Splendor Solis

A complete illuminated manuscript in 101 full page color plates



Splendor Solis (The Splendor of the Sun) is regarded as the classic illuminated manuscript on alchemy. It sets forth the philosophy of alchemy, in which the alchemist intervenes in the mechanics of creation while at all times remaining in harmony with nature and supporting its growth. The manuscript was traditionally attributed to Salomon Trismosin, the alleged teacher of Paracelsus, but the real author remains unknown. Twenty copies of the manuscript exist worldwide. The earliest version, dated 1532-1535, is housed at the Kupferstichkabinett (Museum of Prints and Drawings) at State Museums in Berlin. The present copy, made in 1582, is held by the British Library, London.