“Extract on Alchemy from the Roman de la Rose” is a 248-page manuscript that delves into the alchemical teachings embedded within the medieval French poem Le Roman de la Rose. This allegorical work, originally penned by Guillaume de Lorris in 1230 and later expanded by Jean de Meun in 1275, explores the complexities of love, desire, and human nature through a dream vision. While the primary focus is on courtly love, the poem also incorporates philosophical and alchemical elements, reflecting the intellectual currents of the time.

The manuscript serves as a specialized extract, highlighting the alchemical aspects present in the original text. It offers readers insights into how medieval thinkers intertwined alchemical symbolism with romantic allegory. The alchemical references are not merely decorative but are woven into the narrative to illustrate the transformative journey of the lover, paralleling the alchemist’s quest for the philosopher’s stone. This synthesis of love and alchemy underscores the period’s fascination with spiritual and material transformation.

Through this extract, readers gain a deeper understanding of how Le Roman de la Rose reflects the medieval worldview, where love and alchemy were seen as interconnected paths toward enlightenment and self-realization. The manuscript is a valuable resource for scholars and enthusiasts interested in the intersection of literature, philosophy, and alchemy during the Middle Ages.

“Extract on Alchemy from the Roman de la Rose” illuminates the alchemical dimensions of a seminal medieval text, offering contemporary readers a glimpse into the esoteric knowledge that permeated the intellectual landscape of the time.