JEAN D’ESPAGNET.
Reading edition
This Hermetic philosopher is known to us by two treatises—Enchiridion Physicæ Restitutæ and Arcanum Philosophiæ Hermeticæ, which, however, has also been claimed as the production of an unknown individual who called himself the Chevalier Impérial.[AA] “The Secret of Hermetical Philosophy” comprises the practical part of the magnum opus and the Enchiridion, the physical theory on which the possibility of transmutation is founded. D’Espagnet is also the author of the preface to the Tableau de l’Inconstance des Démons, by Pierre Delancre.
“The Arcanum of Hermetic Philosophy” is better known under the title of the “Canons of Espagnet,” and, as I have shown in the Introduction, it is claimed as a treatise on mystical alchemy. The author, however, very plainly states that “the science of producing Nature’s grand Secret is a perfect knowledge of Nature universally and of art, concerning the realm of metals; the practice whereof is conversant in finding the principles of metals by analysis.” Moreover, the authors whom Espagnet recommends as a guide to the student include those who, like Trévisan, are known to have spent their existence in practical alchemy. The Sethon-Sendivogius treatises are also respectfully cited. At the same time, it may be freely granted that much of the matter in the canons, though treating of a physical object, may be extended to the psychic side of the Hermetic art.
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