ALCHEMY

Autograph Letter Signed ('Whit: Bulstrode') from Whitelocke Bulstrode in London to his son Richard Bulstrode in Littleton, Middlesex,

Author: 
Whitelocke Bulstrode (1652-1724), alchemist, religious writer, Whig lawyer and administrator, anti-Jacobite author under the pseudonym 'Philalethes' [his son Richard Bulstrode]
Publication details: 
'Hatton Garden Monday Night | 16 Nov 1724'. London; 16 November 1724.
£320.00

1p., 4to. 22 lines of text. Bifolium, addressed on reverse of second leaf: 'To Richard Bulstrode Esqr at Littelton near Sunbury in Midd[lese]x'. In good condition, on aged paper. Addressed to 'My dear Son' from 'Yr most affectionate Father | Whit: Bulstrode'. Bulstrode writes that, on his 'comeing to Towne', he 'met wth a letter from one Mr James Norris, who writes himself Auditor, &, it is fro ye Chapr at Canterbury', sending for the rent 'Due last month'.

Ten printer's specimens, copies of curious alchemical woodblock engravings from the 'Hortus Sanitatis' and other early sources, with captioned title and price.

Author: 
[English woodblock engraving; woodcuts; Georgian fine printing]
Publication details: 
Undated: early nineteenth century.
£850.00

On one side each of two leaves of thin laid paper (quality of tissue). Both leaves are good: lightly creased and spotted on aged paper. The first leaf (roughly 19 x 18 cm) carries six illustrations, arranged 2 x 3, and with the captions reading: 'Price 2s/6d | a way of purifying sea water'; 'Price 1s/6d | preparation Acid Sulphuric'; 'Price of block | 1s/- | Physician Galenical School'; 'Price 1/- | cold still'; 'Price 1/- | Pelican'; '2s/6d | distillation'. Printers blue pencil around third woodcut.

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