The secrets of alchemy
By: Lawrence M. Principe
Series: Synthesis; Synthesis (University of Chicago. Press)
Publisher: University of Chicago Press; University Presses Marketing [distributor]
Published: 2013
Place of publication: Chicago; London
Language: eng
Number of pages: 281
ISBN-13: 9780226682952; 9780226923789
Subjects: Alchemists; Alchemy; History
Description: "In The Secrets of Alchemy, Lawrence M. Principe, one of the world's leading authorities on the subject, brings alchemy out of the shadows and restores it to its important place in human history and culture. By surveying what alchemy was and how it began, developed, and overlapped with a range of ideas and pursuits, Principe illuminates the practice. He vividly depicts the place of alchemy during its heyday in early modern Europe, and then explores how alchemy has fit into wider views of the cosmos and humanity, touching on its enduring place in literature, fine art, theater, and religion as well as its recent acceptance as a serious subject of study for historians of science. In addition, he introduces the reader to some of the most fascinating alchemists, such as Zosimos and Basil Valentine, whose lives dot alchemy's long reign from the third century and to the present day. Through his exploration of alchemists and their times, Principe pieces together closely guarded clues from obscure and fragmented texts to reveal alchemy's secrets and--most exciting for budding alchemists--uses them to recreate many of the most famous recipes in his lab, including those for the 'glass of antimony' and 'Philosophers' Tree.' This unique approach brings the reader closer to the actual work of alchemy than any other book."--Book jacket.
Notes: Includes bibliographical references and index.
Table of contents: title: Introduction: What Is Alchemy?
pagenum: 1; label: 1
title: Origins: Greco-Egyptian Chemeia
pagenum: 9; label: 2
title: Development: Arabic al-Kīmiyā'
pagenum: 27; label: 3
title: Maturity: Medieval Latin Alchemia
pagenum: 51; label: 4
title: Redefinitions, Revivals, and Reinterpretations: Alchemy from the Eighteenth Century to the Present
pagenum: 83; label: 5
title: The Golden Age: Practicing Chymistry in the Early Modern Period
pagenum: 107; label: 6
title: Unveiling the Secrets
pagenum: 137; label: 7
title: The Wider Worlds of Chymistry
pagenum: 173; title: Epilogue
pagenum: 207; title: Acknowledgments
pagenum: 211; title: Notes
pagenum: 213; title: Bibliography
pagenum: 251; title: Index
pagenum: 273