Tinctures of the Seven Metals

Basil Valentine is a supposed 16th century alchemical adept and monk of the Benedictine Order. In reality, the works that appeared under his name were written in the 1590s and early decades of the 17th century. There were very influential and were quoted widely in later alchemical literature.

Legends were created about this character. It was circulated that Valentine sealed all his writings under a table of marble, behind the high-altar of the Cathedral Church.

This piece the 'Revelation of the mysteries of the essential tinctures of the seven metals, and their medicinal virtues' was written in German and translated into French for printing in 1645.

It deals with the tinctures or transmuting essences of the seven metals associated with the planets.