Princeton University Library’s latest exhibition showcases foundations of alchemy from 15th century to the time of Sir Isaac Newton
Princeton University Library’s (PUL) newest exhibition is now open in the Ellen and Leonard Milberg Gallery, Firestone Library.
Curated by Associate Professor of History, Jennifer Rampling, the exhibition features rarely-seen Ripley Scrolls, spectacular, emblematic manuscripts, named after the famous English alchemist George Ripley. Two of the surviving 23 Scrolls are held by PUL. The Scrolls played a central role in the transmission of alchemical knowledge. The exhibition’s title, “Through a Glass Darkly” (from the New Testament, 1 Corinthians 13:12), underscores the importance of examining alchemy more deeply than a superficial and imperfectly reflected mirror image, as though seen through a looking-glass. Instead, one must engage with alchemy by examining its historical practices and allegorical imagery.
The exhibition is open daily noon to 6 p.m. in the Milberg Gallery, Firestone Library. (Open to the public; visitors must sign in and self-attest to being up-to-date with vaccinations.)
You can also join us to hear Dr. Rampling talk about alchemy and her book “The Experimental Fire: Inventing English Alchemy 1300-1700” at our next PUL Author Talk on April 27 at 3 p.m. via Zoom. Register at library.princeton.edu/alchemy.