Alchemy: An Overview
Definition and Origin
Alchemy (from Arabic: al-kīmiyā; from Ancient Greek: khumeia) is an ancient branch of natural philosophy, blending philosophical and protoscientific traditions. It was historically practiced in China, India, the Muslim world, and Europe.
In its Western form, alchemy first appeared in pseudepigraphical texts written in Greco-Roman Egypt during the first few centuries AD.
Objectives and Philosophical Foundations
Key Goals of Alchemy:
- Chrysopoeia: Transmutation of “base metals” (e.g., lead) into “noble metals” (e.g., gold).
- Creation of an elixir of immortality.
- Development of panaceas to cure all diseases.
The Magnum Opus:
Alchemy aimed to perfect the human body and soul through the magnum opus (“Great Work”). The creation of the Philosopher’s Stone is a central concept, often linked to these projects.
Evolution and Practices
Islamic and European Contributions:
- Development of laboratory techniques, theories, and terms (some still in use today).
- Retention of the Ancient Greek idea of the four elements (earth, water, air, fire).
- Use of cryptic symbolism and cyphers to guard their work.
Medieval and Early Modern Periods:
- Translation of medieval Islamic scientific works and rediscovery of Aristotelian philosophy in the 12th century.
- Flourishing Latin alchemy during the late medieval period.
- Alchemy’s significant influence on early modern science, particularly chemistry and medicine.
Modern Interpretations
Exoteric and Esoteric Aspects:
- Practical applications explored by historians of the physical sciences (early chemistry, medicine, and philosophical contexts).
- Spiritual aspects studied by historians of esotericism, psychologists, philosophers, and spiritualists.
Cultural Impact: Alchemy continues to inspire literature and the arts, bridging science and mysticism.
Rare Alchemy Library Collection
A meticulously curated collection of vintage alchemy books offers deep insights into:
- Alchemy, Astrology, Divination, Earth Mysteries, Ancient Egypt, Gnosticism, Kabbalah, Paranormal, Occult Magic, Witchcraft, Wicca, Paganism, and much more.
Features:
- Thousands of diagrams, illustrations, and detailed information.
- A treasure trove for enthusiasts of mystical and ancient knowledge.
- 18th Century Chemical Terms.pdf
- A Chemical Treatise of Arnoldus de Nova Villa.pdf
- A Discourse of Fire and Salt Discovering Many Secret Mysteries.pdf
- A Lexicon of Alchemy – M. Rulandus.pdf
- A New Light of Alchymy.pdf
- A Select Bibliography of Chemistry, 1492–1892 – H. C. Bolton (1893).pdf
- A Suggestive Inquiry into the Hermetic Mystery – M. A. Atwood (1850).pdf
- A Treatise on the Great Art – A. J. Pernety.pdf
- A Work of Saturn – J. I. Hollandus.pdf
- A Work of Saturn 1670 – J. I. Hollandus.pdf
- Alchemiae Gebri Arabis Philosophi Solertissimi Libri, cum Reliquis, ut Versa Pagella Indicabit – R. Bacon.pdf
- Alchemy: Ancient and Modern – H. S. Redgrove (1911).pdf
- Alchemy: Ancient and Modern [2nd Edition] – H. S. Redgrove (1922).pdf
- Alchemy & the Beginnings of Chemistry – M. Pattison Muir.pdf
- Alchemy: Its Science & Romance – J. E. Mercer.pdf
- Alchemy Key.pdf
- Alchemy Rediscovered and Restored – A. Cockren.pdf
- Alchemy: The Turba Philosophorum – A. E. Waite (1896).pdf
- Alchimia Nova, das ist. Die güldene Kunst selbst, oder, Aller Künsten Mutter – sampt dero heimlichen Secretis – S. Trismosin (1708) [German].pdf
- An Alchemical Mass.pdf
- An Easier Introduction to the Philosopher’s Magical Gold, to which is added, Zoroaster’s Cave, otherwise called the Philosophers’ Stone.pdf
- An Open Entrance to the Closed Palace of the King.pdf
- Ancient Curses, Charms, and Usages of Ireland, Contributions to Irish Lore – L. Wilde (1890).pdf
- Anima Magica Abscondita, or, A Discourse of the Universal Spirit of Nature – with his Strange, Abstruse, and Wonderful Operations.pdf
- Antimony – C. Y. Wang (1919).pdf
- Aphorisms Urbigerani, Certain Rules Clearly Demonstrate the 3 Infallible Ways of Preparing the Grand Elixir.pdf
- Apotelesmata Philosophica Mercurii Triumphantis – M. Copus (1601) [Latin].pdf
- Appendix Necessaria Syntagmatis Arcanorum Chymicorum Andreae Libavii (1615) [Latin].pdf
- Appologia Alchymiae – R. W. Councell.pdf
- Arcana Arcanissima, hoc est, Hieroglyphica Aegyptio-Graeca – M. Maier (1614) [Latin].pdf
- Atalanta Fugiens, hoc est, Emblemata Nova de Secretis Naturae Chymica – M. Maier (1618) [German].pdf
- Aula Lucis – T. Vaughan.pdf
- Aula Lucis, or, The House of Light, a Discourse Written in the Year 1651 – T. Vaughan (1652).pdf
- Aurum Aurae, vi Magnetismi Universalis Attractum – C. A. Balduin (1674).pdf
- Avreum Vellus, oder, Guldin Schatz und Kunst-Kammer – S. Trismosin (1708) [German].pdf
- Azoth et Ignis, das ist. Das wahre Elementarische Wasser und Feuer, oder, Mercurius Philosophorum – H. F. Manget (1702) [German].pdf
- Basil Valentine His Triumphant Chariot of Antimony – B. Valentine (1678).pdf
- Bibliographical Notes on Histories of Inventions and Books of Secrets Vol 1 – J. Ferguson (1895).pdf
- Bibliographical Notes on Histories of Inventions and Books of Secrets Vol 2 – J. Ferguson (1910).pdf
- Bibliotheca Chemica – A Catalog of the Alchemical, Chemical, and Pharmaceutical Books in the Collection of the Late James Young of Kelly and Durris Vol 1 – J. Ferguson (1906).pdf
- Bibliotheca Chemica – A Catalog of the Alchemical, Chemical, and Pharmaceutical Books in the Collection of the Late James Young of Kelly and Durris Vol 2 – J. Ferguson (1906).pdf
- Bygone Beliefs – A Series of Excursions in the Byways of Thought – H. S. Redgrove (1920).pdf
- Cabala Mineralis.pdf
- Cabala, Spiegel der Kunst und Natur in Alchymia – R. Custos (1663) [German].pdf
- Calendarium Naturale Magicum Perpetuum Profundissimam Rerum Secretissimarum Contemplationem Totiusque Philosophiae Cognitionem Complectens – J. D. Mylius (1618) [Latin].pdf
- Catalogue of Works on Alchemy and Chemistry Exhibited at the Grolier Club, New York, Jan. 16th to Jan. 25th, 1891.pdf
- Centuria Chymica, hoc est Tractatus Aureus de Lapide Philosophorum Carmine Conscriptus – (1652) [German].pdf
- Chemisch Kabinet (Atalanta Fugiens) – M. Maier (1708) [German].pdf
- Chymische Hochzeit – C. Rosencreutz (1616) [German].pdf
- Clavis Sapientiae, das ist. Ein edles und köstliches Büchlein vom Stein der Weisen welcher genannt wird, der güldene Schatz – (1600) [German].pdf
- Codicillus seu Vade Mecum Raymundi Lulli Philosophi Doctissimi – in quo fontes alchimicae artis ac philosophiae demonstrantur – (1600) [Latin].pdf
- Coelum Philosophorum – Paracelsus.pdf
- Coelum Philosophorum, seu, De Secretis Naturae Liber – P. Ulstadius (1528) [Latin].pdf
And Many Many More.
This collection offers a wealth of knowledge for those interested in the history and practice of alchemy.
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