"[Testament de l'art chimique universel] Raymundi Lulli Doctissimi et Celeberrimi Philosophi Testamentum, duobus libris Universam Artem Chymicam Complectens Antehac Nunquam Excusum - Item Eiusdem Compendium Animae Transmutationis metallorum, absolutum iam & perfectum Printed in Cologne in 1566 by Johan Byrckmann Coloniae Agrippinae Apud Ioannem Byrckmannum, 1566 - A rare alchemical treatise apocryphally published under the name of Lull Ramon or Raymond Lulle, a mystical writer from Majorca who despised alchemy. In all likelihood, this work cannot be attributed to him, as it is the first edition of the most important alchemical work, among the few alchemical works published under this name from the 14th century onwards. Bound in full contemporary vellum, smooth spine titled in black ink, small loss at tail and rubbing at edges with minor loss of skin. Several woodcut figures in the text, margins a little trimmed, a few pages soiled but not seriously soiled. Some copies have two folding engraved plates in addition to the figures in the text, which are missing from our copy. Text in Latin. This is the oldest pseudo-Lullian treatise on alchemy, dating from 1332. It is in this work that most of the knowledge and principal alchemical theories of the time are assembled. It contains extensive pharmacological knowledge. The rules he lays down are sometimes enigmatic, especially when it comes to "ennobling" metals - i.e. transmuting them into gold. The author often uses solemn terms - the "quintessence" of wine to designate alcohol - while describing its virtues. The text sets out the new notion of "universal medicine", both for stones (transmutation) and for human health. The work as a whole remains an important testimony to alchemical research in the Middle Ages. Lulle was probably a pupil of Arnaud de Villeneuve. Most major alchemical libraries and collections do not possess an edition of the Testamentum. Zeitlinger says of this work: "Perhaps the author's most important alchemical work, and according to Prof. E. v. Meyer, one of the few genuine works of the many attributed to him." ¶ Duveen p.369 - Ferguson II/54 (not in Young collection) - Not in Caillet, nor Dorbon (n°2795 reprint of 1573 ""rare""), nor Guaïta, nor in the Mellon Collection, nor in the Verginelli collection, nor in Nourry's cat. Alchimie (1927) In-12, 241pp + index."