Alchemy, whose beginnings — possibly in Egypt, Babylon, India, or China — are ancient and obscure, remained undocumented until about 2500 BC. Although it may have originated with metallurgy, the practice rapidly developed an association with magic, pharmacy, and astrology. In this richly illustrated and amply researched study, a noted expert traces the long history of alchemy, from its murky start to modern times. Hermes Trismegistus and other famous alchemists appear here, along with discussions of the craft's associations with chicanery (as memorably portrayed in Ben Jonson's 1610 comedy, The Alchemist), and its role in the secret society of Rosicrucians. Additional topics include the alchemist's laboratory and equipment, alchemical symbols and secret alphabets, noteworthy manuscripts, the influence of astrology, and more. Although regarded today as a pseudoscience, alchemy gave rise to scientific chemistry. This volume illustrates the ways in which efforts to transmute metals — such as the search for the ever-elusive philosopher's stone — stimulated experimentation with hitherto untried substances, leading to improved knowledge of the materials vital to applied chemistry. Anyone intrigued by the origins and practices of this age-old and still-mysterious discipline, as well as those interested in the history of chemistry, will appreciate this concise, authoritative study.

Alchemy and Alchemists

Science & Math

Thompson, C.J.S.

Chemistry

Dover Publications

Shipped from UK, please allow 10 to 21 business days for arrival. Good, A very good, clean &amp; sound copy.

Lure & Romance of Alchemy

Romance

Random House Value Publishing

Gathers folklore concerning birth, childhood, love, courtship, clothing, food, healing, death, and burial

The Hand of Destiny: Folklore and Superstition for Everyday Life

Politics & Social Sciences

Social Sciences

This scarce antiquarian book is a facsimile reprint of the original. Due to its age, it may contain imperfections such as marks, notations, marginalia and flawed pages. Because we believe this work is culturally important, we have made it available as part of our commitment for protecting, preserving, and promoting the world's literature in affordable, high quality, modern editions that are true to the original work.

Hand of Destiny

Religion & Spirituality

New Age & Spirituality

Kessinger Publishing

Quacks of Old London

History

Europe

Mystery and Art of the Apothecary

Health, Fitness & Dieting

Beauty, Grooming, & Style

Lure and Romance of Alchemy

Occult & Paranormal

This scarce antiquarian book is a facsimile reprint of the original. Due to its age, it may contain imperfections such as marks, notations, marginalia and flawed pages. Because we believe this work is culturally important, we have made it available as part of our commitment for protecting, preserving, and promoting the world's literature in affordable, high quality, modern editions that are true to the original work.

Witchery of Jane Shore

Biographies & Memoirs

Historical

Mystery and Lore of Monsters

Philosophy

LYLE STUART +

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