Description
This diagram shows the Seven Planetary Metals. Gold is represented by the sun in the centre. Around the sun orbit the six planets/metals, labelled with their symbols (Iron/Mars, Copper/Venus, Tin/Jupiter, Quicksilver/Mercury, Lead/Saturn, Silver/Moon). The title of the diagram reads ‘Sphaera Transmutationis Metallorum’ which translates as ‘Sphere of Transformation of Metals’. A caption below the drawing reads ‘Sol restat in omnibus unus’ or ‘The sun remains one in all’.
You might be familiar with the transmutation circles from Full Metal Alchemist (the Japanese manga series written and illustrated by Hiromu Arakawa, and the games, TV shows and movies it spawned), or Silas’ Sphere of Transmutation from World of Warcraft. Well this is neither of those. This is the real deal – an original illustration from the classic alchemical guide, the THESAURUS THESAURORUM.
The full title of the Thesaurus is ‘Thesaurus thesaurorum et secretum secretissimum in quo omnia Mundi arcana latent, quodque Deus per ineffabilem suam misericordiam homini vili et abjecto peccatorique maximo revelavit. Lapidis Philosophorum verus processus.’ which means ‘A treasury of treasures and the most secret secret in which all the secrets of the world are hidden, and which God, through his ineffable mercy, revealed to the vile and rejected man and the greatest sinner. The true process of the Philosopher’s Stone.’.
The legendary Philosopher’s Stone, is a mythical substance in alchemy. It has the purported ability to transform base metals like mercury into gold (a process known as chrysopoeia). Additionally, it is referred to as the elixir of life, believed to grant rejuvenation and immortality. Throughout many centuries, the philosopher’s stone held great significance and was the ultimate objective in alchemical pursuits. Symbolically, it represented perfection, enlightenment, and heavenly bliss. The quest to uncover the philosopher’s stone was referred to as the Magnum Opus or Great Work.
The Thesaurus Thesaurorum, from around 1725, is adorned with numerous symbolic watercolor illustrations and depictions of chemical and alchemical equipment. The text and captions accompanying the illustrations are in Latin, although there are a few additional verses in German. The title is derived from page 7, where the text begins. The transcription of the cipher on page 1 states, “Questo Process appartiene a me, Sebastiano Bologna Di Schio _ HB,” which translates to “This process belongs to me, Sebastiano.”
Classic 100% cotton tee with taped neck and shoulders, and a double seam at the sleeves and bottom hem. Eldon Threads logo printed discreetly on the reverse as an outer label just below the neck. Open-end yarn. Tubular fabric. Fabric weight: 5.0–5.3 oz/yd² (170-180 g/m²).
Discover the magic woven into every stitch of ELDON THREADS.
