D'Espagnet, Jean (ca. 1640)
D'Espagnet, Jean (ca. 1640)
A Hermetic philosopher who left two treatises, Enchiridion Physicae Restitutae (1623) and Arcanum Philosophiae Hermitacae (ca. 1623), which were also said to be the works of one who called himself "the Chevalier Imperial." The Secret of Hermetic Philosophy embraces the practical side of the magnum opus, and the Enchiridion explores the physical possibility of transmutation of metals. D'Espagnet also wrote the preface to the Tableau de l'inconstance des démons by Pierre De Lancre.
The Arcanum is better known as The Canons of Espagnet and has been called a treatise on mystical alchemy. The author states, however, that "the science of producing Nature's grand Secret is a perfect knowledge of nature universally and of Art, concerning the realm of Metals; the practice whereof is conversant in finding the principles of Metals by analysis."
The authorities cited by D'Espagnet were those who, like Bernard Trévisan, are known to have devoted their lives to practical alchemy. While much of the treatise discusses physical objects, it may also be extended to the psychic side of the hermetic or alchemical art.