogue en ligne des archives et des manuscrits
de l’enseignement supérieur (http://www.calames.abes.fr/pub/); J. A. Corbett, Catalogue des manuscrits
alchimiques latins, 2 vols. (Paris: Office International de Labraire, 1939, 1951); Albert E. Hartung, ed.,
A Manual of the Writings in Middle English 1050–1500 (New Haven, Conn.: Connecticut Academy of Arts
this has been supplemented by primary archival work.43 However, in the course
of compiling the CRC, it has become clear that the number of works attributed to
Ripley is larger than previously supposed, and that many individual manuscripts of
these works remain uncatalogued. While completeness remains a goal rather than
a practical possibility, the CRC is intended to provide a preliminary resource for
scholars and a platform for future investigation into this rich corpus of alchemical
literature.
Catalogue of the Ripley Corpus

The CRC provides a list of alchemical works consistently attributed to George Ripley
from the late fifteenth century to 1700, including extant manuscript copies of each
work. Items are listed alphabetically by title (see Index, below). Entries consist of: (1)
main heading, followed by commonly used alternative titles; (2) statement on the
dating, structure and alchemical contents of the text; (3) incipit and explicit, in the
original language of composition and, for texts that usually circulated in another
language (e.g. English), in translation; (4) early modern printed editions; (5) complete
or near complete copies in manuscript (numbered 1, 2, etc.), with copies in the orig-
inal language of composition being followed by copies in translation; and (6) partial
copies (“Fragments,” numbered i, ii, etc.). Manuscripts are listed alphabetically by
city (in the United Kingdom, Europe, and outside Europe respectively).
Individual manuscript entries include: (1) location and manuscript reference
(including, for multipart manuscripts, the part in square brackets); (2) folio/page
reference, date, and scribe (if known); (3) title of text as supplied in the manuscript
42
Continued
and Sciences, 1998), vol. X: XXV, “Works of Science and Information”, ed. George R. Keiser; Ron Charles
Hogart, ed., Alchemy, a Comprehensive Bibliography of the Manly P. Hall Collection of Books and
Manuscripts: Including Related Material on Rosicrucianism and the Writings of Jacob Böhme; introduction
by Manly P. Hall (Los Angeles, Cal.: Philosophical Research Society, 1986); M. R. James, The Western
Manuscripts in the Library of Trinity College Cambridge. A Descriptive Catalogue, 4 vols. (Cambridge:
Cambridge University Press, 1900–1904); M. R. James, A Descriptive Catalogue of the Latin MSS in the John
Rylands Library of Manchester (Manchester: Manchester University Press, 1921); Adam McLean, ed., The
Alchemy Website (www.levity.com/alchemy/); S. A. J. Moorat, Catalogue of Western Manuscripts on Medicine
and Science in the Wellcome Institute Historical Medical Library, 3 vols. (London: Wellcome Institute for
the History of Medicine, 1962–1973); Dorothea Waley Singer and Annie Anderson, Catalogue of Latin and
Vernacular Alchemical Manuscripts in Great Britain and Ireland dating from before the XVI Century, 3 vols.
(Brussels: Maurice Lamertin, 1928, 1930, 1931); Lynn Thorndike and Pearl Kibre, A Catalogue of Incipits of
Mediaeval Scientific Writings in Latin (Cambridge, Mass.: Mediaeval Academy, 1963); Linda Ehrsam Voigts
and Patricia Deery Kurtz (compilers), Scientific and Medical Writings in Old and Middle English: An
Electronic Reference (Ann Arbor, Mich.: University of Michigan Press, 2000; on CD–ROM), hereafter eVK;
W. J. Wilson, “Catalogue of Latin and Vernacular Alchemical MSS in the United States and Canada,” Osiris
6 (1939): 1–836; and Laurence C. Witten II and Richard Pachella, Alchemy and the Occult: A Catalogue of
Books and Manuscripts from the Collection of Paul and Mary Mellon given to Yale University Library, 4 vols.
(New Haven, Conn.: Yale University Library, 1968–1977).
43
In these cases I have relied on existing catalogues, as follows: CRC 1.xii and 30.10, eVK; CRC 9.38, The
Newton Project (http://www.newtonproject.sussex.ac.uk/catalogue/record/ALCH00063); CRC 9.45, Śląska
Biblioteka Cyfrowa (www.sbc.org.pl/dlibra); CRC 9.ii, Kent Archives Service Online Catalogue (http://www.
kentarchives.org.uk/); CRC 29.7, Timmermann, The Circulation and Reception of a Middle English Alchemical
Poem (appendix).
(if given); (4) recension or translation (e.g. Type I; “Whitehead trans.”); (5) in the case
of composite texts, the components present; (6) notes in the text relating to author-
ship or ownership; (7), other Ripleian items in the same manuscript; and (8) known
early modern owners of the manuscript.44 All items have been personally examined
unless marked “Not seen.”
Abbreviations
AP “Georgii Riplei Duodecim Portarum Axiomata philosophica,” in Egidii de

Vadis Dialogus inter Naturam et Filium Philosophiae, Accedunt Abditarum
rerum Chemicarum Tractatus Varii scitu dignissimi ut versa pagina indica-
bit. Autore et Collectore Bernardo G. Penoto a Portu S. Mariae Aquitano,
Reipubl. Franckatallensis D. Physico, ed. Bernard Georges Penot (Frankfurt,
1595).
BCC Jean-Jacques Manget, Bibliotheca chemica curiosa, seu rerum ad alchemiam
pertinentium thesaurus instructissimus . . . , 2 vols. (Geneva, 1702).
CS George Ripley, Chymische Schrifften des hochgelehrten, fürtresslichen vnd
weitberhümten Philosophi Georgii Riplaei, Canonici Angli . . . (Erfurt, 1624)
(German translation of QA).
MMC George Ripley, “Des Grossen Engeländischen Philosophi Georgii Riplaei
Experientzreiche/Hermetische Schrifften betreffend die Vniversal-Tinctur;
so bisher noch niemals teutsch ausgangen,” in Magnalia Medico-chymica
continuata, Oder, Fortsetzung der hohen Artzney und Feuerkunstigen
Geheimnüssen, ed. Johann Hiskias Cardilucius (Endter, 1680), 379–710
(German translation of OOC).
OMC George Ripley, “Lied von dem neugebohrnen Chymischen König,” in Opus
Mago-Cabbalisticum et Theosophicum. Darinnen de Ursprung, Natur,
Eigenschafften und Gebrauch, des Saltzes, Schwefels und Mercurii, in dreyen
Theilen beschrieben . . ., ed. Georg von Welling (Homburg vor der Höhe,
1735), 578 (German translation of Cantilena).
OOC George Ripley, Opera omnia chemica, um praefatione a Ludovico Comba-
chio (Kassel, 1649).
QA Nicolas Barnaud, ed., Quadriga aurifera (Leiden, 1599).
TC Lazarus Zetzner, Theatrum chemicum, praecipuos selectorum auctorum
tractatus de chemiae et lapidis philosophici antiquitate, veritate, iure,
praestantia et operationibus . . . , 6 vols. (Ursel and Strasbourg, 1602–1661).
TCB Elias Ashmole, Theatrum chemicum Britannicum (London, 1652).
44
Ex libris details are omitted in cases where ownership is apparent from the title of the manuscript collection:
for instance, the collections of Elias Ashmole at the Bodleian Library, Hans Sloane at the British Library, and
Isaac Vossius at Leiden Universiteitsbibliotheek. When reproducing text, I have silently transposed “i/j” and
“u/v” in accordance with modern usage. Original spelling and capitalisation is otherwise retained. Italics denote
the expansion of contractions, and text between “\ /” indicates amendment or superlineal insertion. Where
additional text is required to determine sense, this is placed within square brackets, as in the representation of
alchemical symbols (e.g. [mercury]). In dating manuscripts, I have relied on existing catalogue entries as well
as the material and textual evidence of the manuscripts themselves.
Index
1. Accurtations of Raymond
2. Artificial Stone
3. Bosome Book
4. Breviation of the Philosophers’ Stone
5. Brief Discourse
6. Cantilena
7. Clavis Aureae Portae
8. Compositio Mercurii
9. Compound of Alchemy
10. Concordantia Guidonis et Raimondi
11. Consolatio Pauperum
12. Elixir Vitae
13. Epistle to Edward IV
14. Gaudeat Artista
15. De Ignibus Nostris
16. Medulla Alchimiae
17. De Mercurio et Lapide Philosophorum
18. Mercurius ex Luna
19. Mystery of Alchemists
20. Myte
21. Nota quod Mercurius
22. Notable Rules taken from Guido
23. Notes from Medulla
24. Opus Aureum Verum
25. Philorcium Alkimistarum
26. Practise by Experience of the Stone
27. Pupilla Alchimiae
28. Somnium
29. Terra Terrarum
30. Vegetable Work
31. Viaticum, seu varia practica
32. Vision of George Ripley
33. White and Red Work
34. White Work
35. Whole Work of the Composition of the Stone Philosophical
1. Accurtations of Raymond
(Accurtationes & practica Raymundinae, Discourse of the Philosophers’ Stone, Liber de lapide
animali, Practica Raymundi)
Middle English text composed of an initially separate theorica and collection of recipes, first
witnessed in three late fifteenth-century manuscripts (the Corthop Group). Later translated
into Latin in three variants: the Accurtationes & practica Raymundinae, the Work of St
Dunstan (an apparent forgery from which the names of the Accurtations’ medieval authorities
have been removed), and Clavis aureae portae (CRC 7). The theorica cites Raymond Lull and
Guido de Montanor, and rejects precious metals as starting materials in favour of the imperfect
body “Adrop.” The standard practica includes two sericonian recipes, beginning “Take Adrop
the Green Lion” (hereafter “Adrop”), sometimes mistranscribed as “Take a drop,” which
include extracts from stanzas 25–27 of the Epistle (CRC 13), probably an interpolation by the
Corthop scribe. These are followed by pseudo-Lullian chrysopoetic recipes (“Accurtations”);
“De lapide minerali”, based on the pseudo-Lullian Practica sermonicalis (“De lapide”); a
process for making pearls (“Opus Basilisci”); and recipes for calcining various metals
(“Calcinations”).
Theorica. Inc.: “Ad laudem dei et eius aeternam gloriam et honorem, Amen. In the beginning
you shall understand that old philosophers engined to do by art above the ground.” Expl.:
“Truly as having regard to the practice, you must be well ware: for therein most men be
deceived. Ex omni re fixa super ignem fit elixer quia potestis plantare mercurium nostrum
album, etc.”
Practica. Inc.: “Therefore in the name of God take Adrop the Green Lion, whereof I first made
mention.” Expl.: “And thus to the Lord only be given all honor and glory. Amen.”
Printed: TC, IV (Latin; attributed to “Disciple of Guido”); OOC (Latin); Philosophia Matu-
rata (English. Ed. Lancelot Coelson, London, 1668; attributed to Dunstan); MMC (German).
MSS in English:
1.1 Glasgow University Library, MS Ferguson 102 (fols. 135r–55v, 1525–1575; William
Bolles)
Opus Basilisci, Theorica (“Certen acurtations,” inc.: “Take saith Guydo”), Adrop,
Accurtations (“The wurke of vitriole”), diagram of furnace, De lapide, Calcinations.
MS includes (English) CRC 7, 16, 4, 10. See entry for 9.10.
1.2 London, British Library, MS Sloane 1524 [2] (fols. 13r–39v, 1525–1575)
“A Discourse of the philosophors stone mad & compyled by George Ryplaye transla-
tid, & correctyd & set fowrthe by hyme out of latyne: In to Englyshe: of the Booke
of Raymonde lulii.” Theorica, Adrop, Accurtations (all attributed to Ripley as transla-
tor and editor), De lapide, Opus Basilisci (both attributed to Ripley), Calcinations
(incomplete, owing to loss of final leaves). MS [3] includes (English) CRC 16.
1.3 London, British Library, MS Sloane 1744 (fols. 133v–36v, 142r–47r, 187v–90r, ca. 1606;
Thomas Robson)
Opus Basilisci (“A worke of the basiliske by Raymund luly”) and Calcinations (fols.
133v–36v), Adrop (two recipes, both titled “A worke of the greene lyon”), Accurta-
tions, De lapide (“A note taken forth of a worke”), Theorica (extract, inc.: “The great
philosophor guido sayth”), Adrop (extract), Opus Basilisci (“Basilisci”). MS includes
(English) CRC 4, 16 (extracts), 25, 27, 3 (extracts), 7 (extract), 33, 30.
1.4 London, British Library, MS Sloane 3579 [1] (fols. 3r–5v, 12r–v, 41v–47v, 1475–1500;
Corthop scribe)
“[I]ncipit liber de lapide animali.” Theorica (variant version, fols. 3r–5v; extract,
fol. 18r), Opus Basilisci (fols. 12r–v), Calcinations, Accurtations. Note: “no. 4 on[e] of
the ix vols or vollumes of mr Corthops” (fol. 51v). MS includes (English) CRC 13
(extract), 9 (extracts).
1.5 London, British Library, MS Sloane 3667 [2] (fols. 105r–14v, ca. 1573/4; Samuel
Norton?)
“The Cortacyones & Practis of Raymonde.” Theorica, Adrop, Accurtations, De lapide,
Opus Basilisci, Calcinations. Expl.: “Thus endyth the Cortacions of Raymonde Lully,
Compackt & Gathered together (as yt is thowght) by gorge Ryplye Channon.”
Norton’s English annotations. MS includes (English) CRC 16, 3, 13; in [1], 8.
1.6 London, British Library, MS Sloane 3706 (fols. 3r–14r, s. xvii)
Theorica, Adrop, Accurtations, De lapide, Opus Basilisci, Calcinations. MS includes
notes on Ripley (English, fol. 99v).
1.7 London, British Library, MS Sloane 3732 (fols. 75r–93v, July 1664)
“Accurtations et practicae Raymundinae.” Theorica, Adrop, Accurtations, De lapide,
Opus Basilisci, Calcinations. English translation of OOC. MS includes (English) CRC
17, 25, 7, 27, 29, 10, 8, 31.
1.8 London, British Library, MS Sloane 3747 (fols. 3r–13v, 17v–19v, 25r–36r, 1450–1500;
Corthop scribe)
Theorica (extended version, fols. 3r–10v), De lapide (missing first sentence, fols. 10v–
13r), Opus Basilisci (extract, fol. 13v), Adrop (extracts, fols. 17v–19v), Accurtations
(“herafter folowe Reymondes accurtacions and other experimentes,” fol. 25r); De
lapide (second copy: first sentence, fol. 27r; short version, fols. 30v–33r), Opus
Basilisci (“Composicio basilisci & margaritarum,” short version), Calcinations (variant
version). MS includes (English) CRC 27, 6, 13, 19.
1.9 London, Wellcome Library, MS 239 (1–46, 1575–1600; John Dee)
“Practica et accurtaciones Georgii Ryplay et Raimundi.” Theorica, Adrop, Accurta-
tions, De lapide, Opus Basilisci, Calcinations. Latin annotation by Dee.
1.10 Oxford, Bodleian Library, MS Ashmole 1418 [3] (fols. 62r–65r, 70v–76r, ca. 1606;
Thomas Robson)
Opus Basilisci (“A worke of the basiliske by Raymund lully”) and Calcinations (fols.
62r–65r), “The philosophers mercury” (containing text from Theorica), Adrop (second
recipe abbreviated), De lapide (“A note taken by peec meile”; ending abbreviated),
Accurtations (“The Accurtations to shorten tyme”). MS includes in [2], (English) CRC
3.
1.11 Oxford, Bodleian Library, MS Ashmole 1478 [2] (fols. 79r–89v, 106r, s. xvi)
Theorica, Adrop (“The werke”; “Take a drop”), Accurtations, diagram of furnace
(“Behold the maner of the fornace”; at fol. 106r owing to transposition of leaves).
1.12 Oxford, Bodleian Library, MS Ashmole 1492 [3] (45–60, s. xvi)
“Accurtationes et practica Reymundi.” Theorica, Adrop (“Take a dropp”),
Accurtations, De lapide, Opus Basilisci (“Compositio Basilisci & Margaritarum”),
Calcinations. MS includes in [9], (English) CRC 16, 25, 27.
1.13 Oxford, Bodleian Library, MS Rawlinson B.306 (fols. 1r–26r, 1575–1600)
“The Accurtations of Sir Raimond Lullye, knight.” Theorica (attributed to Lull),
Adrop, Accurtations (attributed to Lull), diagram of furnace, De lapide, Opus
Basilisci (“Another Speciall worke of the Basylike as Enshewethe”), Calcinations
(in two parts, “De calcinacione corporum Saturnus & Jubiter &c.” and “The Reca-
pitulacione”). Some elaboration of standard text, including addition of “Exposicio”
(fol. 24r). MS includes (English) CRC 10, 16, 25 (extract), 20.
1.14 Amsterdam, Bibliotheca Philosophica Hermetica, MS 199 (fols. 131r–33v, 272r–77r,
1560–1600)
“A Discourse of ye philosophers Stone: made & compyld by George Rypley\fowrthe
of latyne into Englyshe/of ye Accourtacions & practice of Raymonde Lulii.” Theorica
(variant expl.: “Of which dragons blood make an oyle by cyrculacion which is then
Aurum Potabile,” fol. 133v), Accurtations (extracts), De lapide, Opus Basilisci (“A
good worke of ye composycyon of basyliske and margarytes”), Adrop, Accurtations
(extracts). MS includes (English) CRC 9 (notes), 19, 9, 10, 27, 8.
1.15 København, Royal Library, GKS 1727 (fols. 1r–8v, ca. 1593)
“Accurtaciones et practica Raymundi.” Theorica, Adrop. Deleted note: “I received
theis . . . 10th of october 1593” (fol. 1r) MS includes (English) CRC 4, 12, notes on
Ripley (fol. 154v). Ex libris Christopher Taylour.
1.16 Philadelphia, University of Pennsylvania MS Codex 111 (fols. 36v–41v, 70r–74r, 1582–
1600)
De lapide (“An Accurtacion of Raymonde”), Adrop (second recipe, “Alia modum et
forma distillacionis”), Accurtations, Opus Basilisci (in two parts, “Another speciall
worke of ye Baseliske ensuethe” and “Raymondes accurtacions”), Theorica (“Ray-
monde his accurtacion ye great philosopher”), Adrop (first recipe). Formerly Petworth
House (Lord Leconfield), MS 97, and University of Pennsylvania, MS E. F. Smith 4.
MS includes (English) CRC 16, 13, 9, 3 (extracts), 10. Probably owned by Henry Percy,
Ninth Earl of Northumberland.
MSS in Latin:
1.17 Oxford, Bodleian Library, MS Canon. Misc. 223 (229–57, 1650–1700)
Copied from OOC. MS includes (Latin) CRC 16, 25, 27, 29, 10, 8, 31, 13, 6, 9, 17, 7.
1.18 Kassel Landesbibliothek, 4o MS chem. 66 (fols. 20v–22r, 34r–48r, 1575–1600)
Opus Basilisci (fols. 20v–22r), Theorica (fols. 34r–48r). MS includes (Latin) CRC 17,
21 (extract), 25 (extracts), 16, 29 (x2), 23, 12, 27.
Fragments:
1.i Cambridge, Trinity College, MS O.2.15 (fols. 79r–80v, ca. 1600)
Opus Basilisci (“The Basilisk of Pearles”). MS includes (English) CRC 27.
1.ii London, British Library, MS Sloane 288 (fols. 146r–v, 175r, s. xvii)
Opus Basilisci (“The basiliske of Pearles”); CRC 35.1 annotated in pencil with first line
of Adrop (fol. 175r). MS includes (Latin) CRC 6; (English) 16, 30 (x2), 25, 4, 12, 27.
Ex libris Gabriel Gostwyk.
1.iii London, British Library, MS Sloane 410 (fols. 1r–2r, 1575–1600)
“A Treatise of the philosophers con Edwardi Kellaei Precepta quae debent observari in
arte Alkimistica” (note by Hans Sloane). Theorica.
1.iv London, British Library, MS 1098 (fols. 20r–v, 1556–1581)
Short extracts from Theorica (inc.: “Common qwyckesyluer, golde & syluer are
deceayvers of all alchimistes”). MS contains (English) CRC 19, 13 (extract), 9 (extract),
17 (extract), 6; (Latin) 28, 32, 6.
1.v London, British Library, MS Sloane 3645 (fols. 42r–v, 1600–1625)
“An Accurtation of Raymond.” Extract from Practica (Accurtations). Inc.: “The best
way & of least cost is thus.” MS includes (English) CRC 30, 8.
1.vi Oxford, Bodleian Library, MS Ashmole 759 (fols. 87r–88v, 1475–1500; Corthop
scribe)
Theorica (unattributed, truncated, alternative ending). No practica. MS includes
(English) CRC 27 (extracts), 13, 19, 9 (extract).
1.vii Oxford, Bodleian Library, MS Ashmole 1407 [2] (fol. 10r, 1611; Thomas Robson)
Extracts from Theorica (unattributed, inc.: “Guido the great philosopher sayth”),
Adrop. MS includes in [4], (English) CRC 30; in [9], (English) 27, 3 (extracts).
1.viii Oxford, Bodleian Library, MS Ashmole 1450 [7] (13–16, 1550–1600)
“The baselike of pearles.” Opus Basilisci. MS includes (English) CRC 27. Ex libris
“Johannes Baildonus clericus” (flyleaf).
1.ix Oxford, Bodleian Library, MS Ashmole 1480 [3] (fols. 7r–8r, 1550–1600)
Extracts from Theorica and Adrop; Opus Basilisci (extended ending). MS includes
(English) CRC 16, 27; in [1], (English) 32, 25, 27. Ex libris Thomas Robson.
1.x Oxford, Bodleian Library, MS Ashmole 1490 [C] (fols. 6r–v, s. xvi)
“Accurtacions & pratica Raymondi.” Theorica (truncated). MS includes in [D],
(English) CRC 19; in [F], (Latin) 16; (English) 9.
1.xi Oxford, Bodleian Library, MS Ashmole 1493 (fols. 73r–77v, s. xvii; Elias Ashmole)
“This booke following is of ye stone Animall, the Author unknowne.” Variant theor-
ica (possibly related to 1.3), Adrop. MS includes (English) CRC 35, 25, 4, 12.
1. xii København, Royal Library, GKS 3500 (fols. 20v–41v, s. xvi)
Not seen. Adrop, Accurtations. MS includes (English) CRC 30.
“Work of Dunstan” MSS (Latin):

London, British Library, MS Sloane 1876 (fols. 84r–92r, s. xvii); London, British Library,
MS Sloane 3738 (fols. 60r–66r, s. xvii); Oxford, Corpus Christi College, MS 128 (fols. 1r–27r,
s. xvi); Kassel Landesbibliothek, 4o MS chem. 35, vol. 4 (fols. 1r–9v, ca. 1590–1600); Cieszyn,
Książnica Cieszyńska SZ DD.vii.33 (fols. 120r–139r, ca. 1589); Kassel Landesbibliothek, 40
MS chem. 40 (fols. 37r–45v, ca. 1580).
“Work of Dunstan” MSS (English):
Glasgow University Library, MS Ferguson 9 (fols. 1r–12r, s. xvii); Glasgow University Library,
MS Ferguson 199 (6–17, s. xvii); London, British Library, MS Sloane 1744 (fols. 192v–203r,
s. xvii; Thomas Robson); British Library, MS Sloane 3757 (fols. 40r–52r, s. xvii); Oxford,
Bodleian Library, MS Ashmole 1421 (fols. 146v–59v, 1613; Thomas Robson); Bodleian Library,
MS Ashmole 1424 [2] (11–36, 1615; Thomas Robson); Bodleian Library, MS Ashmole 1459
(228–241, s. xvii; Elias Ashmole); Los Angeles, Getty Research Institute, MS 18, vol. 14 (1–38;
early nineteenth century; Sigismond Bacstrom; modified version).
2. Artificial Stone
Recipe for “mercury of saturn,” or Rebis mercurialis, prepared using lead, sal vitriol and borax.
Unlike “natural” mercury, this is not for use in the great work, yet may still yield “great
proffit, yf thou wilt worke artificially with it.” Found in a single, seventeenth-century copy.
Inc.: “There is a stone which is called the artificiall stone, and is artificially knytte together by
manes witte.” Expl.: “. . . therefore praye for me; that have opened to the[e], that thou mayste
live by, and serve God, and helpe the poore. G.R.”
2.1 London, British Library, MS Sloane 1842 (fols. 45v–46r, 1600–1650)
“Of the Artificiall stone, and what it is.” MS includes (Latin) CRC 29; (English) 23,
12, 6, 35, 4, 25, 16, 10. Ex libris Arthur Dee, Sir Thomas Browne.
3. Bosome Book
(Uncut Book)
A large compendium of Latin texts, possibly compiled by Ripley. Samuel Norton (1548–1621)
translated a copy believed to have been written in Ripley’s hand into English in 1573/4.
Although this copy is no longer extant, the contents (many of which adopt a sericonian
approach similar to the alchemy of the Medulla) are compatible with late fifteenth-century
dating. Copies of the lost exemplar include the initials “G.R.,” while Ripley’s name is encoded
in epigrams and attached to the titles and explicits of several component texts. The name
“Maram” is also incorporated into several epigrams, perhaps referring to an early owner or
compiler of the Book, possibly with a personal connection to Ripley. Items from the Book
provide the basis of several other works in the corpus, including the Viaticum (CRC 31) and
Whole Work (CRC 35). The major elements comprise:
1. Processus meus apud Estergate (“Estergate”): recipe in nine steps.

2. Exposition on the sayings of Aristotle and Hermes (“Exposition”): commentary on the
Secretum secretorum and Emerald Tablet, beginning with extracts from each (inc.:
“Accipe ergo lapidem animalem, mineralem et vegetalem . . . Aristoteles circa princi-
pium dicti sui tangit, ex quo lapis noster fit”). Elaboration of a fifteenth-century
commentary by Ricardus de Salopia, with additional references to Lull and Guido de
Montanor.
3. Tree diagram: diagrammatic scheme of the work, beginning with “Adrop,” which
yields “sericon.” The tree provides separate branches for the transmutational and
medicinal stones.
4. Recipe Adrop (inc.: “Recipe Adrop, et illud dissolve in aceto vinaceo”): long, serico-
nian recipe that later circulated in a slightly modified form as “George Ripley’s Practise
by Experience”: CRC 26.
5. Attinkar (inc.: “Attinkar pro mercurio sic fit. Recipe salis alkali facti de soda”):
collection of chrysopoetic recipes, citing Guido.
6. Maria dicit (inc.: “Radix scoliae nostrae est corpus indole”): commentary on a saying
of Maria the Prophetess describing the dissolution of the “heart of saturn” (interpreted
as sericon) in two “Zaibeths” (two menstruums, interpreted as mineral and vegetable
waters).
7. Separatio elementorum (inc.: “Cum distillatus fuerit humor noster rufus à sericone”):
series of linked recipes for isolating the four elements, beginning with the distillation
of sericon. Component of the “Whole Work”: CRC 35.
8. Concordantia Guidonis et Raymundi (“Concordantia”): CRC 10.
9. Notable Rules taken from Guido (“Notable Rules”): CRC 22.
10. De ignibus nostris: CRC 15.
11. Compendium totius artis (inc.: “Primo corrumpe corpus Adrop in suamet aqua”):
commentary on sericonian alchemy, with particular reference to Guido. Discusses the
use of eggshells, and includes a passage in which the author (“G.R.”) rejects his
erroneous experiments conducted between 1450 and 1470.
12. Practical Compendium (inc.: “Recipe plumbum philosophorum et per iteratas
solutiones et calcinationes”): short treatise citing Guido.
13. Vision of George Ripley (“Vision”): CRC 32.
14. Somnium: CRC 28.
15. Naturals (inc.: “Res naturales sunt haec septem”): quadripartite table of elements,
non-naturals, alchemical “fires,” etc.
16. Pone corpus (inc.: “Pone corpus quod ponderosius est in distillatorio, et trahe suum
sudorem, cum parvo spiraculo”): short recipe illustrated by labelled diagram of a
furnace. Sometimes circulated under the title “Elixir ex solo mercurio.”
MSS in Latin:
3.1 London, British Library, MS Harley 2411 (fols. 1r–92r, 1600–1615)
“Georgii Riplaii Experimenta varia, Collectanea, Expositionesque aliquot in
Hermetem, Aristotelem, Guidonem & Raymondum &c.” Estergate, Exposition, Tree
diagram, Recipe Adrop, Attinkar, Maria dicit, Separatio elementorum, Concordantia,
Notable Rules, De ignibus nostris, Compendium (“Compendium totius artis”),
Practical Compendium (“Compendium practicale omnium scriptorum Georgii Riplay
canonici”), Vision, Somnium, Naturals, diagram of furnace, Pone corpus, “Oleum vero
Solis sic fit” (text compiled from CRC 22, later included in CRC 31); interspersed with
many other recipes. Notes by scribe: “I have often herde this book to bee named
Ryplayes Bosom Book” (fol. 1v); “Here ye writer oute of ys booke beganne to bee
wearye, & scipped over as many receipts as remayne here ensueing” (fol. 85v).
3.2 London, British Library, MS Sloane 1095 (fols. 75r–82r, 1550–1600)
Pone corpus, Practical Compendium (“Compendium practicale omnium scriptorum
georgii Riplae”), Somnium. MS includes (English) CRC 35.
3.3 Oxford, Bodleian Library, MS Ashmole 1459 [2] (1–34, December 1650; Elias
Ashmole)
“Ex Libro Collectaneorum Gy: R:”. De ignibus nostris, Pone corpus, diagram of
furnace, 53 recipes, Tree diagram (“Arbor Hermetis”), other recipes (including one
in English), Somnium, Vision. Collection includes CRC 14.2. Expl.: “Explicit Liber
Georgii Ryplaei angliae dictus his bosome booke, ab eo scriptus ab anno domini 1473.
et aliquot sequentibus: transcriptus autem per Thomam Monfortium anno 1590.
May 24.” Note: “Ex nunc rescriptus erat per me Eliam Ashmoleum [. . .] Dec: 7 : die.
Anno Domini: 1650” (28a). MS includes (English) CRC 9 (extract); in [1], (English) 9
(extracts).
MSS in English:
3.4 London, British Library, MS Sloane 1744 (fols. 70v–73r, ca. 1604; Thomas Robson)
“Thes that followe are taken forth of the uncut booke.” Fifteen short chrysopoetic
recipes, beginning with “The philosophers sharp vineger.” Expl.: “Thus farr taken
forth of the uncutt booke.” MS includes (English) CRC 4, 16 (extracts), 25, 27, 9
(extract), 1 (extracts), 33, 30.
“The bosome booke.” Concordantia, Maria dicit, Separatio elementorum, Compen-
dium (“The beginning of G. R. compendium”), Notable Rules, De ignibus nostris,
Practical Compendium (“The great secret”), recipes (including “Branch,” see CRC 35),
Recipe Adrop, Tree diagram, Attinkar and other recipes, Vision, Exposition. Followed
by recipes copied from 3.6 (fols. 172v–74v).
3.6 London, British Library, MS Sloane 3667 [2] (fols. 124r–57r, 164v–71r, ca. 1573/4;
Samuel Norton?)
“The Copye of a old Booke, which is thowght to be ye hand writtyng of Mr gorge
Rippyle Channon, translated out of Latten bye samwell norton Esquyer the vth of
feberary Anno domini 1573.” Concordantia, Maria dicit, Separatio elementorum,
Notable Rules, De ignibus nostris, Compendium (“The Great Secrete”), Recipe Adrop,
Tree diagram, Attinkar, Vision, Exposition (expl.: “The ende of his (deo Gracias)
bossom bocke,” fol. 157r), further recipes (“which I had owt of the old booke of
Mr George Rypley; which I Had not in my Coppye at Mr belyngslys hand afor nowe,”
fol. 164v), Estergate. Followed by further recipes, several attributed to Ripley
(fols. 171r–88r). Note: “This bock semeth to be his bossom bock, or his bocke that he
daylly ussede” (fol. 124r). Norton’s English annotations. Exemplar for 3.5. MS includes
(English) CRC 16, 1, 13; in [1], (English) 8.
3.7 Oxford, Bodleian Library, MS Ashmole 766 [5] (fols. 1r–54v, July 1593; Roger
Howes)
“A certen booke of alkimy written by an unknowne Author for the makinge of gould
. . . Translated out of Latyne into Englishe by Roger Howes for Mr Gawyn Smithe
gentleman. the xxiiiith of July 1593 .R.H.” Exposition, recipes, Estergate, recipes,
Recipe Adrop, Attinkar and other recipes, Maria dicit, Separatio elementorum, Con-
cordantia, Notable Rules, De ignibus nostris, Compendium (“A Seacrett”), Practical
Compendium (“A breefe compendium of all the writings of George Ripley Cannon”),
Somnium, Pone corpus, diagram of furnace, Naturals; interspersed with other recipes.
Expl.: “London vicesimo quarto die Julii Anno Domini 1593” (fol. 54v). Exemplar for
3.9.
3.8 Oxford, Bodleian Library, MS Ashmole 1407 [9] (21–24, 1600–1625; Thomas
Robson)
“This that followeth is taken forth of the uncutt boke of Ripley.” Recipes. MS includes
(English) CRC 27; in [2] 1 (extracts); in [4], 30.
3.9 Oxford, Bodleian Library, MS Ashmole 1418 [2] (fols. 1r–48v, September 1606;
Thomas Robson)
“Uncutt Book.” Copied from 3.7, with addition of further recipes (fols. 47r–47v) and
“The heven of the philosophers” (fol. 47v). Note: “Writen by me Thomas Robson and
ended the twentieth daye of september in this yeare, 1606” (110). MS includes in [3],
(English) CRC 1.
3.10 Philadelphia, University of Pennsylvania, MS Codex 111 (fols. 31r–44r, 1582–1600)
De ignibus nostris, Recipe Adrop, Compendium (“A Secrete”; first half), Practical
Compendium (“A practicall Abridgemente of all ye Writings of George Ripley
Chanon”), Somnium, Compendium (second half), Vision. Followed by “Recapitulacio”

(fols. 44r–v). MS includes (English) CRC 16, 13, 9, 1, 10, 22. Probably owned by
Henry Percy, Ninth Earl of Northumberland.
4. Breviation of the Philosophers’ Stone

(Letter to a Friend, Letter to the Archbishop of York, Tractatus sermonum)
Short English treatise, first recorded ca. 1580, usually framed as a letter to a friend or to the
Archbishop of York (i.e. George Neville). Differences between copies suggest translation from
Latin, although no Latin exemplar survives. The probably pseudoepigraphic epistolary format
demonstrates some familiarity with other Ripleian works, particularly the Medulla (CRC 16).
The text comprises an introduction, which gives Ripley’s age as 43 or 63, and warns the
reader to avoid knowledge found in books (“Preface”). Recipes follow for the chrysopoetic red
work, using a mercury–gold amalgam (“Edward Noble”); the multiplication of the elixir
(“Multiply”); and the argyropoetic white work (“White”). Concludes with an “Explicit” in
which Ripley vows to go on pilgrimage, and a “Colophon” giving his occupation as farmer
and curate. Sometimes incorporates a short recipe beginning “When you have dissolved
mercury in a corrosive” (“Mercury”). Often accompanied by Elixir Vitae (CRC 12).
Inc.: “Sith it is so, that many men have perished in laboring about the perfection and clear
truth of this science . . . You shall take the weight of an old Edward noble of fine gold . . .
Dissolve one lb. of mercury in a corrosive made of vitriol and saltpetre.” Expl.: “. . . and that
done, take out the mass of gold, as fine as the noble &c . . . This is sufficient to you if you be
not covetous . . . for ever and ever world without end. Amen.”
4.1 Glasgow University Library, MS Ferguson 102 (fols. 156r–58r, 1525–1575; William
Bolles)
“An other abreviacion.” Edward Noble, Multiply, White, Mercury (“A note,” abbrevi-
ated). MS includes (English) CRC 9, 16, 1, 10. See entry for 9.10.
4.2 Glasgow University Library, MS Ferguson 237 (fols. 39v–40v, s. xvii; John Stacy)
“Ripley.” Edward Noble, Multiply, White. MS includes (English) CRC 12.
4.3 London, British Library, MS Harley 6453 (fols. 40r–41r, s. xvii)
“Ripley his acortacion.” Edward Noble, Multiply, White, Colophon (“your poore
chaplayne Sr George Rypley Canon of Briglington” [sic]). MS includes (English) CRC 19.
4.4 London, British Library, MS Sloane 83 (fols. 1r–2v, s. xvii)
“A Treatise of the Philosophers Stone A Letter from Sr. Edward Kelly to his son &c.”
(title in later hand). Edward Noble (begins partway through tract), Multiply, White,
Colophon (“By your poore Chaplayne Sr George Rypley Chanon of Bridlington:
farmour & Curate of Flixburch Churche”), Mercury. Annotated with 9.xi.
4.5 London, British Library, MS Sloane 179a (fols. 49r–v, s. xvii)
“Incipit Tractatus Sermonum Georgii Rypley Chanonis de Bridlington. Spiritus \ubi/
spirat.” Preface (incomplete). Annotated in English with reference to CRC 16.

“Oute of G. Ripplyes letter to a deere frende of his.” Edward Noble, Multiply, White,
Explicit, Colophon (“G. Riplye. 1460. vel 1476”). Light Latin annotation; English
amendments to text. MS includes (Latin) CRC 6; (English) 16, 30 (x2), 25, 1 (extract),
12, 35, 27. Ex libris Gabriel Gostwyk.
4.7 London, British Library, MS Sloane 1744 (fols. 36v–37v, ca. 1606; Thomas Robson)
“Gorge Riply forth of Camphin his booke . . . George Riplyes Red and white worke.”
Edward Noble, Multiply, White. MS includes (English) CRC 16 (extracts), 25, 27, 3
(extracts), 9 (extract), 1 (extracts), 33, 30.

“A letter sente by G: Ryp: Channon of Brydlington to a friende of his.” Preface,
Multiply, White, Mercury, Explicit, Colophon (“By your poore Chaplayne Sir G: R:
Chanon of Brydlington farmor & Curate of fax bulburg Churche 1460 vel 1476”). MS
includes (Latin) CRC 29; (English) 23, 12, 6, 35, 2, 25, 16, 10. Ex libris Arthur Dee, Sir
Thomas Browne.
“A letter sent by sir Georg Rypley unto the bisshop of yorke.” Edward Noble,
Multiply, White, Mercury. MS contains (English) CRC 30, 8.
4.10 London, British Library, MS Sloane 3580B (fols. 173v–76v, 1580; Thomas Potter)
“A letter sent by Ripley to ye Bisshop of Yorcke.” Preface, Edward Noble, Multiply,
Explicit, White, Colophon (“Your poore Chapleyn ser george Ripley cannon of
Bridlyngton farmer & curate of Sixforthe churche”), Mercury (expl.: “The kinge
christe graunte that this maye be a lighte to ye mynde. quod Ripley”). Heavy English
annotation. MS includes (English) CRC 9 (extracts), 16, 17, 12.
“A Practice of Sir Geo: Ripley which he sent in writeing to his Master before his
Journey.” Preface, Edward Noble, Multiply, Colophon (“By your Chaplaine Sr: Geo:
Ripley of Flaxbridge Church”), Explicit. MS includes English notes from Ripley
(fol. 4r).
“Sr G. Riplay to the archbisshopp of Yorke.” Edward Noble, Multiply, White,
Colophon (“Yr poore chaplaine Sr George Riplay chanon of bridlington fermer &
curat of ffixforthe churche at fflixforthe”).
“Incipit tractatus Georgii Ryplaii.” Preface, Edward Noble, Multiply, White, Explicit,
Mercury. MS includes (English) CRC 12.
4.14 London, British Library, MS Sloane 3748 (fols. 19v–22r, after 1597; Clement Draper)
“A worke of George Ripleye.” Edward Noble, Multiply, White, Explicit, Mercury. MS
includes (English) CRC 12, 30.
4.15 Oxford, Bodleian Library, MS Ashmole 1426 [3] (1–5, 1600–1625)
“George Riply his worke of breviation of the philosophers stone.” Edward Noble,
Multiply. MS includes (English) CRC 12.
4.16 Oxford, Bodleian Library, MS Ashmole 1440 (208–213, s. xvii; Elias Ashmole)
“A Letter sent by G: Ryp: Chanon of Brydlington to a friend of his.” Preface, Edward
Noble, Multiply, White, Mercury, Explicit, Colophon (“By your poore Chaplayne
Sr. G: R: Chanon of Brydlington Farmour and Curate of ffax Bulburgh Church. 1460.
vel 1476”). MS includes (English) CRC 22, 23, notes on Ripley (8, 11).
4.17 Oxford, Bodleian Library, MS Ashmole 1493 (fols. 105v–6v, s. xvii; Elias Ashmole)
“George Rippley his Worke of Breviation of the Philosophers Stone.” Edward Noble,
Multiply, White. MS includes (English) CRC 1 (extract), 35, 25, 12.
4.18 Oxford, Bodleian Library, MS Rawl. poet 121 (fols. 76r–77v, 1570–1600; George
Lideatt)
“A letter written by George Riplye.” Variant opening (inc.: “Recipe Lymall of which
thow wilt & therto mercury purified by sublimacion”), Edward Noble, White. MS
includes (English) CRC 32, 9.
4.19 København, Royal Library, GKS 1727 (fols. 33r–35r, 1575–1600)
Edward Noble, Multiply, Explicit, White, Colophon (“By your pore Chaplayne Sir
George Rypley Cannon of Brydlington”), Mercury. Text deleted. MS includes (English)
CRC 1, 12. Ex libris Christopher Taylour.
5. Brief Discourse
Short prose treatise, describing the first key to the work as a dry water that yields a white fume.
Discusses the processes of putrefaction, distillation and sublimation in relation to medicinal
purging. The contents are not distinctively Ripleian, and the text probably represents an
isolated, late attribution.
Inc.: “Let us take the rede earth, and with his water clensed in a Lydell.” Expl.: “. . . so yt the
body dissolved after the resolucion of this water cannot be infected nor corrupted.”
5.1 London, British Library, MS Sloane 1723 (fols. 68v–70r, s. xvii)
“A breif discourse of Georg Ripleye.” MS includes (English) CRC 30, 19.
6. Cantilena
(Carmen perpulchrum totum opus enucleans, De lapide philosophico seu de phenice)
Late fifteenth-century, Latin allegorical poem in thirty-eight stanzas, describing the regenera-
tion of the king (gold) after returning to the body of his mother. The quintessence is allegorised
as a crowned maiden within the wheel of the four elements, who drinks the blood of the
“Green Lion” and, in turn, feeds it with her milk, denoting the circulation of the “Lion” with
quintessence of wine. The allegories and underlying alchemy are plausibly Ripleian, although
the earliest copies are anonymous. The poem exists in two redactions: that transcribed twice
by Giles Du Wes (Aegidius de Vadis) in the early sixteenth century (Type I), and that printed
in the OOC (Type II). Four English translations are recorded.
Inc.: “En philosophantium in hac cantilena.” Expl.: “Eius fructus uberes et terdulces. Amen.”
Printed: OOC (Latin); MMC (German); OMC (German).
MSS in Latin:
6.1 Cambridge, Trinity College, MS O.2.16 [1] (fols. 28v–31r, 1564–1571)
“De lapide philosophico ceu de phoenice.” Type I, including 11 marginal illustrations
probably copied from 6.3, and “Insignia” probably copied from 6.7. MS includes in
[3], (English) CRC 9. Ex libris Thomas Charnock, with his English annotations.
6.2 Cambridge, Trinity College, O.8.5 (fols. 192v–96v, s. xvi)
“Carmen perpulcrum totum opus enucleans.” Type I, signed “Egidius de Vadis”
(fol. 196v), probably copied from 6.8. Ex libris John Dee.
6.3 Cambridge, Trinity College, MS O.8.24 (fols. 44r–48r, before 1532; Giles Du Wes)
“De Lapide philosophico ceu de phenice.” Type I with 11 marginal illustrations.
Ex libris Robert Greene of Welby.
6.4 Cambridge, Trinity College, MS R.14.58 (fols. 8v–10r, ca. 1564; “W.B.”)
“Carmen perpulchrum totum opus enuclians.” Type I, amended with reference to Type
II. Erased attribution: “Hec Robertus Green de Welbe” (fol. 10r). MS includes (Latin)
CRC 25, 16.
6.5 Edinburgh, Royal College of Physicians of Edinburgh, MS Anonyma 2, vol. 1 (543–547,
s. xvii)
“Carmen perpulchrum totum opus continens sub nomine Egidii de Vadis.” Type I. MS
includes (Latin) CRC 16; (English) 9, 13, 32.
6.6 Glasgow University Library, MS Ferguson 91 (fols. 89v–91v, s. xvii)

“Cantilena G. Riplei.” Type II. MS includes (English) CRC 19, 9 (extract); (Latin) 16,
25, 27, 29, 10, 8, 31, 13, 32, 7.
6.7 London, British Library, MS Add. 11388 (fols. 35v–37r, 1574; Francis Thynne)
“Tractulus de phenice suis de Lapide philosophico.” Type I, probably copied from 6.3,
including eleven marginal illustrations. “Copied out the 18 of November 1574 by me
Francis Thynne” (fol. 37r).
6.8 London, British Library, MS Harley 3528 (fols. 166r–70r, 1500–1530; Giles Du Wes)
“Carmen perpulcrum totum opus enucleans”; with second title in later hand,
“Cantilena Georgii Ripley.” Type I, signed “EGIDEVS DE VADIS” (fol. 170r).
“Cantilena Georgii Ripley de lapide Philosophico Seu de Phenice.” Type II amended
with reference to illustrated Type I in 6.1, with short descriptions of the marginal
illustrations. Note: “ex[s]criptae e Libro magistri Willielmi Brueri 4to. Januarii 1598.
Revised per Librum Atkins cum picturis” (fol. 72v). MS includes (English) CRC 16, 30
(x2), 25, 1 (extract), 12, 35, 27. Ex libris Gabriel Gostwyk.
6.10 London, British Library, MS 1098, no. 1 (fols. 43v–45v, 1556–1581)
“Carmen perpulchrum totum opus Enucleans.” Type I, signed “Aegidius de Vadis”
(fol. 45v); probably copied from 6.8 or intermediate exemplar. MS contains (English)
CRC 19, 1 (notes), 13 (extract), 9 (extract), 17 (extract), 6.23; (Latin) 28, 32.
6.11 London, British Library, MS Sloane 3747 (fols. 84v–87v, 1450–1500; Corthop scribe)
Type I. MS includes (English) CRC 1, 27, 13, 19.
6.12 London, Wellcome Library, MS 577 (fols. 50r–51v, 1600–1625)
“Cantilena Georgi Riplaei.” Type II. First ten stanzas only, ending in note, “&c.
reliqua vide in alio Mss.” Ex libris R. Nelson.
6.13 Oxford, Bodleian Library, MS Ashmole 1394 [2], no. 1 (67–74, s. xvii; Elias
Ashmole)
“Cantilena Georgii Ripleii.” Type II, amended by Ashmole with reference to Type I.
Followed by 6.14.
6.14 Oxford, Bodleian Library, MS Ashmole 1394 [2], no. 2 (75–82, s. xvii; Elias
Ashmole)
“De Lapide Philosophico seu de Phenice.” Type I. Preceded by 6.13.
6.15 Oxford, Bodleian Library, MS Ashmole 1445 (8a), no. 1 (fols. 2v–11v, s. xvii; Sir
George Wharton?)
“Cantilena Georgii Riplaei.” Type I. Part of a facing page translation: Latin on verso
sheets, English on recto (6.25). MS also includes in [8h], (English) CRC 6.26; in [1],
(English) 9, 13.
6.16 Oxford, Bodleian Library, MS Ashmole 1479 (fols. 223v–25v, ca. 1560s; Richard
Walton)
“Cantilena Ryplei.” Type II amended, possibly by Walton, with reference to Type I.
Followed by three stanzas of English translation (6.iii). MS includes (English) CRC 9,
16 (extract, Latin and English); (English) 16, 10, 25.
6.17 Oxford, Bodleian Library, MS e mus 63 [2] (fols. 80r–82v, ca. 1569; John Gwynn)
“De Lapide philosophico.” Type I, with “Insignia” probably copied from 6.1 or other
illustrated exemplar derived from 6.7. Annotated with descriptions of illustrations
in exemplar (“Julii 27 1597 homo rufus pulchra faciem”, fol. 81r). MS [1] includes
(English) CRC 9. Ex libris William Typcell, John Strangman, Thomas Shilton, John
Dee.
“Cantilena Georgii Riplei.” Copied from OOC. Latin annotation. MS includes (Latin)
CRC 16, 25, 27, 29, 10, 8, 31, 13, 9, 17, 7, 1.
6.19 Bologna, Biblioteca Universitaria, MS 270 (457), vol. XXIII [3] (fols. 80v–83v, s. xvii)
“Carmen perpulchrum totum opus enucleans.” Type I. Attribution: “Robertus Green
de Welbe [. . .] Anglia” (fol. 83v).
6.20 Kassel Landesbibliothek, 4o MS chem. 67 (fols. 136v–41r, 1600–1615)
“Cantilena Georgii Riplaei.” Type II; probable exemplar for edition in OOC. MS
includes (Latin) CRC 9, 16, 31 (extracts), 27, 13, 29, 7 (extract), other Ripley
references.
6.21 Leiden Universiteitsbibliotheek, MS Vossianus Chym. Q.39 (fols. 23v–33r, 1610;
“M.D.M.”)
“Rithmi de Lapide Philosophico per Georgium Riplaeum conscripti.” Type I. Presenta-
tion copy addressed to Emperor Rudolf II (“Tetrastichon ad Augustissimum Principem
Rodolphum II . . . 1610.16. september. M.D.M.”, fol. 1r). Ex libris Rudolf II, Queen
Christina of Sweden.
6.22 Wien, Österreichische Nationalbibliothek, Codex 11133 (fols. 371v–73r, 1605–1606;
Symon Thaddeus Budeck)
“Cantilena de chrysopoeia.” Type II. MS includes (Latin) CRC 16, 25, 27, 29, 10, 8,
31, 9.
MSS in English:
6.23 London, British Library, MS 1098, no. 2 (fols. 29v–31v, 1556–1581)
“Carmen perpulchrum totum opus Enucleans.” Missing stanza 1. Inc.: “In the partes
of rome the weddynge of mercury.” MS contains (English) CRC 19, 1 (notes), 13
(extract), 9 (extract), 17 (extract); (Latin) 28, 32, 6.10.
6.24 London, British Library, MS Sloane 1842 (fols. 24r–27v, 1600–1650)
“Cantilena Georgii Rypley de Lapide Philosophorum seu de Phoenice.” Inc.: “Loe in
this songe with harmonie, The Sages Lore I testifie.” Followed by note, “Artis cuiusque
Iudex est optimus qui eam cognoscit et intelligit: Nec Scientia inimicum nisi Ignoran-
tem habet.” MS includes (Latin) CRC 29; (English) 23, 12, 35, 2, 4, 25, 16, 10. Ex libris
Arthur Dee, Sir Thomas Browne; loaned to Elias Ashmole.
6.25 Oxford, Bodleian Library, MS Ashmole 1445 [8a], no. 2 (fols. 3r–12r, s. xvii; Sir George
Wharton?)
“George Ripley’s Song.” Inc.: “Behold! and in this Cantilena see the hidden Secrets of
Philosophy.” Annotated with Thomas Charnock’s marginal notes copied from 6.1, and
many other annotations, some in code. Manuscript includes Latin version (6.15); in
[8h] (English) CRC 6.26; in [1], (English) 9, 13.
6.26 Oxford, Bodleian Library, MS Ashmole 1445 [8h], no. 3 (fols. 41r–44r, s. xvii; Elias
Ashmole)
“Cantilena Georgii Ripley, De Lapide Philosophorum seu de Phoenice.” Inc.: “Loe in
this Song with Harmony, The Sages Love I testifye.” Probably copied from 6.24.
Manuscript includes in [8a], Latin 6.15 and English translation (6.25); in [1], (English)
CRC 9, 13.
MSS in French:
6.27 Paris, Bibliothèque du Muséum national d’histoire naturelle, MS 2025 (fols. 40v–43r,
1689)
“La chanson de Georges Riplée.” French annotation. MS includes (French) CRC 9, 13,
32.
Fragments:
6.i London, British Library, MS Egerton 845 (fol. 20r, s. xvi)
Latin. “Infima supremis proporcio dupla ligavit Boetius inquit.” Last two lines of
poem. Note: “Sibi quem mercurius telo passionis Ministrabat aureo cipho babilonis.
Sit vitro tantum limphe quantum de corpore.” On parchment.
6.ii Oxford, Bodleian Library, MS Ashmole 1441 (364, ca. 1604)
Latin. Stanzas 18–24 only. Note: “Carmina quaedam — obiter in Libro quodam sic
abrupte inventa & de sumpta [&c] 38 Similibus in Libro quodam Manuscripto.”
6.iii Oxford, Bodleian Library, MS Ashmole 1479 (fol. 225v, ca. 1560s; Richard Walton)
English. Three stanzas only. Inc.: “Lo in thys song of philosophy I do soe for the sagis
lore.” Immediately follows Latin version (6.16), with note: “finis cantilenae Ryplei here
folowyth thes versys in ynglyshe.” MS includes (English) CRC 9, 16 (extract, Latin and
English), (English) 16, 10, 25.
7. Clavis Aureae Portae

Late sixteenth-century, pseudoepigraphic Latin adaptation of the Work of Dunstan, itself a
Latin translation adapted from the Accurtations of Raymond (CRC 1). Combach attributed
the translation of the text to Edward Kelley, although the “Dunstan” section of the treatise
was probably translated earlier in the century. The original work has been supplemented by a
prefactory passage, beginning with a statement of authorial identity adapted from a medieval
text, Libellus Alani. Additional material based on the Wheel verses and captions (see
Compound, CRC 9) has been appended to the treatise.
Inc.: “Cum clausa esset via veritatis Alchymistici magisterii, Ego Georgius Riplaeus ex diversis
multisque libris philosophorum.” Expl.: “En habes rotam philosophicam.”
Printed: OOC (Latin); MMC (German).
MSS in Latin:
7.1 Glasgow University Library, MS Ferguson 91 (fols. 95r–108v, s. xvii)
“Clavis Aureae Portae Georgii Riplaei Angli.” MS includes (English) CRC 19, 9
(extract); (Latin) 16, 25, 27, 29, 10, 8, 31, 13, 6, 32.
“Clavis auraee portae.” Copied from OOC. MS includes (Latin) CRC 16, 25, 27, 29,
10, 8, 31, 13, 6, 9, 17, 1.
7.3 Cieszyn, Książnica Cieszyńska SZ DD.vii.33 (fols. 45r–62r, 1592; Jan Kapr)
Seen in digital reproduction. “Clavis Aureae Porte.” Followed by two recipes, “Sequi-
tur aliud opus” and “Sequitur Multiplicatio olei superius dicti,” the second attributed
to “G.R.” (fols. 62r–64r). MS includes (Latin) CRC 13, 17, 16, 27, 25.
7.4 Kassel Landesbibliothek, 4o MS chem. 67 (fols. 166r–70r, 1600–1615)

“De parte operativa Clavis aureae portae.” Practica only. Latin annotation. MS
includes (Latin) CRC 9, 16, 31 (extracts), 6, 27, 13, 29, other Ripley references.
MSS in English:
“The Key of ye Golden gate: by Ripley.” English translation of OOC, including
Combach’s notes (“A preface of ye Translatours”). MS includes (English) CRC 17, 25,
27, 29, 10, 8, 31, 1.
8. Compositio Mercurii
Short practica recorded from the late sixteenth century, probably composed in Latin and trans-
lated into English. The first recipe (“Compositio Aceti”) describes the distillation of tartar and
spirit of wine to yield a strong corrosive used in the medicinal elixir. The same solvent is used
in the second, chrysopoetic recipe (“Compositio Mercurii”), in which copper provides the
imperfect body. A third recipe (“Another Practice”) uses mercury. Combach printed the three
as “Compositio Aceti Acerrimo Vegetabilis,” “Compositio Mercurii Alchymici Georgii
Riplaei” and “Alia practica,” attached to the Concordantia (CRC 10). In English, “Compositio
Mercurii” sometimes accompanies the Vegetable Work (CRC 30), and there is a strong
correlation between the alchemical contents of the two works, both of which seem to be
derived from the Medulla (CRC 16). There is substantial variation between English copies,
which are typically longer than the Latin.
Latin. Inc.: “Recipe tartarum fortissimi vini, et calcina in albedinem . . . Recipe in nomine
Domini unciam unam Mercurii crudi benè purgati . . . Dissolve Mercuriam nostro secreto
in lacteum liquorum.” Expl.: “Et haec Medicina multiplicatur cum praedicta aqua et oleo
Mercurii.”
English. Inc.: “Grind 1 oz of mercury with 3 oz of our vegetable salt expressed in the first
chapter, which vegetable mercury is drawn upon a marble till they be well incorporate . . .
Dissolve a great quantity of mercury in a strong corrosive water till all be like milk.” Expl:
“. . . into most excellent sol and luna by the gift of God . . . with little ferment both white and
red.”
MSS in Latin:
8.1 Glasgow University Library, MS Ferguson 91 (fols. 78v–80r, s. xvii)
Compositio Aceti, Compositio Mercurii, Another Practice. Follows 10.2. MS includes
(English) CRC 19, 9 (extract); (Latin) 16, 25, 27, 29, 10, 31, 13, 6, 32, 7.
Compositio Aceti, Compositio Mercurii, Another Practice. Copied from OOC; follows
10.3. MS includes (Latin) CRC 16, 25, 27, 29, 10, 31, 13, 6, 9, 17, 7, 1.
8.3 Wien, Österreichische Nationalbibliothek, Codex 11133 (fols. 358r–61v, 1605–1606;
Compositio Aceti, Compositio Mercurii, Another Practice (“Sequuntur aliae practicae
G.R.A.”). Follows 10.4. Latin and Czech annotation. MS includes (Latin) CRC 16, 25,
27, 29, 31, 6, 9.
MSS in English:
8.4 London, British Library, MS Sloane 1423 (fols. 35r–v, 1580–1600; Clement Draper)
“Compositio mercurii Alkimistie.” Compositio Mercurii, Another Practice (extended
ending, expl.: “in the sonne is more perfection because it is more digestyd and more
decoctyd etc”), diagram of cylindrical vessel. Follows 30.3. Heavily amended; includes
several Latin passages annotated with English translation. MS includes (English) CRC
16, 10, 19, 17 (extract), notes on 9 and 27.
8.5 London, British Library, MS Sloane 2173 (fols. 20v–21v, s. xvii)
“The composition [mercury] alkamisty from sir Georg Ripleys medullam the 2 worke.”
Compositio Mercurii, Another Practice (“The 3 worke”). Follows 30.6. MS contains
(English) CRC 4.
“Of the Composition or making of ye Allchym: [mercury].” Compositio Mercurii
(expanded text with variant ending, expl.: “. . . honour & glory both now & ever more
without end Amen”). Follows 30.7. MS includes (English) CRC 1 (extract).

8.7 London, British Library, MS Sloane 3667 [1] (fol. 6v, s. xvii)
“Ripleys Lesser Work vegetable [salt] & [mercury] fixum.” Compositio Mercurii,
Another Practice (variant ending: “which red oyle is Ayre & fire so shall you want
nothing”). Expl.: “finis ex Manuscripto T: Bowles.” MS [2] includes (English) CRC 16,
1, 3, 13.
8.8 London, British Library, MS Sloane 3732 (fols. 62r–63v, 1664)
“The Composition of a most sharp Acetum Vegetable; by G. Ripley.” Compositio
Aceti, Compositio Mercurii, Another Practice. Follows 10.13. English translation of
OOC. MS includes (English) CRC 17, 25, 7, 27, 29, 31, 1.
8.9 Amsterdam, Bibliotheca Philosophica Hermetica, MS 199 (fol. 291v, 1560–1600)
“Compositio mercurio Akymist.” Compositio Mercurii. MS includes (English) CRC 9
(notes), 19, 1, 9, 10, 27.
9. Compound of Alchemy
(Liber duodecim portarum, Philosophers’ Treasure, Twelve Gates)
Middle English poem, dated 1470, composed of the “Twelve Gates” and prefatory verses. The
structure and contents of the “Gates” are partly based on the Scala philosophorum, a Latin
prose treatise that Ripley attributed to Guido de Montanor, although pseudo-Lullian themes
dominate the “Preface.” Reputed to have been dedicated to King Edward IV. The prefatory
material comprises a “Titulus operis” (sixteen lines), “Prologue” (thirteen stanzas), and
“Preface” (twenty-nine stanzas). The “Gates” consist of Calcination (twenty-two stanzas),
Solution or Dissolution (fifteen stanzas), Separation (eighteen stanzas), Conjunction (fifteen
stanzas), Putrefaction (fifty-one stanzas), Congelation (thirty stanzas), Cibation (six stanzas),
Sublimation (eight stanzas), Fermentation (nineteen stanzas), Exaltation (eleven stanzas),
Multiplication (nine stanzas), and Projection (eight stanzas). The poem concludes with a
“Recapitulation” (eleven stanzas), and an “Admonition” (fifteen stanzas), in which Ripley
describes his previous failed experiments. Sometimes appended are a short “Explicit alchimi-
cae” in Latin (occasionally with an additional section, “Hic auctor”), which dates the text to
1470, and the “Wheel” described in the “Recapitulation” (a circular figure with English verses
and Latin text). The poem is sometimes associated in manuscript with the Epistle to Edward
IV (CRC 13), and was printed with the Vision (CRC 32). Variations of this scheme are noted
under individual entries.
English. Inc.: “Here beginneth the Compound of Alchemy . . . Child of this Discipline incline
to me thine ear . . . O High Incomphrehensible and glorious Majesty.” Expl.: “. . . And grant
me in his bliss to reign for ever with him, Amen . . . Which he in his kingdom grant us for to
see.”
Latin. Inc.: “Hic incipit compendium Alchymiae . . . Fili huic mea disciplinae aurem attendas
. . . O lumen incomprehensibile, et gloriosum in Majestate.” Expl.: “. . . Et concedat mihi ut in
sua benedictione semper maneam . . . Quam in suo regno faxit is ut possimus videre. Amen.”
Printed: Compound of Alchymy (English. Ed. Ralph Rabbards, London, 1591); AP (Latin
epitome); QA (Latin); Trois Tractez (French. Paris, 1618); CS (German); TC, II (Latin;
epitome); TC, III (Latin); OOC (Latin); TCB (English); MMC (German); Medicina Practica
(English; epitome. Ed. William Salmon, London, 1692); BCC, II (Latin).
MSS in English:
9.1 Aberystwyth, National Library of Wales, MS 734B (Plas Power 19) (2–49, 1575–1600)
“Georgi Rypla.” Titulus operis, Prologue, Preface, Gates (stanzas 16–19 of Fermenta-
tion and 1–5 of Exaltation missing owing to lost leaf), Recapitulation, Explicit
Alchimicae, Admonition (“Prohibicio”), Hic auctor. Ex libris Sir Owen Wynne of
Gwydir.
9.2 Cambridge, University Library, MS Ff.2.23 (fols. 1r–33v, 1545; Thomas Knyvet)
Titulus operis, Prologue, Preface, Gates (missing stanzas 5 of Sublimation and 7 and 8
of Projection), Recapitulation, Wheel (fold-out), incomplete Wheel, Admonition (miss-
ing stanzas 9–15). Between Prologue and Preface, an additional work, “To the Reader,”
by Knyvett. On parchment. Light Latin annotation and marginal illustrations. Knyvett
seems to have been 18 at the time of writing: “anno etatis sue 18” (fol. 32r).
9.3 Cambridge, Gonville and Caius College Library, MS 399 [2] (fols. 8v–55v, s. xvi)
“The compound of Alkamie.” Epistle (13.1), Prologue, Preface (in two parts: untitled,
stanzas 1–5; “The Auctor beginnith,” 6–29), Gates (missing stanzas 6–11 of Solution
owing to torn-out leaf; missing 18 and 32–39 of Putrefaction, and order of 23 and 24
reversed; missing 7 and 8 of Projection), Recapitulation, Admonition (missing stanzas
12–15 owing to lost leaf). On parchment. MS title: “The boke wherin ys conteined the
most Secrete treasure called alchame made by Mr George Riplay munke of bridlington
devided into 12 chapters with his recapitulation, & other many profitable experiments
and sentenses of philosophers” (fol. [i]r). Any other alchemical content lost, owing to
missing quire(s).
9.4 Cambridge, Trinity College, MS O.2.16 [3] (fols. 82r–131v, 1539; George Golde?)
“Liber Georgii Golde.” Titulus operis, Prologue, Preface (in two parts: “Prologus,”
stanzas 1–5; “Narracio,” 6–29), Gates, Recapitulation, Wheel, Admonition (stanzas
1–6 only, possibly owing to missing leaf), Admonition (complete, added in later hand),
Explicit Alchimicae and Hic auctor (added on “2o die Augusti 1555”). Note: “Anno
Domini 1539 scriptus erat libellus iste usque ad spheram” (fol. 82r). English and Latin
annotation. MS includes in [1], (Latin) CRC 6.
9.5 Cambridge, Trinity College, MS O.5.31 (fols. 27r–37v, 1475–1500)
Preface (missing stanzas 1–5), Gates (missing stanzas 14–16, 21 and 22 of Calcination;
3–6 of Separation; 4 of Conjunction; 6–8, 12–15 and 20–50 of Putrefaction; 2, 3, 10 and
15–22 of Congelation; 2 of Sublimation; 8 and 10 of Fermentation), Recapitulation,
Admonition, Explicit Alchimicae. Light English and Latin annotation.
9.6 Edinburgh University Library, MS Laing III.164 (1–119, 123, 1525–1550)
Titulus operis, Prologue, Preface, Gates (stanzas 23 and 24 of Putrefaction reversed),
Recapitulation, Explicit alchimicae and Hic auctor Wheel, Wheel verses (in later hand),
Admonition, second Explicit alchimicae and Hic auctor (in later hand, with note: “this
followed in another boke”), incomplete Wheel (123). Text amended with reference to
another copy. Followed by Latin notes in the later hand (120). Note: “Thys boke in
treuthe þis evyn thus longe And perteyne to James Bushe” (104).
s. xvii)
“The Compounde of Alchimy of George Ripley Channon of Bridlington in Yorkshere
contayninge twelve gates written to kinge Edward the iiiith.” Titulus operis, Prologue,
Preface, Gates (missing stanza 2 of Conjunction), Recapitulation, Admonition (“The
admonition towchinge erronious experiments”). Followed by 13.2, 32.5. Copied from

the Rabbards edition. MS includes (Latin) CRC 16, 6.
9.8 Edinburgh, Royal College of Physicians of Edinburgh, MS Anonyma 2, vol. 5 [2] (fols.
1r–28v, ca. 1500)
Titulus operis, Prologue, Preface (“Prefacion”), Gates (stanzas 23 and 24 of Putrefac-
tion reversed; missing lines 5–7 of stanza 6 of Projection), Recapitulation, Wheel.
Followed by a page of notes (fol. 29r). English annotation and marginal illustrations.
9.9 Glasgow University Library, MS Ferguson 58 [1] (1–72, 1575–1625)

Titulus operis, Prologue, Preface (in two sections, the first, “A prayer unto Almighty
god,” comprising stanzas 1–5, the second, untitled, 6–29), Gates (missing stanza 28 of
Putrefaction), Recapitulation, Admonition, Explicit Alchimicae. Followed by index to
the Gates (73). Latin annotation.
9.10 Glasgow University Library, MS Ferguson 102 (fols. 4r–53r, 1525–1575; William
Bolles)
“The xii gates of George Ripleye abreviated.” Preface (missing stanzas 1–5 and 28–9),
Gates (missing lines 5–7 of stanza 20, and stanzas 21–51 of Putrefaction; 7–8 of Projec-
tion), Recapitulation, Admonition (stanzas 13–14 only), excerpts from Wheel verses.
Manuscript includes (English) CRC 16, 1, 4, 10. Ex libris William Bolles (“William
Bolles. possessor,” fol. 3v), John Cooper (“Sum Liber John Cooper chirurg[us] 1602,”
fol. 1r).
Preface, Gates, Recapitulation, Admonition (“An Admonition wherein the Author
declareth his Erronious Experimentes,” missing stanza 15 owing to lost leaf). English
annotation. Copied from the Rabbards edition.
9.12 London, British Library, MS Harley 367 (fols. 55r–75r, s. xvi; John Stow)
“Hyc incipit liber quia me dicit flos omniume librorume fiso filosoforum Anno 1525.”
Preface (stanza 27 imperfect, 28 and 29 missing apart from one line of 28), Gates
(stanza 13 of Calcination appended in margin, and missing 20–22; stanza 9 and part of
10 of Solution appended on separate fragment of paper, and stanza 18 appended in
margin; missing two lines of stanza 7 of Congelation, all of 8, five lines each of 9 and
10, and one line of 19; stanza 2 of Sublimation appended in margin), Recapitulation
(stanzas 1–6 imperfect, 7 appended in margin between 8 and 9, 11 and 12 appended
on separate fragment of paper; all in Stow’s hand), Admonition (stanzas 12–15 only,
possibly owing to lost leaf), Explicit Alchimicae, Hic auctor. Heavily edited and
imperfect copy; English and Latin annotation by Stow and others. Calcination anno-
tated with stanzas from Epistle (13.i). Later note: “written by John Stow in his owne
hand-writing” (fol. 55r).
9.13 London, British Library, MS Harley 853 (fols. 1r–21v, s. xvi; Thomas Knight)
Titulis operis, Prologue, Preface (in two parts: “A prayer unto Almightie god,” stanzas
1–5; untitled, 6–29), Gates (missing stanzas 1–4 of Dissolution, 28 of Putrefaction),
Recapitulation, Admonition (“The proofe of divers thinges”), Explicit Alchimicae, Hic
auctor. Light Latin annotation. 13.3 appended in a different hand.
Preface (missing stanzas 4 and 5), Gates 1–11 (missing stanza 4 of Calcination; 21–43
of Putrefaction; and remainder of poem after line 2, stanza 6 of Multiplication).
Unfinished, preceded by alchemical treatises compiled by Humphrey Lock, including
“This is the waie to Ripplies Castell.” Note: “I have heare also joyned unto this my
booke the work of G. ripply called his 12. gates in english meeter whose excellencie
for the profounde document that is taught therin is worthy to be regestred with lines
of goulde and for that the said booke is so necessary for every man that shall warke
in this science I have added unto this booke all & so many chapters as I had of the
same &c” (fol. 43v). Minor English annotation. Ex libris Gabriel Gostwyck.
9.15 London, British Library, MS Sloane 300 (fols. 2r–21r, s. xvi)
Prologue and Preface (in two parts: “To the Reader” comprising Prologue and stanzas
1–8 of Preface; “Prologus,” 9–21 of Preface), Gates, Recapitulation, Admonition.
“G. RIPLA floruit anno domini 1470 sub Rege Edouardo 4o.” Preface (missing stanzas
1–7, 27–29), Gates 1–11 (missing stanzas 21–51 of Putrefaction, 7–9 of Multiplication,
Projection omitted), Recapitulation. Stanzas 13–14 only of Admonition. Heavy Latin
and English annotation. MS includes incomplete 13.iii, and scattered Ripley references.
9.17 London, British Library, MS Sloane 2174 (fols. 73v–85v, s. xvii)
Preface (missing stanzas 1–7), Gates (missing stanzas 21–46, five lines of stanza 47, and
48–50 of Putrefaction), Recapitulation, Admonition. Stanza 47 of Putrefaction and
10–18 of Epistle (13.v) appended.
9.18 London, British Library, MS Sloane 2198 (fols. 1r, 3r–32v, s. xvii)
“The XII. Gates of Sr George Ripley.” Titulus operis (first two lines, fol. 1r), Titulus
operis (complete), Prologue, Preface (in two parts: “A Prayer to almighty God,” stanzas
1–5; untitled, 6–29), Gates, Recapitulation, Admonition (“The Aucthors errors”). Light
annotation.
9.19 London, British Library, MS Sloane 2598 (fols. 1v–71v, ca. 1558)
Titulus operis, Prologue, Preface, Gates, Recapitulation, Admonition (“Experiments”).
Expl.: “finis huius Libri 1471.” Note: “In the fyrst yere of the raygne of our soveray-
gne Lady Elyzabethe by the grace of god quiene of Yngland Fraunce and Ireland [. . .]
the xvi of desembar, in the yere of Christs incarnation/1558. was this Booke made”
(fol. 136v).
Prologue, Preface, Gates (missing last six lines of stanza 4 of Solution, which is
appended on inserted leaf; missing 12–14 and 17 of Putrefaction, and four lines of 15,
but 12–16 appended on inserted leaf; order of 23 and 24 reversed), Recapitulation,
Wheel verses, Admonition (“A savegarde to all thos yt wyle ytt regarde”). Followed by
index of Gates 1–4 (fols. 52r–53r).
9.21 London, British Library, MS Sloane 3580A (fols. 140r–66v, 238r; 1579–1580; Thomas
Potter) and MS Sloane 3580B (fols. 24r–27v, 206v–7r; Thomas Potter)
“Rypleys booke of Alchymie.” Titulus operis (“Argumentum libri”), stanzas 1 and 2 of
Prologue (stanzas 3–13 later added by Potter in 3580B, fols. 24r–25r), Preface (missing
stanzas 4 and 5; 6 imperfect; 4 and 5 later added by Potter in 3580B, fol. 25r), Gates
(missing stanzas 21–47 of Putrefaction; 21–46 later added by Potter in 3580B, fols.
25v–28r, with the order of 23 and 24 reversed), Recapitulation, Admonition (“Praemo-
nitio Authoris”), Wheel (fold-out, fol. 238r). Expl.: “Georgius Ripley. finiuit hoc opus
Anno. domini. .1471.” Notes related to Wheel in 3580B (fols. 206v–7r). English annota-
tion by Potter. Note: text copied “of\a very falsse/corrupte copy of a ragged hande, by
me Tho. Potter. 1579. together with ye marginall note of ye same copie” and subse-
quently amended using “a perffect true copy of thys boke of Geo. Ripleyes, in which
I founde his astronomycall tables also, that were lackinge in my said firste copye,
which tables I coulde not place at ye ende of ye same Ripleyes boke but was fayne to
put them in, oute of order. in folio. 98. And by this said true copy, which I gott. anno.
1580. I amended all false places of ye former copy” (3580A, fol. 140r). MS Sloane
3580A includes (English) CRC 35; 3580B includes (English) 16, 17, 4, 12.
9.22 London, British Library, MS Sloane 3809 (fols. 4r–32r, 33r–34v, 1525–1550)
Preface (“Incipit prefacio huius libri,” missing stanza 25), Gates (missing stanzas 21 and
22 of Calcination, 21–51 of Putrefaction, 2 of Sublimation, 8 and 9 of Multiplication,
8 of Projection), Recapitulation, space left for Wheel (“Explicit Sequitur figura &
polus,” fol. 32r), Admonition (under damaged Latin title). Light Latin annotation.
9.23 London, Lambeth Palace Library, Sion College MS Arc.L.40.2/E.6, no. 1 (fols. 1r–41v,
ca. 1560s)
Titulus operis, Prologue, Preface, Gates (order of stanzas 23 and 24 of Putrefaction
reversed; Multiplication titled “Augmentation”), Recapitulation, Admonition, Wheel
(incomplete). Followed by 13.7 (different hand, dated 6 November 1562). MS includes
(English) CRC 32, 9.24, 13.8. Ex libris Henry Holland (“Bibliotheca huis Sïonensi
donavit Hen. Holland. Bibliopolae Londinensis. Anno .1643,” fol. 1r).
9.24 London, Lambeth Palace Library, Sion College MS Arc.L.40.2/E.6, no. 2 (fols. 51r–
87r, after 1562)
“The xii Gates of Sir George Riplay.” Titulus operis, Prologue, Preface, Gates,
Recapitulation, Admonition, Wheel. Preceded by 32.10; followed by 13.8. MS includes
(English) CRC 9.23, 13.7.
9.25 Longleat House, Wiltshire, MS 178 (fols. 58r–86r, April 1578; Francis Thynne)
Prologue, Preface, Gates (missing stanza 4 of Separation; order of 23 and 24 of
Putrefaction reversed), Recapitulation, Admonition (“Premotione”). Expl.: “This was
written oute by me francis thynne at Longleat in Wilshire [sic] & theres fynished the
5 day of Aprill 1578” (fol. 86r). English and Latin annotation by Thynne.
9.26 Oxford, Bodleian Library, MS e mus 63 (fols. 41r–65r, 1525–1550; William Typsell)
Titulus operis, Prologue, Preface, Gates, Recapitulation, Admonition (“Sequiter pre-
monicio autoris”), Explicit Alchimicae. Annotation by John Gwynn, John Dee (dated
1597) and others. MS [2] includes (Latin) CRC 6. Ex libris John Strangman, John
Gwynn, Thomas Shilton, John Dee.
9.27 Oxford, Bodleian Library, MS Ashmole 1445 [1] (fols. 1r–31v, 1550–1600)
Gates (missing stanzas 1 and 2 of Calcination, 1–6 of Sublimation, owing to lost leaf,
32–39 of Putrefaction; order of 16 and 17 and 23 and 24 reversed; missing stanza 7 of
Projection), Recapitulation, Admonition, Wheel (“Celum Philosophorum”), Wheel
verses (to which is added a similar text with note “This 4. speres be after another
bocke”, fol. 30v). Followed by 13.10 (originally placed before Compound but
subsequently misbound). Light English annotation, some in code. MS includes in [8a],
(Latin) CRC 6; (English) 6; in [8h], (English) 6.
9.28 Oxford, Bodleian Library, MS Ashmole 1479 (fols. 1r–31r, ca. 1560s; Rychard
Walton)
“Philosophers Treasuer.” Titulus operis, Prologue, Preface, Gates, Recapitulation,
Admonition (“Experiments”), Wheel (“Celum philosophorum”). Gap left for the Wheel
between Recapitulation and Admonition, although the Wheel was eventually placed on
a full sheet at the end. English annotation by Walton. MS includes (Latin) CRC 6;
(English) 16, 10, 25, 6.
9.29 Oxford, Bodleian Library, MS Ashmole 1485 [3] (fols. 3r–46r, 1570–1600)
“The 12 gates of Sr. George Ripplye Channon of Brissington otherwise called his
Compound of Alchymy.” Preface (missing stanzas 1–6 and 15), Gates (order of stanzas
23 and 34 of Putrefaction reversed), Recapitulation, Admonition (title, “Erronious
experiments of the aucthor,” and stanzas 9–15 added in a later hand). Numerous
amendments to text; deletion of previous English annotation, including a note after the
colophon: “And within one leafe followenge is his wheele or figure mentioned before
in his Recapitulacion” (fol. 46r). MS includes (English) CRC 32.12, 13.11, 28, 16, 26,
27; in [2], (Latin) 27, 29.
9.30 Oxford, Bodleian Library, MS Ashmole 1486 [3] (fols. 49v–71v, ca. 1550)
Titulis operis, Prologue, Preface (in two parts: “Prefacio,” stanzas 1–5; “Prohemium,”
6–29), Gates (missing stanzas 12–15 and 20–50 of Putrefaction, and 2 of Sublimation;
several stanzas missed from the original sequence and added in the margins through-
out, by the original scribe), Recapitulation, Admonition (missing stanzas 6–15, possibly
through lost leaf). Light English and Latin annotation by the scribe and others.
Followed by the first folio of “A coniectural interpretacion of Rypla,” including a
reference to the Wheel. MS includes in [5], (English) CRC 35, 26, 25 (extract).
9.31 Oxford, Bodleian Library, MS Ashmole 1490 [F] (fols. 114r–36v, December 1584;
Simon Forman)
Titulis operis, Prologue, Preface (in two parts: “Prefatio,” stanzas 1–5; “Prohemium,”
6–29), Gates (Calcination divided into two chapters, stanzas 1–5; 6–22; order of 23 and
24 of Putrefaction reversed), Recapitulation, Admonition (untitled). Expl.: “Explicit
tractatus philosophie qui vocatur Alkamie Anno .1472. 1520. And Laste newe written
by Simon fforman 1584. the 31 of December.” Heavy Latin and English annotation.
Copied from 9.30 or common exemplar. MS includes (Latin) CRC 16; in [C] (English)
1 (extract); in [D] (English) 19.
9.32 Oxford, Bodleian Library, MS Rawl. poet 121 (fols. 35v–68v, 1570–1600; George
Lideatt)
Titulus operis, Prologue, Preface (in two untitled parts: stanzas 1–5; 6–29), Gates (miss-
ing stanza 28 of Putrefaction), Recapitulation, Admonition (“The power of divers
thinges as foloweth”), Wheel (apparently copied from the Rabbards edition). Light
annotation. Preceded by 32.13. Note: “Coppied out by George Lideatt Marchaunt
tailor of London” (fol. 34v). MS includes (English) CRC 4.
9.33 Oxford, Bodleian Library, MS Rawl. poet 182 (fols. 1r–36v, ca. 1600; Thomas
Maurice)
“Georgi Rypla.” Titulus operis, Prologue, Preface, Gates (missing stanzas 27–39 and
41–43 of Putrefaction; order of 23 and 24 reversed), Recapitulation, Explicit Alchimi-
cae, Admonition (“Prohibicio”), short Latin colophon. Light annotation. Copied from
9.30 or common exemplar. Note: “A True tretis of ye makeinge of ye philossophers
stone and alsoe how to use it when it is donne. Thomas Maurice possidit” (flyleaf).
9.34 Oxford, Corpus Christi College, MS 172 (fols. 12v–37v, 1475–1500)
Titulus operis, Preface, “The table of the .12. chapyters,” Gates (missing stanzas 21–50
of Putrefaction; 1–3 of Fermentation missing from original and appended on separate
sheet in a later hand), Recapitulation, Admonition (“Sequitur monicio auctoris una
cum deteccione quorumdam experimentorum inutilium que non prosunt,” including a
short introduction, “Take hede to thys counsell”). Title page, Wheel (fold-out) and
13.12 copied from the Rabbards edition. Ex libris Brian Twynne.
9.35 Southampton City Record Office, SC 15/97 (fols. 1r–16v; ca. 1500)
Preface (stanzas 1–5 missing), Gates (missing stanzas 22–43 of Putrefaction owing to
lost leaf), Recapitulation, (Latin) Wheel verses, Admonition.
9.36 Amsterdam, Bibliotheca Philosophica Hermetica, MS 199 (fols. 170r–202r, 1560–
1600)
“Opus Preclarissimum Georgij Ripley.” Preface (in two parts: stanzas 6–27, “Prologus”;
stanzas 28–19, “Argumentum totius libri”), Gates (stanzas 6–29 of Solution omitted
and interpolated at fol. 176v; missing stanza 18 of Separation, 22–43 and 49–51 of
Putrefaction, 9 of Multiplication), Recapitulation (missing stanza 1), scribe’s notes on
the Gates (“Certaine notes mete for undrestanding [sic],” 197r–200v), Wheel verses
(Latin and English). Several components added in a later hand (fols. 170r–73r): Titulus
operis, stanza 4 of Projection (lines 1–5), Prologue, Preface (stanzas 1–5), Admonition
(missing stanzas 9–12 and 15, which are placed after in a third hand). MS includes
(English) CRC 9 (notes), 19, 1, 10, 27, 8.
9.37 Leiden Universiteitsbibliotheek, MS Vossianus Chym. F.35 (fols. 1r–33v, 1575–1600)
“The philosophers treasure.” Titulus operis (title, “Argumentum libri,” in a later
hand), Prologue, Preface, Gates (missing stanzas 32–39 of Putrefaction and order of 23
and 24 reversed; missing 7 of Projection), Recapitulation, Admonition. Text later
amended with reference to another copy. Light English and Latin annotation.
9.38 Jerusalem, Jewish National and University Library, Yahuda MS 259 [6]; (early 1680s;
Isaac Newton)
Not seen. Copied from TCB. Includes Gates, CRC 13.14.
9.39 Philadelphia, University of Pennsylvania, MS Codex 111 (fols. 13r–30v, 1582–1600)
“George Ripley Chanon Reguler of bridlington; Intituled his twelve gates.” Preface,
Gates (missing stanzas 32–39 of Putrefaction and order of 23 and 24 reversed; missing
7 of Projection), Recapitulation, Admonition (with short introduction, “Take hede
to this counsell”). Preceded by 13.15. MS includes (English) CRC 16, 3, 1, 10, 22.
Probably owned by Henry Percy, Ninth Earl of Northumberland.
9.40 London, Christies, 24 November 2009, Lot 15/Sale 7760 (unknown foliation, 1550–
1600)
Seen in digital reproduction. Titulus operis, stanza of 4 Projection (lines 1–5), Prologue,
Preface (stanzas 1–5), Preface (in three parts: stanzas 1–5; 27–29 with note “This ought
to stand before the chapiter of calcinacion in the ende of the prologe”; “The prolog,”
6–26), Gates (stanza 18 of Separation on inserted leaf; missing 22–43 and 49–51 of
Putrefaction, 9 of Multiplication, 7 and 8 of Projection), couplet (inc.: “In fyre thi
glasse kepe”), Recapitulation, Admonition (“Practica,” missing stanzas 9–12, 15),
Wheel verses (English and Latin), extracts with diagrams of apparatus. MS includes
(English) CRC 19.
MSS in Latin:
9.41 Oxford, Bodleian Library, MS Canon. Misc. 223 (110–84, 258, 1650–1700)
“Liber 12 Portarum Georgii Riplei,” copied from OOC. Titulus operis (“Prologus
primus”), Prologue (“Prologus secundus”), Preface (“Prefatio in 12 Portarum Librum”),
table of Gates, Gates, Recapitulation, Admonition (“Experimenta Autoris cum admo-
nitione ad Lectorem”), Wheel (“Rota philosophica,” fold-out at 258). Heavy Latin
annotation. MS includes (Latin) CRC 16, 27, 29, 10, 8, 31, 13, 6, 17, 7, 1.
9.42 Bologna, Biblioteca Universitaria, MS 142 (109), vol. 2 (fols. 129r–72r, ca. 1570)
“Georgii Riplaei canonici Angli In suum 12 portarum librum.” Preface, Gates,
Recapitulation, Admonition (“Admonitio ad Lectorum”). Note: “Vixit ante centum
annos. Hoc autem opus est In Rithma sermone vulgari Anglico elegantissimo” (fol.
129r). Preceded by 13.18. MS includes (Latin) CRC 25, 16, 27, 29.
9.43 Cieszyn, Książnica Cieszyńska SZ DD.vii.33 (fols. 28r–31r, 165v–204r, July 1592; Jan
Kapr)
Seen in digital reproduction. “Georgii Riplae Angli: In duodecim portarum. Librum
Prologus” (fol. 165v). Preface (stanzas 9–11 inserted between 22 and 23), Gates (missing
stanza 15 of Calcination; 32–39 of Putrefaction and order of 23 and 24 reversed;
missing stanza 7 of Projection), Recapitulation (ends after stanza 5 on fol. 204r with
note “Quere hoc signum”; stanzas 6–11 at fols. 28r–29r; order of stanzas 7 and 8
reversed), Admonition (“Admonicio ad lectorem,” fols. 29r–31r). Note: “Finis Julii 4
Prage” (fol. 31r). Latin annotation. Followed by 13.19. MS includes (Latin) CRC 17,
7, 16, 27, 25.
9.44 Kassel Landesbibliothek, 4o MS chem. 67 (fols. 1r–90v, 1600–1615)

“Georgii Riplei Canonici Angli, in suum XII. Portarum librum.” Titulus operis,
Prologue, Preface (“Praefatio sive Prologus”), Gates (order of stanzas 23 and 24 of
Putrefaction reversed), Admonition (stanzas 12–15, titled “Admonitio ad Lectorem,”
precede 1–11, titled “Admonitio ad Lectorem Continens Experimenta autoris”). Dense
Latin annotation and amendments by several scribes, including Nicolaus Mai. “Ad
Lectorem” from Thomas Norton’s Ordinall of Alchemy inserted between Titulus
operis and Prologue. An exemplar for the OOC edition, where the translation is
attributed to Edward Kelley, probably on the basis of references to Kelley and “E.K.”
throughout this MS. MS includes (Latin) CRC 16, 31 (extracts), 6, 27, 13, 29, 7
(extract), and other Ripley references.

9.45 Kassel Landesbibliothek, 4o MS chem. 68 (fols. 6r–84r, 1575–1600; Nicolaus Mai)
“Georgii Riplaei Canonici Angli XII. Portarum Liber Elegiaco Carmine redditus à
Nicolao Maio” (fol. 3r). Prologue (“Prologus Riplaei ad filios doctrinae”), Preface (“In
suum XII. Portarum librum Praefatio”), table of Gates, Gates, Recapitulation, Admo-
nition. Preceded by Mai’s dedication to Emperor Rudolf II (fols. 4r–5r), and a distichon
attributed to Edward Kelley (“Kelleus LECTORI,” fol. 5v).
9.46 Paris, Bibliothèque Nationale, MS Lat. 12993 (fols. 1r–33r, 1571)
“Georgii Riplaei Chanonici angli. Xii. portarum Librum anno .1471. Prologus. anno
1571.” Preface, Gates, Recapitulation, Admonition (“Admonitio ad lectorem”).
9.47 Paris, Bibliothèque Nationale, MS Lat. 14012 (fols. 6r–57v, 1585)
“Georgi Riplae Canonici In suum Duodecim portarum Librum.” Preface, Gates (miss-
ing stanza 18 of Separation; 1–2 of Conjunction; stanza 3 of Conjunction appended to
Separation; missing stanzas 32–39 of Putrefaction and order of 23 and 24 reversed;
stanza 7 of Projection), Wheel (inserted at fols. 47v–48r), Recapitulation, Admonition
(“Admonitio ad lectorem”). Latin annotation. Followed by 13.21. Preceded by note:
“Georgius Ripla Anglicus Canonicus Regularis Bretlintoniensis floruit Anno 1471
Regnante Edouardo Anglorum rege. Vixit Autem .100. annos scripsit de Chimiae arte
librum quam Medullam philosophie. Inscripsit et Epistolam ad Regem Edouardum.
Item Philorcium Alchymiae, Puppila [sic] oculi, Terra terrarum, De Morte et Renascen-
tia Solis et Lunae, et aliud De Mercurio, et hunc duodecim portarum tractatum quam
Anglico vulgari sermone eloquentissimo In Rithmum poeticum radigit” (fol. 5r). MS
includes (Latin) CRC 25, 27, 29, 17, 16.
9.48 Wien, Österreichische Nationalbibliothek, Codex 11133 (fols. 373v–96r, January 1606;
“Duodecim portae ad artem philosophiae. G.R.A.” Titulus operis, Prologue, Preface,
Gates (order of stanzas 23 and 24 of Putrefaction reversed), Admonition “Experimenta.
Admonitio ad lectorem continens experimenta”). Expl.: “hora noctis .6. 20 Januarii
1606.” Heavy Latin and Czech annotation. MS includes (Latin) CRC 16, 25, 27, 29, 10,
8, 31, 6.
MSS in French:
9.49 Glasgow University Library, MS Ferguson 211 (fols. 9r–25v, s. xviii)
“Memoires Chimiques de George Triplanus Anglois Par Nicolas Bernaud Philosophe
Chimiste. Erffurt Joh. Birkner 1614.” French translation of QA. MS includes (French)
CRC 17.
9.50 Paris, Bibliothèque de l’Arsenal, MS 3021 (1–81, s. xvii)
“Le livre des douze portes de George Ripley.” Preface, Gates, Recapitulation,
Admonition (“Avertissement des Erreurs de Ripley”). Prose format, with light French
annotation. Preceded by 13.23.
9.51 Paris, Bibliothèque du muséum national d’histoire naturelle, MS 2025 (fols. 3r–40r, 49r,
1689)
“Le livre des Douze Portes de George Riplée Philosophe tres scavant de nation Anglois
Chanoine regulier de Bridlington” (fol. 5r). Titulus operis (“Premier Prologue de
Georges Riplée”), Prologue (“Prologue second”), Preface, Gates, Recapitulation,
Admonition (“Avertissement au lecteur contenant les experiences de l’autheur”), Wheel
(fol. 49r). Note: “Les Oeuvres de Georges Riplée philosophe. Chanoine de Bridligton
[sic] traduit du Latin par Raimond Bascon sieur De Presles Médecin Chimiste l’an
1689” (fol. 2r). MS includes (French) CRC 6, 13.24, 32.
9.52 Paris, Bibliothèque Nationale, MS Fr. 14795 (119–222, s. xvii)

“Les douze portes de george Riplex et son livre du Mercure tres expert philosophe
angloise de l’ordre des Chan\o/ines reguliere De Bristol [sic] traduction de R. Bascon
s. de preste.” Preface (“Prologue”), Gates, Recapitulation. Prose format, with French
annotation. MS includes (French) CRC 17.
9.53 Cambridge, Mass., Houghton Library, Harvard University, MS Fr. 85 (fols. 85r–100r,
1735)
“Philosophie Naturelle de Riplée Chanoine Anglois, Traduitte En Français par
Bernardo Philosophe.” French translation of QA. Note: “Copié a Paris En l’anneé
1735” (fol. [i]r).
9.54 Cambridge, Mass., Houghton Library, Harvard University, MS Fr. 546 (fols. 7v–35v,
s. xvii)
“Memoires ou Ecrites chimiques du tres docte Philosophe Georges Triplanus chanoine
Anglois Dans lesquels il est ecrit de la pierre benite des Philosophes, et de sa prepara-
tion artificielle mis au jour il y a deja long-temps par Nicolas Bernaud Philosophe
Chimiste. Erffund Joh. Birkner. 1614” (fol. 1r). French translation of QA. MS includes
(French) CRC 17.
MSS in Italian:
9.55 Glasgow University Library, MS Ferguson 54 (fols. 137r–77r, 1734)
“Libro delle dodici Porte del dottisimo Filosofo Ingelese Giorgio Ripleo Canonico
Regolare Brittlintonerve intiero non smerrato traddotto dall’ Idioma Latino nella’
Volgare Italiana favella L’anno 1734.” Italian translation of QA.
Fragments:
9.i Cambridge, University Library, MS.Kk.6.30 (fols. 41v–45v, 1500–1525)
English. “George Ripla.” Preface (missing stanzas 1–5, last three lines of stanza 10,
stanza 11, last three lines of stanza 12, stanza 13, stanzas 15–29), extracts from
Gates.
9.ii Canterbury Cathedral, CCA-LitMs/A/14 (August 1590; William Burch)
Not seen. “Wheel of Mr George Ripley.” Wheel, with verses. Manuscript titled “A
boke of drawing of the shapes and formes of divers beasts, foules, birds, fishes, mon-
sters, serpents, trees, herbes, plantes, and flowers, with diverse accidents of antiquities,
and armoury, drawn by me William Burch, alias Ellis, alias Vicar of the King’s Bench
in Southwark, this XXth Aug. 1590, anno XXXIImo Elizabethe Regine which booke
pertenes to John Nettleton gent being Master to the sayd Wm. Burch.”
9.iii Edinburgh, Royal College of Physicians of Edinburgh, MS Anonyma 2, vol. 4 (269,
s. xvii)
“Coelum Philosophorum this figure is called. Heir followeth the wheill and figure maid
be George Ripley conteaning all the secreits of his twelf gattes: copied out of ane
ancient and autentik book.” Wheel, with English verses.
9.iv Edinburgh, Royal College of Physicians of Edinburgh, MS Anonyma 2, vol. 6 (fols.

265r–73v, 350r, s. xvii)
English index of Compound arranged by subject matter (“Unitie of the matter,”
“Menstruum,” “Leo viridis,” etc.), Latin notes from Wheel (note on Venus, “Out of
George Ripley his wheill,” fol. 350r). MS includes (Latin) CRC 27 (extracts), 17, 29;
(English) 16 (extracts).
9.v Glasgow University Library, MS Ferguson 18 (435, s. xviii)
Latin. Note on Multiplication (inc.: “Ripleus in undecima porta”).
9.vi Glasgow University Library, MS Ferguson 91 (fol. 66v, s. xvii)
Wheel, with English and Latin verses. MS includes (English) CRC 19; (Latin) 16, 25,
27, 29, 10, 8, 31, 13, 6, 32, 7.
9.vii Glasgow University Library, MS Ferguson 133 (fols. 13r–14Av, 1606; Thomas
Robson)
“The philosophors heaven.” English Wheel verses and captions, not attributed to
Ripley. MS includes (English) CRC 25, 27. Ex libris Frances Ayer of “Barrowdon
Rutlandia” (fol. 65v).
9.viii Glasgow University Library, MS Ferguson 268 (fols. 11r–12r, s. xvii)
English. “The First Gate. Concerning Philosophical Calcination. Not Printed in the
Dutch Edition of Riply.” Calcination, translated from AP.
9.ix Leeds, Yorkshire Archeological Society, MS DD121/109 (Appleby Castle) (fols. 1r–6v,
s. xvi)
English. Preface (missing stanzas 1–11) and four Gates: Calcination (missing stanzas
7–19, owing to lost leaf), Solution, Separation, and Conjunction (missing stanza 15).
English annotation. MS in a badly damaged and fragmentary condition.
9.x London, British Library, MS Harley 486 (fol. 16r, s. xvi)
English. Calcination (stanzas 20–22).
9.xi London, British Library, MS Sloane 83 (fol. 2r, s. xvii)
English. Wheel verse used to annotate CRC 4.4. MS includes (English) CRC 12.
9.xii London, British Library, MS Sloane 319 (fols. 21v–30v, 36v, 1600)
English. Table with contents of Wheel (“George Ripleyes wheele mentioned in his
booke followeing,” fols. 21v–22r). “A Compendium of Sr Geo: Ripley’s Alchimy which
he divided into: 12. gates”: prose abstract of Preface, Gates, Admonition (“In the
chapter of his erroneous experiments at ye end”), Recapitulation. Followed by 13.ii.
Short note from “Fermentation” (fol. 36v). MS includes (English) CRC 32, 35 (extract),
16, 10.
9.xiii London, British Library, MS Sloane 320 (fols. 112v–13v, 122v, 1575–1600)
English. Wheel (without verses); verses written separately, with alternative version of
verses on planetary spheres. Verse titled, “This shold be notid to George Ripleys wheel
wher it standes before in yis Booke” (inc.: “And if yu wedd mercurie to mercurie with
her wyff,” fol. 122v). MS includes (English) CRC 13, 35 (extract), 25, 32.
9.xiv London, British Library, MS Sloane 1098 (fol. 26v; 1556–1581)
English. Admonition (stanzas 13–14). MS includes (English) CRC 19, 13 (extract), 1
(extract), 17 (extract), 6, and (Latin) 28, 32, 6.
9.xv London, British Library, MS Sloane 1255 (fol. 260v, s. xvii)
Latin. Wheel (“Coelum philosophorum”), with verses translated into Latin. Note:
“Author fuit Georgius Ripleus Anglus 1471.”
9.xvi London, British Library, MS Sloane 1423 (fol. 45r, 1580–1600; Clement Draper)
English. “To Search Ryplys 12 gates for ye gren lyon.” Notes on green lion and propor-
tions of ingredients throughout Compound. MS includes (English) CRC 16, 30, 8, 10,
19, 17 (extract), 27 (note).
9.xvii London, British Library, MS Sloane 1744 (fols. 75r–77v, ca. 1606; Thomas Robson)
English. “The philosophers heaven.” Unattributed Wheel verses and captions. As in
9.xxix, but with captions added at the beginning (“In the sonne he put his tabernack-
ell,” etc.), and inclusion of alternative text for planetary spheres. MS includes (English)
CRC 4, 16 (extracts), 25, 27, 3 (extracts), 1 (extracts), 33, 30.
9.xviii London, British Library, MS Sloane 2170 (fols. 54r–55r, s. xvii)

English. “Certaine notes taken owt by me fowrth of the XII gates of G. Ripley.”
Abbreviated Prologue (stanzas 2–7); Preface (stanzas 6–12), missing several lines. Some
English and Latin annotation. MS includes (English) CRC 35.
9.xix London, British Library, MS Sloane 3506 (fols. 47–52, s. xvii)
English. “The Axioms of George Ripley.” Prose translation of AP.
9.xx London, British Library, MS Sloane 3579 (fols. 4r, 11r, 18r–v, 20r, 39v–40r, 1475–1500;
Corthop scribe)
English. Extracts from stanza 17 of Separation (fol. 4r), 18–19 of Fermentation
(fol. 11r), 47 of Putrefaction (fol. 18r), 1 of Calcination (fols. 39v–40r), all attributed
to “Canon de Bridlyngton”; unattributed extracts from stanzas 17 of Separation
(fol. 20r) and 14 of Admonition (fol. 19v). MS includes (English) CRC 1, 13 (extract).
See also 9.xxv.
9.xxi London, British Library, MS Sloane 3630 (fols. 87r–v, s. xvii)
English. “The first note or Entrance to ye Philosophers Stone.” Prose translation of
Calcination from AP (inc.: “Calcination cleanseth our stone”).
9.xxii London, British Library, MS Sloane 3758 (fols. 26r–38r, s. xvii)
English. “Extracts from ye: reading G: Ripley 12 gates.” Verse extracts from Prologue,
Preface, Gates, Recapitulation, Admonition.
9.xxiii London, Wellcome Library, MS 3556 (1–27, ca. 1685)
Latin. “G. Ripley. Duodecim portarum axiomata philosophica.” Copied from AP.
9.xxiv Manchester, John Rylands Library, MS Latin 82 (fols. 16v, 17v, 24r, 28r–29v, 37r, 38v,
41r, 61r–62r, 64r, 1600–1625)
English notes from Compound, cited in a collection of Latin and English alchemical
dicta, “Activa Potentia Passiva.”
9.xxv Oxford, Bodleian Library, MS Ashmole 759 (fols. 35v, 68v, 77r, 1475–1500; Corthop
scribe)
English. “This hidde ston is but on[e] thyng therfore putrefie” (last three lines of
stanza 14 of Admonition; see also 9.xx). MS includes (English) CRC 13.9, 13.vii, 19, 1
(extract), 27 (extract).
9.xxvi Oxford, Bodleian Library, MS Ashmole 1459 [1] (fols. 10r, 11v–12r, 25r–v, 1625–1650;
Henry Harrington)
English. Various extracts throughout “The supercelestiall, celestiall, and terrestriall
Divine Light of Nature . . . Dedicated to Charles I., by Henry Harrington.” Stanza 2
of Solution (fol. 10r); 20–21 of Calcination (fols. 11v–12r); 8 of Recapitulation, attrib-
uted to “Basilius Valentinus a benedictane Munke” (fol. 12v); stanza 14 and lines 2–4
of 15 of Solution (fol. 25r); 21–47 of Putrefaction (“Ripleys admonitions to shun so-
phisticators,” fol. 25v). MS includes in [2], CRC 3, 14, 9 (epitome).
9.xxvii Oxford, Bodleian Library, MS Ashmole 1459 [2], no. 1 (fol. 27v, December 1650; Elias
Ashmole)
Latin. Explicit Alchimicae, dated 1471. Accompanies items from Bosome Book, 3.3.
9.xxviii Oxford, Bodleian Library, MS Ashmole 1459 [2], no. 2 (119–28, s. xvii; Elias
Ashmole)
English. “An Epitomy of Ripley’s 12. Gates.” Inc.: “The Eternall God in the beginning
created all things of Nothing.” Translation of AP.
9.xxix Oxford, Bodleian Library, MS Ashmole 1480 [1] (fols. 16r–18v, ca. 1600)
“The philosofers heaven” (as in 9.xvii). MS includes (English) CRC 32, 25, 27; in [3],
(English) 1 (extracts), 16, 27.

9.xxx Amsterdam, Bibliotheca Philosophica Hermetica, MS 199 (fols. 66v–70v, 1560–1600)
English. Stanzas extracted from 12 Gates and Recapitulation with notes on practical
interpretations (inc.: “Capitulum primum de Calcinaccione”; expl.: “Finis. George
Ripley. Deo gratias”). MS includes (English) CRC 19, 1, 9, 10, 27, 8.
9.xxxi Paris, Bibliothèque Mazarine, MS 3680 (1–22, s. xvii)
Latin. “Georgius Riplaeus In praefatione duodecim Portarum.” 8 stanzas each from
Preface and Gates 1–6 and 9; 4 stanzas each from Gates 7–8, 10–12, and Admonition
(“Admonitio ad lectorem”). MS includes (Latin) extracts from CRC 16, 17, 25.
9.xxxii Cambridge, Mass., Houghton Library, Harvard University, MS Lat 385 [7] (fols. 1r–
31r, 1675–1700)
Latin. “Poeme hermetiques de Georges Riplée. traduit de l’anglois Article 9. de l’edition
de 1591. Mais qui dans le theatre de Mr. Asmole [sic] en le 8e.” Verse extracts from
Compound (Preface, Gates, Recapitulation) with French translation of Philalethes
commentaries.
9.xxxiii Cambridge, Mass., Houghton Library, Harvard University, MS Eng. 1527 (fols. 104v–
6r, ca. 1846)
English. Congelation only, translated from Latin. MS includes (English) CRC 22.
9.xxxiv Los Angeles, Getty Research Institute, MS 18, vol. 7 [2] (fols. 11v–20v, s. xvii)
English. Stanza 14 of Admonition (fol. 11v). Translation of AP (fols. 12r–20v). MS
includes (English) CRC 22.
9.xxxv New Haven, Yale University Library, Beinecke-Mellon MS 70 (fig. 3, 1675–1700)
Latin. “Georgius Ripleus prolog. XII. portarum.” Prologue accompanies hexaemeron
figure copied from Musaeum hermeticum reformatum et amplificatum (1678).
9.xxxvi New Haven, Yale University Library, Beinecke-Osborn MS fa.16 (fols. 1r–3v, 1570)
English. “Sartayn nottes gathered out of Plenius, ryple, anaxagoras, norton and others
as foloweth wich agre that adroe [sic] is the trew matter of philosophorum marcure &
it is set for my remembrance.” Notes from Preface, and from CRC 10, 13, 27, 16.
10. Concordantia Guidonis et Raymundi

(Concordance between Guido and Raymond)
Latin prose treatise attempting to reconcile Raymond and Guido’s views on the use of
alchemical ferments. The alchemical contents are highly compatible with those of the Medulla
(CRC 16). One Latin version (Type I) was included in the Bosome Book (CRC 3), suggesting
a possible fifteenth-century dating, although no copy is recorded earlier than the mid-sixteenth
century. The text circulated mainly in an English translation, which was later translated back
into Latin (Type II). The Type I version was translated into English on at least two further
occasions, as part of larger translations of the Bosome Book by Samuel Norton in 1573/4 and
Roger Howes in 1593. The main text (“Theorica”) sometimes has a variant ending, “for we
make of our mercury subiectum of the sulphurs of bodies copula, of the Elixir predicatum”
(“Subiectum”). The “Theorica” is sometimes extended by a short text (“Azoc & Ignis”)
extracted from another component of CRC 3, De ignibus nostris (CRC 15), which compares
alchemical medicine favourably with the works of Hippocrates and Galen. A short practica
is appended to several manuscripts, printed by Combach as “Compositio Aceti Acerrimo
Vegetabilis,” which also circulated separately (CRC 8).
Type I Latin. Inc.: “Quoniam Raymundus dicit de fermento lapidis loquens.” Expl.: “Et erit
quod Georgius Ripley; cuius est haec theorica. Unde facimus de mercurio nostro subiectum; de
sulphuribus corporum copulam; de Elixere praedicatum.”

Type II Latin. Inc.: “Raymundus loquens de lapidis fermento dicit.” Expl.: “. . . aurum priùs
tingitur, est secretum & in perpetuum erit . . . quod sanat omnem morbum supra omnia
medicamenta Hippocratis & Galeni.”
English. Inc.: “Forasmuch as Raymond speaking of the ferment of the stone.” Expl.: “Avicen
sayth gold teigneth not till he be first teigned but how that ys tained that is a secret and that
shall be sayth George Ripley whose theorick this is.”
MSS in Latin (Type I):
10.1 London, British Library, MS Harley 2411 (fols. 47r–49r, 1600–1615)
“Concordantia dictorum Guidonis et Raymundi, per G. Ripley.” Theorica, Subiectum
(expl.: “Haec G: Ripley”). Component of Bosome Book (3.1).
MSS in Latin (Type II):
“Concordantia Raymundi Lullii & Guidonis Philosophi Graeci per Georgium Riplae-
um Anglum.” Theorica, Azoc & Ignis (note: “Note that this worck following is a
worck of G.R. to be added unto his Theorick,” fol. 77r) short exposition (English; inc.:
“Sequentia in Anglicano sequuntur textu. Note this exposition folowing well”).
Followed by 8.1. MS includes (English) CRC 19, 9 (extract); (Latin) 16, 25, 27, 29, 8,
31, 13, 6, 32, 7.
Copied from OOC; followed by 8.2. MS includes (Latin) CRC 16, 25, 27, 29, 8, 31, 13,
6, 9, 17, 7, 1.
“Concordantie Raymundi Lulli et Guidonis philosophi graeci.” Theorica, Azoc &
Ignis, Followed by CRC 8.3. Heavy Latin and Czech annotation. MS includes (Latin)
16, 25, 27, 29, 31, 6, 9.
MSS in English:
10.5 Cambridge, Trinity College, MS O.2.33 (fols. 21r–23r, 1575–1600)
“The concordance between Raimond and Guydo upon fermentation: By George
Riplay.” Theorica. MS includes (English) CRC 16.
10.6 Glasgow University Library, MS Ferguson 102 (fols. 160r–65v, 1525–1575; William
Bolles)
“The concordance betwene Raymund and Guydo, by George Ripley.” Theorica,
Subiectum (expl.: “hec G. R.”), Azoc & Ignis. MS includes (English) CRC 9, 16, 1, 4.
See entry for 9.10.
10.7 Lichfield Cathedral Library, MS 18 (fols. 25r–27v, 1568)

“The Concordaunce betwene Guydo And Raymonde lully.” Theorica, Azoc & Ignis
(“A smalle woork of Rypley folowinge the Concordance, which openith the Whole
woorke of philosophy”; expl.: “. . . Finis huius Operis, ad laudem & Altissimi. &c”).
MS includes (English) CRC 16.
10.8 London, British Library, MS Sloane 319 (fols. 19r–20r, ca. 1600)
“The concordance betwene Raymond & Guyo by George Ripley.” Theorica. MS
includes (English) CRC 32, 35 (extract), 16, 9 (extract).
10.9 London, British Library, MS Sloane 1423 (fols. 36v–37v, 1580–1600; Clement Draper)
“Here begynneth the concordance of G Riply Betwene Raymond and Guydo.” Theo-
rica, additional note (inc.: “Except [mercury] be utterlye destroyed”), Azoc & Ignis
(“The openinge of the whole worke of philosophres by george Rypley and Shuld follow
his concordance between Raymond and Guydo”). MS includes (English) CRC 16, 30,
8, 19, 17 (extract), notes on 9 and 27.
“The Concordances of the sayings of Guido and Raymond, donne by George Rypley.”
Theorica, Subiectum (expl.: “Haec Georg Riplie”). MS includes (Latin) CRC 29,
(English) 23, 12, 6, 35, 2, 4, 25, 16. Ex libris Arthur Dee, Sir Thomas Browne.
“The concordance of Guido and Raymund Lully.” Norton trans. Theorica. Compo-
nent of Bosome Book (3.5), copied from 10.12.
10.12 London, British Library, MS Sloane 3667 [2] (fols. 124r–25r, ca. 1573/4; Samuel
Norton?)
“The concordance betewne [sic] Guido & Raymond Lulli.” Norton trans. Component
of Bosome Book (3.6), exemplar for 10.11.
10.13 London, British Library, MS Sloane 3732 (fols. 59r–62r, July 1664)
Theorica, Azoc & Ignis. Followed by 8.8. English translation of OOC. MS includes
(English) CRC 17, 25, 7, 27, 29, 31, 1.
10.14 Oxford, Bodleian Library, MS Ashmole 766 [5] (fols. 37r–38v, July 1593; Roger
Howes)
“The Comparinge of the sayings of Guido & Raymund togeather.” Theorica, Subiec-
tum. Component of Bosome Book (3.7), exemplar for 10.15.
10.15 Oxford, Bodleian Library, MS Ashmole 1418 [2] (fols. 28v–30r, September 1606;
Thomas Robson)
“The Comparing of the sayings of Guido and Raymund together.” Theorica, Subiec-
tum. Component of Bosome Book (3.9), copied from 10.14.
10.16 Oxford, Bodleian Library, MS Ashmole 1424 [2] (1–3, 1614–1616; Thomas Robson)
“Here begineth the concordance between Guido and Raymond Lully.” Theorica. MS
includes (English) CRC 35, 27 (extract); in [1], (English) 27 (extract), 16 (extracts).
10.17 Oxford, Bodleian Library, MS Ashmole 1479 (fols. 43r–44r, 52r–v, May 1563; Richard
Walton)
“Here begenyth ye concordance bytwyne guido & raymonde lully ii phylosophers.”
Theorica (fols. 43r–44r), Azoc & Ignis (“here foloyth a small work of george Rypley
the which sholld haue byne sete next after the concordance the which the afore sayd
Mr Rypley dyd mak bytwyne guido & Raymonde for thys doth opyne the holle work,”
fols. 52r–v). Expl.: “thus endyth thys shorte work of Mr georg Rypley copyed the 24
of maye anno 1563.” MS includes (Latin) 6; (English) CRC 9, 16, 6, 25.
10.18 Oxford, Bodleian Library, MS Ashmole 1487 [2] (fols. 180v–81v, ca. 1569; Edward
Barlowe)
“The Concordaunce between Raymond and Guido, made by George Ripley.”
Theorica, Subiectum, Azoc & Ignis. MS includes (English) CRC 13 (extract), 16.
10.19 Oxford, Bodleian Library, MS Rawl. B.306 (fols. 41v–42v, 1575–1600)
“Here begineth ye concordance betwene Guido & Raymond lully tow [sic] Phyloso-
phers, don by Geo: Ripley a Chanon of Bridlington.” Theorica, Azoc & Ignis (“Note
that this followinge is a Worke of George Ripley to be added unto his theorycke”).
English annotation; followed by short commentary (“Note this exposicon folloinge
well,” fol. 42v). MS includes (English) CRC 1, 16, 25, 20. Probably copied from 10.17.
Ex libris Thomas Mountfort.
10.20 Amsterdam, Bibliotheca Philosophica Hermetica, MS 199 (fols. 215v–17r, 1560–1600)
“The Concordaunce betwene Raymon and guido by george Rypley chanon.” Theorica.
English annotation and amendments. MS includes (English) CRC 9 (notes), 19, 1, 9,
27, 8.
“George Ripley his concordance betwene Raymonde and Guydo.” Theorica. MS
includes (English) CRC 16, 13, 9, 3, 1, 22. Probably owned by Henry Percy, Ninth Earl
of Northumberland.
Fragments:
10.i New Haven, Yale University Library, Beinecke-Osborn MS fa.16 (fols. 1r–3v, 1570)
English notes from Concordantia, CRC 9, 13, 27, 16. See entry for 9.xxxvi.
11. Consolatio Pauperum

Inexpensive chrysopoetic recipe beginning with the sublimation of mercury and vitriol.
Latin. Inc.: “Opus nobilissimum breve ad elixir sive lapide philosophorum conponendum sine
magnis sumptibus.” Expl.: “. . . dedit in consolationem pauperum evangeliarum et gloria et laus
in secula seculorum.”
11.1 Bologna, Biblioteca Universitaria, MS 104 (fols. 60r–v, ca. 1600)
“Consolatio Pauperum Georgii Ryplae Angli Canonici.” Added in a later hand to a
blank folio in a fifteenth-century manuscript.
12. Elixir Vitae

Short practica containing recipes for medicinal elixirs made from quintessence of wine, citing
Bartholomeus Anglicus, De proprietatibus rerum. The text is related to two components of the
Viaticum (CRC 31, derived from CRC 3), “Elixir vitae” and “Virtutes huius quintae essentiae,”
and probably represents a late sixteenth-century English translation and adaptation of the
Latin text. The first recipe (“Elixir”) heals sickness, but kills venomous creatures. The second
(“Sol and Mercury”) is recommended for pilgrims travelling abroad. A brief Latin note (inc.:
“Nunquam opereris cum corosiva donec rectificetur”) is sometimes added (“Nunquam”).
Usually accompanies CRC 4 in manuscript.
Incipit: “And if you think to labour about the elixir follow this doctrine and leave all other,
Reade Bartholomews De proprietatibus rerum where he speaks of the dulcification of liquors
. . . When sol and mercury are fixed together by way of precipitacion.” Expl.: “. . . precious,
potable golde, that heals both leprosy and the pestilence . . . good for and potable for pilgrimes
that travel into far countries and amongst hot wines.”
12.1 Glasgow University Library, MS Ferguson 237 (fols. 41r–42r, s. xvii; John Stacy)
“De Quintessence.” Elixir, Sol and Mercury. MS includes (English) CRC 4.
12.2 London, British Library, MS Sloane 288 (fols. 156r–v, s. xvii)
“Elixer vite Ripley.” Elixir, Sol and Mercury, Nunquam. Expl.: “Explicit secundum
George Ripley”). MS includes (Latin) CRC 6; (English) 16, 30 (x2), 25, 1 (extract), 4,
35, 27. Ex libris Gabriel Gostwyk.
“Elixir Vitae G: Ryplaye.” Elixir, Sol and Mercury, diagram of flask. Expl.: “Explicit
secundum G. Ryplye.” MS includes (Latin) CRC 29; (English) 23, 6, 35, 2, 4, 25, 16,
10. Ex libris Arthur Dee, Sir Thomas Browne.

12.4 London, British Library, MS Sloane 3580B (fols. 177v–79r, 1580; Thomas Potter)
“Elixir Vitae.” Elixir, Sol and Mercury, diagram of flask, Nunquam in English
and Latin (“Thou shallte not worcke with thy corrosyve . . . quod Ripley”). English
annotation. MS includes (English) CRC 9 (extracts), 16, 17, 4.
12.5 London, British Library, MS Sloane 3654 (fols. 23r–v, s. xvii)
“The Elxar [sic] vite.” Elixir, Sol and Mercury, diagram of two labelled flasks. MS
12.6 London, British Library, MS Sloane 3748 (fols. 22r–23v, after 1597; Clement Draper)
“The Elixir vite.” Elixir, Sol and Mercury, diagram of flask. MS includes (English)
CRC 4, 30.
“The Elixir vitae of life.” Elixir, Sol and Mercury, diagram of two labelled flasks. MS
“The Elixir of Life.” Elixir, diagram of labelled flask. MS includes (English) CRC 1
(extract), 35, 25, 4.
“Rex [christe] dictus sit omnibus bonitas quod Rippley. Tempus unius mensis.” Elixir,
Sol and Mercury. Text deleted. MS includes (English) CRC 1, 4. Ex libris Christopher
Taylour.
MSS in Latin:
“Elixir vite.” Elixir, Sol and Mercury, Nunquam, diagram of labelled flask. MS
includes (Latin) CRC 17, 1, 21 (extract), 25 (extracts), 16, 29 (x2), 23, 27.
13. Epistle to Edward IV

(A Compend upon the Philosophers’ Stone sent unto King Edward the Fourth)
Fifteenth-century Middle English poem in thirty stanzas, addressed to Edward IV. Although
conventionally associated with the Compound of Alchemy (CRC 9) as a dedicatory poem, the
two works are not linked in the manuscript record until the second half of the sixteenth
century. However, the poem employs similar language to that of the “Wheel” attached to the
Compound, referring to the “heaven” of the quintessence, and the need to make of the “quad-
rangle” a “figure round.” It refers to the author’s studies in Louvain. An early date is confirmed
by inclusion in the Corthop Group, although the first nine stanzas (addressing the king) are
absent from these copies, which begin “As the philosopher.” A short version (“First calcine”)
comprises extracts from stanzas 25–27 only (see entry for CRC 1).
English. Inc.: “O Honorable Lord and most victorious Knight . . . As the Philosopher in the
book of Meteors doth write.” Expl.: “By the grace and will of God, to whom be laud
eternally.”
Latin. Inc.: “O Honorande Rex & virtuosissime miles.” Expl.: “Per gratiam Dei, cui soli
honor & gloria.”
Printed: Compound of Alchymy (English. Ed. Ralph Rabbards, London, 1591); OOC (Latin);
TCB (English); MMC (German).
MSS in English:
13.1 Cambridge, Gonville and Caius Library, MS 399 [2] (fols. 1r–8r; s. xvi)
Running header: “To the kynge.” On parchment. Precedes 9.3.
s. xvii)
“The epistle of George Ripley to kinge Edwarde the fourthe.” Follows 9.7. Copied
from the Rabbards edition. MS includes (English) CRC 32.
13.3 London, British Library, MS Harley 853 (fols. 22r–25r, s. xvi)
“A compend upon the Phylosophers Stone sent unto Kinge Edward the Ffowerth from
Lovayne.” Follows 9.13 (different hand).
13.4 London, British Library, MS Sloane 320 (fols. 34v–35v, 1575–1600)
“Ripleys cumpendium.” MS includes (English) CRC 35 (extract), 25, 32, 9 (extract).
13.5 London, British Library, MS Sloane 3667 [2] (fols. 157v–60r, ca. 1573/4; Samuel
Norton?)
“George Ryplay wrytton to Kynge Edwarde ye .4.” “As the philosopher” version
(missing stanzas 1–9). MS includes (English) CRC 16, 1, 3; in [1], 8.
13.6 London, British Library, MS Sloane 3747 (fols. 102r–5r, 1475–1500; Corthop scribe)
“As the philosopher” version (unattributed; missing stanzas 1–9). MS includes
(English) CRC 1, 27, 6, 19.
46v, November 1562)
“G. Riplay, to kinge Eduarde the 4.” Follows 9.23 (in a different hand). Colophon:
“Thankd be God: R. A. In aedibus meis Londini, VIo Novembris: Mo. Do. LXIIo.” MS
includes (English) CRC 32, 9.24, 13.8.
91v, after 1562)
“A discourse of Alchimie unto Kinge Edward the 4 supposed to be writen by Sir George
Riplay channon of Bridlington.” Follows 9.24. MS includes (English) CRC 32, 9.23,
13.7.
13.9 Oxford, Bodleian Library, MS Ashmole 759 (fols. 103r–5v, 1475–1500; Corthop
scribe)
“As the philosopher” version (unattributed; missing stanzas 1–9). MS includes another
extract (13.vii), (English) CRC 19, 1 (extract), 27 (extract), 9 (extract).
Missing stanzas 22–28, owing to lost leaf; originally placed before 9.27 but subse-
quently misbound. MS includes in [8a], (Latin) CRC 6; (English) 6; in [8h], (English)
6.
13.11 Oxford, Bodleian Library, MS Ashmole 1485 [3] (fols. 51v–54v, 1570–1600)
“Ripley his booke unto King Edwarde the iiiith.” “As the philosopher” version
(unattributed; missing stanzas 1–9). Blacked-out annotations. MS includes (English)
CRC 9.29, 32, 28, 16, 26, 27; in [2], (Latin) 27, 29.
13.12 Oxford, Corpus Christi College, MS 172 (fols. 38r–41r, s. xvii)

“The Epistle by ye same Authour (scil. Ripley) written to K. Edw. ye 4.” Copied from
the Rabbards edition, after 9.34. Note: “at ye latter ende of ye printed booke: and
after these verses cometh in ye diagram of Ripleys Wheel: which is allso transcribed”
(fol. 38r). Ex libris Brian Twynne.
13.13 København, Royal Library, GKS 1748 (fols. 41r–48v, s. xvi)
“A compend upon the philosophers stone sent unto kinge: Edward the Fourth ffrom
Lovayne.”
13.14 Jerusalem, Jewish National and University Library, Yahuda MS 259 [6] (early 1680s;
Isaac Newton)
Not seen. Copied from TCB. Includes 9.38.
13.15 Philadelphia, University of Pennsylvania, MS Codex 111 (fols. 10v–12v, 1582–1600)
“George Ripley unto kinge Edwarde ye 4th.” Followed by 9.39. MS includes (English)
CRC 16, 3, 1, 10, 22. Probably owned by Henry Percy, Ninth Earl of Northumber-
land.
MSS in Latin:
13.16 Glasgow University Library, MS Ferguson 91 (fols. 86v–89r, s. xvii)
“Epistola ad Regem.” Prose format. MS includes (English) CRC 19, 9 (extract); (Latin)
16, 25, 27, 29, 10, 8, 31, 6, 32, 7.
Copied from OOC. MS includes (Latin) CRC 16, 25, 27, 29, 10, 8, 31, 6, 9, 17, 7, 1.
13.18 Bologna, Biblioteca Universitaria 142 (109), vol. 2 (fols. 122r–26v, ca. 1570)
“Epistola Georgii Riplay ad Regem Edoardum.” Followed by 9.42. MS includes (Latin)
CRC 9, 25, 16, 27, 29.
13.19 Cieszyn, Książnica Cieszyńska SZ DD.vii.33 (fols. 31v–37r, July 1592; Jan Kapr)
Seen in digital reproduction. “Epistola Georgii riplaei ad Regem Eduardum.” Follows
9.43. MS includes (Latin) CRC 17, 7, 16, 27, 25, 9.
13.20 Kassel Landesbibliothek, 4o MS chem. 67 (fols. 152v–58v, 1600–1615)
“Epistola G.R. ad Regem Edwardum 4.” Latin annotation. Probable exemplar for
edition in OOC. MS includes (Latin) CRC 9, 31 (extracts), 6, 27, 29, 7 (extract), other
Ripley references.
“Epistola Georgi Riplae a Regem Edouardum.” Follows 9.47. MS includes (Latin) CRC
25, 27, 29, 17, 16.
“Epistola ad Regem.” Heavy Latin and Czech annotation. MS includes (Latin) CRC
25, 27, 29, 10, 8, 31, 6, 9.
MSS in French:
13.23 Paris, Bibliothèque de l’Arsenal, MS 3021 (1–81, s. xvii)
“Epitre de George Ripley au Roy Edoüard 4e.” Prose format, with light French annota-
tion. Precedes 9.50.
13.24 Paris, Bibliothèque du Muséum national d’histoire naturelle, MS 2025 (fols. 43v–48r,
1689)
“La lettre de George Riplée, au Roy Edouard 4e. escrite originairement en Rimes
Angloises et traduicte en Latin.” French annotation. MS includes (French) CRC 9.51,
6, 32.
Fragments:
13.i London, British Library, MS Harley 367 (fol. 57r, s. xvi; John Stow)
“Fyrst calcyn & aftar that putryfy” (comprising stanzas 25–27) inserted into 9.12 (start
of Calcination).
13.ii London, British Library, MS Sloane 319 (fols. 29v–30v, 1600)
“Theis things are taken out of his Epistle to Edw: the 4. followeing.” Prose abstract of
Epistle (follows 9.xii). MS includes (English) CRC 32, 35 (extract), 16, 10.
13.iii London, British Library, MS Sloane 1092 (fol. 62v, 1556–1581)
Inc.: “In the Meteors Philosophers do speake also.” Eight stanzas (10, 12, 13, 21, 25,
28–30). Same hand as 13.iv. MS includes (English) CRC 9.16.

13.iv London, British Library, MS Sloane 1098 (fols. 22v–23r, 1556–1581)
Inc.: “In the meteores philosophers do speake also.” Eight stanzas (10, 12, 13, 21, 25,
28–30). Same hand as 13.iii. MS includes (English) CRC 19, 9 (extract), 1 (extract), 17
(extract), 6; (Latin) 28, 32, 6.
13.v London, British Library, MS Sloane 2174 (fols. 85v–86r, s. xvii)
Stanzas 10–18 (some abbreviated), appended after 9.17.
13.vi London, British Library, MS Sloane 3579 (fols. 35r–v, 1475–1500; Corthop scribe)
Stanzas 21–30. MS includes (English) CRC 1, 9 (extracts).
13.vii Oxford, Bodleian Library, MS Ashmole 759 (fols. 78r–v, 1475–1500; Corthop scribe)
“Fyrst calcyn and after that putrefie.” Stanzas 25, 27 (missing line 3), and 12 (last 5
lines) of Epistle. MS includes (English) CRC 13.8, 19, extracts from 1, 27, 9.
13.viii Oxford, Bodleian Library, MS Ashmole 1487 [2] (fol. 74v; ca. 1569; Edward
Barlowe)
“First calcyne and after putrefie.” Stanzas 25 (missing link 6), 27 (missing line 3), and
12 (last five lines) of Epistle. Probably copied from 13.vii or intermediate copy. MS
13.ix New Haven, Yale University Library, Beinecke-Osborn MS fa.16 (fols. 1r–3v, 1570)
English notes from Epistle and CRC 10, 9, 27, 16. See entry for 9.xxxvi.
14. Gaudeat artista

Short, fifteenth-century Latin verse (see below), accompanied by the diagram of a furnace and
instructions for building it (“Furnus fiat de tegulis”). The attribution dates from the addition
of the initials “G.R.” to CRC 14.3 in the original hand.
Gaudeat artista sapiens bene sensibus ista
Gnaris edicta fatuis sub nube relicta
Hic imperfectum lapidem bene perfecit ignis
Qui lapis insignis non traditur hic nisi dignis.
14.1 Cambridge, Trinity College, MS O.8.9 (fols. 35v–36r, 1475–1500)
Furnus fiat de tegulis, verses, diagram of furnace. MS includes (Latin) CRC 22, and an
earlier reference to “patris nostri sancti Johannis Bridlyngtone” (fol. 5r).
Ashmole)
“Pro faciendo per graduacionem Ignis super materiam rectam.” Furnus fiat de tegulis,
verses, diagram of furnace (“Fornax Georgii Rypley Canonici”). Probably copied from
14.3, as indicated by title. MS includes (Latin) CRC 3 (extracts), 9 (epitome); in [1],
9 (extracts).
14.3 Oxford, Corpus Christi College, MS 136 (fols. 5r–v, 1475–1500)

Furnus fiat de tegulis (inc.: “Pro faciendum eius nostrum per graduacionem ignis super
materiam rectam . . ., verses (initialled “G.R.”), diagram of furnace. Probably copied
from 14.1 or common exemplar, as the beginning of the incipit (“Pro faciendum . . .”)
is the explicit of the preceding work in 14.1.
15. De ignibus nostris

(A Note of our Fires, Lully’s Theory of the Philosophers’ Fires)
Latin commentary on a short extract from the pseudo-Lullian Testamentum novissimum,

concerning two contrary “fires,” or solvents: a beneficial ignis naturae made from wine, and a
corrosive ignis contra naturam made from vitriol. The exposition invokes the same doctrine of
four fires (elemental, innatural, natural, and against nature) discussed in the Compound and
Medulla, citing Raymond and Guido de Montanor as primary authorities. Component of the
Bosome Book (CRC 3), which circulated from the last quarter of the sixteenth century but may
be earlier in date. An extract from the text, providing a pseudo-Lullian commentary on the
alchemical dictum “Ignis et azoc tibi sufficiunt,” is sometimes appended to the Concordantia
(CRC 10).
Latin. Inc.: “Hic iacent contrariae operationes . . . Est quatuor sunt ignes, Naturalis, qui est in
aqua nostra ardente perfecte rectificata . . .” Expl.: “. . . et per iteratam composionem earundem
partium adinvicem donec conveniant & non discrepant &c.”
English (Norton trans.). Inc.: “Here lieth hidden contrary operations . . . There are iiii fires, the
fire of nature, which is our ardent water perfectly rectified . . .” Expl.: “. . . again compounding
of the same parts one to another until they agree together and will not vary asunder.”
MSS in Latin:
15.1 London, British Library, MS Harley 2411 (fols. 56v–60v, 1600–1615)
“Nota de ignibus nostris sine quorum notitiae magisterium non perficitur per G:R
canonicum exponentem.” Expl.: “Explicit Expositio G: R: canonici.” Component of
Bosome Book, 3.1.
Ashmole)
“Aurea ars Alchymistarum. De ignibus nostris, sine quorum noticia non perficitur
magisterium, per G. R. Canonicum expositem.” Component of Bosome Book, 3.3.
MSS in English:
“The Text is Raymond Lullies . . . George Ryplies exposition heere followeth.”
Component of Bosome Book, 3.5. Copied from 15.4.
15.4 London, British Library, MS Sloane 3667 [2] (fols. 132v–34v, ca. 1573/4; Samuel
Norton?)
“This texe is Raymond Lullis . . . Georg Ryples exposetione here followyth.” Compo-
nent of Bosome Book, 3.6.
15.5 Oxford, Bodleian Library, MS Ashmole 766 [5] (fols. 43v–47r, July 1593; Roger
Howes)
“A note of our fiers, without the knoledg [sic] wherof the magistery is nott effected by
G. R. cannon the expounder.” Component of Bosome Book, 3.7.
Thomas Robson)
“A note of our fiers without the knolidg [sic] wherof the magistery is not efected
by G.R. Cannon The expounder.” Component of Bosome Book, 3.9. Copied from
15.5.
15.7 Los Angeles, Getty Research Institute, MS 18, vol. 1 (fols. 43r–53v, ca. 1805; Sigismund
Bacstrom)
“Lully’s Theory of the Philosophers Fires explained by Ripley. Copied from an Old
Manuscript” (fol. 43r), “Ripley’s Explication of the aforesaid Theory of Raymund
Lully” (fol. 45v).
“Note of our fyers withowte ye knowledge wheof our mastery is nott performed.
By George Ripley Chanon expoundinge the same.” Component of Bosome Book,
3.10.
16. Medulla Alchimiae

(Marrow of Alchemy, Mary of Alchemy, Medulla Philosophiae, Medulla Voarchadumia)
Latin prose treatise, dated 1476 and attributed to Ripley by colophon, although no fifteenth-
century copy survives. Recipes from Ripley’s authorities, particularly pseudo-Lull, provide the
basis for a theoretical and practical commentary in three chapters, on the mineral, vegetable
and animal stones, respectively (a structure suggested by the three-fold division of the pseudo-
Lullian Epistola accurtationis, cited in the text). The practical outcomes are three-fold: the
mineral stone is made using mineral acids, the vegetable stone using distilled vinegar, and
the animal stone from blood. The Medulla is dedicated to a high-ranking prelate, probably the
archbishop of York, George Neville (ca. 1432–1476). Prefatory verses (19 stanzas) are followed
by a prose dedicatory preface (“Preface”), theoretical introduction (“Introduction”), three
chapters (“three stones”), and an epilogue containing autobiographical information, in
which Ripley catalogues his misfortunes and asks to be admitted to a religious house in the
archbishop’s diocese (“Epilogue”). The original Latin text (Type I), including both the prefa-
tory verses and epilogue, was translated into English twice: in 1552 by David Whitehead, and
again by John Higgins. The Whitehead version was subsequently translated back into Latin
(Type II) minus the verses and epilogue, and printed twice in this form. The Type II version
was retranslated into English twice, and printed by William Salmon in 1692. The prefatory
verses were translated into English before 1560 by William Bolisse (or Bolles), and again
ca. 1573/4, possibly by Samuel Norton.
Latin verses (Type I). Inc.: “Haec mea preclare, presul dictamina care.” Expl.: “Hoc ut
dictamen, opera tibi clareat. Amen.”
English verses (Bolisse trans.). Inc.: “Right noble Lord, and Prelate Deere.” Expl.: “As sound
may to your lawd alway.”
Latin (Type I). Inc.: “Precellenti dominacioni tractaturus de secretis alkimice.” Expl.: “. . . cui
in omnibus me submitto in nostri redemptoris amplexibus Jesu Christi qui semper sit cum
patre et sancto spiritu in universis donis suis benedictus.”
Latin (Type II). Inc.: “Conatus ego tractare de secretis Chemiae ad Dominum Tuum enitar
reserare ea.” Expl.: “. . . quem multis et magnis Philosophis absconditum Deus dignatus est
nobis pusillis patefacere: Cui sit honor et gloria per sempiterna secula.”
English (Whitehead trans.). Inc.: “I being about to entreat to your lordship of the secrets of
alchemy.” Expl.: “. . . unto whom in all things I submit myself, in the embracing of our
redeemer Jesus Christ with the father and the only holy ghost, to whom always be praise in
all their gifts. Amen.”
Printed: Opuscula quaedam Chemica (Latin. Frankfurt, 1614); OOC (Latin); TCB (English;
prefatory verses only); Medicina Practica (English. Ed. William Salmon, London, 1692).
Type I Latin:
16.1 Cambridge, Trinity College, MS R.14.58 [3] (fols. 1r–6r, ca. 1564; “W.B.”)
“Incipit tractatus intitulatus Medulla Alkimiae honorando patri et domino domino &c
compilatus.” Prefatory verses, Preface, Introduction, three stones, Epilogue. Latin
annotation. MS [2] includes (Latin) CRC 25, 6 (in same hand).
s. xvii)
“Medulla Alkamiae Georgii Ripley Canonici de Bridlington in Comitatu Eborum quam

misit Laurentio Bouthe Archiepiscopo Eboracensi anno 1476” (variant dedication).
Prefatory verses, Preface, Introduction, three stones, Epilogue. MS includes (Latin)
CRC 6; (English) 9, 13, 32.
16.3 London, British Library, MS Sloane 1524 [3] (fols. 59r–70v, November 1599; Robert
Smythe, alias Rooke)
“Incipit tra\c/tatus intitulatus Medulla alchimiae compilatus a Georgio Ripley canoni-
ci in bridlington ac dedicatus honorando patri et domino . . . Episcopo.\Ebora./”
(fol. 60r). Prefatory verses, Introduction, three stones, Epilogue. Latin annotation.
Amended: “Medulla Alkimia Georgii Ripley Canonici Bridlingtonensis Robarte Smethes
Rooke November 20. 1599” (fol. 59r); “Truly Examyned & the faults amend\id/ by me
Robert Smythe” (fol. 70v). MS [2] includes (English) CRC 1.
16.4 Oxford, Bodleian Library, MS Ashmole 1490 [F] (fols. 66r–74v, February 1593/4;
Simon Forman)
“Incipit Tractatus Intitulatus Medulla Alkimiae honorando patri et domino, domino
&c & compilatus &c.” Prefatory verses, Preface, Introduction, three stones, Epilogue.
Expl.: “And nowe out copied truly by me Simon Forman Anno 1593 . . . februari 19.”
MS includes (English) CRC 9; in [C] (English) 1 (extract); in [D] (English) 19.
16.5 Bologna, Biblioteca Universitaria, MS 270 (457), vol. XXIII [1] (fols. 57r–77v,
1575–1600)
“Incipit Tractatus Intitulatus Medulla Alchimiae compilatus a Georgio Riplay
Canonico Bridlington, ac dedicatus honorando patri et domino domino Episcopo.”
Preface, Introduction, three stones, Epilogue, Prefatory verses (“Haec versus precede-
bant,” fol. 76r), Colophon. MS includes (Latin) “Quaestiones” (pseudo-Lullian text,
here attributed to Ripley).
16.6 Cieszyn, Książnica Cieszyńska SZ DD.vii.33 (fols. 99r–119r, 1589–1592; Jan Kapr)
Seen in digital reproduction. “Incipit Tractatus Intitulatus Medulla Alchamiae Hono-
rando Patri et domino domino et compilatus.” Prefatory verses, Preface, Introduction,
three stones, Epilogue, Colophon. Latin annotation. The codex may have been
presented by Edward Kelley to Karl von Biberstein, or copied from such a volume:
“Eduardus Keleus Hunc librum in Graciam et amorem Magnifici domini Caroli
de Bibeistaynn Amici sui. . . 1589 Augusti 2°. Ipsumque filium suum philosophicum
adoptat Praeferendum Etiam semper omnibus mortalibus merito suo existimat”
(fol. 119v). MS includes (Latin) CRC 13, 17, 7, 27, 25, 9.
Type II Latin:
“Medulla Alchymiae Georgii Riplaei Angli.” Prefatory verses, Preface, Introduction,
three stones. English Epilogue appended (fols. 52r–v). Latin annotation. Variant
dedication: “dedycated to Thomas Ruthall Bishop of Durham and compilyd in English
of ye Autor hem selfe. Anno C. 1476. regni Edoar. 4. 16. anno” (fol. 37r). MS includes
(English) CRC 19, 9 (extract); (Latin) 25, 27, 29, 10, 8, 31, 13, 6, 32, 7.
16.8 London, Wellcome Library, MS 310 (fols. 54r–76v, ca. 1613)

“Composita à Georgio Ripla Anglo Canonico. De Secretis Alhimiae [sic].” Preface,
Introduction, three stones.
“Medulla alchimiae.” Prefatory verses (“Praefatio”), Preface, Introduction, three stones;
all except verses copied from OOC. MS includes (Latin) CRC 25, 27, 29, 10, 8, 31, 13,
6, 9, 17, 7, 1.
“Medulla Philosophiae Georgio Ripla Anglo canonico authore.” Preface, Introduction,
three stones. Amended in July 1628 with reference to 16.5. MS includes (Latin) CRC
13, 9, 25, 27, 29.
16.11 Firenze, Biblioteca Nazionale Centrale, MS Magd. XVI. 113 (fols. 1r–10v, 1566)
“Liber intitulatus Medulla Philosophye. compositus a Georgio \Riples/ Rypla Anglo
canonico anno [christi]. 1476.” Preface, Introduction, three stones, Colophon. Expl.:
“Exemplata anno. 1566. Venetiis.” Followed by Latin Note: “Infrascriptus tractatus
etiam predicti Georgii Riples Angli esse fertur, perinde huc subvertendum Duxi”
(fol. 11r). MS includes (Latin) CRC 29, 21.
“Incipit Medulla philosophie composita, a Reverendo Canonice Georgio Ripley Anglo,
anno Christi 1476.” Preface, Introduction, three stones. Latin annotation. Exemplar
(with 16.13) for edition in OOC. MS includes (Latin) CRC 17, 1, 21 (extract), 25
(extracts), 29 (x2), 23, 12, 27.
“Medulla Philosophiae composita ab eodem Georgio Ripla Anglo Canonico.” Prefa-
tory verses (“In Medullam G. Riplei”), Preface, Introduction, three stones, Colophon.
Expl.: “Explicit Medulla Phi: composita a Canonico G. Ripla Anglo Anno Christi 1426
alii 1476.” Heavy Latin annotation in several hands. Exemplar (with 16.12) for edition
in OOC. MS includes (Latin) CRC 9, 31 (extracts), 6, 27, 13, 29, 7 (extract), other
Ripley references.
16.14 Paris, Bibliothèque Nationale, MS Lat. 14012 (fols. 109r–23v, August 1587)
“Medulla philosophiae Georgii Riplei Angli Canonici authore” (fol. 110r). Preface,
Introduction, three stones. Expl.: “Finis Medula [sic]. Scriptum .15a. augusti 1587.
Parissis.” MS includes (Latin) CRC 9, 13, 25, 27, 29, 17.
16.15 Wien, Österreichische Nationalbibliothek, Codex 11133 (fols. 327v–39v, 1605–1606;
“Medulla Alchimiae.” Prefatory verses (“Praefatio in Medullam”), Preface, Introduc-
tion (in two parts, second titled “De ignibus et differentia eorum”), three stones. Heavy
Latin and Czech annotation. MS includes (Latin) CRC 25, 27, 29, 10, 8, 31, 6, 9.
MSS in English:
16.16 Cambridge, Trinity College Library, MS O.2.33 (fols. 3v–17v; ca. 1593)
“Here beginneth the booke called Medulla or the marowe of alchimy. Compiled in
Latin by George Ripley chanon.” Whitehead trans., amended with reference to Latin
text. Prefatory verses, Preface, Introduction, three stones, Epilogue, Colophon.
MS includes (English) CRC 10.
16.17 Glasgow University Library, MS Ferguson 102 (fols. 66v–99v, 1525–1575; William
Bolles)
“Medulla.” Whitehead trans. Preface (imperfect) followed by a fresh title, “Medulla
alkemie,” and a short introduction by the scribe (later deleted), beginning “This
treatise was writen unto a certen Bisshop of England by Sir george Riplay chanon” (fol.
68r). Introduction (missing some text at the start), three stones, Epilogue, Colophon.
English and Latin annotation; amended with reference to Latin text. MS includes
(English) CRC 9, 1, 10, 4. See entry for 9.10.
16.18 Lichfield Cathedral Library, MS 18 (fols. 1r–25r, 1568)
“The Mary of Alchamy Compyled by george Rypley Anno 1476.” Whitehead trans.
Preface, Introduction, three stones, Epilogue. MS includes (English) CRC 10.
“The marrowe of Philosophye by George Rypley, translated into Englishe.” Whitehead
trans. Preface, Introduction, three stones, Epilogue, Colophon. Preceded by “Marginall

notes uppon the Marrowe of Philosophye” copied from another manuscript (fols. 76r–
77v). English and Latin annotation; amended with reference to Latin text. MS includes
(Latin) CRC 6; (English) 30 (x2), 25, 1 (extract), 4, 12, 35, 27. Ex libris Gabriel
Gostwyk.
16.20 London, British Library, MS Sloane 319 (fols. 10r–18v, ca. 1600)
“Medulla Alchimiae or The Marrow of Alchimy Compiled in Latyn by George
Ripley.” Whitehead trans. Preface (“The prologue to Ripleyes tract called The Marrow
of Alchime”; first line repeated on fol. 10v), Introduction, three stones, Epilogue
(variant ending: biographical details removed), Colophon (abbreviated). MS includes
(English) CRC 32, 35 (extract), 10, 9 (extract).
16.21 London, British Library, MS Sloane 1423 (fols. 27r–33v, 1580–1600; Clement Draper)
Whitehead trans. Preface (abbreviated), Introduction, three stones, Colophon.
Followed by a short note, “An Addition to the worke followinge.” MS includes
(English) CRC 30, 8, 10, 19, 17 (extract), notes on 9 and 27.
16.22 London, British Library, MS Sloane 1787 (fols. 78r–109r, ca. 1623)
“Medulla Raimundi.” Whitehead trans. Introduction, three stones, Epilogue,
Colophon, Prefatory verses (Bolisse trans., “The preface to the Marow of alkemy”).
Concludes, “Here endeth the treatise called the Marow of Alkemy compiled by George
Riplay in the yeare of our Lord God 1476. He died anno 1490. So that this worke was
written 14 yeares before his death” (fol. 106v). Previous item dated “Anno 1623 Sept.
13” (fol. 77v); following item dated “1624” (fol. 109r). Latin annotation. MS includes
(English) CRC 19.
“Medulla warchadumiae.” Higgins trans. Preface, Introduction (undifferentiated),
three stones, Epilogue, Colophon. Expl.: “Translated out of Latine into Englishe \by/
Mr. John Higgins, Vic: of Win:” Exemplar for 16.33. MS includes (Latin) CRC 29;
(English) 23, 12, 6, 35, 4, 25, 10. Ex libris Arthur Dee, Sir Thomas Browne.
16.24 London, British Library, MS Sloane 3580B (fols. 136r–66v, 1580, Thomas Potter)
“Medulla philosophie. The Marowe of Philosophy, compiled by George Ripley,
Cannon of Brydlington, copyed by me Th. P. 1580. together with ye marginall note,
yt I founde in ye same copye.” Whitehead trans. Preface, Introduction, three stones,
Epilogue, Colophon. Heavy English and Latin annotation. MS includes (English) CRC
9 (extracts), 17, 4, 12.
16.25 London, British Library, MS Sloane 3667 [2] (fols. 92r–104v, ca. 1573/4; Samuel
Norton?)
“The booke callede ye Marie of alkamie compled [sic] by george Rypley anno 1476.”
Whitehead trans. Note: “And turned into Englyse by Mr Davye Whithede clarke. anno
1552” (fol. 104v). Prefatory verses (English , dated “Anno 1573”), Preface, Introduction,
three stones, Epilogue, Colophon. Preface possibly added later: “Thus moche was
left owt in the Coppy, yt I had this worke owt of &c.” (fol. 93r). Norton’s English
annotations. MS includes (English) CRC 1, 3, 13; in [1], 8.
16.26 London, British Library, MS Sloane 3721 (fols. 48r–71r, ca. 1601; William Burghe)
“Riply his Medulla or marrowe of Alkamie.” Introduction, three stones, Epilogue
(missing the catalogue of Ripley’s relations), Colophon. Previous item ends: “For
Francis Archer this booke was written by William Burghe, ended the 8th: daie of Marche
1601” (fol. 47r). Ends, “Heare endeth the treatis Called the Marrowe of Alkamie
Compiled by George Ripley the Yeare of our Lorde God 1476: Hee died in Anno: 1490:
Soe that this Booke was written 14: Yeares before his death” (fol. 71r). With Francis
Archer’s annotations (e.g. “quod francis Archer 1610 febru,” fol. 72r).
16.27 London, Lambeth Palace Library, Sion College MS Arc.L.40.2/E.7 (fols. 1r–17r,
s. xvi)
“Medulla Phillosophie.” Whitehead trans. Preface, Introduction, three stones,
Epilogue. “Medulla rypley georgi ryple cannon of Brydlyngton farmar & curat of
syxfurth church” (fol. 1r). Ex libris Thomas Harriot.
16.28 Oxford, Bodleian Library, MS Ashmole 1479 (fols. 31*r–42v, January 1561; Richard
Walton)
“Incipit tractatis intitulatus Medulla Alchimie, honorande pati [sic] et domino domino
.R. &c. compilatus. Cum quibus humana, natura viget bene sana.” Whitehead trans.
Prefatory verses in Latin, prefatory verses in English (“here afer folowyth thes versys
in ynglysshe & put in myttor by wylliam bolisse,” fol. 32*r–34*v), Preface and Intro-
duction (undifferentiated), three stones, Epilogue, Colophon. “[W]ryttyn by ye copye
in ye yere of our lorde 1561 the i of februer’ by Rychard Waultowne alias Walton”
(fol. 42v). MS includes (Latin) CRC 6, (English) 9, 10, 25, 6.
16.29 Oxford, Bodleian Library, MS Ashmole 1480 [3] (fols. 9r–15v, s. xvi)
Whitehead trans. (“And translated into English B. D. W. anno. 1552,” fol. 15v). Intro-
duction, three stones, Epilogue, Colophon. Light annotation by Thomas Robson. MS
includes (English) CRC 1 (extracts), 27; in [1], (English) 32, 25, 27.
“The Marrowe of George Rippleye.” Whitehead trans. Preface and Introduction
(undifferentiated), three stones, Epilogue, Colophon. Text amended and marginalia
blacked out. MS includes (English) CRC 9, 32, 13, 28, 26, 27; in [2], 27, 29.
16.31 Oxford, Bodleian Library, MS Ashmole 1487 [2] (fols. 172r–80r, ca. 1569; Edward
Barlowe)
“The marrowe of Alkemye written to the archbishopp of yorke by george Ripley
Channon of bridlyngton in the yere 1476 & xvith yere of K. edward the iiiith.” White-
head trans. Preface (abbreviated) and Introduction (undifferentiated), three stones,
Epilogue. A few notes in English. MS includes (English) CRC 13 (extract), 10.
16.32 Oxford, Bodleian Library, MS Ashmole 1492 [9] (157–75, 1575–1600; Christopher
Taylour)
“A Booke entituled the Marrow of Alchemy Compiled by George Ripley Chanon of
Bridlington and translated by John Mayre parson of Chipsted 1552.” Whitehead trans.
Preface, Introduction, three stones, Epilogue, Colophon. MS includes (English) CRC
25, 27; in [3], 1 (extract).
“Medulla Warchadumiae.” Higgins trans. Preface, Introduction, three stones, Epilogue,
Colophon. Expl.: “Translated out of Latine into English by Mr John Higins, Vicar of
Win.” Copied from 16.23.
16.34 Oxford, Bodleian Library, MS Rawl. B.306 (fols. 53r–65v, 1575–1600)

“Mary of Alchimye.” Whitehead trans. Prefatory verses, Preface and Introduction
(undifferentiated), three stones, Epilogue, Colophon. English annotation. Probably
copied from 16.28. MS includes (English) CRC 1, 10, 25, 20.
16.35 Boston, Massachusetts Historical Society, Winthrop 20c (fols. 115r–22v, s. xvi)
“Marie of Alchamy.” Whitehead trans. Preface, Introduction, three stones, Epilogue,
Colophon. MS includes (English) CRC 19. Ex libris John Winthrop Jr.
16.36 Amsterdam, Bibliotheca Philosophica Hermetica, MS 46 (fols. 1v–8r, s. xvii)
“The Marrow of Chymicall Philosophy of George Ripley Englishman.” Translation of
Type II Latin version in OOC. Preface (“The Authours Preface to the Chancelour of
England”), Introduction, three stones. Concludes with “A Prayer of the Authour unto
God” (i.e. extract from Prologue, CRC 9).
16.37 Kassel Landesbibliothek, 2o MS chem. 4 (fols. 69r–81v, ca. 1604)
“Marie of Alkemie.” Whitehead trans. Preface and Introduction (undifferentiated),
three stones, Epilogue, Colophon.
16.38 København, Royal Library, GKS 1746 (fols. 1r–17v, 1570–1600)
“Medulla Alkimiae compilled & mad by Georg Ripley of Bridlingtone for the great
goodwill pure and true love that he did beare to Archebyshop of Yorke to whome he
sent the said booke from Itali in the yeare of our Lord 1476 translated out of Laten
into English in anno domini 1553 by david Whitehed Doctor of Physick.” Whitehead
trans. Preface, Introduction, three stones, Epilogue. MS includes (English) CRC 27, 25
(extract).
“Mary of Alkemy.” Whitehead trans. Preface, Introduction, three stones, Epilogue,
Colophon. MS includes (English) CRC 13, 9, 3, 1, 10, 22. Probably owned by Henry
Percy, Ninth Earl of Northumberland.
MSS in Czech:
16.40 Leiden Universiteitsbibliotheek, MS Vossianus Chym. F.3 (fols. 159r–67r, 1585–1589;
Bavor Rodovsky Z Hustiran)
“Wybrane gadro z Hermesowe filozofie Sepsane Skrze Cztihodneho pana Girzika
Ryplea, kanovnika w Englandu . . . Riplaei Canonici Summa Hermetis.” Translated
from Type II Latin. Preface, Introduction, three stones. Czech annotation. Note on
preceding text: “1585, dne 11. Brezna” (fol. 151r); ex libris plate: “Bavor Rodovsky z
Hustiran, 1579” (fol. 617r). Ex libris Peter Vok von Rosenberg.
Fragments:
16.i Edinburgh, Royal College of Physicians of Edinburgh, MS Anonyma 2, vol. 6 (fols.
144v–46v, s. xvii)
“Out of the book called the Marrow of Alchimie, out of the Praeface.” Extracts in
English. MS includes (Latin) CRC 27 (extracts), 17, 29; (English) 9 (extracts).
16.ii London, British Library, MS Sloane 1451 (fol. 23r, s. xvii)
“Notes out of Ripley’s Medulla.” English extracts from Introduction (inc.: “Dastin
saith, the mistery is finished with one noble of goold”) and start of Mineral stone
(inc.: “Our secret consistes in the fier which is divers”). Translated from a Latin
exemplar.
16.iii London, British Library, MS Sloane 1744 (fols. 49r–50v, 54v–57r, 110r–12v, 190r–92v,
ca. 1606; Thomas Robson)
English extracts on Mineral and Vegetable stones: “The first Chapter to the bishiope
of yorke To make [mercury] into watter by it selfe by George Riplie” (fol. 49r–v, with
diagram of flask); “Another maner of Elixer the third Chapter” (fols. 49v–50v, with
note, “the seconde chapter is on the 52. on the backside of the leafe”); “George Riplie.
A chapter which should haue bine betwe [sic] them on the 47. leaf but mistake” (fols.
54v–57r); “George Ripley to the lord bishope. This seconde chapter treateth of the
vigitable stone” (fols. 110r–12v); unattributed extract from Mineral Stone (“Another
waye,” fols. 190r–92v). MS includes (English) CRC 4, 25, 27, 3 (extracts), 9 (extract),
1 (extracts), 33, 30.
16.iv London, British Library, MS Sloane 2036 (fols. 71r–75r, s. xvii)
“Heere followeth the booke intituled the Marie of Alkamy compiled by George Ripley,
channon /1476/.” Preface, Introduction, Mineral Stone (beginning only). Ends “Now
let us goe to the Marye of Alkamy” (fol. 75r), but missing remainder of text. MS
16.v London, Wellcome Library, MS 4856 (274–77, s. xviii)
Latin. “Georgius Riplaeus in Medula Phiilosophie [sic], de lapide Animali.” Notes on
Animal Stone.
16.vi Oxford, Bodleian Library, MS Ashmole 971–72 (fol. 4r, 1654; Elias Ashmole)
Note dated Rome, 1654, in Ashmole’s annotated copy of TCB: “Medulla Warchadu-
miae. Vourchadumia (ut habet Joh: Augustine Pantheus Venetian) in the art & theory
of the transmutacion of Metalls. &c:/ signifies Aurum duarum rubeam: But rather
terra silentiis, vel taciturnitis, Medecina sanitatis. Mr: Jo: Higins Vic: of Win: trans-
lated Riplyes Medulla out of Latin into English which much differs from yt translacion
which my father Backhouse hath.”
16.vii Oxford, Bodleian Library, MS Ashmole 1424 [1] (51v–54v, 1614–1616; Thomas
Robson)
English extracts on Mineral and Vegetable stones: “George Riplie to the Bishope
of Yorke, to make [mercury] into watter. Grind [mercury] with oyle of tartar.”
Concludes: “Thes 3 chapters are taken forth of the Marrowe of Alkamye compilled
by George Ripley.” MS includes (English) CRC 27 (extract); in [2], (English) 10, 35,
27 (extract).
16.viii Paris, Bibliothèque de l’Arsenal, MS 2518 (fols. 49v–50v, s. xvii)
“Menstruale vegetable, extrait de la Moelle d’alkimie de Rypley.” English extracts
from chapters on vegetable and mineral stones. French annotation. MS includes (Eng-
lish) CRC 35.
16.ix Paris, Bibliothèque Mazarine, MS 3680 (24, s. xvii)
Latin. “G. Riplaeus Medulla philosophiae Chemicae.” Extract from chapter on animal
stone. MS includes (Latin) CRC 9, extracts from 17, 25.
16.x New Haven, Yale University Library, Beinecke-Osborn MS fa.16 (fols. 1r–3v, 1570)
English notes from Medulla, and CRC 10, 9, 13, 27. See entry for 9.xxxvi.
17. De Mercurio & Lapide Philosophorum

Prose treatise, circulating by 1580, which describes a variety of “quintessences” with chrysopo-
etic and medicinal properties. While the earliest witnesses use the Latin title, the text was
probably composed in English, since it discourses on the “English Tetragrammate name” of
the imperfect alchemical body, “BRAS” (Body, Root, Adam, Soul/Spirit). The alchemy employs
standard pseudo-Lullian and Ripleian tropes such as the wheel of elements, although others,
including the red and green lions and the philosophical Brass, are less distinctively Ripleian.
This, and the late date of surviving copies, suggests that this may be a relatively late addition
to the corpus.
Latin. Inc.: “Carissime fili instruam te in haec benedicta scientia . . .” Expl.: “Et tu quidem si
haec intellexeris, non dubito quin tanta secreta nunquam divulgabis.”
English. Inc.: “I will, my dearest Son, instruct thee in this Blessed Science.” Expl.: “And if you
understand what I have said, I fear not, but you shall keep it in counsel.”
Printed: QA (Latin); CS (German); TC, III (Latin); OOC (Latin); Aurifontina Chymica
(English. London, 1680); MMC (German); Philosophie Naturelle de Trois Anciens Philosophes
(French. Paris, 1682).
MSS in English:
17.1 London, British Library, MS Sloane 3580B (fols. 120r–30r, 1580; Thomas Potter)
“De mercurio et lapide philosophorum.” Followed by non-Ripleian text, “Opus de
Magistro et Discipulo,” with note: “Copied oute Anno 1580. by me Th. Potter, oute
of a copy yt lacked leaves in ye ende, & so this treatise maymed. But I coniecture, yt
ye treatyse begynninge folio .220. [i.e. CRC 17] is parcell of this. for, this was set firste
in ye said copy , in a bad secretary hande, & thother was joyned close to it in a
romayne hande, but they had .2. severall titles, as you see, & torne leaves betwene
them” (fol. 131r). MS includes (English) CRC 9 (extracts), 16, 4, 12.
“Liber de mercurio et lapide philosophorum.” English translation of OOC. MS
includes (English) CRC 25, 7, 27, 29, 10, 8, 31, 1.
17.3 Oxford, Bodleian Library, MS Ashmole 1452 (fols. 47r–55v, s. xvii; Elias Ashmole)
“This runs under the Tytle of de [mercur]io lapide Philosophorum Georgii Riplaei.”
Note: “In one Coppy I met with ys work beareng his Tytle. The gracious Science &
blessed Secret, hid of old Philosophers which had it by grace & good living with devote
prayeng to God” (fol. 55v).
MSS in Latin:
“De mercurio et lapide philosophorum.” Copied from OOC. MS includes (Latin) CRC
16, 25, 27, 29, 10, 8, 31, 13, 6, 9, 7, 1.
17.5 Cieszyn, Książnica Cieszyńska SZ DD.vii.33 (fols. 37v–44v, July 1592; Jan Kapr)
Seen in digital reproduction. “Liber de Mercurio Et lapide philozophorum Georgii
RIPLAE Angli.” Note: “Julii 17 annus 1592” (fol. 44v). MS includes (Latin) CRC 13,
7, 16, 27, 25, 9.
17.6 Kassel Landesbibliothek, 4o MS chem. 66 (fols. 2r–7v, 1575–1600)
“De mercurio et Lapide philosphorum.” MS includes (Latin) CRC 1, 25 (extracts), 21
(extract), 16, 29 (x2), 23, 12, 27.
17.7 Paris, Bibliothèque Nationale, MS Lat. 14012 (fols. 126r–28r, 105r–8r, 1585)
“Liber de Mercurio et lapide philosophorum Georgii Riplaei Anglici.” Text split into
two parts, concluding at fols. 105r–8r (expl.: “Finis 1588 Parisei”). Latin annotation.
MS includes (Latin) CRC 9, 13, 25, 27, 29, 16.
MSS in French:
17.8 Glasgow University Library, MS Ferguson 123 (54–85, s. xviii)
“Traité du Mercure et de la pierre des philosophes de george Riplée.”
17.9 Glasgow University Library, MS Ferguson 211 (fols. 26r–31r, s. xviii)
“Traite de Georges Triplan du Mercure et du la pierre des sages.” French translation
of QA, 1614. Follows 9.49.
17.10 Paris, Bibliothèque Nationale, MS Fr. 14795 (223–249, s. xvii)

“Le Livre du Mercure et pierre philosophique De george Riplex chanoine anglois
Traduction de R. Bascon S. de prestes.” Text divided into two parts, the second titled
“Pratique.” MS includes (French) CRC 9.
17.11 Cambridge, Mass., Houghton Library, Harvard University, MS Fr. 546 (fols. 36r–40v,
s. xvii)
“Traité de Georges Triplan Du Mercure et de la pierre des Sages.” French translation
of QA made in 1614. Follows 9.54.
Fragments:
17.i Edinburgh, Royal College of Physicians of Edinburgh, MS Anonyma 2, vol. 6 (fols. 77r,
143v–44r, s. xvii)
Latin. “Ex libro de Mercurio Geo: Riplaei” (fol. 143v). Extracts. MS includes (Latin)
CRC 27 (extracts), 29; (English) 16 (extracts), 9 (extracts).
17.ii London, British Library, MS Sloane 1098 (fols. 22v–23r, 1556–1581)
Short extract (inc.: “Owre virgynne Brasse ys our golde”). MS includes (English) CRC
19, 13 (extract), 9 (extract), 1 (extract), 6; (Latin) 28, 32, 6.
17.iii London, British Library, MS Sloane 1423 (fol. 40r, 1580–1600; Clement Draper)
Extract (inc.: “I Saye to you playnly that our medicine is a Stone and it is no stone”).
Short excerpt from Preface, following notes on CRC 9. MS includes (English) CRC 16,
30, 8, 10, 19, notes on 9 and 27.
17.iv Paris, Bibliothèque Mazarine, MS 3680 (23, s. xvii)
Latin. “G. Riplaeus Lib. De Mercurio.” Short extract. MS includes (Latin) CRC 9,
extracts from 16, 25.
18. Mercurius ex luna

Group of recipes attributed to Ripley in the “Liber librum,” an early seventeenth-century
commonplace book of alchemical receipts from different sources. The four recipes describe the
extraction of “mercury” from various metallic bodies: “Mercury ex luna” (Latin), “Mercury of
all bodies” (English), “Mercury ex sol” (Latin and English), and “All bodyes into mercury”
(English). Ingredients and certain processes (such as heating in a water bath or dung) are
encoded using various symbols, some of which are explicated in a key at the end of the book.
The explicits provide information on Ripley that is not found elsewhere in the corpus, includ-
ing the titles of books (Practica secreta; Libro suo de suis secretis) and sources (a friend;
Gunsalvus).
Inc.: “Rx de [symbol] optime destillatur infra quod pone nobile [tartar] calcinatum . . . Rx a
pinte of our aquavitae and dissolve therin 32 of the salt of [symbol] then distill it per filtrum
. . . Rx de [mercury] crude ½ of [common salt] prepared & of [vitriol] ana i quarter . . .
Rx asmuch [mercury] as you will and purge it well then put what purged bodie you please
therunto in limell or foyle . . .” Expl.: “. . . ut inquit ille summus philosophus Georgius Ripleus
Chanon de Bridlington . . . so saith that famous man Sr George Ripley in his practica secreta.
. . . istud experimentum Georgius Ripleus habuit Domino Gunsalvo cum iuramento in ligno, et
idem scripsit in libro suo de suis secretis . . . This was geven to the noble Sr George Ripley the
good Channon of Bridlington, by a friend of his that often used it.”
18.1 Oxford, Bodleian Library, MS Ashmole 1406 [4] (fols. 241v–43r, 1600–1625)
Four recipes, titled “Mercury ex luna,” “Mercury of all bodies,” “Mercury ex sol,” and
“All bodyes into mercury.” MS [1] includes (Latin) CRC 27.
19. Mystery of Alchemists

(A Conclusion to make the Stone of Philosophie, Mystery of Alchemy, De putrifactionibus,
Verum opere de compleccionis solis, lunae et mercuri)
Late fifteenth-century, anonymous Middle English poem composed in the form of a dialogue
between father and son. Recorded with attribution to Ripley in Bale’s Summarium (1548), as
“De putrifactionibus.” The poem has some material in common with other Middle English
verses sometimes attributed to Ripley, the Bost of Mercury and Liber patris sapientiae.
English. Inc.: “When Sol in Aries and Phoebus shines bright.” Expl.: “. . . For in riches all
Stones exceeds he.”
Printed: TCB (English).

19.1 Glasgow University Library, MS Ferguson 91 (fols. 27v–35v, s. xvii)
“The Mystery of Alchymy compiled by Gorge Riply channon Regular of Bridlington.”
MS includes (English) CRC 9 (extract); (Latin) 16, 25, 27, 29, 10, 8, 31, 13, 6, 32, 7.
19.2 London, British Library, MS Harley 6453 (fols. 21r–23r, s. xvii)
“And heere beginnith the worke of an unknowen Author, havinge no name to yt but
Jesus.” Prose format. MS includes (English) CRC 4.
Abbreviated. MS includes (English) CRC 13 (extract), 9 (extract), 1 (extract), 17
(extract), 6; (Latin) 28, 32, 6.
“Verum opere de compleccionis [sol].[lune].[mercury].” MS includes (English) CRC 16,
30, 8, 10, 17 (extract), notes on 9 and 27.
“Verum Opere de Compleccionis .[sol].[lune].[mercury].” MS includes (English) CRC
30, 5.
“The mysterie of alkemie by George Ripley.” MS includes (English) CRC 16.
19.7 London, British Library, MS Sloane 2036 (fols. 22r–25r, 26r–29r, s. xvii)
“In the name of god amen. Of the secrets of nature.” MS includes (English) CRC 16.
19.8 London, British Library, MS Sloane 3747 (fols. 110r–15v, 1450–1500; Corthop scribe)
“Inter philosophum patrem & eius filium.” MS includes (English) CRC 1, 27, 6, 13.
19.9 Oxford, Bodleian Library, MS Ashmole 759 (fols. 106v–13v, 1475–1500; Corthop
scribe)
MS also contains 27 (extracts), 13, 9 (extract).
19.10 Oxford, Bodleian Library, MS Ashmole 1382 (254–55, ca. 1635–1636)
“Authore ignoto.” Incomplete (expl.: “A likenesse hereto is the Trinity”). MS includes
(English) CRC 35.
19.11 Oxford, Bodleian Library, MS Ashmole 1490 [D] (fols. 8r–10v, s. xvi)
“De lapyde phylosofico.” Written over by Simon Forman. MS includes in [C], (English)
CRC 1 (extract); in [F], (Latin) 16; (English) 9.
19.12 Amsterdam, Bibliotheca Philosophica Hermetica, MS 199 (fols. 118r–21v, 1560–1600)
“A conclusion to make the stone of philosophi: \Rypley/.” MS includes (English) CRC
9 (notes), 1, 9, 10, 27, 8.
19.13 Boston, Massachusetts Historical Society, Winthrop 20c (fols. 21r–24v, s. xvi)
MS includes (English) CRC 16. Ex libris John Winthrop Jr.
19.14 London, Christies, 24 November 2009, Lot 15/Sale 7760 (foliation unknown, 1550–
1600)
Seen in digital reproduction. “A conclusion to make the stone of philosophie.” MS
20. Myte
Short, encoded argyropoetic recipe, which describes the sublimation of ingredients in a barrel-
shaped vessel, and refers to travels in Italy. Apparently translated from Latin, since the two
extant copies differ somewhat (see below).

English. Inc.: “Take [symbol] salt i part, [symbol] sublimed ii parts . . .” Expl.: “. . . that will
serve thy turn in all things that you do use [luna] either spoons, or plate, and this my Myte I
bequeath to the hands of the honest minded man.”
20.1 Oxford, Bodleian Library, MS Ashmole 1421 (fol. 160v, 1600–1625)
“George Ripleyes Miiter.” Expl.: “. . . this will chere up the dyinge ghost of the werye
and forlorne Chimist, ye it will serve thee for all kind of plate that perfect [lune] is
used for, without any other adition put to it, and this I dispose to the hands of the
honest and well dissposed Chimist &c. George Ripley.” MS includes (English) CRC
35, 35, 26, 25 (extract).
20.2 Oxford, Bodleian Library, MS Rawlinson B.306 (fol. 71v, 1575–1600; Thomas
Mountfort)
“Sir George Ryplys myte whytinge [venus].” MS includes (English) CRC 1, 10, 16, 25
(extract).
21. Nota quod Mercurius

Table of alchemical code names (“Table”) found in two late sixteenth-century manuscripts,
equating sulfur to fire, arsenic to air, sal armoniac to earth, and mercury to “water of the
stone.” Four “gums” are also named. Followed by a short text on cover names (“Notes”),
concluding with several items from the Notable Rules (CRC 22).
Latin. Inc.: “Nota quod omnia corpora calcinata et soluta in aquem substantiam possunt
congelari.” Expl.: “. . . Calidum est, et humidum in suo manifesto, et siccum in suo occulto.
. . . Spiritus ille est Sol philosophorum, Aqua Solaris, Arsenicum et Luna.”
21.1 Firenze, Biblioteca Nazionale Centrale, MS Magd. XVI. 113 (fol. 13r–v, February
1575)
“Nota quod Mercurius vocatur Vitrum secundum philosophos.” Table, Notes (“Lege
que sequntur eum attentione magna”). Expl.: “Finis operis Georgii Riples Scriptum ex
originali eiusdem. anno domini. 1575. Die .9. sepm. nunc denuo rescriptum Venetiis.
1575. 17. februari cum Dei Laude. Amen.” MS includes (Latin) CRC 16, 29.
21.2 Kassel Landesbibliothek, 4o MS chem. 66 (fol. 61v, 1575–1600)
“Nota mercurius vocatur vitrum secundum philosophos.” Table only. MS includes
(Latin) CRC 17, 1, 25 (extracts), 16, 29 (x2), 23, 12, 27.
22. Notable Rules from Guido

(Excellent notes taken out of a Book of Guido de Montanor a Chief Philosopher in the parts
of Graecia, Notabilia excerpta de Libro Guidonis de Montaynor summi Philosophi in partibus
Graeciae)
Collection of forty-five axioms extracted from works of Guido de Montanor, particularly De

arte chymica. The Rules also provide the basis for “Oleum verò Solis fiet,” a component of the
Viaticum (CRC 31). The compilation is usually attributed to Ripley, and individual Rules are
often annotated with his name or initials. A component of the Bosome Book (CRC 3).
Latin. Inc.: “Scientia ista non datur a Deo, nisi praecipue bene dispositis personis.” Expl.: “. . .
sine qua non fit generatio nova nec multiplicatio in natura &c. Expliciunt quae sufficiunt.”
English (Norton trans.). Inc.: “This science is not given from God, but to well disposed
persons.” Expl.: “G.R. explains sufficiently that which is necessary.”
MSS in Latin:
22.1 Cambridge, Trinity College, MS O.8.9 (fol. 37v, 1475–1500)
Rules 1–16 and part of 17; remainder lost, owing to missing leaves. Note in later hand:
“De sunt hic non nulla, vt minus duas vel 3. paginae.” MS includes (Latin) CRC 14.
22.2 London, British Library, MS Harley 2411 (fols. 50r–53v, 1600–1615)
“Notabilia excerpta de Libro Guidonis de Montaynor summi Philosophi in partibus
Graeciae.” Forty-five rules; four references to “G.R.” (rules 32, 33, 35, 44). Component
of Bosome Book, 3.1.
22.3 London, Wellcome Library, MS 7095–3 (fol. 2r–3v, 5r–6r, 1600–1625)
“Notabilia excerpta de libro Guidonis summi Philosophi, de Montaynor in partibus
G\r/aeciae.” Rules 32–45 (fols. 2r–3v) listed separately from rules 1–32 (fols. 5r–6r).
Three references to “G.R.” (rules 32, 33, 35).
MSS in English:
“Notable rules taken out of Guido the philosopher by G. R.” Component of Bosome
Book, 3.5. Copied from 22.5.
22.5 London, British Library, MS Sloane 3667 [2] (fols. 130v–32r, ca. 1573/4; Samuel
Norton?)
“Notable Rulles tayken out of Guido ye philosophor per G. R.” Forty-five rules; three
references to “G.R” (rules 32, 33, 35). Expl.: “Here endeth ye 45 commone places,
which George Rypley gathered out of Guido Muntanor. Thay ar declared yt may
suffyes [sic], Marke them well. G.R.” Component of Bosome Book, 3.6.
Howes)
“Certen notes gathered out of the Booke of Guido de monte Maiore, the great
philosopher in the parts of gretia.” Component of Bosome Book, 3.7.
Thomas Robson)
“Certen notes gathered out of the book of Guido demonte maiere the greatest philoso-
pher of all gretia.” Forty-one rules; one reference to “G.R” (rule 35). Component of
Bosome Book, 3.9. Copied from 22.6.
“Excellent notes taken out of a Booke of Guido de Montanor a Cheife Philosopher in
the parts of Graecia.” Thirty-five rules (unnumbered). MS includes (English) notes on
Ripley (8, 11), CRC 23, 4.
22.9 Cambridge, Mass., Houghton Library, MS Eng. 1527 (fol. 29r–v, ca. 1846)
“Collections out of Guido de Montanor.” Unnumbered. MS includes (English) CRC 9
(extract).
22.10 Los Angeles, Getty Research Institute, MS 18, vol. 7 [2] (fols. 20v–24v, s. xvii)
“Excellente nottes takeine out of a buike of Guido de Montaynor A cheife Philosopher
in the Pairts [sic] of Grecia.” Forty-one rules (unnumbered). MS includes (English)
CRC 9 (extracts).
“Notabell lessons chosen or picked owte of ye bocke of Guydo ye great philosopher in
the partes of Grecia.” Forty-five rules; three references to “George Ripley” (rules 32,
35, 44), one to “G.R” (rule 32). MS includes (English) CRC 16, 13, 9, 3, 1, 10. Probably
owned by Henry Percy, Ninth Earl of Northumberland.
23. Notes from Medulla

Short English text supposed to have been appended to the Medulla, describing the colour
changes of the alchemical work. Paired with a second note, “Elixir of only mercury,” which
does not correspond to the processes of that name in CRC 3 and 31. Not recorded before the
late sixteenth century.
English. Inc.: “As Merlin sayth green as annointed with olive oil, work this together between
two vessels circulatory . . . Mercury dissolved in our secret salt put into a grippes egge well
sealed . . .” Expl.: “. . . and by the gift of God: whose name be blessed for ever. Amen. . . .
commend this secret to God and pray unto him, to whom be praise and glorye for ever,
Amen.”
MSS in English:
“Things written by G: Rip: \found/ in the ende of the Marrowe &c. in Englishe.” Notes
from Medulla, Elixir of only Mercury. Marginal note: “Desunt plurima hic praeciden-
tia quae reperiuntur in libro D.D.W. et Ipsley” (fol. 7v). MS includes (Latin) 29;
(English) CRC 12, 6, 35, 2, 4, 25, 16, 10. Ex libris Arthur Dee, Sir Thomas Browne.
Notes from Medulla, Elixir of only Mercury. MS includes (English) CRC 22, 4, notes
on Ripley (8, 11).
MSS in Latin:
“Hic sequitur finis practicae composicionis aceti acerrimi, et videtis principium huius
practice.” Notes from Medulla, Elixir of only Mercury (“Elixir ex solo mercurio”). MS
includes (Latin) CRC 17, 1, 21 (extract), 25 (extracts), 16, 29 (x2), 12, 27.
24. Opus aureum verum

Latin prose compilation of recipes and short texts gathered from elsewhere in the corpus,
including “Opus Basilisci” (CRC 1) and “Menstruum” (CRC 31, here titled “De Menstruo
contra Naturam”). Subtitled “De Lapide Minerali.”
Inc.: “Fili oportet te intelligere operationes per quas argenta nostra creantur viva.” Expl.: “Sed
dentes Diaboli faciunt matrimonium.”
“Opus Aureum verum, Authore Georgio Ripleio Cannonico Bridlingtoniensi.” MS
25. Philorcium Alchimistarum

(Of the Possibility of this Science)
Latin theorica in three chapters, describing the proofs of alchemy and the errors of false and
misguided practitioners, followed by a practica in fifteen sections. The “Prologue” presents the
work as the sum of Ripley’s learning acquired in German and Italian lands. This material is
compatible with biographical information found in the Compound and Medulla, although the
Prologue and practica are not attached to the earliest witness (24.i), dating from the 1520s,
raising the possibility of pseudoepigraphic additions. The alchemical contents are compatible
with those of the Medulla: the “Green Lion” being identified not with vitriol or copper, but
with a menstruum extracted from lead. The practica includes recipes using antimony. The
complete treatise was circulating both in Latin and in English translation by the 1560s. It
comprises the “Prologue,” followed by “Of the possibility of this science” (“Possibility”), “Of
the errors of certain practicers of the art” (“Errors”), “Of the ignorance of those that err and
to bring them to the truth and to call them back from their errors” (“Ignorance”), a single
recipe beginning “Here follow the notes of the practice called Philorcium” (“Notes”), and
fourteen additional recipes, or “Ways” (“14 Ways”). Sometimes accompanied by a short
English verse, “When you shall see two knit in one.”
Latin. Inc.: “Postquam ego Georgius Riplaeus natione Anglus diu me exercu eram in studio
naturalis Philosophiae.” Expl.: “. . . qui sine fine vivit per secula seculorum, Amen.”
English. Inc.: “After that I George Ripley, an Englishman born, had exercised myself a long
time in the study of natural philosophy.” Expl.: “. . . who without end liveth and reigneth, God
by all worlds of worlds: Amen.”
MSS in Latin:
25.1 Cambridge, Trinity College Library, MS R.14.58 [2] (fols. 1r–7v, ca. 1564; “W.B.”)
“Philorcium alkymistarum.” Prologue, Possibility, Errors, 14 Ways, Ignorance (follow-
ing Philorcium explicit on fol. 7r). Heavy annotation in Latin by a later hand. Possible
common exemplar with 25.i, as some marginal notes appear to be related. MS includes
(Latin) CRC 6, 16.
“Philorcium Alchymistarum Georgii Riplaei Angli.” Prologue, Possibility, Errors,
Ignorance, Notes (“De Virtute Aquae Philosophicae”), 14 Ways, “When you shall see
two knite in one.” MS includes (English) CRC 19, 9 (extract); (Latin) 16, 27, 29, 10, 8,
31, 13, 6, 32, 7.
“Philorcium Alchemitarum [sic], cum prologo.” Copied from OOC. MS includes
(Latin) CRC 16, 27, 29, 10, 8, 31, 13, 6, 9, 17, 7, 1.
“Philorcium Alchymistarum.” Prologue, Possibility, Errors, Ignorance, Notes (“de
virtute Aquae Philosophicae” added in later hand), 14 Ways. Amended on “14 au[. . ]st
1628” with reference to “No. 53” (unidentified). MS includes (Latin) CRC 13, 9, 16,
27, 29.
25.5 Cieszyn, Książnica Cieszyńska SZ DD.vii.33 (fols. 147r–165r, 1592; Jan Kapr)
Seen in digital reproduction. “Philorcium Alchimistarum, Ripleo Anglo Authore.”
Prologue, Possibility, Errors, Ignorance, Notes, 14 Ways. Latin annotation. MS
includes (Latin) CRC 13, 17, 7, 16, 27, 9.
25.6 Paris, Bibliothèque Nationale, MS Lat. 14012 (fols. 75r–88v, 1585)

“Philorcium Alchimistarum Georgio Ripleo Anglico Canonico.” Prologue, Possibility,
Errors, Ignorance, Notes, 14 Ways. Expl.: “Finis Philorcii Alchimiae, 1585. Redoni.”
Latin annotation. MS includes (Latin) CRC 9, 13, 27, 29, 17, 16.
“Philorcium Alchymistarum.” Prologue, Possibility, Errors, Ignorance, Notes (“De
Virtute aquae Philosophiae”), 14 Ways (with diagram of apparatus at fol. 349r). Heavy
MSS in English:
25.8 Glasgow University Library, MS Ferguson 133 (fols. 45v–57r, 1606; Thomas Robson)
“Philorcium of george Riplye of the possibilyte of this science.” Possibility, Errors,
14 Ways, Ignorance. MS includes CRC 9 (extract), 27. Ex libris Frances Ayer of
“Barrowdon Rutlandia” (fol. 65v).
Possibility, Errors, Ignorance, Notes (“Here beginneth the practise of Philoursium”),
14 Ways. MS includes (Latin) CRC 6; (English) 16, 30 (x2), 1 (extract), 4, 12, 35, 27.
“Philorsium George Riplaye.” 14 Ways. MS includes (English) CRC 13, 35 (extract),
32, 9 (extract).
25.11 London, British Library, MS Sloane 1744 (fols. 59r–66r, 89r–90r, 91v–92r, ca. 1606;
Thomas Robson)
14 Ways (fols. 59r–66r), Ignorance (fols. 89r–90r), Errors (fols. 91v–92r). MS includes
(English) CRC 4, 16 (extracts), 27, 3 (extracts), 9 (extract), 1 (extracts), 33, 30.
“Philorsium. The Prologue of George Rypley Cannon of Bridlingtonne unto his
Treatise which is intituled Philorsium of the Alchimistes. &c.” Preface, Possibility,
Errors, Notes (“Heere beginnethe the Practice called Philorsium”), 14 Ways (no. 3
divided into two parts, the second entitled “An other manner of Practice in the same
Stone, is this”), Ignorance. Expl.: “Finis huius libri intitulati Philorsium Collecti per
Georgium Ryplaye Canonem de Brydlyngton in Com: Ebor. ex parte boreali Anglie.
&c. Anno: 1476.” MS includes (Latin) CRC 29; (English) 23, 12, 6, 35, 2, 4, 16, 10. Ex
libris Arthur Dee, Sir Thomas Browne.
“Philorcium Philosophorum made by George Ripley Channon of Bridlington.”
Prologue, Possibility, Errors, Notes, 14 Ways (several abbreviated). Some marginal
notes.
“Philorcium Alchymistarum.” Prologue, Possibility, Errors, Ignorance, Notes, 14 Ways.
English translation of OOC. MS includes (English) CRC 17, 7, 27, 29, 10, 8, 31, 1.
25.15 Oxford, Bodleian Library, MS Ashmole 1426 [7] (1–30, s. xvii)
“The Booke of Phelosophers mad by George Ripley of the possibillitee of this science.”
Possibility, Errors, 14 Ways, Ignorance (“A Recapituelation done per mee by mee
Gorge Ripley to confute the Ignorance of theese yt erre & to bringe them to the truth
and to call them backe from there Errors”). MS includes (English) CRC 4, 12.
25.16 Oxford, Bodleian Library, MS Ashmole 1479 (fols. 229r–36v, 305r–14r; ca. 1560s;
Richard Walton)
“The prologue of george rypleye unto hys treatyze which ys intytulyd phylorsium of
ye alchymistes.” Prologue, Possibility, Errors, Notes, 14 Ways (no. 10 only), Ignorance
(“thys yt folowyth sholld have folowyd after all ye practyse which faulte ys by cause
yt came to my handes but by pecemeale,” fol. 234v), 14 Ways (the remaining thirteen
recipes, beginning fol. 305r: “here folowyth the phylorcium of george Rypley”). MS
includes (English) CRC 9, 16 (preface in English and Latin), 10, 6 (Latin and
English).
25.17 Oxford, Bodleian Library, MS Ashmole 1480 [1] (fols. 48v–59r, s. xvi)
“Philorcium of george ripley of ye possibilite of this Science.” Possibility, Errors, 14
Ways, Ignorance. MS includes (English) CRC 32, 27; in [3], (English) 1 (extracts), 16,
27. Ex libris Thomas Robson.
Taylour)
“An abstract of George Ripley called Philorcium Alchemiae of the possibility of this
Science.” Possibility, Errors, 14 Ways, Ignorance. MS includes (English) CRC 16, 27;
in [3], 1.
25.19 Oxford, Bodleian Library, MS Ashmole 1493 (fols. 96r–105r, s. xvii; Elias Ashmole)
“The Prologue of George Ripley unto his Treatise which is intituled Philorsium of
the Alchymistes.” Prologue, Possibility, Errors, Notes, 14 Ways (no. 3 in two parts,
the second titled “Another maner of practise in ye same Stone is ys”), Ignorance
(“Recapitulacion. This Proëme following is Concerneing ye Ignorance of them yt doe
Erre”), “When you shall see two knitt in one.” MS includes (English) CRC 1 (extracts),
35, 4, 12.
25.20 Oxford, Bodleian Library, MS Rawlinson B.306 (fols. 66r–71r, 1575–1600; Thomas
Mountfort)
“Phylortium Alchymystarum Geo: Rypley Bridlingtonii Secta sunt sectanda. 1470.” 14
Ways (order disarranged, and recipes greatly abbreviated; no. 3 in two parts, the
second titled “An other practis of Leo Viridis”), “When you shalte se towe knytte in
one” (dated 1470, fol. 71v). Followed by 20.2. MS includes (English) CRC 1, 16.
Fragments:
25.i Cambridge, Trinity College Library, MS O.8.25 (fols. 163v–65r, ca. 1521; Giles Du
Wes)
Latin. Errors (“De erroribus quorundam practicantium in arte multiplicatoria”),
Ignorance (“super ignorancia errancium ut resipiscat”). Inc.: “hec duo capitula subse-
quentia excerpta sunt ex opere georgii riplay Canonici intitulato philortium alkimista-
rum in quibus perpendes ea que operi querenda sund nec non fugienda” (fol. 163v).
25.ii London, British Library, MS Sloane 3729 (fols. 38v, 39v, 40v, 41v, s. xvii)
English. 14 Ways: no. 7 (“To fixe [mercury] with Calxes & [water] made of 2 spir-
ites”), 9 (“Aqua Vegitabili”), 12. MS includes (English) CRC 35, 26.
25.iii Oxford, Bodleian Library, MS Ashmole 1421 (fols. 231v–32r, 1600–1625; Thomas
Robson)
English. Ninth Way (“Rypleis vigitable watter .viz. vigitable menstrue out of his phi-
losium”). Probably copied from 25.iv. MS includes (English) CRC 35, 20, 35, 26.
25.iv Oxford, Bodleian Library, MS Ashmole 1486 [5] (25–27, 1575–1600; John Dee)
English. Ninth Way (“Rypleyes Vegetable water or Vegetable menstruum out of his
Philorsum”). Probable exemplar for 25.iii. MS includes (English) CRC 35, 26; in [3],
(English) 9.
25.v Kassel Landesbibliothek, 4o MS chem. 66 (fols. 149r–51r, 1575–1600)

Latin. Errors, Ignorance. Inc.: “Hec duo capitula subsequentia excerpta sunt ex opere
Georgii riplay canonici Intitulato philortium alkimistarum in quibus perpendes ea
que operi querenda sunt nec non fugienda.” Copied from CRC 25.i or intermediate
exemplar. MS includes (Latin) 17, 1, 21 (extract), 16, 29 (x2), 23, 12, 27.
25.vi København, Royal Library, GKS 1746 (fols. 21v–25v, 1570–1600)
English. “Philorcium Georg Ripley.” 14 Ways. MS includes (English) CRC 16, 27.
25.vii Paris, Bibliothèque Mazarine, MS 3680 (24–25, s. xvii)
Latin. “Philorcium Alchymistarum.” Short extracts. MS includes (Latin) CRC 9,
extracts from 16, 17.
26. Practise by Experience of the Stone

English translation and adaptation of “Recipe Adrop,” a component of the Bosome Book (CRC
3), probably made by Samuel Norton between 1573/4 and 1577. This long sericonian recipe is
usually preceded by an epigram, beginning “George died when he was of ripe years, he giveth
these precepts briefly” (“Epigram”), also from CRC 3.
Inc.: “Take Adrop and dissolve it in vinegar of wine distilled.” Expl.: “And so one stone hath
in itself every tincture to wit white and red.”
26.1 Glasgow University Library, MS Ferguson 281 (fols. 1r–2v, s. xviii)
“George Ripleys practice upon the stone by Experience.” Epigram, Practise.
26.2 London, British Library, MS Sloane 3729 (fol. 43v, s. xvii)
Epigram, Practise (truncated, owing to missing leaf). MS includes (English) CRC 35,
25 (extracts).
26.3 Oxford, Bodleian Library, MS Ashmole 1421 (fols. 229r–31v, 1600–1625; Thomas
Robson)
“George Rypleis practis by experience of the stone.” Epigram, Practise. Probably
copied from 26.5. MS contains (English) CRC 35, 20, 35, 25 (extract).
Epigram, Practise. MS contains (English) CRC 9, 32, 13, 28, 16, 27; in [2], (Latin) 27,
29.
26.5 Oxford, Bodleian Library, MS Ashmole 1486 [5] (19–25, 1575–1600; John Dee)
“George Rypleis Practise by experience of the Stone.” Epigram, Practise (several words
replaced by symbols). MS includes (English) CRC 35, 25 (extract); in [3], (English) 9.
27. Pupilla Alchimiae

(Pupilla Oculi, Light of Alchemy)
Fifteenth-century macaronic theorica and practica, probably composed as a Middle English
commentary on Latin sources. The main authorities cited are Avicenna, Raymond and
Bartholomeus Anglicus. The “Prefatiuncula” (“Preface”) describes the Lullian contrary fires:
identifying the ignis contra naturam with the “Green Lion” (vitriol) and the ignis naturae with
the “Red Lion” (originally red lead, later amended to antimony). The practica includes recipes
using the Red Lion (“Practice,” sometimes divided into two parts) and vitriol (“Second Work”
and “Another Way”). Sometimes followed by “Take Mercury” and “This craft that men call
alchemy” (“Craft”), not included in the OOC. The Ripleian attribution is sixteenth-century,
although the text’s identification of the Green Lion with vitriol makes the connection unlikely.
Earliest witnesses found within the Corthop Group.
English. Inc.: “First understand how the notable philosopher Avicen sayth there be in Saturn
aurum and argentum per potentiam non per visum.” Expl.: “. . . let this suffice to the laud and
honor and praise of God forever. Amen.”
Latin. Inc.: “In primis intellige, quando Avicenna inquit, quòd in plumbo sunt aurum &
argentum per potentiam & non per visum.” Expl.: “. . . hec ergo tibi sufficiam ad laudem et
honorem dei, Cui honor sit & gloria in secula sempiterna.”
MSS in English:
27.1 Cambridge, Trinity College, MS O.2.15 (fols. 76r–79r, ca. 1600)

“Pupilla oculi.” Preface, Practice, Second Work. MS includes (English) CRC 1
(extract).
27.2 Glasgow University Library, MS Ferguson 133 (fols. 87v–91v, 1606; Thomas Robson)
“Prefatiuncula .G. Ripeley in pupillam alchimiae.” Preface, Practice, Second Work.
Expl.: “Thus endeth this book being written by Thomas Robson and ended the 23 daye
of June in the yer of our lord: 1606:” (fol. 91v). MS includes (English) CRC 9 (extract),
25. Ex libris Frances Ayer of “Barrowdon Rutlandia” (fol. 65v).
Preface, Practice, Second Work. MS includes (Latin) CRC 6; (English) 16, 30 (x2), 25,
1 (extract), 4, 12, 35. Ex libris Gabriel Gostwyk.
27.4 London, British Library, MS Sloane 1744 (fols. 66r–70v, ca. 1606; Thomas Robson)
“Prefatiunonta [sic] G. Riply in pulpillam [sic] alchimia.” Preface, Practice (in two
parts: “Practica” and “The Practis upon Red [lead] or [antimony] minerall”), Second
Work (“The second mercury”). MS includes (English) CRC 4, 16 (extracts), 25, 3
(extracts), 9 (extract), 1 (extracts), 33, 30.
“The Pupilla or Light of Alchemy.” Preface, Practice, Second Work, Another Way.
English translation of OOC. MS includes (English) CRC 17, 25, 7, 29, 10, 8, 31, 1.
27.6 London, British Library, MS Sloane 3747 (fols. 47r–50v, 1450–1500; Corthop scribe)
Preface, Practice (incomplete). MS includes (English) CRC 1, 6, 13, 19.
Robson)
“Prefatiuncula G. Ripley in Pupillam Alchimiae.” Preface, Practice (in two parts:
“Practica” and “Practice upon red [antimony] of antymony minerall”), Second Work.
MS includes (English) CRC 3 (extracts); in [2] 1 (extracts); in [4], 30.
“Georg Riplye’s Pupilla Alchimiae” (added in later hand). Preface, Practice, Second
Work (“The Worke of the grene lyon so named”). MS includes (English) CRC 1
(extract). Ex libris “Johannes Baildonus clericus” (flyleaf).
27.9 Oxford, Bodleian Library, MS Ashmole 1480 [1] (fols. 89r–93r, s. xvi)
“Prefatiuncula G. Ripelay in Pupillam Alchimiae.” Preface, Practice, Second Work.
MS includes (English) CRC 32, 25; in [3], (English) 1 (extracts), 16, 27.10. Ex libris
Thomas Robson.
27.10 Oxford, Bodleian Library, MS Ashmole 1480 [3] (fols. 16r–19r, s. xvi)
“Pupilla Alkimie Georgii Ripleye.” Preface, Practice (in two parts, “And here begin-
nethe my practise” and “The practis on Red lead”), Second Work, Another Practice
(“An accortation by Raymond lullie to kyinge Ritchard”), Take Mercury, Craft. MS

includes (English) CRC 1 (extracts), 16; in [1], (English) 32, 25, 27.9. Ex libris Thomas
Robson.
“Praefatiuncula Georgii Rippley in Pupillam Alchimiae.” Preface, Practice (incomplete,
ending before “Red lead” recipe). Blacked-out annotations. MS contains (English) CRC
9, 32, 13, 28, 16, 26; in [2], (Latin) 27.16, 29.
Taylour)
“Pupilla Alkimiae Georgii Ripla[e]i. Hic incipit praefatiuncula Georgii Bridlingtonensis
in Pupillam Alchemiae.” Preface, Practice, Second Work, Another Way, Take Mercury.
MS includes (English) CRC 16, 25; in [3], 1.
27.13 Amsterdam, Bibliotheca Philosophica Hermetica, MS 199 (fols. 217v–22r, 1560–1600)
“The Pupill of Alchymy of george Rypleye Chanon of Bridlington.” Preface, Practice,
Second Work (connected to previous recipe by additional text, “& beginnethe ye
workinge with ye second mercury which is ye bloode of ye grene lion in whyte and
reed [sic]”), Another Way. Take Mercury, Craft. MS includes (English) CRC 9 (notes),
19, 1, 9, 10, 8.
“Pupilla Alchamia Georg Ripley.” Preface, Practice, Second Way, Another Way, Take
Mercury, Craft. MS includes (English) CRC 16, 25 (extract).
MSS in Latin:
“Pupilla Philosophiae Georgii Riplei Angli.” Preface, Practice (“Pupilla Alchymiae”),
Second Work, Another Way. MS includes (English) CRC 19, 9 (extract); (Latin) 16, 25,
29, 10, 8, 31, 13, 6, 32, 7.
“Prefatiuncula Georgii Ripleii Canonis in Pupillam Oculi.” Preface, Practice (“Nunc
igitur ipsam practicam aggrediamur”), Second Work, Another Way. MS [4] includes
(Latin/English) CRC 18.
27.17 Oxford, Bodleian Library, MS Ashmole 1485 [2] (6r–8v, 1600–1625)
“Pupilla Riplaei.” Practice (opening truncated), Second Work, Another Way. MS
includes (Latin) CRC 29; in [3], (English) 9, 32, 13, 28, 16, 26, 27.11.
Copied from OOC. Note: “Propitietur Deus optim: Max: Miseriors Animae Georgii
Riplei. Amen” (68). MS includes (Latin) CRC 16, 25, 29, 10, 8, 31, 13, 6, 9, 17, 7, 1.
27.19 Bologna, Biblioteca Universitaria, MS 142 (109), vol. 2 (fols. 207r–12v, ca. 1570)
“Pupilla Alchimiae. Hic incipit prefatiuncula Georgii Riplay canonici angli in pupillam
alchimiae.” Preface, Practice, Second Work, Another Way. MS includes (Latin) CRC
13, 9, 25, 16, 29.
27.20 Cieszyn, Książnica Cieszyńska SZ DD.vii.33 (fols. 139v–146v, May 1592; Jan Kapr)
Seen in digital reproduction. “Pupilla Alchamiae.” Preface, Practice, Second Work,
Another Way. Note: “Descripta per Johannem Carpionem Pragae die 14 Maii
Annorum [sic] 1592” (fol. 146v). Latin annotation. MS includes (Latin) CRC 13, 17, 7,
16, 25, 9.

“Hic Incipit prefaciuncula Georgii Riple Canonici In pupillam Alkimie.” Preface,
Practice, Second Work, Another Way, Take Mercury. MS includes (Latin) CRC 17, 1,
21 (extract), 25 (extracts), 16, 29 (x2), 23, 12.
“Praefatio in Pupillam. G.R.” Preface, Practice (“Praxis”), Second Work (“Leo
Viridis”), Another Way (“Alius Modus”). Note: “Pragae 5 Octob: 1600” (fol. 152r).
Latin annotation. MS includes (Latin) CRC 9, 16, 31 (extracts), 6, 13, 29, 7 (extract),
other Ripley references.
27.23 Paris, Bibliothèque Nationale, MS Lat. 14012 (fols. 91r–96r, January 1585)
“Georgi Riplae Canonici Angli In Puppilam Alchimiae Prefaciuncula.” Preface (“Riplei
Theoriqua”), Practice, Second Work, Another Way. Expl.: “Finis Pupillae Alchymiae,
Redoni 15o. januarii. 1585.” Latin annotation. MS includes (Latin) CRC 9, 13, 25, 29,
17, 16.
27.24 Wien, Österreichische Nationalbibliothek, Codex 11133 (fols. 351v–55v, 1605–1606;
“Pupilla Philosophiae.” Preface (“Praefatio”), Practice (“Pupilla Alchimiae”), Second
Work, Another Way. Heavy Latin and Czech annotation. MS includes (Latin) CRC 16,
25, 29, 10, 8, 31, 6, 9.
Fragments:
27.i Edinburgh, Royal College of Physicians of Edinburgh, MS Anonyma 2, vol. 6 (fol.
143r, s. xvii)
Latin. “Ex pupilla Geo. Riplaei. Ex Praefatione.” Notes from Preface. MS includes
(Latin) CRC 17, 29; (English) 16 (extracts), 9 (extracts).
27.ii Glasgow University Library, MS Ferguson 57 (fol. 18v, s. xviii)
Latin. “Opus Valde Bonum ex Riploeie factum.” Extract from Practice. MS includes
CRC 31 (extract).
27.iii London, British Library, MS Sloane 1423 (fol. 45r, 1580–1600; Clement Draper)
English. “The Sight of the Joye or Pupilla ocullii of george Rypley.” Short excerpt from
Preface, following CRC 9.xvi. MS includes (English) CRC 16, 30, 8, 10, 19.
27.iv Oxford, Bodleian Library, MS Ashmole 759 (fols. 35r–v, 89r, 1475–1500; Corthop
scribe)
English. Preface (excerpts only). MS includes CRC 13, 19, 9 (extract).
27.v Oxford, Bodleian Library, MS Ashmole 1424 [1] (fol. 55r–v, 1614; Thomas Robson)
English. “G. Riplie in pullpillam alchimya.” Second Work (expl.: “the augmentation of
the medicen is as that on the 49 leafe of the vigitable booke”). MS includes (English)
CRC 27.vi (extract), 16 (extracts); in [2], (English) 10, 35.
27.vi Oxford, Bodleian Library, MS Ashmole 1424 [2] (105–7, ca. February 1616/17;
Thomas Robson)
English. “George Riplie in pulpillam [sic] Alchimya.” Extract from Practica (inc.:
“Take as much fine Redd lead or [antimony] minerall”). See entry for 27.v.
27.vii New Haven, Yale University Library, Beinecke-Osborn MS fa.16 (fols. 1r–3v, 1570)
English notes from Pupilla, and CRC 10, 9, 13, 16. See entry for 9.xxxvi.
28. Somnium
(The Dream of George Ripley Canon)
Latin allegorical poem. The author describes a dream in which Sol (gold) battles with the
monster “Adropus” (a fiery corrosive), dies, and is resurrected as the Philosophers’ Stone.
Component of the Bosome Book (CRC 3). Translated into English by Edward Cradock in 1582
and Roger Howes in 1593, the latter in an abbreviated form.
Latin. Inc.: “Somnia ne cures, Dictum vulgare tenetur.” Expl.: “Evigilans igitur bene somnia
visa notavi exponat praesul, quid tamen illa sonent.”
English (Cradock trans.). Inc.: “It is an old saying, care not for dreams.” Expl.: “But what they
meant I will not say, for the interpretation thereof I leave to the learned prelate.”
English (Howes trans.). Inc.: “Although dreams for the most part are vain and frivolous.”
Expl.: “And thus waking, I committed my dreame to writing.”
MSS in Latin:
28.1 London, British Library, MS Harley 2411 (fols. 69v–70v, 1600–1615)
“Somnium Georgii R: Canonici.” Expl.: “Haec G. R.” Component of Bosome Book,
3.1.
Component of Bosome Book, 3.2. Same hand as 28.i.
Ashmole)
“Somnum Georgii Riplei.” Component of Bosome Book, 3.3.
MSS in English:
Howes)
“The dreame of George Ripley Cannon.” Howes trans. Component of Bosome Book,
3.7.
Thomas Robson)
“The dreame of george Riplye Cannone.” Howes trans. Component of Bosome Book,
3.9. Copied from 28.4.
28.6 Oxford, Bodleian Library, MS Ashmole 1485 [3] (fol. 55r–v, 1570–1600)
“The dreame of Sr George Ripley Channon.” Cradock trans. Expl.: “thus endeth the
dreame of Sr George Ripley Channon of Bridlington, translated oute of latin verse.”
MS includes (English) CRC 9, 32, 13, 16, 26, 27; in [2], (Latin) 27, 29.
28.7 Philadelphia, University of Pennsylvania, MS Codex 111 (fols. 42v–43r, 1582–1600)
“The dreame of Sir George Ripley Chanon.” Expl.: “this was translated owte of laten
verse ye 4th day of June anno 1582 by Mr doctor Cradocke.” Component of Bosome
Book, 3.10.
Fragments:
28.i London, British Library, MS Sloane 1098 (fol. 27r–v, 1556–1581)
“Somnium.” Latin, abbreviated (inc.: “Auratas alas mihi sol videbatur habere”). Same
hand as 28.2. MS includes (English) CRC 19, 13 (extract), 9 (extract), 1 (extract), 17
(extract), 6; (Latin) 32, 6.
29. Terra Terrarum

(Terra terrae philosophicae)
Latin prose translation of the fifteenth-century, anonymous Middle English poem “Take Erth
of Erth his broder,” probably made around the mid-sixteenth century. The Ripley attribution
is thus relatively late, and may reflect recognition of the text’s sericonian contents, which
describe the dissolution of “earth of earth” in “water of the wood.”
Latin. Inc.: “Veritae de terra orta est. Accipe terram et terra et fratre terrae . . .” Expl.: “Iubilus,
laus, honor atque decus Amen.”
MSS in Latin:
29.1 Edinburgh, Royal College of Physicians of Edinburgh, MS Anonyma 2, vol. 6 (fols.
351r–54, s. xvii)
“Tractatus de terra terrarum Geo. Riplaei.” MS includes (Latin) CRC 27, 17; (English)
16 (extracts), 9 (extracts).

“Terra Terrae philosophiae Georgii Riplaei Angli.” MS includes (English) CRC 19, 9
(extract); (Latin) 16, 25, 27, 10, 8, 31, 13, 6, 32, 7.
“Terra Terrarum Philosophiae. G: R.” MS includes (English) CRC 23, 12, 6, 35, 2, 4,
25, 16, 10. Ex libris Arthur Dee, Sir Thomas Browne.
“Tractatus de Terra Terrarum Georgii Riplaei.” MS includes (Latin) CRC 27; in [3],
(English) 9, 32, 13, 28, 16, 26, 27.
“Terra terrae philosophicae.” Copied from OOC. MS includes (Latin) CRC 16, 25, 27,
10, 8, 31, 13, 6, 9, 17, 7, 1.
29.6 Bologna, Biblioteca Universitaria, MS 142 (109), vol. 2 (fols. 215r–16v, ca. 1570)
“Tractatus de terra terrarum georgii riplay canonici angli.” Amended with reference to
another MS, “No. 53” (unidentified). MS includes (Latin) CRC 13, 9, 25, 16, 27.
29.7 Chartres, Bibliothéque de la ville, MS 355 (488) (fol. 60r, s. xvii)
Not seen.
29.8 Firenze, Biblioteca Nazionale Centrale, MS Magd. XVI. 113 (fols. 11r–13r, February
1575)
“Incipit Terra Terrarum.” Preceded by short text, “Infrascriptus tractatus etiam
predicti Georgii Riples Angli esse fertur, perinde huc subvertendum Duxi” (inc.:
“Nostra putrefactio non est immunda, neque sordida,” fol. 11r). MS includes (Latin)
CRC 16, 21.
29.9 Kassel Landesbibliothek, 4o MS chem. 66, no. 1 (fols. 183r–85r, 1575–1600)
“Incipit Terra Terrarum.” Latin annotation. MS includes (Latin) CRC 17, 1, 21
(extract), 25 (extracts), 16, 29.10, 23, 12, 27.
29.10 Kassel Landesbibliothek, 4o MS chem. 66, no. 2 (fols. 198r–99r, 1575–1600)
Ending truncated. Latin annotation. See entry for 29.9.
“Terra Terrae Philosophicae Georgii Riplaei.” Latin annotation. MS includes (Latin)
CRC 9, 16, 31 (extracts), 6, 27, 13, 7 (extract), other Ripley references.
“Tractatus de Terra terrarum Georgii Riplae Canonici Anglie.” MS includes (Latin)
CRC 9, 13, 25, 27, 17, 16.
“Terra terrae philosophiae.” Heavy Latin and Czech annotation. MS includes (Latin)
CRC 16, 25, 27, 10, 8, 31, 6, 9.
MSS in English:
“Earth of Philosophicall earth.” English translation of OOC. MS includes (English)
CRC 17, 25, 7, 27, 10, 8, 31, 1.
MSS in French:
29.15 Paris, Bibliothèque Nationale, MS Français 19074 (fol. 133r–v, July 1666; ‘G.D.R.’)
“Du traité de terra terrarum.” Note: “Recuil De plusiers secrets et Piecés curieuses
exactemem recherché. . . Faict par M. G.D.R. à Paris le 30me. Juillet 1666” (fol. 10r).
30. Vegetable Work

(Composition of the Philosophers’ Vinegar; Vegetable of George Ripley to the Bishop of
York)
Group of related English recipes, circulating from the end of the sixteenth century. The first
describes the distillation of tartar with spirit of wine, used to make potable gold (“Argall”).
Similarities with the Medulla’s chapter on the “vegetable stone” suggest that the text origi-
nated as a commentary on this work. An additional passage found in some copies frames the
text as a letter: “send me a token of love, some poor reward as it pleaseth you to buy me a
rotchet and a kirtle, and by the faith I give unto you I shall come unto you and both write and
teach you that shall be worth to you a 1000 pounds” (“Token”). A second recipe describes a
chrysopoetic process, using copper as the imperfect body (“Less Work”), ending with a short
passage from the Medulla. The recipes are similar to those in the Compositio (CRC 8), which
they sometimes accompany in manuscript.
English. Inc.: “Take argall of the strongest wine there may be, which doth grow about the sides
of the wine vessel . . . The less work is that which only serveth to the science of alchemy . . .”
Expl.: “. . . the oil of sol healeth all sicknesses, lepers and all other infirmities and reneweth
youth . . . many other things which in this art are named colourably to deceive fools.”
30.1 London, British Library, MS Sloane 288, no. 1 (fols. 91r–93r, s. xvii)
“Compositio aceti Philosophorum.” Argall, Token, Less Work. Note: “Ex Exemplum
Rich: Ipsley Titulus est Acetum Philosophorum et eorum [mercury]. vegetabilis”
(fol. 91r). Contains several untranslated Latin extracts. The whole heavily amended in
English. MS includes (Latin) CRC 6; (English) 16, 30.2, 25, 1 (extract), 4, 12, 35, 27.
30.2 London, British Library, MS Sloane 288, no. 2 (fols. 94r–99v, s. xvii)
“To make the composition of the Philosophers true vinegare which is oure [mercu]rye.”
Argall, Less Work. See entry for 30.1.
“The Vigitable of Georg Riplye. To ye Bisshope.” Argall, Token, Less Work. Followed
by 8.4. MS includes (English) CRC 16, 10, 19, notes on 9 and 27.
“The vegitable of Georg Ripley to ye Bishopp.” Argall, Token, Less Work. MS includes
(English) CRC 19, 5.
30.5 London, British Library, MS Sloane 1744 (fols. 172v–74r, ca. 1604; Thomas Robson)
“The vigitable of George Riplye to the bishope of Yorke.” Argall, Less Work. MS
includes (English) CRC 4, 16 (extracts), 25, 27, 3 (extracts), texts from Wheel, 1
(extracts), 33.

“The vegetable of repley.” Argall, Less Work (in two parts: the second titled “The
desolving of comon [mercury] and the bodies and ther yoyning them together”).
Followed by 8.5. MS contains (English) CRC 4.
“The Practise how to draw the Vegetable Spiritt the first mover of Nature in vegeta-
bles; Called an Areous humor in Animalls & mineralls it is Called a Radicall humor;
This I drew out of the secrett Booke of George Ripley.” Argall, Token (expl.: “1471.
Scriptum ut opinor Reg: Edvard: [sic] 4t: Angl’.”), Less Work (abbreviated). Followed
by 8.6. MS includes (English) CRC 1 (extract).

30.8 London, British Library, MS Sloane 3748 (fols. 91r–95r, after 1597; Clement Draper)
“The vigitable worke of George Ripley to the Bishope beinge ye first or other chapter
before mensionyd.” Argall, Less Work. MS includes (English) CRC 4, 12.
Robson)
“The vigitable of George Riplie to the Archbishop of Yorke.” Argall, Less Work. MS
includes in [2], (English) CRC 1 (extracts); in [9], (English) 27, 3 (extracts).
30.10 København, Royal Library, GKS 3500 (fols. 9r–17v, s. xvi)
Not seen. “A concordance between Hermes Aristotle Avicenna Guido and Raymondus
Lull made by George Ripley.” Argall. MS includes (English) CRC 1 (extracts).
31. Viaticum, seu varia practica

Collection of practical processes and theoretical axioms excerpted from the Bosome Book
(CRC 3), circulating in this form from the late sixteenth century. Combach gives the following
headings: “Recipe Jovem,” “Menstruum,” “Creatio menstrui,” “Elixir de mercurio philosoph-
orum,” “Aqua composita,” “Oleum verò Solis fiet” (compiled from Notable Rules, CRC 22),
“Notabilia excerpta e libello Guidonis” (a title probably originally intended for the previous
item), “Practica cum tinctura Vitrioli,” “Ad rubeum,” “Oleum citrinum secretum,” “Congela-
tio mercurii,” “Nobile opus,” “Elixir vitae” (similar to CRC 12), “Virtutes huius quintae
essentiae” (similar to CRC 12), “Sequitur aliud opus,” “Sequitur multiplicatio olei.”
Latin. Inc.: “Recipe Jovem calcinatum & pone in curcurbita vitrea.” Expl.: “. . . cuius nomen
laudetur & glorificetur in secula seculorem Amen.”
MSS in Latin:
“Viaticum G.R.” “Aqua composita” is here named “Concordantia Raymundi Lullii et
Guidonis.” Ends after “Virtutes huius quitae essentiae.” MS includes (English) CRC
19, 9 (extract); (Latin) 16, 25, 27, 29, 10, 8, 13, 6, 32, 7.
“Viaticum seu varia practica.” Copied from OOC. MS includes (Latin) CRC 16, 25,
27, 29, 10, 8, 13, 6, 9, 17, 7, 1.
31.3 Kassel Landesbibliothek, 4o MS chem. 67 (fols. 134r–v, 162r–65v, 131rv, 169r–70r,
1600–1615)
“Viaticum Sive Varia Practica Riplay.” Latin annotation in several hands. MS includes
(Latin) CRC 9, 16, 6, 27, 13, 29, 7 (extract), other Ripley references.

“Viaticum G.R.A.” “Virtutes” is here named “Virtus huius sanctae essentiae.” Heavy
MSS in English:
“The Viaticum or Various Practices By George Ripley.” English translation of OOC.
MS includes (English) CRC 17, 25, 7, 27, 29, 10, 8, 1.
Fragments:
31.i Glasgow University Library, MS Ferguson 57 (fols. 16v–17r, s. xviii)

Latin. “Viaticum Georgii Riploeii” [sic]. Recipe Jovem. MS includes (Latin) CRC 27
(extract).
31.ii New Haven, Yale University Library, Beinecke-Mellon MS 129 (fols. 67r–71r,
1650–1700)
French. “Reflexions sur quelques passages de G. Ripley en son Viaticum page 349.”
Notes by “Mr Troüiy” on Viaticum recipes. MS includes (French) CRC 35.
32. Vision of George Ripley

Short Latin allegorical poem describing the death and putrefaction of a toad after imbibing
the “juice of grapes”: probably describing the sericonian dissolution of red lead in vinegar.
Component of Bosome Book (CRC 3). Best known in Samuel Norton’s English translation of
1573/4, which was printed with the Compound (CRC 9) in 1591 and 1652.
Latin. Inc.: “Per vigil in studio, nocturno tempore quodam.” Expl.: “Iubilus, laus, honor atque
decus Amen.”
English. Inc.: “When busie at my booke I was upon a certeine night.” Expl.: “Dominion, and
Honour, both with Worship, and with Prayse. Amen.”
Printed: Compound of Alchymy (English. Ed. Ralph Rabbards, London, 1591); TCB
(English).
MSS in Latin:
32.1 London, British Library, MS Harley 2411 (fol. 69r–v, 1600–1615)
“Visio Georgii canonici.” Expl.: “Explicit visio Georgii Canonici.” Component of
Bosome Book, 3.1.
32.2 Glasgow University Library, MS Ferguson 91 (fol. 92r–v, s. xvii)
“Visio Georgi Riplaei Canonici de Bridlington.” Apparent re-translation into Latin of
an English version (inc.: “Incumbens studiis, per tuta silentia noctis”). Followed by
Latin exposition (fols. 92v–93r). MS includes (English) CRC 19, 9 (extract); (Latin) 16,
25, 27, 29, 10, 8, 31, 13, 6, 7.
32.3 London, British Library, MS Sloane 1098 (fol. 27v. 1556–1581)
“Visio Riplae.” MS includes (English) CRC 19, 13 (extract), 9 (extract), 1 (extract), 17
(extract), 6; (Latin) 28, 6.
32.4 Oxford, Bodleian Library, MS Ashmole 1459 [2] (34, December 1650; Elias Ashmole)
“Visio Georgii Riplei Canonici de Bridlington,” dated 1473. With note: “Explicit Liber
Georgii Ryplaei angliae dictus his bosome booke, ab eo scriptus ab anno domini 1473.
et aliquot sequentibus: transcriptus autem per Thomam Monfortium anno 1590. May
24.” Component of Bosome Book, 3.3.
MSS in English:
32.5 Edinburgh, Royal College of Physicians of Edinburgh, MS Anonyma 2, vol. 1 (715,
s. xvii)
“The Vision of Sr George Ripley Chanon of Bridlington.” Copied from the Rabbards
edition. MS contains (English) CRC 9.7, 13; (Latin) 16, 6.
32.6 London, British Library, MS Sloane 319 (fol. 2v, ca. 1600)
“Ripley’s vision.” MS includes (English) CRC 35 (extract), 16, 10, 9 (extract).
32.7 London, British Library, MS Sloane 320 (fol. 109r, 1575–1600)
“Sr. George Ripley cannon his Visione.” Written in prose format. MS includes
(English) CRC 13, 35 (extract), 25, 9 (extract).

“The Vision of George Rypley Chanon.” Component of Bosome Book, 3.5. Copied
from 32.9.
32.9 London, British Library, MS Sloane 3667 [2] (fol. 149r, ca. 1573/4; Samuel Norton?)
“The Visione of george Rypley Chanon.” Component of Bosome Book, 3.6.
32.10 London, Lambeth Palace Library, Sion College MS Arc.L.40.2/E.6, no. 2 (fol. 50v,
after 1562)
“The vision of Sir George Riplay Channon of Bridlington.” Precedes 9.24. MS includes
(English) CRC 13 (x2), 9.23.
32.11 Oxford, Bodleian Library, MS Ashmole 1480 [1] (fol. 3v, ca. 1600; Thomas Robson)
“A Vision.” MS includes (English) CRC 25, 27; in [2], (English) 1 (extracts), 16, 27.
32.12 Oxford, Bodleian Library, MS Ashmole 1485 [3] (fol. 46v, 1570–1600)
“The vision of Sr George Ripley Channon of Briddlington.” Follows 9.29 (different
hand). MS includes (English) CRC 13, 28, 16, 26, 27; in [2], (Latin) 27, 29.
32.13 Oxford, Bodleian Library, MS Rawl. poet 121 (fol. 35r, 1570–1600; George Lideatt)
“The Vizion of Sir George Ripley chanonn.” Precedes 9.32. MS includes (English)
CRC 4.
32.14 Philadelphia, University of Pennsylvania, MS Codex 111 (fol. 44r, 1582–1600)
“The visyon of George the Chanon: this is in laten vers.” Alternative translation (inc.:
“When I was watchinge in my study in a carten nyghte season”). Component of
Bosome Book, 3.10.
MSS in French:
32.15 Paris, Bibliothèque du Muséum national d’histoire naturelle, MS 2025 (fol. 50r,
1689)
“La vision du chevalier Georges Ripleys.” MS includes (French) CRC 9, 6, 13.
33. White and Red Work

Chrysopoetic and agyropoetic recipe beginning with the manufacture of a mineral acid.
Inc.: “Take i li of [vitriol] and [½] li of salt peter and grind them severally and then meinge
them on a marble stone.” Expl.: “vissitt the poore for thou shalt have no other need, and kepe
well thes hestes so that this glorious science be not cause of thy distruction, thus I betake you
to god.”
33.1 London, British Library, MS Sloane 1744 (fols. 132r–33v, ca. 1606; Thomas Robson)
“Another white and Redd worke of Riply.” MS includes (English) CRC 4, 16 (extracts),
25, 27, 3 (extracts), texts from Wheel, 1 (extracts), 30.
34. White Work

Agyropoetic recipe recorded in a single copy by Thomas Robson. Mercury sublimate is washed,
ground and sublimed with crude mercury and “salt preparate” to produce a “mercury” capable
of whitening copper. In an autobiographical coda, “Ripley” explains how he improved the
process by substituting “sublymat luna” for the mercury, “but my good God not longe
after revelled to me greater mysteries, and then I unterly [sic] forsoke this and all other such
citrinations for ever, even so doe you.”
Inc.: “Take of mercury sublimate 1 lb. of mercury crude [½] lb. of salt preparate 1 lb. grind
them together then lute them.” Expl.: “. . . do in all points ut supra, and in 12 or 14 dayes it
wilbe performed.”
34.1 Oxford, Bodleian Library, MS Ashmole 1421 (fol. 160r, 1600–1625; Thomas Robson)
“A white worke which Ripley used befor he had the great worke.” MS includes
(English) CRC 20, 35, 26.
35. Whole Work of the Composition of the Stone Philosophical

(Bosome-Book of Sir George Ripley, Codicella, Liber Secretissimus)
Collection of English recipes using sericon, based on a Latin practical text, “Separatio elemen-
torum,” found in the Bosome Book (CRC 3). Probably translated and adapted by Samuel
Norton between 1574 and 1577. Printed by William Cooper in 1683 as The Bosome-Book of
Sir George Ripley, Canon of Bridlington. Containing His Philosophical Accurtations in the
making the Philosophers Mercury and Elixirs, subtitled “The whole Work of the Composition
of the Philosophical Stone, of the great Elixir, and of the first Solution of the gross Body.” The
main process is the “Whole Work,” synthesised from “Separatio elementorum” and a process
attributed to another alchemist, “Master Ive.” Usually accompanied by accurtations for the
white and red works (often separately attributed to Ripley), sections on multiplication and
projection, and a short recipe described as “A white work being but a branch of the great work,
taken out of George Ripley’s Bosome Book, very excellent and speedy” (“Branch”).
English. Inc.: “First take 30 pound weight of sericon which will make 21 pound weight of gum
. . . The white frosty rime or powder whereof I told you in the beginning . . .” Expl.: “. . .
according as your stone was prepared to the white or red, praised be God . . . whosoever hath
this medicine, he hath an incomparable medicine above all treasures of the world.”
Printed: Collectanea Chymica (English. London, 1683–1684); Eenige philosophische en
medicinale tractaatjes (Dutch. Amsterdam, 1688).
MSS in English:
Whole Work, White Accurtation, Red Accurtation, Multiplication, Projection. MS
includes (Latin) CRC 6; (English) 16, 30 (x2), 25, 1 (extract), 4, 12, 27. Ex libris
Gabriel Gostwyk.
“Liber Secretissimus Georgii Ripleii. Aut hic aut nusquam. Liber librum aperit.” Much
supplementary material relating to antimony has been added to the framework of the
Whole Work, White Accurtation, and Red Accurtation. MS includes (Latin) CRC 24.
“The whole wourcke of the composicion of the stone philosophicall or greate Elixir,
& of the fyrste solucion of the grosse Bodye.” Whole Work, White Accurtation, Red
Accurtation, Multiplication (variant ending, “An other secrete of Mr Ripla”),
Branch.

“The greate Worke or ye Greate Elixir ad solem et ad lunam by G: Riplaye.” Whole
Work (annotated from stanza 26 of “Congelation,” CRC 9, in another hand, fol. 38r),
White Accurtation, Red Accurtation, Multiplication, Projection, Branch (“Another
Accurtation of the white worke taken oute of George Rypleyes Bosome booke: here
unto to be annexed”). MS includes (Latin) CRC 29; (English) 23, 12, 6, 2, 4, 25, 16, 10.
Ex libris Arthur Dee, Sir Thomas Browne.
“Codicella George Rypley: wherin is contayned The whole worke, of the compocission
of the stone philosophicall, or greate elixer. of the fyrste dissolution of the groce
bodie.” Whole Work, Multiplication, Projection, Branch. MS includes (English) notes
on CRC 9.
35.6 London, British Library, MS Sloane 3580A (fols. 214v–22r, 1579–1580; Thomas
Potter)
“The whole worcke of ye composytion of ye stone philosophicall, or greate Elixir, &
firste ye solutyon of the grosse bodie.” Whole Work, Multiplication, Projection, White
Accurtation, Red Accurtation. MS includes (English) CRC 9.
35.7 London, British Library, MS Sloane 3729 (fols. 32v–33v, 34v, 35v, 36v, 37v, 38v,
s. xvii)
“George Ripleys bosome Booke of the Composition of the greate Elixer & first of
the Solution of the grose Body.” Whole Work, White Accurtation, Red Accurtation,
Multiplication, Projection, Branch, “Another secrett of Ripley” (expl.: “this did follow
in the accurtation of the for the Read worke by this Marke *”). MS includes (English)
CRC 25 (extracts), 26.
35.8 London, Wellcome Library, MS 519 (fols. 74r–81r, 1579–1582)
“The wholl work of ye composicion of ye stone philosophicall of ye greate Elixer &
of ye firste solusyon of ye grossse body.” Whole Work, White Accurtation, Red
Accurtation, Multiplication, Projection, Branch, “Another Secrete of Mr Ripley.”
35.9 Oxford, Bodleian Library, MS Ashmole 1382 (110–24, 1635–1636)
“G: R: bosome book. The whole worke of the Composition of the st. p: of the great
E. & of the first solution of the grosse bodie.” Whole Work, White Accurtation, Red
Accurtation, Multiplication, Projection, Branch. MS includes (English) CRC 19.
35.10 Oxford, Bodleian Library, MS Ashmole 1421 (fols. 223r–29r, 1600–1625; Thomas
Robson)
“The whole worke of the stone philosophicall, of the first solution of the grose bodye.”
Whole Work, White Accurtation, Red Accurtation, Multiplication, Projection,
Branch. Probably copied from 35.12. MS includes (English) CRC 34, 20, 26, 25
(extract).
35.11 Oxford, Bodleian Library, MS Ashmole 1424 [2] (37–47, February 1616/17; Thomas
Robson)
“George Riply his bossome booke.” Whole Work, White Accurtation, Red Accurta-
tion, Multiplication, Projection, Branch. Expl.: “Explicit Riplies: Bosome Booke: 1616
february 12.” MS includes (English) CRC 10, 27 (extract); in [1], (English) 27 (extract),
16 (extracts).
35.12 Oxford, Bodleian Library, MS Ashmole 1486 [5] (1–18, 1575–1600; John Dee)
“George Ryppleys bosome booke or Vade mecum.” Whole Work, White Accurtation,
Red Accurtation, Multiplication, Projection, Branch. Expl.: “Explicit Rypleis Bosome
booke.” MS includes (English) CRC 26, 25 (extract); in [3], (English) 9.
35.13 Oxford, Bodleian Library, MS Ashmole 1493 (fols. 91r–95v, s. xvii; Elias Ashmole)
“George Ripley’s Bosome-booke. The whole worke of ye composition of ye stone
philosophicall, of the great elixir, and of ye first solucion of ye grosse body.” Whole
Work, White Accurtation, Red Accurtation, Multiplication, Projection, Branch. MS
includes (English) CRC 1 (extract), 25, 4, 12.
35.14 Paris, Bibliothèque de l’Arsenal, MS 2518 (fols. 27r–30r, s. xvii)
“The Bosome Booke of George Rypley. The whole worke of ye composition of ye
stone Philosophicall of ye great Elixir, and of ye firste solucion.” Whole Work, White
Accurtation, Red Accurtation, Multiplication, Projection, Branch. MS includes
(English) CRC 16 (extract).

MSS in French:
35.15 Cambridge, Mass., Houghton Library, Harvard University, MS Fr. 538 (25–45, after
1683)
“Le Manuel de George Ripley, contenant le Procédé du Mercure et de l’Elixir des
Philosophes. Traduit de l’anglois.” Note: “Sur l’edition imprimée à Londres en 1683,
chez William Cooper” (25). Translated from Collectanea Chymica. Ex libris Albert
Poisson.
35.16 New Haven, Yale University Library, Beinecke-Mellon MS 129 (fols. 56r–64v, after
1683)
“Le Manuel de G. Ripley Chanoine de Bridlington . . . L’Oeuvre Entier de la composi-
tion de la pierre des philosophes, du grand Elixir et de la preimiere [sic] solution du
Corps grossieu.” Translated from Collectanea Chymica: “A Londres 1683. Traduction
francoise faitte sur le Texte Anglois” (fol. 56r).
Fragments:
35.i London, British Library, MS Sloane 319 (fols. 3v–4r, ca. 1600)
Prose abstract of Whole Work. MS includes (English) CRC 32, 16, 10, 9 (extract).
35.ii London, British Library, MS Sloane 320 (fol. 36r, 1575–1600)
“A white worke beinge but a Branche of ye greatt worke taken owt of Mr George
Ripleys Bossome booke verie excellent Spedie & eazie.” Branch. MS includes (English)
CRC 13, 25, 32, 9 (extract).
Index of manuscripts
Aberystwyth: National Library of Wales, MS 734B (Plas Power 19).
Cambridge: Cambridge University Library, MSS Ff.2.23, Kk.vi.30; Gonville and Caius College
Library, MS 399; Trinity College Library, MSS O.2.15, O.2.33, O.5.31, O.8.5, O.8.9, O.8.24,
O.8.25, R.14.58.
Edinburgh: Edinburgh University, MS Laing III.164; Royal College of Physicians of Edinburgh,
MS Anonyma 2, vols. 1, 2, 4, 5, 6.
Glasgow: Glasgow University Library, MSS Ferguson 18, 54, 57, 58, 91, 102, 117, 133, 211, 237,
268, 281.
Leeds: Yorkshire Archeological Society, MS DD121/109 (Appleby Castle).
Lichfield: Lichfield Cathedral Library, MS 18.
London: British Library, MS Add. 11388; MSS Harley 367, 486, 853, 2411, 3528, 6453; MSS
Sloane 83, 179a, 288, 299, 300, 319, 320, 410, 689, 1092, 1095, 1098, 1113–14, 1255, 1423, 1524,
1723, 1744, 1787, 1842, 2036, 2170, 2173, 2174, 2175, 2193, 2198, 2598, 3170, 3579, 3580A,
3580B, 3632, 3634, 3645, 3654, 3667, 3706, 3721, 3729, 3732, 3747, 3748, 3758, 3809; Lambeth
Palace Library, Sion College MSS Arc.L.40.2/E.6, nos. 1 and 2; Wellcome Library, MSS 239,
519, 577, 3563; Christies, 24 November 2009, Lot 15/Sale 7760.
Longleat, Wiltshire: Longleat House, MS 178.
Oxford: Bodleian Library, MSS Ashmole 759, 766, 971–2, 1382, 1394, 1406, 1407, 1418, 1421,
1424, 1426, 1440, 1441, 1445, 1450, 1452, 1459, 1478, 1479, 1480, 1485, 1486, 1487, 1490, 1492,
1493, 1507; MS Canon. Misc. 223; MS e mus 63; MSS Rawlinson B.306, poet 121, poet 182;
Corpus Christi College Library, MSS 136, 172.
Southampton: Southampton City Record Office, SC 15/97.

Amsterdam: Bibliotheca Philosophica Hermetica, Amsterdam, MSS 46, 199.
Bologna: Biblioteca Universitaria, MSS 104, 109 (vol. 2), 457 (vols. XXIII [1], XXIII [3]).
Chartres: Bibliothéque de la ville, MS 355.
Cieszyn: Książnica Cieszyńska, SZ DD.vii.33.
Firenze: Biblioteca Nazionale Centrale, Magd. XVI. 113.
Kassel: Kassel Landesbibliothek, 2o MS chem. 4; 4o MSS chem. 66, 67, 68.
København: Royal Library, GKS 1727, 1746, 1748, 3500.
Leiden: Leiden Universiteitsbibliotheek, MSS Vossianus Chym. F.3, F.35, Q.39.
Paris: Bibliothèque Nationale, MSS Fr. 14795, 19074; MSS Lat. 12993, 14012; Bibliothèque de
l’Arsenal, MSS 2518, 3021; Bibliothèque Mazarine, MS 3680; Bibliothèque du muséum national
d’histoire naturelle, MS 2025.
Wien: Österreichische Nationalbibliothek, Codex 11133.
Jerusalem: Jewish National and University Library, Yahuda MS 259 [6].
Boston: Houghton Library, Harvard University, MS 37; MS Eng. 1527; MSS Fr. 85, 538, 546;
MS Lat. 385; Massachusetts Historical Society, Winthrop 20c.
Los Angeles: Getty Research Institute, MS 18, vols. 1, 7 [2].
New Haven: Yale University Library, Beinecke-Osborn MS fa.16; Beinecke-Mellon MSS 70,
129.
Philadelphia: University of Pennsylvania, MS Codex 111.
Acknowledgements
This project relies primarily on archival research, and I am correspondingly indebted
to the librarians and archivists of the institutions mentioned in the CRC for their
hospitality and kind assistance. This research was greatly assisted by short-term
fellowships at the Chemical Heritage Foundation, Philadelphia, and the Scaliger
Institute, Leiden, and by an honorary research associateship at the Wellcome Trust
Centre for the History of Medicine at UCL.
My doctoral research was funded by the Darwin Trust of Edinburgh Martin
Pollock Scholarship. Further support for archival visits was awarded by the British
Society for the History of Science, Cambridge European Trust, Clare College,
Richard III Society, Royal Historical Society, Society for the History of Alchemy and
Chemistry, Society for Renaissance Studies, and J. B. Trend Fund. I thank all of these
bodies for their generous support. Finally, I am most grateful to Dr Stephen Clucas,
Dr Peter Forshaw, Mr Peter M. Jones, Dr Lauren Kassell and Professor Lawrence
Principe for their valuable comments on earlier incarnations of the Catalogue, and to
Professor Harmut Broszinski, Mr James Hyslop and Dr Rafał Prinke for drawing my
attention to several important manuscripts.
Notes on Contributor
Jennifer Rampling is a Wellcome Trust research fellow in the Department of History
and Philosophy of Science, University of Cambridge. In 2009, she completed her
Ph.D thesis on the alchemy of George Ripley, Canon of Bridlington. Research inter-
ests include the history of late medieval and early modern alchemy, medicine, and
natural philosophy. Address: Department of History and Philosophy of Science, Free
School Lane, Cambridge CB2 3RH; Email: jmr82@cam.ac.uk
View publication stats

Ripley Corpus

Hochgeladen von

Dokumentinformationen

Originaltitel

Copyright

Verfügbare Formate

Dieses Dokument teilen

Dokument teilen oder einbetten

Freigabeoptionen

Stufen Sie dieses Dokument als nützlich ein?

Sind diese Inhalte unangemessen?

Copyright:

Verfügbare Formate

Ripley Corpus

Hochgeladen von

Copyright:

Verfügbare Formate

See discussions, stats, and author profiles for this publication at: https://www.researchgate.

The Catalogue of the Ripley Corpus: Alchemical Writings

Article in Ambix · July 2010

The user has requested enhancement of the downloaded file.

The Catalogue of the Ripley Corpus:

Introducing the canon

The Compound and the early corpus

The Medulla and “Ripleian” alchemy

The Elizabethan expansion of the corpus

includes twenty-four English copies of the Medulla, as compared with fifteen in

A concern with plausibility is apparent in several more overtly pseudoepigraphic

Elizabethan fabrication in which a preexisting process has been framed as a letter to

The Bosome Book and the consolidation of the corpus

Combach (1590–1657), reproduces the complex history of the corpus in microcosm.36

Compiling the CRC

anonymously incorporated into Humfrey Lock’s Treatise on Alchemy (ca. 1578).39

Catalogue of the Ripley Corpus

AP “Georgii Riplei Duodecim Portarum Axiomata philosophica,” in Egidii de

“Work of Dunstan” MSS (Latin):

1. Processus meus apud Estergate (“Estergate”): recipe in nine steps.

Chanon”), Somnium, Compendium (second half), Vision. Followed by “Recapitulacio”

4. Breviation of the Philosophers’ Stone

4.6 London, British Library, MS Sloane 288 (fols. 148r–49r, s. xvii)

4.8 London, British Library, MS Sloane 1842 (fols. 46v–49r, 1600–1650)

6.6 Glasgow University Library, MS Ferguson 91 (fols. 89v–91v, s. xvii)

7. Clavis Aureae Portae

7.4 Kassel Landesbibliothek, 4o MS chem. 67 (fols. 166r–70r, 1600–1615)

without end Amen”). Follows 30.7. MS includes (English) CRC 1 (extract).

admonition towchinge erronious experiments”). Followed by 13.2, 32.5. Copied from

9.9 Glasgow University Library, MS Ferguson 58 [1] (1–72, 1575–1625)

9.44 Kassel Landesbibliothek, 4o MS chem. 67 (fols. 1r–90v, 1600–1615)

(extract), and other Ripley references.

9.52 Paris, Bibliothèque Nationale, MS Fr. 14795 (119–222, s. xvii)

9.iv Edinburgh, Royal College of Physicians of Edinburgh, MS Anonyma 2, vol. 6 (fols.

9.xviii London, British Library, MS Sloane 2170 (fols. 54r–55r, s. xvii)

(English) 1 (extracts), 16, 27.

10. Concordantia Guidonis et Raymundi

sulphuribus corporum copulam; de Elixere praedicatum.”

10.7 Lichfield Cathedral Library, MS 18 (fols. 25r–27v, 1568)

11. Consolatio Pauperum

12. Elixir Vitae

10. Ex libris Arthur Dee, Sir Thomas Browne.

13. Epistle to Edward IV

13.12 Oxford, Corpus Christi College, MS 172 (fols. 38r–41r, s. xvii)

28–30). Same hand as 13.iv. MS includes (English) CRC 9.16.

14. Gaudeat artista

14.3 Oxford, Corpus Christi College, MS 136 (fols. 5r–v, 1475–1500)

15. De ignibus nostris

Latin commentary on a short extract from the pseudo-Lullian Testamentum novissimum,

16. Medulla Alchimiae

“Medulla Alkamiae Georgii Ripley Canonici de Bridlington in Comitatu Eborum quam

16.8 London, Wellcome Library, MS 310 (fols. 54r–76v, ca. 1613)

trans. Preface, Introduction, three stones, Epilogue, Colophon. Preceded by “Marginall

16.34 Oxford, Bodleian Library, MS Rawl. B.306 (fols. 53r–65v, 1575–1600)

17. De Mercurio & Lapide Philosophorum

17.10 Paris, Bibliothèque Nationale, MS Fr. 14795 (223–249, s. xvii)

18. Mercurius ex luna

19. Mystery of Alchemists

Printed: TCB (English).

extant copies differ somewhat (see below).

21. Nota quod Mercurius

22. Notable Rules from Guido

Collection of forty-five axioms extracted from works of Guido de Montanor, particularly De