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Aeson is rejuvenated by having his blood replaced by magic juices in a boiling vat; representing the process of self-destruction in order to attain the elixir of life. Watercolour painting by E.A. Ibbs after Salomon Trismosin.

An alchemist standing before a board illustrated with diagrams, lecturing to a crowd on the elixir of life. Wood engraving, 1852-3, after D. Scott.

An alchemist's laboratory: a young man drinks an elixir of life while the alchemist is incapacitated. Wood engraving by H.K. Browne (Phiz), 1865.

A group of physicians stand by a cow that has died while 'aborting' a man; perhaps representing the potential effect of vaccination. Coloured etching.

The secret of everlasting life : the first translation of the ancient Chinese text on immortality / Richard Bertschinger.

English Alchemical Notebook, early 17th century

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Elixir of life

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Aeson is rejuvenated by having his blood replaced by magic juices in a boiling vat; representing the process of self-destruction in order to attain the elixir of life. Watercolour painting by E.A. Ibbs after Salomon Trismosin.

The secret of everlasting life : the first translation of the ancient Chinese text on immortality / Richard Bertschinger.

English Alchemical Notebook, early 17th century

An alchemist's laboratory: a young man drinks an elixir of life while the alchemist is incapacitated. Wood engraving by H.K. Browne (Phiz), 1865.

A group of physicians stand by a cow that has died while 'aborting' a man; perhaps representing the potential effect of vaccination. Coloured etching.