Elias Ashmole (1617–1692)

Elias Ashmole was a fascinating English figure known for his many contributions. He studied at Oxford’s Brasenose College under Robert Boyle, becoming a lawyer, alchemist, Freemason, and gaining some recognition for his work in astrology. He was a well-known royalist under king Charles I.

Captivated by ancient artifacts he collected a manifold of alchemical books, shields, and coins. His interest in mystical traditions aligned him with other well known alchemists of his time like William Lilly. He was known for his fascination with the mystical and esoteric aspects of alchemical traditions. His works have been studied extensively by figures such as Isaac Newton. In 1677, he donated his collection to Oxford University. This led to the foundation of the world’s first university museum, the Ashmolean Museum. Elias Ashmole is a good example of the intellectual curiosity and interdisciplinary engagement, which was characteristic of the Renaissance and the early modern period in England. His legacy continues through the Ashmolean Museum, a place where his incredible collection continues to captivate and inspire. The Asmolean scriptures have gained renewed interest through novelist Deborah Harknesses’ “All Souls Trilogy” which was also adapted into a TV series.

Ashmolean Museum catalogue. ➤

Theatrum chemicum britannicum : containing severall poeticall pieces of our famous English philosophers, who have written the hermetique mysteries in their owne ancient language. 1652. ➤ 1662. ➤

Fasciculus chemicus, or, Chymical collections : expressing the ingress, progress, and egress of the secret Hermetick science, out of the choisest and most famous authors … : whereunto is added, the Arcanum, or, Grand secret of hermetick philosophy. 1650. ➤

The Way to Bliss, in three books. 1658. ➤

The institution, laws & ceremonies of the most noble Order of the Garter : work furnished with variety of matter, relating to honor and noblesse. 1672. ➤

The antiquities of Berkshire. 1672. ➤

The lives of those eminent antiquaries Elias Ashmole, Esquire, and William Lilly. 1774. ➤