Feminae: Medieval Women and Gender Index


  • Record Number: 7647
  • Author(s)/Creator(s): Hughes , Jonathan.
  • Contributor(s):
  • Title: Alchemy and the Exploration of Late Medieval Sexuality [The author explores the natural philosophic principles which, for physicians and alchemists, governed sexuality, conception, and masculinity. Case studies of Henry VI and Edward IV demonstrate ways in which alchemy was used to physic the King. The source of trouble was sometimes identified as a malevolent woman, a witch, or a supernatual threat like the half-serpent Melusine. Title note supplied by Feminae.].
  • Source: Medieval Virginities.  Edited by Anke Bernau, Ruth Evans, and Sarah Salih.  Religion and Culture in the Middle Ages series. University of Wales Press; University of Toronto Press, 2003.  Pages 140 - 166.
  • Description:
  • Article Type: Essay
  • Subject (See Also): Alchemy Edward IV, King of England Henry IV, King of England Kings Masculinity Medicine Melusine (Literary Figure) Natural Philosophy Politics Sexuality Virginity
  • Award Note:
  • Geographic Area: British Isles
  • Century: 14- 15
  • Primary Evidence:
  • Illustrations: One Illustration. Figure One Manuscript drawing of Melusine from the "Ripley Scroll" (Oxford, Bodleian Library, MS Ashmole 53).
  • Table:
  • Abstract:
  • Related Resources:
  • Author's Affiliation: University of East Anglia [Wellcome Research Fellow]
  • Conference Info: - , -
  • Year of Publication: 2003.
  • Language: English
  • ISSN/ISBN: 0802089607