Title: [ALEXIS OF PIEDMONT]. Les secrets et merveilles de nature.

Publication: Rouen : Theodore Reinsart 1608

Reference No:   MU-RBL00028

Book Description

8vo. [xvi], 982, 46 pp. Illustrated with woodcuts. Contemporary vellum. Small stamp with
signature of F.W. Huth dated August 1767, and another signature, E. Klopz? 1810. This French
translation printed at Rouen does not appear in any of the usual references with the exception of
a mention by Ferguson (Bibliotheca Chemica, II, p. 534) in which he notes that he has not seen a
copy, but Haller cites its existence. Wecker's famous and very popular book of secrets were drawn
from a number of authorities, both ancient and contemporary. He here details secrets of alchemy
and magic, astrology, pharmacy, cooking and medicine. He treats metals, glass, jewels, and much
more.  Wecker (1528-1586) professor of Latin and logic at Basel, studied medicine before he went
to Colmar as their first City Physician following his treatment of plague victims in 1565. His
books of secrets were well read, printed in many languages and in numerous editions. According to
Ferguson, "it is arranged in a most systematics manner, and in this respect is superior to all
others."