The celestial tree, from a work long attributed to Basil Valentine, a 15th century monk, whose very existence is now doubted. The astrological symbols show the mystical nature of alchemy. Alchemy was the pseudo-scientific predecessor of chemistry. Among o

---

The celestial tree, from a work long attributed to Basil Valentine, a 15th century monk, whose very existence is now doubted. The astrological symbols show the mystical nature of alchemy. Alchemy was the pseudo-scientific predecessor of chemistry. Among other pursuits, alchemists searched for formulas that would turn base metals into gold.

---

Size: 2550px × 2909px
Photo credit: © Photo Researchers / Alamy / Afripics
License: Licensed
Model Released: No

Keywords: 1400s, 15th, alchemical, alchemist, alchemy, antimony, art, artwork, astrological, basil, bw, celestial, century, drawing, engraving, fifteenth, historic, historical, history, illustration, medieval, mystical, mysticism, symbol, tree, valentine