The secrets of alchemy / Lawrence M. Principe.

Author
Principe, Lawrence [Browse]
Format
Book
Language
English
Published/​Created
Chicago ; London : University of Chicago Press, 2013.
Description
v, 281 pages, 8 unnumbered pages of plates : illustrations (some color) ; 24 cm.

Availability

Available Online

Copies in the Library

Location Call Number Status Location Service Notes
Firestone Library - Stacks QD13 .P75 2013 Browse related items Request
    Forrestal Annex - ReserveQD13 .P75 2013 Browse related items Request
      Forrestal Annex - ReserveQD13 .P75 2013 Browse related items Request

        Details

        Subject(s)
        Series
        Summary note
        "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."--Jacket.
        Bibliographic references
        Includes bibliographical references (pages 213-271) and index.
        Contents
        • What is alchemy?
        • Origins : Graeco-Egyptian chemeia
        • Development : Arabic al-kīmiyā
        • Maturity : Medieval Latin alchemia
        • Redefinitions, revivals, and reinterpretations : alchemy from the eighteenth century to the present
        • The golden age : practicing chymistry in the early modern period
        • Unveiling the secrets
        • The wider world of chymistry.
        ISBN
        • 9780226682952 ((hardcover ; : alk. paper))
        • 0226682951 ((hardcover ; : alk. paper))
        • 022610379X
        • 9780226103792
        LCCN
        2012010213
        OCLC
        781432393
        Other standard number
        • 40021557606
        Statement on language in description
        Princeton University Library aims to describe library materials in a manner that is respectful to the individuals and communities who create, use, and are represented in the collections we manage. Read more...
        Other views
        Staff view

        Supplementary Information