Correspondence on alchemy with Lucien Saint Fargeau (1869- )

Original correspondence between Poisson and Saint Fargeau (47 letters), from 25/2/1887 to 2/2/1888, on the practice of alchemy. 'Rapports' on expenses for books, chemicals, laboratory charges, etc., from 1886 to 15/3/1891: signed after 1889 by Poisson only. 'Oeuvre adamantique,' 15/9/1887, written jointly and signed by both writers. (10 pp.). Horoscope of Saint Fargeau drawn up by Poisson, dated September, 1887 (28 pp.). Some of the letters contain pen-drawings of alchemical apparatus, etc. The horoscope has a title in coloured inks, and contains a circular figure in green ink, and has headings in red. In this collection, Poisson uses the pseudonym of 'Philophotes', and Saint Fargeau that of 'Samada'. The folder is labelled: 'Cahier IV. A. Poisson. Biographie. Mémoire. Correspondence. Horoscopes, etc.' The letters are in a separate paper folder lettered: 'Mémoire pour l'Oeuvre I.' Produced in Paris, etc.

1886-1891

1 volume 100 ll. + 111 ll. + 15 bl. ll. + 10 ll. (last 5 bl.). + 15 ll. (last bl.). 4to. 20 × 151/2 cm. Unbound in folders.

Purchased at Sotheby's (Hauser Sale), 18/4/1934, Lot 453 (part).

From the Library of Lionel Hauser of Paris with his press-mark label 'L.H. 63'.

Database description transcribed from S.A.J. Moorat, Catalogue of Western Manuscripts on Medicine and Science in the Wellcome Historical Medical Library (London: Wellcome Institute for the History of Medicine, 1962-1973).