Basilius Valentinus

Sabine Stuart de Chevalier, active in 1781, was a writer and alchemist from France, though she may have had Scottish origins. She authored a significant alchemical work titled Discours Philosophique sur les Trois Principes, Animal, Vegetal and Mineral ou La Clef du Sanctuaire Philosophique, published in Paris in two volumes in 1781. Her husband, Claude Chevalier, served as a physician to the King of France and the Cent-Suisses. Stuart's alchemical writings, characteristic of the field, employ allegorical language. In the preface to her book, she stated that she received the "clef" or key to understanding through lessons from her husband. She also promised to elaborate on The Twelve Keys of Philosophy, a work attributed to the renowned alchemist Basilius Valentinus. In a modern artistic context, German artist Anselm Kiefer featured Stuart in his 2026 collection, The Women Alchemists, exhibited in Milan.

Sabine Stuart de Chevalier's primary contribution to alchemy lies in her two-volume work, Discours Philosophique sur les Trois Principes, Animal, Vegetal and Mineral ou La Clef du Sanctuaire Philosophique. Published in 1781, this text delves into the philosophical underpinnings of alchemical principles, focusing on the animal, vegetal, and mineral kingdoms. The language employed is deeply allegorical, a common characteristic of alchemical literature, requiring interpretation to grasp its deeper meanings. Stuart indicated that the foundational knowledge for her work, particularly the 'key' to the philosophical sanctuary, was imparted to her through instruction from her husband, Claude Chevalier. This highlights a potential lineage of esoteric knowledge transmission within her marital relationship.

A significant aspect of Stuart de Chevalier's work is her explicit reference to the famed alchemist Basilius Valentinus. In her preface, she not only credits her husband with providing her with the 'clef' but also announces her intention to expound upon the teachings found in The Twelve Keys of Philosophy. This seminal text is attributed to Basilius Valentinus, a historical figure whose identity and works have been subjects of much discussion within alchemical circles. Stuart's engagement with Valentinus's work suggests she saw herself as a commentator or continuator of his alchemical tradition, aiming to unlock and explain its complex doctrines for her readers.

“she received this "clef" in the form of lessons from her husband”

“promises to explain The Twelve Keys of Philosophy”