Using LLMs to trace alchemical knowledge and decode 17th century letters

Recent advancements in LLMs, specifically GPT-6 Sol, Opus 5.5, and GPT-6 Astra, are being explored for historical research beyond simple transcription. These models are now used to solve complex historical problems, such as tracing alchemical knowledge and decoding 17th-century letters. For instance, Opus 5.5 downloaded over 5,000 primary source files from Hartlib’s archive, cross-referencing them with Google Books and other archives to identify anonymous sources. However, the origin of some files mentioned by GPT-6 Astra, like RS 3–3/20a and RS 3–3/63b, remains unclear.

Unlike earlier AI applications for historical research, this report details how new models like GPT-6 Sol and Opus 5.5 are solving complex historical problems, not just transcribing documents.