Skinner, Stephen (Lapidus)
This book is an outstanding resource for the modern pursuant of gold (& silver). Lapidus has spelled out the key information at the heart of this noble enterprise. Lovers of the Art will marvel at the candor and generosity of this author who so freely throws open the door to the sanctuary. Traditional stumbling blocks are highlighted and dispelled as the reader is taken methodically through the challenges of both the literature and the practical work. While much is revealed, the author (like his peers) also cleverly introduces doubts; little is withheld, but the variety of descriptive methods and names lead the unwary reader into the mire. However, the seeming contradictions cannot withstand the persistent scrutiny of an enterprising individual. The Secret Book of Artephius is reproduced here in full, with Pontanus' little Sophic Fire as a prelude. There are extensive quotes, mainly from Bacstrom's Alchemical Anthology - often with Bacstrom's own comments. Ripley's 12 Gates appears here in an edited version; there are a selection of plates taken from Atalanta Fugiens - original captions have been replaced with Lapidus' own comments; and many other quotes are to be found, including swathes of the Vade Mecum, Philalethes and Paracelsus. Read, Pray, Work and Come.