The private book collection of David Lindsay, First Lord Lindsay of Balcarres (1587-1641), was one of the largest in early modern Scotland. Despite being dispersed during the following three centuries, this collection still provides evidence for Lindsay's scientific interests and approach to the study of alchemy. In this paper we seek to partially reconstruct his library by describing and, where possible, identifying the sources of Lindsay's own transcriptions of alchemical texts, as well as works mentioned in a book-list written in his hand. We conclude that Lindsay was not just an important early modern collector, but also a careful reader, part of an extensive network of contacts with whom he exchanged books and information.