Sir Edward Kelley (aka Kelly aka Talbot) is (in)famous for being the scryer-medium during the extraordinary angelic conversations with Dr. John Dee. Though, he is sadly less known for his own famed alchemical practice and writings. Here I am going to explore the printed 1676 edition of his alchemical writings to better understand Kelley. Often written off as a mere con man, exploring Kelley and his writings on their own terms gives us a greater glimpse into his importance for the study of western esotericism and the alchemical world of the late 16th century.
Recommended Readings:
Kelley – Alchemical Writings (Latin) – https://www.google.com/books/edition/_/wwaKbXcq8JUC?hl=en&gbpv=1
Kelley – Alchemical Writings (English) – https://archive.org/details/b24857300
Transmutation Tales:
https://www.alchemywebsite.com/kelly.html
https://www.alchemywebsite.com/kelly2.html
Rampling – The Experimental Fire – 978-0226710709
My Article on Kelley – https://drive.google.com/file/d/1VlqNsIDK8N3G5zUqn9Rp44VbmihIA9lX/view?usp=sharing
General Alchemy Reading
Linden, Stanton J. (ed.) The Alchemy Reader: From Hermes Trismegistus to Isaac Newton. 978-0521796620. Nicely edited collection of alchemical primary texts.
Moran, Bruce. Distilling Knowledge: Alchemy, Chemistry, and the Scientific Revolution. 978-0674022492. Great text on the transition from alchemy to chemistry.
Principe, Lawrence. The Secrets of Alchemy. 978-0226103792. An up-to-date history of alchemy.
Newman, William. Newton the Alchemist: Science, Enigma, and the Quest for Nature’s “Secret Fire” 978-0691174877. Cutting edge research on alchemy in the 17th century.
Roob, Alexander(ed.) Alchemy & Mysticism. 978-3836549363. A collection of alchemical imagery and symbolism, also a nice coffee table book!
Anything by Principe and Newman generally
#alchemy #EdwardKelley #JohnDee
