The Book of Quinte Essence or the Fifth Being (1889)

The Book of Quinte Essence or the Fifth Being (1889) - Edited from British Museum MS. Sloane 73 about 1460-70 A.D.

The odd account of the origin of this Treatisein its first linescaught my eye as I was turning over the leaves of the Sloane Manuscript which contains it. I resolved to print it as a specimen of the curious fancies our forefathers believed in (as I suppose) in Natural Science, to go alongside of the equally curious notions they put faith in in matters religious. And this I determined on with no idea of scoffing, or pride in modern wisdom; for I believe that as great fallacies now prevail in both the great branches of knowledge and feeling mentioned, as ever were held by man. Because once held by other men, and specially by older Englishmen, these fancies and notions have, or should have, an interest for all of us; and in this belief, one of them is presented here. The loss of my sweet, bright, only child, Eena, and other distress, have prevented my getting up any cram on the subject of Quintessence to form a regular Preface. The (translated?) original of the text is attributed to HermesTrismegistus, or the thrice great Interpreter, so called as having three parts of the Philosophy of the whole world1to whom were credited more works than he wrote. The tract appears to be a great fuss about Alcohol or Spirits of Wine; how to make it, vi and get more or less tipsy on it, and what wonders it will work, from making old men young, and dying men well, to killing lice. ......Buy Now (To Read More)

Product details

Ebook Number: 17179
Author: Hermes, Trismegistus
Release Date: Nov 29, 2005
Format: eBook
Language: Middle English

Contributors

Editor: Furnivall, Frederick James, 1825-1910