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Real Alchemy: A Primer of Practical Alchemy
A ground-breaking modern manual on an ancient art, Real Alchemy draws on both modern scientific technology and ancient methods. A laboratory scientist and chemist, Robert Allen Bartlett provides an overview of the history of alchemy, as well as an exploration of the theories behind the practice. Clean, clear, simple, and easy to read, Real Alchemy provides excellent directions regarding the production of plant products and transitions the reader-student into the basics of mineral work--what some consider the true domain of alchemy. New students to practical laboratory alchemy will enjoy reading Real Alchemy and hopefully find the encouragement needed to undertake their own alchemical journey. Bartlett also explains what the ancients really meant when they used the term "Philosopher's Stone" and describes several very real and practical methods for its achievement. Is the fabled Philosopher's Stone an elixir of long life or is it a method of transforming lead into gold? Judge for yourself.
188 pages, Paperback
First published January 1, 2006
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 37 reviews
May 29, 2010
This is a revealing, accurate, complete, and concise (in some cases, nearly terse) set of instructions for performing practical alchemical experiments. In it, the author demystifies the code words that veiled the writings of the ancient philosophers, which is a great favor - they are so veiled that they have been taken to be mystical metaphor rather than descriptions of physical operations. He presents a down-to-earth guide for making medicinal preparations from herbs and metals, and even for creating the philosopher's stone and performing transmutations. The book contains an explanation of philosophical principles but does not dwell on the abstract. What I love about this author is that he makes things no more difficult than they need to be, and points to seeds of further development such as astrology and qabalah without belaboring them. This is great because he doesn't give the student opportunity to avoid the real work by distracting him or herself with emotionally and intectually appealing speculation. His approach is concete: if you want to get benefit from this book, you will get out of the armchair. This approach offers not knowledge, but understanding that leads to wisdom.
By the time you begin reading about the mineral works, you'll probably be wishing for a more expanded explanation, or even a series of videos; though the instructions are clear, the operations are difficult to visualize for the novice. This is not a flaw in the work, but an example of the way alchemy conceals herself to the casual intellect yet reveals herself to the hand at work. My experience of practical alchemy is that the process of doing the simple experiments makes the more advanced methods comprehensible: the only real way into this work is to start doing it. This author is a consummate practitioner, and his instructions can be relied upon to be descriptions of the work as he has done it and at which he has succeeded. I've met him and watched him perform both plant and mineral operations, and attest to the veracity of his writings. In my own work so far, I praise the efficacy of Art in creating internal change. It is worth the effort required to understand and perform these operations.
By the time you begin reading about the mineral works, you'll probably be wishing for a more expanded explanation, or even a series of videos; though the instructions are clear, the operations are difficult to visualize for the novice. This is not a flaw in the work, but an example of the way alchemy conceals herself to the casual intellect yet reveals herself to the hand at work. My experience of practical alchemy is that the process of doing the simple experiments makes the more advanced methods comprehensible: the only real way into this work is to start doing it. This author is a consummate practitioner, and his instructions can be relied upon to be descriptions of the work as he has done it and at which he has succeeded. I've met him and watched him perform both plant and mineral operations, and attest to the veracity of his writings. In my own work so far, I praise the efficacy of Art in creating internal change. It is worth the effort required to understand and perform these operations.
February 5, 2017
A friend recommended this book, and I tried to give it a fair chance since I did not know anything about alchemy. I thought it was just a psychological/spiritual metaphor of sorts, as I read in some psychology books.
Aside from some interesting theoritical concepts in the first few chapters (I loved the chapter on astrology), the rest sounded a lot like nonsense to me. Also, I find it pretty irresponsible to write a book to give "instructions" to people on how to play with liquid mercury or prepare powdered glass to drink. Like, NO, do not do those things, it doesn't take a degree in chemistry to know that that's dangerous.
Aside from some interesting theoritical concepts in the first few chapters (I loved the chapter on astrology), the rest sounded a lot like nonsense to me. Also, I find it pretty irresponsible to write a book to give "instructions" to people on how to play with liquid mercury or prepare powdered glass to drink. Like, NO, do not do those things, it doesn't take a degree in chemistry to know that that's dangerous.
March 14, 2016
I'm prejudiced, since I'm the publisher of the first edition and I edited the manuscript.
November 3, 2013
A nice beginner's guide with some skimmed history and words of the masters - it certainly allows me to learn more about it all before I delve deeper, though I do wish he had dedicated less time to talking about the Philosopher 's Stone - I strongly felt that took away from some of it, but I suppose he's o doubt pushing it like that for the hopes of drawing in another generation and offering caution, especially with the misinformation of the internet, some an irony due to the designs used to hide it in the Middle Ages. But still, a good read for a good start I think. ^_^
October 9, 2013
An interesting and compelling basic treatise of laboratory alchemy from a practitioner.
February 3, 2017
The Mother of All Science
Real Alchemy by Robert Allen Bartlett
The book gives you the unspoken promise of understanding, it gives the reader a brief history of the author, alchemy, and processes/applications for alchemy.
The author writes as if what you do with the introduction to alchemy is up to you as far as the writer is concerned. The book accomplishes exactly what it feels like it was set out to be written about, it feels complete in an introduction and nothing is skipped, other than what the procedures and experiments can do for you. I feel like they are short lived and I wish the process of what each experiment can do for you and for the world was explained more,and the author's views. The author is uniquely qualified to write this book because he has studied alchemy since he was 12, he gave collage classes on the subject. he started studying it when he was 12, in 1974 he began intensive study of alchemy at the Paracelsus Research Society, which was later renamed Paracelsus college, in Salt Lake City Utah. He was instructed by Dr. Albert Reidel, who was a practical alchemist of the twentieth century. He graduated a chemistry university in 1979, was appointed chief chemist at paralab and remained that until its closure in 1983.
The tone of this book is informative with excitement from the author's voice.
Personally, I loved this book, I think it had everything I was looking for, for my introduction to the alchemical arts. There was nothing too complex where just thinking about it didn't make sense of it. I think it was well written well voiced, extremely well researched and well explained. The book answered all the initial question I had about alchemy and helped develop new questions theories and ideas, it also tied up loose ends. I would recommend this book for anyone who would want to learn what alchemy really is, and start a journey on the path to a modern day alchemist. And also abolish the negative untrue stereotypes about Alchemy.
This book was written so that if anyone who picks it up they can immediately jump into reading it and could relate to if they have an open mind and have the desire to learn, I don't believe that was the main focus, I believe the author did that without realization of that fact, and simply wrote to explain to students young and old. My favorite part of this book was the history, the application and the exclamation of alchemy. Also the quotes were super interesting, and still had relevance today. I can't say that I had a least favorite part of the book, the author covered a lot of material in just a few chapters, compared to what explaining alchemy consists of. If I could change anything about this book. It would be how little the author writes about his personal journey, and the if the applications for the processes described where more in-depth, along with the author's personal take on each practice described. Although I understand, they were more focused on what alchemy is and what it can do, I would have liked to been able to look through a keyhole of what the author has experienced. There are illustrations and diagrams in this book, which the diagrams are extremely useful and helpful for better understanding. But the illustrations are mostly there for Aesthetic, and are just interesting to have in the book.
I have and would recommend this book to anyone who is looking for a foundation to alchemy, it's simple to understand, everything's black and white for the reader and for learning the material, there is no beating around to get to the big picture. I think the type of reader who would enjoy this book is one that wants to learn, who is willing to put in the time to understand and dissect it. Anyone who i would recommend this book to would also have to be very open minded, there are a lot of concepts in the book that are going to seem outrageous and impossible, to have happened or be able to have happened.
Real Alchemy by Robert Allen Bartlett
The book gives you the unspoken promise of understanding, it gives the reader a brief history of the author, alchemy, and processes/applications for alchemy.
The author writes as if what you do with the introduction to alchemy is up to you as far as the writer is concerned. The book accomplishes exactly what it feels like it was set out to be written about, it feels complete in an introduction and nothing is skipped, other than what the procedures and experiments can do for you. I feel like they are short lived and I wish the process of what each experiment can do for you and for the world was explained more,and the author's views. The author is uniquely qualified to write this book because he has studied alchemy since he was 12, he gave collage classes on the subject. he started studying it when he was 12, in 1974 he began intensive study of alchemy at the Paracelsus Research Society, which was later renamed Paracelsus college, in Salt Lake City Utah. He was instructed by Dr. Albert Reidel, who was a practical alchemist of the twentieth century. He graduated a chemistry university in 1979, was appointed chief chemist at paralab and remained that until its closure in 1983.
The tone of this book is informative with excitement from the author's voice.
Personally, I loved this book, I think it had everything I was looking for, for my introduction to the alchemical arts. There was nothing too complex where just thinking about it didn't make sense of it. I think it was well written well voiced, extremely well researched and well explained. The book answered all the initial question I had about alchemy and helped develop new questions theories and ideas, it also tied up loose ends. I would recommend this book for anyone who would want to learn what alchemy really is, and start a journey on the path to a modern day alchemist. And also abolish the negative untrue stereotypes about Alchemy.
This book was written so that if anyone who picks it up they can immediately jump into reading it and could relate to if they have an open mind and have the desire to learn, I don't believe that was the main focus, I believe the author did that without realization of that fact, and simply wrote to explain to students young and old. My favorite part of this book was the history, the application and the exclamation of alchemy. Also the quotes were super interesting, and still had relevance today. I can't say that I had a least favorite part of the book, the author covered a lot of material in just a few chapters, compared to what explaining alchemy consists of. If I could change anything about this book. It would be how little the author writes about his personal journey, and the if the applications for the processes described where more in-depth, along with the author's personal take on each practice described. Although I understand, they were more focused on what alchemy is and what it can do, I would have liked to been able to look through a keyhole of what the author has experienced. There are illustrations and diagrams in this book, which the diagrams are extremely useful and helpful for better understanding. But the illustrations are mostly there for Aesthetic, and are just interesting to have in the book.
I have and would recommend this book to anyone who is looking for a foundation to alchemy, it's simple to understand, everything's black and white for the reader and for learning the material, there is no beating around to get to the big picture. I think the type of reader who would enjoy this book is one that wants to learn, who is willing to put in the time to understand and dissect it. Anyone who i would recommend this book to would also have to be very open minded, there are a lot of concepts in the book that are going to seem outrageous and impossible, to have happened or be able to have happened.
August 29, 2025
simple and clear
Great primer for practical alchemy, walking you through each experiment and proving good historical background. Bartlett clearly has the experience.
Great primer for practical alchemy, walking you through each experiment and proving good historical background. Bartlett clearly has the experience.
March 2, 2012
There was alot in this book that went over my head, but it was fun! I felt like I was reading a modern day alchemical manuscript!
February 9, 2013
Alchemy is not what most people think. I'll leave it at that.
King of the Salts = Niter = Potassium Nitrate
Vitriol = six pointed star = Copper or Iron Sulfate (The True mineral salt or red and white spirits)
VISITA INTERIORA TERRAE RECTIFICANDO INVENIES OCCULTUM LAPIDEM
Visit the interior of the earth and rectifying, you will find the hidden stone.
Sal Ammoniac = star / sun -
Alum = Lantern = Sulfate of potassium and aluminum KAL(SO4)2
Salt = Key - Sodium Chloride (NACl)
King of the Salts = Niter = Potassium Nitrate
Vitriol = six pointed star = Copper or Iron Sulfate (The True mineral salt or red and white spirits)
VISITA INTERIORA TERRAE RECTIFICANDO INVENIES OCCULTUM LAPIDEM
Visit the interior of the earth and rectifying, you will find the hidden stone.
Sal Ammoniac = star / sun -
Alum = Lantern = Sulfate of potassium and aluminum KAL(SO4)2
Salt = Key - Sodium Chloride (NACl)
December 16, 2018
This book is a great start for anyone wishing to learn about the obscure art of Alchemy. My only complaint is that it concentrates more on practical applications than on theoretical ideas. I would have loved to know what the "medical uses" are for some of these tinctures, or how to ingest them for example. Are they formulated into pills or made into potions?
However, I'm glad I found such a source to begin with, and I would definitely be exploring the subject more deeply.
However, I'm glad I found such a source to begin with, and I would definitely be exploring the subject more deeply.
January 31, 2011
This book is just ..inspiring for me. It really helped me when I was writing my second book (sequel to Vampyre Kisses). This book is so informative! It gives not only the history of Alchemy but explains how Alchemy works today and gives a few home recipes you can try. On top of this the author himself is so helpful! He actually teaches this in the classroom! If only I lived in Washington. :)
January 17, 2008
This book gives some very detailed accounts of the practice of the Art.
The style is simple and clear.
The style is simple and clear.
February 26, 2017
A wonderful primer on practical alchemy that is clear and concise. This is my second read through, and I learn something new every time.
November 10, 2017
A very good look at practical Alchemy. If you are interested in the process which led to modern chemistry, then this is the book for you.
February 1, 2020
Real Alchemy is a great source for alchemist techniques and practices. I've done a fair bit of research, and it can be difficult to get a plain language explanation of what an alchemist actually does, let alone practical ways of getting started with alchemy using common, accessible items.
The book covers some basic history, a brief summary of the philosophy surrounding alchemy, and starts you off with simple plant-base alchemy. Later on it does cover some of the more dangerous and advanced processes for working with minerals, including the long, dangerous, and tedious process for The Philosopher's Stone.
Initially I was reading this as research for D&D world creation and fiction writing, but after finishing it I'd like to experiment hands on.
The book covers some basic history, a brief summary of the philosophy surrounding alchemy, and starts you off with simple plant-base alchemy. Later on it does cover some of the more dangerous and advanced processes for working with minerals, including the long, dangerous, and tedious process for The Philosopher's Stone.
Initially I was reading this as research for D&D world creation and fiction writing, but after finishing it I'd like to experiment hands on.
March 3, 2025
Real Alchemy is very very questionable when it comes to the content of the book. The author does have a lot of credentials like teaching at universities and studying historical contexts but I've found it's very occult-centric and not as historically based as I thought it would be. I think if you are trying to get a very baseline information stream about alchemy this would be a fine place to start but at the same time, you would have to study the ethics and occult pitfalls to get the full picture. The author is also very eccentric providing an inner look into his own life, which depending on the person can be good and bad. For me, I dont really care you worked for all these special universities, please just teach me alchemy, but thats just me.
March 9, 2019
Absolutely loved this book. Admittedly it was my first text on Alchemy, but from reading various other reviews it seems like I chose a great book to start. The book is well organized and lays a good foundation for further exploring the Hermetic Philosophy. It was efficient and concise and has effectivey opened an avenue of genuine curiosity for the practices, symbolism and spiritual transformation of Alchemy.
July 17, 2019
I got this book to help me research for a novel. I want one of my characters to be an alchemist, but true to the actual field. This book truly opened my eyes to the field of alchemy. It truly is a way of life. It mixes science with philosophy and religion in a very engaging way. I hope I can do it justice. I highly recommend it to the uneducated masses as it explains things very well.
March 10, 2020
A True Primer
Truly a primer for any neophyte of the practice. Establishes both the philosophical foundation and physical counterpart of practice. Bartlett then provides detailed instruction and formula for both basic (done at home with easy to get materials) and advanced work. If one wishes to pursue practical methods and understanding of alchemy, this primer is well worth the name.
Truly a primer for any neophyte of the practice. Establishes both the philosophical foundation and physical counterpart of practice. Bartlett then provides detailed instruction and formula for both basic (done at home with easy to get materials) and advanced work. If one wishes to pursue practical methods and understanding of alchemy, this primer is well worth the name.
June 15, 2019
I thought this was a very good book. He goes into a lot of detail, which can be a little overwhelming at times, but I appreciate his knowledge and I learned quite a bit that I didn't know about before.
November 21, 2022
I recommend this book to everyone who is seeking for the extra something from life... Although, I cannot say if this is confined only to one particular subject but somehow it open your eyes to the finer details of life that we eventually forget... A good read!
March 4, 2023
I didn't get very far into this. It didn't seem very well written. Most of the esoteric books that I've read have been very clear in their explanations. This book didn't seem to explain anything. Maybe this is my failing. Still, I wouldn't recommend it.
May 18, 2020
Densely packed with practical information and history about not just alchemical procedures, but also Qabalah and astrology.
November 24, 2020
4.5 I think I need to read this another two times to fully understand it. Still, it was interesting and engaging.
November 30, 2020
Excellent read. The concepts were a bit hard to understand but well worth it. Great for spiritual aspirants and the curious reader.
July 16, 2021
*4.5
A good start to the introduction of alchemy and its practices, it talks about its beginnings and about working with plants and metals.
A good start to the introduction of alchemy and its practices, it talks about its beginnings and about working with plants and metals.
November 15, 2021
It is such a well written book. The author uses easy to understand language. I now wish to try, but lack the space and expensive equipment.
January 12, 2024
A little too practical
January 29, 2024
Clear and well explained. A good first book to read on the topic.
February 21, 2024
My First Alchemist Book And Amazing 🤩
Displaying 1 - 30 of 37 reviews