The Crowning of Nature

Magnum Opus Hermetic Sourceworks No.3 The Crowning of Nature 

One of the most enigmatic alchemical works, The Crowning of Nature, provides a detailed description of the alchemical process through a series of 67 stages, depicted as taking place in retorts. Well-known in the late 16th and early 17th centuries, this work was never published as a printed book but was widely circulated in manuscript form. For this first edition, Adam McLean consulted seven manuscript versions and included an English text that accompanies some versions.

The Crowning of Nature bridges the soul development of alchemy and the physical process, as the illustrations describe both realms. The basic symbols undergo a metamorphosis of form and colour through a series of cycles, unfolding in the 67 illustrations. An introduction surveys the history and assesses the importance of the work within the alchemical tradition. Adam McLean provides a commentary on the process depicted in the illustrations and suggests ways to approach the spiritual ideas woven into the patterns of symbolism.

Date Published: 1980

Page number: 137

Cover Type: Handbound leather hardback  A5

Illustrations: 67 black and white plates

Edition: Limited

Translated by: Praticia Tahil  (Translation of the Barchusen peice)

Signed by: Adam McLean