The Metropolis

Newly discovered "Philosopher's Stone" alchemy scroll on show at Science Museum

Mike Pollitt | Thursday 26 April, 2012 13:52

The Science Museum have found a new Ripley Scroll, the name given to a series of mysterious alchemical documents containing instructions for making the Philosopher’s Stone, among their archives. It will go on display tomorrow in an exhibition entitled Signs, Symbols, Secrets: an illustrated guide to alchemy. There’s a distinct possibility that, If we follow its instructions very carefully, any one of us might be able to convert base metal into gold, or even to discover an elixir of eternal life.

The image above is taken from another copy of a Ripley scroll held at Yale. You can see from the dragons and the fire and the tongues and water and blooded feet that these scrolls are a fun read.

But how do they help you discover the Philosopher’s Stone? Just how do you make this substance which can change base metal to gold? The language of alchemy is notoriously elusive and resistant to all but the most subtle and well informed interpretation. But sod that, here’s a 5 point guide:

1. Ingredients

George Ripley’s allegorical poem which features in the scrolls is obviously a good place to start.

“You must make Water of the Earth, and Earth of the Air, and Air of the Fire, and Fire of the Earth. The Black Sea. The Black Luna. The Black Sol.”

So you’ll need some Air, some Earth, some Fire and some Water. That sounds easy enough. Also maybe some sea, moon and sun but I’m guessing those can be skipped?

2. Equipment

This picture by Joseph Wright of Derby has two titles. One is An Alchemist in Search of the Philosopher’s Stone. The other title is The Alchemist Discovers Phosphorus. I can tell you that in the glass container is some boiling urine, and that the light is phosphorus being given off by it. So for this bit you’ll need a kettle and some urine. All perfectly do-able so far.

3. Snakes

“On the ground there is a hill
Also a serpent within a well
His tail is long with wings wide
All ready to flee by every side”

So you’ll need a snake with wings. Maybe the zoo has one?

4. Mixing

“The fire with water bright shall be burnt
And water with fire washed shall be
The earth on fire shall be put
And water with air shall be knit”

Clearly the first two lines mean you should throw a bucket of water on a fire, and the third line means you should chuck some mud on it. The last line I’m taking suggestions on.

5. Eh?

“Thou must part him in three
And then knit him as the Trinity
And make them all but one
Lo here is the Philosophers Stone”

Nope. You’re on your own. Best of luck!

Links:
Science Museum – Alchemy Exhibition
Sir George Ripley – Poem from the scrolls
Wellcome Library – How to conserve Ripley Scrolls
Beinecke Library, Yale – Pictures from their Ripley Scroll
Wired – Science Musuem discovers Philosopher’s Stone scroll

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