A curated cross-source journey
The twelve operations are the backbone of Western alchemical theory — a sequential path of transformation from the prima materia to the Philosopher's Stone, codified by Paracelsus, George Ripley, and a long tradition of Hermetic writers. Each operation appears across dozens of emblem books, manuscripts, and instructional prints — the same stage reimagined by Maier, Ripley, the Rosarium, Splendor Solis, and many others. Filter by operation below to set these parallel depictions side by side.