The Book of Quinte Essence or the Fifth Being (1889): Edited from British Museum MS. Sloane 73 About 1460-70 A.D.
The Book of Quinte Essence or the Fifth Being (1889): Edited from British Museum MS. Sloane 73 About 1460-70 A.D.
History - Medieval/Middle Ages, History - Religious, Religion/Spirituality
The Book of Quinte Essence or the Fifth Being, edited in 1889 from a manuscript dating around 1460-70 A.D., is attributed to Trismegistus Hermes. This historical treatise delves into the esoteric concept of Quinte Essence, described as a mystical fifth essence that underlies all matter, with applications in alchemy and healing. It offers insights into ancient beliefs about alchemy, medicine, and the intersection of science and spirituality, detailing methods for creating this elixir believed to restore youth and vitality.
About The Book of Quinte Essence or the Fifth Being (1889): Edited from British Museum MS. Sloane 73 About 1460-70 A.D.
Chapter Summaries
- Prologue
- Introduces the treatise as divinely revealed knowledge given to Hermes by an angel after Noah's flood. Explains that this wisdom must be preserved for holy men and kept from the wicked.
- Book I - Chapter 1
- Defines quintessence as 'Man's Heaven' - an incorruptible substance that transcends the four elements. Describes its three names: burning water, soul in spirit of wine, and water of life.
- Book I - Chapter 2
- Provides detailed instructions for creating quintessence through distillation of wine, using various methods including horse dung fermentation and specialized glass apparatus for repeated sublimation.
Key Themes
- Divine Revelation and Sacred Knowledge
- The text presents quintessence as divinely revealed knowledge given by God through an angel to Hermes. This sacred wisdom is meant to be preserved and protected, emphasizing the religious nature of alchemical practice.
- Moral Worthiness and Spiritual Purity
- Only 'evangelic men' - those who are holy and righteous - are deemed worthy to receive this knowledge. The text repeatedly warns against sharing these secrets with the wicked, covetous, or tyrannical.
- Restoration and Renewal
- Quintessence is presented as 'Man's Heaven' - a substance that can restore youth, cure diseases, and renew human nature. It represents the possibility of returning to an original, perfected state.
Characters
- Hermes Trismegistus(protagonist)
- The legendary prophet and king of Egypt, called 'the thrice great Interpreter' and 'father of philosophers.' He received divine revelation from an angel of God after Noah's flood to preserve the wisdom of quintessence for holy men.
- Angel of God(minor)
- Divine messenger who revealed the secrets of quintessence to Hermes after Noah's flood, ensuring this knowledge would be preserved until the end of the world.
- Frederick J. Furnivall(minor)
- The 19th-century editor who translated and published this medieval manuscript. He presents the work as a specimen of medieval beliefs in natural science, comparing them to religious notions of the time.
- Evangelic Men(major)
- Holy, righteous men who are the intended recipients of this divine knowledge. The text emphasizes that quintessence should only be shared with such virtuous individuals, not with the wicked or covetous.
- Wicked Men and Tyrants(antagonist)
- Those who are explicitly warned against receiving this knowledge. The text states that if this book falls into their hands, they could use it to prolong their evil lives and cause great harm.
