A Look Inside

The title pages already include etchings of the processes laid out in the work; their text is in German.  The title specifies that Glauber’s work was in medicine and alchemy, and even more specifically that relating to metallurgy.  In very small print, the contents are described as “many other things very profitable for all Lovers of Art and Industry.”  It also informs the reader that this work was translated by Christopher Packe, who is described as a “philo-chemic-medicus.”

Many of these works would be written to a specific reader, usually the queen or another notable figure.  Oftentimes they were also written to prominent doctors, as in this case.  Edmund Dickenson started out at an alchemist and physician, but was recommended to the king after treating and curing an earl.  Glauber knew he would be someone interested in chemistry.

Another print.  Notice the extreme detail in both.  The top lays out a work table with many tools as well as some kiln- or furnace-like setups.  Each is labeled but there is nowhere that this is noticeably explained.  The bottom illustration is larger scale, showing the setup of what could be assumed a chemist’s workspace.  The pieces of the large apparatus are also labeled and described in the text space, and they remain in the original German.

More interesting illustrations of workspaces and the tools within.  Notice in the top how this particular machine (probably for distillation) has been drawn to have eyes and a mouth, where the hose serves as a nose.  It is also interesting to note the presence of a large window or door in all of the representations, a key component of a space which requires much ventilation.