CHAPTER XVII.

Origin of Alchemy--Argument for Transmutation--Golden Age of Alchemy--Alchemists in the 13th century--Medals metaphorically described--Jargon of Dr. Dee--The Green Lion--Roger Bacon--Invention of Gunpowder--Imprisonment of Alchemists--Edict of Henry VI.--Pope John XXII.--Pope Sixtus V.--Alchemy applied to Medicine--Paracelsus--Evelyn’s hesitation about Alchemy--Narrative of Helvetius--Philadept on Alchemy--Rosicrucians--A Vision--Hayden’s description of Rosicrucians--Dr. Price--Mr. Woulfe--Mr. Kellerman. 230