From Alchemy to Chemistry

by Read, John

• ISBN13: 9780486286907
• ISBN10: 0486286908
• Format: Paperback
• Copyright: 2011-11-02
• Publisher: Dover Publications

Summary

Broad, humanistic treatment concentrates on the great figures of chemistry and the ideas that revolutionized the science, from earliest history to the modern era. Much of the book is devoted to alchemy, but also the development of modern chemistry: atomic theory, nature of the elements, beginning of organic chemistry, much more. Broad in scope, erudite yet very readable, with few chemical equations or formulae. Glossary. 50 illus.

Table of Contents

TITLES AND DESCRIPTION OF THE ILLUSTRATIONS
PREFACE
REFERENCES AND ACKNOWLEDGMENTS
CHAPTER I BEGINNINGS
  Concerning the Nature of Things.
  Concerning the Application of Things.
CHAPTER II THE EMERGENCE OF ALCHEMY
  Rise and Spread of Alchemy.
  The Nature of Alchemy.
  Alchemical Theory.
  The Sulphur-Mercury Theory.
  Alchemical Representations of the Sulphur-Mercury Theory.
  The Emerald Table of Hermes.
  The Tria Prima of Paracelsus.
CHAPTER III THE PHILOSOPHER'S STONE
  The Mainspring of Alchemy.
  Preparation of the Stone.
  Processes of the Great Work.
  The Vase of Hermes.
CHAPTER IV ALCHEMICAL CRYPTICISM AND SYMBOLISM
  The Symbols of Alchemy.
  Alchemical Enigmas.
  The Figures of Abraham.
  An Alchemical Epic.
  The 'Mighty King' of Alchemy.
  The Twelve Keys of Basilius.
CHAPTER V STRANDS IN THE ALCHEMICAL WEB
  Religion.
  Mythology.
  The Saturnine Mysticism.
  "Number, Harmony, and Music."
CHAPTER VI THE DIVERSITY OF ALCHEMISTS
  Pseudo-Alchemists. 'Labourers in the Fire.'
  Sons of Hermes.'
  The Practical Tradition.
CHAPTER VII THE PARTING OF THE WAYS
  Paracelsus.
  The Paracelsians.
  Continuation of the Practical Tradition.
  Wholly Scientifical Chymistry'.
CHAPTER VIII THE SWAN SONG OF ALCHEMY
  Chemistry and the Scientific Revolution.
  The Theory of Phlogiston.
  The Earlier Period of Phlogiston.
  Forerunners of a New Age.
  The End-and the Beginning.
CHAPTER IX THE DEVELOPMENT OF MODERN CHEMISTRY
  Interregnum.
  The Atomic Theory.
  Some First-fruits of the Atomic Theory.
  Classification and Nature of the Elements.
CHAPTER X THE RISE OF ORGANIC CHEMISTRY
  Branches of Modern Chemistry.
  The Beginnings of Organic Chemistry.
  Organic Molecular Structure.
  Chemistry in Space.
  The Onward March.
  Envoi.
GLOSSARY
INDEX