Alchemy: Ancient and Modern

A Cambridge chemist tells how the search for the philosophers' stone turned into laboratory science. Muir follows the theory of the elements from Alexandria to Boyle and Lavoisier, with eighteen illustrations.

M. M. Pattison Muir

Biographical sketches of the alchemists from Geber and Avicenna to Roger Bacon, Raymond Lully and Paracelsus. Waite opens with a long essay on the physical theory and practice of the magnum opus.

Arthur Edward Waite

Principe shows how chemistry and alchemy separated and rejoined across four centuries, reconstructing historical recipes in the laboratory to reveal what the obscure language actually described. Richly illustrated with manuscripts and period engravings.

Lawrence M. Principe

A short illustrated primer on medieval and early modern alchemical manuscripts. Principe explains how alchemical language was built to conceal and reveal at once, with a catalogue of manuscripts and suggestions for further reading.

Lawrence M. Principe and Laura Light