
代號:10120-19320
30120-30420
頁次:4
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3
請依下文回答第 17 題至第 21 題
One of the most legendary stories of alchemy is that of Nicholas Flamel. According to the legend, he lived in Paris
during the 14th century, where he worked as a copyist. During the performance of his duties, he came across a very
large and very ancient book, bound in brass and written on papyrus leaves gilded with gold.
The writing on the cover was in a strange and unknown language, and the book was organized into three sections
of seven leaves each. Strange images and figures were painted on the seventh leaf of each section, including a virgin
being swallowed by serpents, a serpent being crucified on a cross, and a beautiful landscape watered by fountains from
which many writhing serpents emerged.
Nicholas spent many years in deciphering the writings and the symbols of the book which, of course, included
instruction in the process of transmuting base metals into gold. His difficulty was that the secret ingredient, the
Philosopher’s Stone, was encoded within the paintings, and these he could not figure out. Finally he found a doctor, a
Christianized Jew, who was able to help him decode the secret of the magical stone. Nicholas returned to his
laboratories in Paris in the company of the doctor, who unfortunately fell sick and died on the way. But after three
years of experimentation, Nicholas finally succeeded in producing the “prime agent” of transmutation, and he and his
wife became quite wealthy as a result. By the beginning of the 15th century, they had founded fourteen hospitals, built
three chapels, endowed seven churches, and restored cemeteries in Paris and Boulogne. Thus, Nicholas proved himself
truly worthy of the secret ingredient of alchemy, by using the profits from his discovery to help humanity rather than
solely to enrich himself.
17 Before he came across the ancient book, what was Nicholas Flamel?
An alchemist An artisan A copyist A priest
18 Which material is NOT used to produce the ancient book Flamel came across?
Brass Gold Silver Papyrus
19 Which of the following statements is true about the ancient book?
The language on the cover was written in French.
There were altogether 18 pages missing from the book.
There were 5 paintings gilded with gold inside the book.
Snakes were the major animals drawn in the book.
20 Who helped Nicholas to decipher the secret of the Philosopher’s Stone?
A Frenchman A Jew A virgin A philosopher
21 Which of the following words best describes the character of Nicholas?
Generous Greedy Optimistic Pessimistic