<i>Arte Separatoria and Hijos del Arte</i> in Diego de Santiago`s practices and representations (Sevilla, 1598) and the place of Spain in Western Esotericism

Abstract

Among specialists in history of western esotericism, studying the sixteenth century Spanish case is still marginal. But Diego de Santiago`s Arte Separatoria y modo de apartar todos los licores, que se sacan por via de destilación: para que las medicinas obren con mayor virtud y presteza (Sevilla, 1598) is other good way to deepen its study. Here, from cultural history and in critical dialogue with Spanish historians of science, we will analyze the significance for Diego de Santiago had his Arte Separatoria, his practices, representations, the importance granted to the “distillation of wine” and the meaning of his apologetics of the “hijos del Arte”. We aim to make visible the esotericism in early modern Spain -and their links with the existing in western Europe; and to highlight some features of western esotericism that still remain very little addressed in our field.