Welcome to The R.A.M.S. Library of Alchemy. The Restorers of Alchemical Manuscripts Society (R.A.M.S.) was formed in the 1970's by Hans W. Nintzel for the purpose of obtaining and restoring only the very best works on Alchemy. Most of these works are now available in The R.A.M.S. Library of Alchemy. I respectfully present the Library with the hope that this information will prove valuable in the quest to improve the human condition.
Many thanks for your interest!
Newest Additions
Friend of the Dawn by Abtala Jurain and Henri de Lintaut. This volume contains Hyle und Coahyl, and L'Ami de L'Aurore. Together they present a relatively clear description of how to obtain the Philosopher's Stone.
The Holy Guide by John Heydon. Second edition, includes Parts 1 & 2. Over 600 pages.
Alchemical Symbols, Fourth Edition. Includes more symbols. A few errors were corrected. The entire text was reformatted for better usability. Volume 21.
The Golden Fleece, Second Edition, by Salomon Trismosin. Added the 22 missing images; corrected several errors; reformatted the text for readability. This is actually a version of Splendor Solis. I would love to have reproduced the plates in color, but the printing cost is too high for that. Volume 36.
Transcendent Magic by Eliphas Levi. A new addition to the Library, this book was part of the core teachings of the Golden Dawn. Volume 50.
Ouroboros, from Lamspring's Process
Engraving by Lucas Jennis, circa 1678
To the Reader:
Vol. 21, Alchemical Symbols, is highly recommended. Symbology is widely used in Alchemical texts and is important in any serious study of Alchemy. In fact, works such as Bacstrom's Notebooks are impossible to understand without an extensive knowledge of Alchemical symbols. Here is an example of a commonly used symbol:
This is the symbol for Mercury. It sometimes refers to the planet nearest our Sun, or to the chemical element also known as Quicksilver with chemical symbol Hg and atomic number 80. However, in Alchemy it is most commonly used to refer to one of the three Philosophical Principles of Alchemy: Sulphur, Mercury and Salt.
The student should also seriously consider obtaining Vol. 33, The Golden Chain of Homer, as a must-have text in any Alchemical Library. Once Hans Nintzel posed this question to his mentor, Frater Albertus: "If your library was burning and you could only save one book, which one would it be?" Frater immediately answered, "The Golden Chain of Homer, of course!"
Another very important text is Vol. 15 The Art of Distillation by John French. It is essential that every student of Alchemy master the basic principles explained therein, and in particular the Four Degrees of Fire and the Terms of Art as defined in Book 1. The volume includes more than 40 meticulously restored engravings from the original printed 1651 edition.
One of my favorites is Vol 47, Selected Chemical Universal and Particular Processes by Alexius von Ruesenstein, an author highly recommended by Dr. Sigismund Bacstrom. It is both informative and fun to read.
Philip Wheeler, Editor, The R.A.M.S. Library of Alchemy