Eirenaeus Philalethes
Encyclopedia
Eirenaeus Philalethes was a 17th century alchemist
and the author of many influential works. These works were read by such luminaries as Isaac Newton
, John Locke
, and Gottfried Wilhelm Leibniz. Newton's extensive writings on alchemy are heavily indebted to Philalethes, although Newton incorporated significant modifications as well.
, an alchemist
and the first American
scientist
, who wrote the works attributed to Philalethes.
A number of these tracts, including the Three tracts and the Introitus were also included in the Musaeum Hermeticum
of 1678.
All English works of Philalethes have been recently compiled in one volume.
Available online:
Alchemy
Alchemy is an influential philosophical tradition whose early practitioners’ claims to profound powers were known from antiquity. The defining objectives of alchemy are varied; these include the creation of the fabled philosopher's stone possessing powers including the capability of turning base...
and the author of many influential works. These works were read by such luminaries as Isaac Newton
Isaac Newton
Sir Isaac Newton PRS was an English physicist, mathematician, astronomer, natural philosopher, alchemist, and theologian, who has been "considered by many to be the greatest and most influential scientist who ever lived."...
, John Locke
John Locke
John Locke FRS , widely known as the Father of Liberalism, was an English philosopher and physician regarded as one of the most influential of Enlightenment thinkers. Considered one of the first of the British empiricists, following the tradition of Francis Bacon, he is equally important to social...
, and Gottfried Wilhelm Leibniz. Newton's extensive writings on alchemy are heavily indebted to Philalethes, although Newton incorporated significant modifications as well.
Identity
The real identity behind the nom de plume of Eireneaus Philalethes has long been shrouded in secrecy. In recent research, however it is being argued that it was George StarkeyGeorge Starkey (alchemist)
George Starkey, born George Stirk , was an American alchemist, medical practitioner, and writer of numerous commentaries and chemical treatises that were widely circulated in Europe and influenced prominent men of science, including Robert Boyle and Isaac Newton...
, an alchemist
Alchemy
Alchemy is an influential philosophical tradition whose early practitioners’ claims to profound powers were known from antiquity. The defining objectives of alchemy are varied; these include the creation of the fabled philosopher's stone possessing powers including the capability of turning base...
and the first American
British North America
British North America is a historical term. It consisted of the colonies and territories of the British Empire in continental North America after the end of the American Revolutionary War and the recognition of American independence in 1783.At the start of the Revolutionary War in 1775 the British...
scientist
Scientist
A scientist in a broad sense is one engaging in a systematic activity to acquire knowledge. In a more restricted sense, a scientist is an individual who uses the scientific method. The person may be an expert in one or more areas of science. This article focuses on the more restricted use of the word...
, who wrote the works attributed to Philalethes.
Works
First printings of Philalethes' tracts were published between 1654 and 1683:- The Marrow of Alchemy, being an Experimental Treatise, Discovering the secret and most hidden Mystery of the Philosophers Elixer (London, 1654, in English)
- Secrets Reveal'd: or An Open Entrance to the Shut-Palace of the King (Introitus apertus ad occlusum regis palatium) (Amsterdam, 1667, in Latin; London, 1669, in English)
- Three Tracts of the Great Medicine of Philosophers for Humane and Metalline Bodies (Amsterdam, 1668, in Latin; London, 1694, in English)
- The Art of the Transmutation of Metals
- A short Manuduction to the Caelestial Ruby
- The Fountain of Chymical Philosophy
- An Exposition upon Sir George Ripley'sGeorge Ripley (alchemist)Sir George Ripley was a famous English author and alchemist.Ripley studied for twenty years in Italy where he became a great favourite of Pope Innocent VIII...
Epistle to King Edward IV (London 1677, in English) - An Exposition upon Sir George Ripley's Preface (London 1677, in English)
- An Exposition upon the First Six Gates of Sir George Ripley's Compound of Alchymie (London 1677, in English)
- Experiments for the Preparation of the Sophick Mercury; by Luna, and the Antimonial-Stellate-Regulus of Mars, for the Philosophers Stone (London 1677, in English)
- A breviary of Alchemy, or a commentary upon Sir George Ripley's Recapitulation: Being A Paraphrastical Epitome of his Twelve Gates (London 1677, in English)
- An Exposition upon Sir George Ripley's Vision (London 1677, in English)
- Ripley Reviv'd, or an Exposition upon Sir George Ripley's Hermetico-Poetical Works (London 1678, in English)
- Opus tripartitum (London&Amsterdam, 1678, in Latin)
- Enarratio methodica trium Gebri medicinarum, in quibus contenitur Lapidis Philosophici vera confectio (Amsterdam, 1678, Latin)
- The Secret of the Immortal Liquor called Alkahest (London, 1683, English & Latin)
A number of these tracts, including the Three tracts and the Introitus were also included in the Musaeum Hermeticum
Musaeum Hermeticum
Musaeum Hermeticum is a compendium of alchemical texts first published in German, in Frankfurt, 1625 by Lukas Jennis. Additional material was added for the 1678 Latin edition, which in turn was reprinted in 1749....
of 1678.
All English works of Philalethes have been recently compiled in one volume.
Available online: