E. Cobham Brewer 1810–1897. Dictionary of Phrase and Fable. 1898.
Multipliers.
Alchemists, who pretended to multiply gold and silver. An act was passed (2 Henry IV., c. iv.) making the “art of multiplication” felony. In the Canterbury Tales, the Chanoun Yeman says he was reduced to poverty by alchemy, adding: “Lo, such advantage is’t to multiply.” (Prologue to Chanounes Tale.)
