Ouroboros, dragon eating its own tail
Date
1573
Creator
Unknown, Artist
Object type
Archive reference number
Manuscript page number
p121v
Material
Dimensions
height (page): 166mm
width (page): 116mm
width (page): 116mm
Subject
Description
A common symbol in alchemy, this dragon is eating its own tail. The symbol is called 'ouroboros' and has a meaning of infinity and wholeness.
The drawing is added to the last page of a French manuscript about the philosopher's stone, entitled: 'Clangor Buccinae: Leson de la Trompete ou du Clarion. Traite excellent et admirable racuielly d'une escripture fort ancienne; descourant a tous philosophes fidellement et physicalement de la pierre des Philosophes. Mis en Francois par I. Fornier. 1573.'
It is possible that this particular copy was made later than 1573. It is not clear what the original text is, or in which language it was originally written.
The drawing is added to the last page of a French manuscript about the philosopher's stone, entitled: 'Clangor Buccinae: Leson de la Trompete ou du Clarion. Traite excellent et admirable racuielly d'une escripture fort ancienne; descourant a tous philosophes fidellement et physicalement de la pierre des Philosophes. Mis en Francois par I. Fornier. 1573.'
It is possible that this particular copy was made later than 1573. It is not clear what the original text is, or in which language it was originally written.
Object history
The Royal Society catalogue indicates that this is a notebook of Robert Boyle's.
Related fellows
Robert Boyle (1627 - 1691, British) , Natural philosopher
Associated place