Dee, John (1527-1608)

Practica et accurtaciones Georgii Ryplay et Raimundi. In English and Latin, written in the hand of John Dee. Written partly in italic, and partly in a secretary hand. On p. 25 is a rough pen-drawing of a 'longe receptory' used in the sublimation process. There seems little doubt that this MS. is by the hand of the famous astrologer and alchemist. On pp. 15, 39, 49, 58 and 81 the characteristic initials J.D. are found, identical with those in authentic Dee MSS. On p. 13 is the small 'ladder sign' mentioned by M. R. James in his 'Preface to the List of MSS. formerly owned by Dr. John Dee', 1921.

The manuscript is listed as DM90 (under manuscripts 'known to have formed part of Dee's library but not [appearing] in his catalogue or lists') in John Dee's Library Catalogue, ed. by Julian Roberts and Andrew G. Watson (London: Bibliographical Society, 1990), p. 172.

Late 16th century

1 volume 1 bl. l. + 67 pp. (last 3 ll. bl.). 4to. 201/2 x 15 cm. Unbound; cover is printed sheet which is identified as gathering "Q" from William Perkins' Armilla aurea … editio secunda (Cambridge, 1591?). STC (2nd ed.) 19655a. Some margins frayed.

Purchased at Sotheby's 17/2/1931, Lot 359A.

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).

Inside the first blank leaf is written in pencil 'Horwoods List No. 101'. (I.e. Alfred John Horwood [1821-1881], Inspector in the Royal Commission on Historical Manuscripts.) Inserted is a note on this MS. on four leaves, probably by the Cataloguer at Sotheby's.