Dr Anke Timmermann (University of Cambridge / London),

‘Bottled Knowledge: Drawings of Flasks and Vessels in Alchemical Manuscripts’

Abstract:

Sketches of alchemical flasks and vessels permeate late medieval and early modern manuscripts. It has often been assumed that these drawings are meant to be realistic depictions of laboratory equipment: visual reminders to alchemists of the tools used in daily practice in the workshop. But beyond their deceptively generic appearance a untold story lies: the story of alchemy as seen through its practitioners’ eyes and pens, of the processes of writing and drawing about alchemy, in and around the workshop, and of the communication of craft knowledge.

This presentation will provide a survey of flasks and vessels in English manuscripts from the fifteenth through seventeenth centuries, and begin to unravel their complex histories and meanings.

More details: http://blog.wellcomelibrary.org/2014/10/bottled-knowledge/

Full details of the series: http://blog.wellcomelibrary.org/2014/09/history-of-pre-modern-medicine-seminar-series-2014-15/

With best wishes,

Ross

Ross MacFarlane

Research Engagement Officer

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