His writings were studied by noted figures such as the alchemist John Dee, Robert Boyle (who is considered to be the first modern chemist), and even Isaac Newton.

[2] A great deal of myth has grown up around Ripley, such as that he studied in Italy for twenty years and became a favourite of Pope Innocent VIII.

He did however spend a number of years on the continent, and after his return to England he wrote his work The Compound of Alchemy; or, the Twelve Gates leading to the Discovery of the Philosopher's Stone (Liber Duodecim Portarum) in 1471.

Some scholars claim that the writings of The Compound of Alchemy were meant to be read in light of an alchemical drawing done by Ripley called the Wheel.

When busie at my Book I was upon a certain Night, This Vision here exprest appear'd unto my dimmed sight: A Toad full Ruddy I saw, did drink the juice of Grapes so fast, Till over-charged with the broth, his Bowels all to-brast: And after that, from poyson'd Bulk he cast his Venom fell, For Grief and Pain whereof his Members all began to swell; With drops of Poysoned sweat approaching thus his secret Den, His Cave with blasts of fumous Air he all bewhited then: And from the which in space a Golden Humour did ensue, Whose falling drops from high did stain the soil with ruddy hue....