About this Item
Book is in NEW condition. 0.6. Seller Inventory # 0486262987-2-1
Bibliographic Details
Title: Alchemy (Dover Books on Engineering)
Publisher: Dover Publications
Publication Date: 1990
Binding: Soft cover
Condition: New
About this title
Alchemy is thought to have originated over 2000 years ago in Hellenic Egypt, the result of three converging streams: Greek philosophy, Egyptian technology and the mysticism of Middle Eastern religions. Its heyday was from about 800 A.D. to the middle of the seventeenth century, and its practitioners ranged from kings, popes, and emperors to minor clergy, parish clerks, smiths, dyers, and tinkers. Even such accomplished men as Roger Bacon, Thomas Aquinas, Sir Thomas Browne and Isaac Newton took an interest in alchemical matters.
In its search for the "Philosopher's Stone" that would transmute base metals into silver and gold, alchemy took on many philosophical, religious and mystical overtones. These and many other facets of alchemy are explored with enormous insight and erudition in this classic work. E. J. Holmyard, a noted scholar in the field, begins with the alchemists of ancient Greece and China and goes on to discuss alchemical apparatus, Islamic and early Western alchemy; signs, symbols, and secret terms; Paracelsus; English, Scottish and French alchemists; Helvetius, Price, and Semler, and much more.
Ranging over two millennia of alchemical history, Mr. Holmyard shows how, like astrology and witchcraft, alchemy was an integral part of the pre-scientific moral order, arousing the cupidity of princes, the blind fear of mobs and the intellectual curiosity of learned men. Eventually, however, with the advent and ascension of the scientific method, the hopes and ideas of the alchemists faded to the status of "pseudo-science." That transformation, as well as alchemy's undeniable role as a precursor of modern chemistry, are brilliantly illuminated in this book. Students of alchemy, chemistry, the history of science, and the occult, plus anyone interested in the origin and evolution of one of mankind's most enduring and influential myths, will want to have a copy of this masterly study.
"About this title" may belong to another edition of this title.
Store Description
Thank you for your interest in our books!
Our store policies adhere to the policies set forth by AbeBooks.
We strive to keep our descriptions accurate and our shipping fast. We are available to answer any questions you may have prior to ordering about the product or shipping.
We accept payment from all major credit cards. We do not accept checks, money orders, cash or Paypal payments. Please do not email or send us your credit card information directly. All payment information is processed by Ab...
More InformationGuarantee
We guarantee your order will ship within 2 business days from the United States.
Shipping rates are based on books weighing 2.2 lbs or 1 KG. If your book order is heavy or oversized, we may contact you to let you know extra shipping is required.
Information
In very rare cases, your book may take longer to reach than quoted for unexpected reasons. If there is any problem with ordering or shipment, please contact us right away. We ensure a response within 48 hours. Please note that the chance of shipping delays is higher during holiday seasons.
Please double-check your information
We cannot be responsible for delivery problems/loss due to customers’ error. We encourage all customers to double check form information, especially delivery address, before submitting orders.
Payment Methods
accepted by seller