Count of St Germain (c.1712-1784),French alchemist. St Germain was a French courtier and adventurer who rose to prominence in Europe in the mid-18th century. He was also known as a charlatan,inventor,and alchemist. Little biographical information is known about him,though some of the stories of his life gave rise to legends and myths. This 1783 engraving is by Nicolas Thomas,based on a painting that is now lost. The title and inscription are in French,translating as: 'celebrated alchemist',comparing St Germain to Prometheus,who gave fire to mankind,and talking about God and gaining control over Nature |