The Alchemical Patronage of Sir William Cecil, Lord Burghley

the 250 mile journey to the Isle of Anglesey in 1574 to witness a trial of Medley‘s new
technique. That Cecil, the Queen‘s chief minister, would undertake such a long journey at
the age of fifty four, in the midst of other affairs, demonstrates the importance that he
attributed to Medley and his alchemical project. Twenty-eight years later, Sir John Wynne,
who witnessed the demonstration, remembered the trial as a complete success. Medley
created copper of sufficient quality and quantity that ―parte was sent to the [Lords] of the
Counsell that were partners in the worke, parte to others of the nobilitie; and every
gentleman of qualitie there presente had parte to carrie in his pockette‖. 109
The immense success of this trial revived Cecil, Leicester and Smith‘s interest in the
project. Smith, again on good terms with Medley, discussed with him the plans for the new
works, and sent Cecil and Leicester a fresh offer from the alchemist. Smith claimed that
Medley‘s new process would transmute every six tonnes of raw iron into five tonnes of
pure copper, and also create as a by-product £11 worth of copperas and alum. 110 A map in
Cecil‘s papers (Image 3), which gives the distance from the north Anglesey coast to
Medley‘s works, demonstrates the consideration given to the practicalities of the project.
Medley demanded to be included in the new patent in exchange for his services. 111 Smith
agreed Medley‘s terms to be fair, claiming that ―so it was ment at the first labouring for the
patent‖. 112 He would not, however, agree to Medley‘s renewed demands to have Gilbert
ejected from the society. While Smith suggested that Cecil and Leicester send experts to
assess the renewed works, he remained enthusiastic at the improved prospect of alchemical
success. 113
109 Sir John Wynne to Lord Eure, 1602, in Walter Davies, General View of the Agriculture and Domestic Economy of
North Wales, London, 1810, pp 484-486.
110 Smith to Cecil and Leicester, Lansdowne Vol. 19, No. 45.
111 Ibid.
112 Ibid.
113 Ibid.
138