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Diotimos Library · Esotericism & Spirituality Collection · English Edition

Gerhard Dorn and John French

A Chymical Dictionary

An Expanded Diotimos Lexicon of Paracelsian and Alchemical Language

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A Chymical DictionaryMelissa

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English Edition · Branch 426 of 740

Melissa

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A Chymical Dictionary

p. 426

Melissa

Plants animals and natural materials · A Chymical Dictionary

At a Glance

The word. An alchemical use of Melissa for an herbal extraction.

In the book. Manna includes sweet matter extracted from any subject as well as an aerial dew.

A place to read. The historical definition below, 1650 dictionary, unnumbered definition page 32; facsimile PDF page 360.

Historical Definition

Melissa in alchemy is used for Manna extracted from the best herbs.

Meaning

The scope marker in alchemy is essential. Here Melissa does not simply supply the name of a plant: it denotes Manna extracted from herbs judged best for the purpose. The definition gives neither a list of those herbs nor the method by which the extract is obtained.

Use in the Book

Manna includes sweet matter extracted from any subject as well as an aerial dew. Melissa selects the herbal side of that wider range. Liquor herbarum specifies a different herbal preparation through pounding, pressing and digestion.

Places to Read

Manna. An aerial dew and, more broadly, sweet extracted matter.

Liquor herbarum. An herbal liquor identified through three preparatory actions.

Historical source: 1650 dictionary, unnumbered definition page 32; facsimile PDF page 360 — Facsimile

Sources. A Chymical Dictionary 1650, 1650 dictionary, facsimile PDF page 360, Melissa

See also. Manna; Liquor herbarum

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About This Reading Edition

The complete 706 historical definitions of the 1650 English dictionary, modernised and accompanied by expanded Diotimos commentary, reading routes, 15 textual notes and complete linked indexes.

Historical Text

A Chymicall Dictionary, London 1650, English version associated with John French, based on Gerhard Dorn’s Dictionarium Theophrasti Paracelsi. The containing volume also prints Sendivogius and Paracelsus; neither neighboring work changes this dictionary’s attribution.

About This Edition

Complete 706 definition paragraphs with new introduction, commentary, reading guides and indexes; Diotimos Editions, 2026.

Rights

The historical 1650 English text is in the public domain. New introduction, commentary, reading guides and indexes are © 2026 Diotimos Editions and published with the site owner’s authorization.