The Hermetic and Alchemical Writings of Paracelsus, Volume I: Hermetic Chemistry. Vol. II: Hermetic Medicine and Hermetic Philosophy (2 Volume Set, complete).
Berkeley, CA: Shambhala Publications Inc., 1976. First Edition Thus. Softcover. Octavos. Two volumes (complete set). Vol. I: xvi + 394 pp, Vol. II: viii + 396 pp. A reduced format facsimile reprint of the 1894 edition with an additional new Foreword by occult author and scholar Charles Poncé. Paracelsus (Phillipus Aureolus Theophrastus Bombastus von Hohenheim: 1493 - 1541) was one of the first of the European alchemical writers to underline the link between chemical experiment and spiritual development, and is acknowledged both as a precursor of modern scientific medicine and chemistry and as a major figure in alchemical and esoteric thought. His work is said to have had a profound effect on Dr. John Dee and Francis Barrett, and more recently on the membership of the Hermetic Order of the Golden Dawn and kindred occult groups and individuals. The editor, Arthur Edward Waite (1857-1942), was a major figure in the Victorian occult revival whose accomplishments included the introduction of the works of Eliphas Levi to the English-speaking world and the first English publication of many of the classics of alchemy. As the title suggests this edition collects Paracelsus' alchemical and hermetic writings, omitting his 'conventional' medical and scientific works. The text is translated from the Latin of the Geneva edition of 1658. Aside from editing and assembling the collection Waite also supplied the 'Short Lexicon of Alchemy' and undertook some of the translation, although most were apparently supplied by anonymous scholars. Vol. I: Darkened patch to upper spine and spine-edge of front cover, apparently a tea (?) splash. Corresponding browning on inside front cover and half- title-page, but has not penetrated further. Modest shelfwear, light chafing to edges, a little browning to page edges, One vertical marginal ink rule in text, text otherwise unmarked. Vol. II: Small (3/8 inch) tear at bottom of front wrapper where it joins the spine. Faint damp stain to bottom of fore-edge of rear cover, just bleeding into the margins of the last two dozen leaves. Modest shelfwear, light chafing to covers, a little browning to page edges, no internal markings. Flaws nots as dramatic as they sound, and still overall tight, clean and VG condition. A solid, portable and affordable set of this important work. Item #70030
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