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Ethics and secrecy

Princes’ courts

Principum aulas

The alchemist repeatedly cites service to princes as proof that he has been a philosopher.

From the book

A New Light of Alchemy

Michael Sendivogius · Diotimos Editions · 2026

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English renderings
princes’ courts

Meaning

Phrase.

The alchemist repeatedly cites service to princes as proof that he has been a philosopher. Mercury answers that fools flourish at courts and receive honour there. The statement is a satirical counter to prestige as evidence, not a verified judgment on every named court or every patron of chymistry. No particular prince is identified in these exchanges.

Places to read

  1. Dialogue of Mercury, the Alchemist and Nature · Passage 8Latin; Dialogue of Mercury, the Alchemist and Nature · Passage 13LatinAd Principum aulas stulti concurrunt.