Count Saint-Germain

The historical figure Count Saint-Germain was a celebrated mystic and adventurer who lived in France during the period from around 1750 to his supposed death in 1784. Saint-Germain was the subject of thousands of rumors and apparently enjoyed being a figure of mystery. When asked questions about his origins he gave evasive answers.

One of the commonest rumors that surrounded Saint-Germain was that he was an alchemist who knew the secret of eternal youth. During the three decades of his public life he appeared to remain the same age. In addition some witnesses he knew him during this period said that they had previously met him as early as 1710 and other witnesses would state they saw him as late as 1821. These witnesses stated his appearance was unchanged.

The most reasonable supposition is that Saint-Germain was a skilled performer with a talent for cosmetics and a gift for glib talking. However no one to this day has produced conclusive evidence of where or when he was born, who he was, or when he died. Some people believe that he still lives and have formed cults dedicated to him.

Count Saint-Germain is also a fictional character in a series of books by Chelsea Quinn Yarbro.

Compare Alessandro Cagliostro.