Secrets of Nature – Astrology and Alchemy in Early Modern Europe (Transformations: Studies in the History of Science and Technology)

Book Details

• Author: William R. Newman

• Publisher: MIT Press

• Edition: Revised Edition

• Binding: Paperback

• Format: Import

• Number of Pages: 452

• Release Date: 17th February 2006

• ISBN: 9780262640626

• Languages: English

• Package Dimensions: 8.9 x 6.0 x 1.1 inches

About the Book

Secrets of Nature delves into the fascinating intersection of astrology and alchemy during the Renaissance, offering a unique perspective on these occult sciences as integral elements of intellectual thought. In recent years, scholars have recognized that astrology was not a marginal practice, but rather an essential tool for Renaissance thinkers in addressing practical and intellectual challenges. Alongside astrology, alchemy was viewed not as a mystical or spiritual pursuit, but as a part of natural philosophy, often compared to medicine.

The book explores how astrology and alchemy were intertwined in Renaissance thought, with figures such as Girolamo Cardano, Johannes Kepler, Galileo Galilei, and Simon Forman contributing to the intellectual landscape. It also delves into the history of the Rosicrucians and the influence of John Dee. Through a careful examination of primary sources and historical figures, Secrets of Nature demonstrates how these practices were seen as complementary aspects of a coherent worldview.

This scholarly work opens new ways of understanding the intellectual and cultural history of the Renaissance by shedding light on the role of the occult sciences, which have often been overlooked. By analyzing the relationship between astrology and alchemy, Newman provides a deeper understanding of how the past's intellectual frameworks can reshape our perception of modern science and thought.