Mentioned by Master alchemist Fulcanelli in his work “The Dwellings of the Philosophers” as “a splendid illuminated manuscript containing 21 painted figures, each conforming the 21 operations of the Work,” it is our privilege to present the very first translation into English of the anonymous and iconic work “La Génération et Opération du Grand Œuvre pour faire de l’Or,” “one of the most bizarre, idealistic and extravagant works ever written, the idea for which came from the racked brain of a madman.”

This codex, which we present in full colour, affords a very succinct outline of the course taken by those attempting at the Magnum Opus or Great Alchemical Work. The pious anonymous author of this text and depictions made use of a combination of symbolical and pictorial illuminated keys designed to stir the inspired imagination of the reader, thus pushing spiritual seekers beyond the boundaries of their purely rationalizing minds by describing in uplifting terms the Great Alchemical Operation from its very inception to its final consummation.