The Alchemist's Handbook

by Frater Albertus

Formerly handed down under oath of secrecy, this clear, concise handbook discusses: the fundamental principles of alchemy; directions for the formation of an inexpensive home laboratory, with illustrations of the necessary equipment; stepbystep instructions for the work of the Lesser Circulation, the alchemical transformation within the plant kingdomthe necessary prerequisite for any work in the mineral kingdom.

Genres: Alchemy, Occult, Nonfiction, Magic, Spirituality, Research, Witchcraft

124 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 1960

Reviews

[Zeljko · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book contains foundations of practical alchemy, with fairly easy to follow (hey it is alchemy) explanations, quick intro into theory and then practice. It guides you through basic work in plant kingdom and has some information about where great work will lead you in mineral kingdom. Final work here is making plant stone and it usage.
This is great book with awesome information and also among alchemists is considered must read.
Again this is not a novel, it is book about practical alchemical procedures.

[Celeste · Rating 3 out of 5]

A bit dated now, but of definite value. Includes several very nice pages of clear alchemical symbols. The writing style becomes a bit tiresome. There is also a very long chapter that includes excerpts from a "rare Rosicrucian manuscript", which is also tiresome. Foreword by Israel Regardie. Published by the Paracelsus Research Society.

[Gina · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was a very interesting read. While I probably won't use it in a practical lab setting, it is an extremely useful reference and lists other texts to pursue.

[Skott Holck · Rating 2 out of 5]

This book seems to tease at revealing something, but instead hints at it throughout. Useful for its basic spagyrics but not so much when it comes to the mineral explorations. A bibliography would be a useful addition to this book.

[Laurence]

This is an actual thing someone wrote apparently. And it was written in the 60s even though the style makes it seem way older. But it seems it isn't a parody or something and the person who wrote it actually believed in it? I didn't actually read the whole thing or much of it at all but what I did read seemed like a load of pretentious waffle and didn't actually tell me anything as well as being hard to understand because of the style. Anyway the topic seemed vaguely interesting even if I don't actually believe in it obviously, it would have been fun to try some of the stuff in it for fun if I'd actually been able to understand any of it or bothered to read the whole thing, but I'm too lazy

[Frater Adservio · Rating 3 out of 5]

This short volume is densely packed and sometimes challenging to read, but the attentive reader may be able to glean a substantial insight into the underlying philosophy of alchemy as well as the practice of spagyrics. However, the sections dedicated to practical work are short and dense; the aspiring alchemist will not find himself held by the hand in any capacity. While this text may serve as a worthy read for the curious, one who wishes to actually create alchemical elixirs and the like will likely want to search out other texts to supplement this one before venturing into the laboratory.

[Alison · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great book on "practical alchemy" (as opposed to modern psychological alchemy). Cuts through a lot of the secrecy in a way that enables you to go back and read the older classics from people like Paracelsus and understand more of what you're reading. Gives good instructions on starting your own lab alchemy practice as well. All in all, a great introduction to the world of renaissance alchemy.

[Jessica Triana de Ford · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fascinating account of practical alchemy. Makes me want to buy a chemistry set again! Oh for a bunsen burner attachment for the gas stove in the kitchen!

Anyone interested in alchemy should read this book. It is by far the most insightful and practical book I've read on the subject.

[Mikael · Rating 2 out of 5]

Dated and a bit dumb. Reading about alchemy is a great way to learn about laboratory theory but I have no illusions about it working.

[Saint Eli · Rating 4 out of 5]

not me thinking of full metal alchemist every time they say the word alchemy

[Chris Concannon · Rating 3 out of 5]

I found this book to be both challenging and rather long-winded/rambly.

Albertus makes clear that this book is either only for those already undergoing alchemical practices or those fully committed to such.

As someone who is still just learning about alchemy, I’d say I wasn’t quite ready for this book, but am definitely glad it’s in my collection and will almost certainly revisit it once I begin preparing spagyric medicines.

[JA · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great little treatise, I actually appreciated the extra goodies and introduction more than the praxis section, which I believe is covered better in other titles. Still a great offering by the Great Albertus, and really the much of modern lab alchemy.

[Adela Ramirez · Rating 4 out of 5]

"Worth its weight in gold"-Israel Regardie I second that. A clearer and concise manual.

[Kristin Campbell · Rating 4 out of 5]

Definitely a manual more than anything else. Still a really interesting read. Learned a lot.