The Story of Alchemy and the Beginnings of Chemistry

Redgrove traces alchemy from its Greek and Arabic roots through the seventeenth century, then argues that the alchemists' theory of transmutation anticipated the discovery of radioactivity. Includes chapters on Paracelsus, Van Helmont and the alchemical view of matter.

H. Stanley Redgrove

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