Really learned a lot about the history of early chemistry from reading the book ‘Alchemy Tried in the Fire’ by Prof Lawrence M. Principe, in particular the hazy transition from alchemy into chemistry.
Principe’s early research focused upon the works of Robert Boyle, and his particular connection to earlier critical studies of alchemy. In this later book, co-written by William R. Newman, they suggests there is a clear continuity of thought stretching from the age alchemy, into the awakening of modern, atom based chemistry.
Still look forward to reading Principe’s ‘The Secrets of Alchemy’ which is said to include explanations and replications of alchemical processes, recorded from experiments carried out in his personal laboratory. Sounds very interesting.
This video examines his recent research on the continuing developments in alchemy into more modern times, beginning with an introduction praising the scope of Principe’s efforts, follow by his talk starting at just after 9 minutes in. Great lecture on living alchemy… Enjoy!
