The Alchemist stands as one of Ben Jonson's four great comedies, with its first documented performance in Oxford in 1610. Although it was officially registered in the Stationers' Register in that year, there is speculation that it may have been written and performed earlier. Many critics reference the play as originating in 1610. It saw its initial quarto printing in 1612 and became part of Jonson's folio of works in 1616.
In 1640, a second folio edition of Jonson's works was released, featuring some revisions, primarily focused on conforming to stricter regulations regarding religious content on the stage. For instance, "God's will" (1612) was replaced with "Death on me" (1640)....
