Alchemy (Dover Books on Engineering)

Book Details

• Publisher: Dover

• Author: E.J. Holmyard

• Language: English

• Edition: New

• ISBN: 9780486262987

• Pages: 320

• Cover: Paperback

• Dimensions: 8.4 x 5.6 x 0.9 inches

About The Book

Alchemy by E.J. Holmyard, published by Dover on January 7, 1991, is a 320-page paperback that delves deeply into the rich and fascinating history of alchemy, from its origins over 2,000 years ago in Hellenic Egypt to its gradual transition into modern chemistry. Holmyard, a noted scholar in the field, offers an insightful exploration of the intellectual and mystical aspects of alchemy, showing how it evolved over the centuries and influenced the development of science.

The book covers a wide range of topics, including the alchemists of ancient Greece and China, Islamic and Western alchemy, the use of alchemical symbols and apparatus, and the work of famous figures like Paracelsus, Isaac Newton, and Sir Thomas Browne. It also addresses alchemy's religious, philosophical, and mystical dimensions, especially in the quest for the Philosopher’s Stone—a mythical substance capable of turning base metals into gold.

Holmyard’s narrative provides a thorough understanding of how alchemy was intertwined with astrology, witchcraft, and the pre-scientific moral order of the time. He also skillfully traces the transformation of alchemy from a respected field of study to a "pseudo-science" with the rise of the scientific method, while highlighting its significant influence on the birth of modern chemistry.

This book is essential reading for anyone interested in the history of science, alchemy, chemistry, the occult, and the evolution of one of mankind’s most enduring and influential myths. Whether you are a student or simply a curious reader, this masterly study offers valuable insights into the fascinating world of alchemy.