Basilius Valentinus

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18th century illustration to 3rd key, in Duodecim Claves

Basilius Valentinus, also known under the Anglicized version of his name, Basil Valentine, was a 15th-century alchemist. He was the Canon of the Benedictine Priory of Sankt Peter in Erfurt, Germany. Even his name cannot be corroborated; during the 18th century it was suggested that he was Johann Thölde. The year given for his birth in Mainz, 1394, is also uncertain.

He showed that ammonia could be obtained by the action of alkalies on sal-ammoniac, and how hydrochloric acid could be produced from acidizing brine.

[edit] Bibliography

Basilius Valentinus wrote dozens of important publications on alchemy in Latin and German. They have been translated into many Western European languages, including English, French, and others.

Most famous works (in Latin)

Currus Triumphalis Antimonii (The triumphal chariot of antimony)
Duodecim Claves (The twelve keys)

Many other works (in Latin and German)

Porta sophica
The Medicine of Metals
Of things natural and supernatural
Of the first tincture, root and spirit of metals
Of the great secrecy of the world, and its medicin
Libri quattuor de particularibus septem planetarum (Of the supremacy of the seven planets)
Experimenta chymica
Practica
Compendium veritatis philosophicum (German)
Last will and testament