The paper focusses on various methods of preparing chemical compounds and on laboratory techniques used in that. It is based on different texts ascribed to „Basil Valentine”, an important author of alchemical writings whose real identity is not yet established beyond any doubt. Basil was a leading alchemical experimentator of his time and devised a number of preparation-processes for new substances, some of which are discussed here. The paper sheds also new light on some hitherto established notions of priority which (...) were attributed to Basil Valentine or other alchemists. (shrink)