Alchemy Ancient and Modern

by H. Stanley Redgrove

Alchemy Ancient and Modern is a comprehensive book written by H. Stanley Redgrove, which explores the history and evolution of alchemy from its ancient roots to its modern-day interpretations. The book is divided into two parts, with the first part providing a detailed overview of the history of alchemy, its origins in ancient Egypt, and its development in Europe during the Middle Ages.The second part of the book delves into the modern interpretation of alchemy, examining its role in psychology, science, and spirituality. Redgrove discusses the influence of alchemy on modern scientific discoveries, such as the development of chemistry, and its role in the study of the human psyche.Throughout the book, Redgrove provides a wealth of information on the various aspects of alchemy, including its symbols, practices, and beliefs. He also explores the connections between alchemy and other esoteric traditions, such as astrology and Kabbalah.Overall, Alchemy Ancient and Modern is an insightful and informative book that provides a comprehensive overview of the history and significance of alchemy. It is an essential read for anyone interested in the history of science, spirituality, and the occult.Being a brief account of the alchemistic doctrines, and their relations, to mysticism on the one hand, and to recent discoveries in the physical science on the other hand; together with some particulars regarding the lives and teachings of the most noted alchemists. The meaning of alchemy; The theory of physical alchemy; The alchemists before and after Paracelsus; The outcome of alchemy; The age of modern chemistry; Modern alchemy.This scarce antiquarian book is a facsimile reprint of the old original and may contain some imperfections such as library marks and notations. Because we believe this work is culturally important, we have made it available as part of our commitment for protecting, preserving, and promoting the world's literature in affordable, high quality, modern editions, that are true to their original work.

Genres: Alchemy, Nonfiction, Occult, History, Science, Esoterica, Philosophy

194 pages, Hardcover

First published January 1, 1974

About the author

Herbert Stanley Redgrove (b.1887-d.1943)

Reviews

[Enrico Schiavo · Rating 3 out of 5]

The book offers a simple, down-to-earth, overview on the most important alchemical theories, which is done in its first half (or less). The rest is about the most notable alchemists. From then on, the book gets really summarized, shallow and dull. But I guess this unfortunate unfolding would not be badly explained by bearing in mind the original intention of the author, which is, to interpret Alchemy as the flourishing chemistry, that is, its extrovert side, as Jung would fairly put it. And he does that with rare respect to these magic pioneers.

Much of what is taught in this book is elsewhere concealed within the majestic veil of allegory. So I guess it's worth to be looked into.

[Elizabee Attica · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a good book for people who don't know much about the history of Alchemy and are interested in beginning to learn. I think that those who are already acquainted with the practice will find this text a bit boring, but as somebody who knew nothing about alchemy going in, I quite liked it.

[William Gordon · Rating 4 out of 5]

Excellent overview of the subject

This book is a great overview of alchemy. It is NOT a practical manual. Unfortunately, the latter portion of the book is concerned with "modern" alchemy; which is speculation on recently, at the time, occurring study of radiation as it may fit in with alchemy. As this book was written in the early 1900s, a great deal of the speculation has since been disproved. They speak of the ether as a scientific fact, etc. That is not to say that all the information in the latter portion of the book has no merit. There are nuggets of gold to be gleaned from these pages.

[Brandon · Rating 4 out of 5]

A good defense for alchemy, that many modern people have shrugged off to be something unrealistic, put things in perspective regarding alchemy, and mysticism, while also giving scientific teachings centered around facts.

[ᴛʜᴇᴏᴅᴏʀᴇ · Rating 2 out of 5]

This book is terribly boring.

[airy xie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Seandainya buku ini terbaca ketika pertama kali aku dikenakan pada ilmu kimia....

[Craig Bryson · Rating 3 out of 5]

A good entry level introduction into the Alchemical world.
Most useful is the list of books, authors and practioners that accompanies the end of each chapter; the reader can use it to search Project Gutenberg, or the Internet Archive for the relevent texts.

Also insightful is the trace the author presents, following alchemy as it mutates into the pharmaceutical school, and the later resurgance of research into the realms of 'radioactivity'.

[keereads · Rating 3 out of 5]

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