The History of Alchemy: Influences on Culture, Science and Society

The history of the complex and fascinating alchemical worldviewThe term alchemy, whose etymological roots are both Arabic and Greek, refers to the transmutation process that results in the complete reunification of a material with its original divine form. But the esoteric tradition of alchemy was pursued as far east as India and China, and has been practised since at least the 4th century CE.In this anthology, a multitude of perspectives are presented, showing how reciprocity among practitioners, metaphysical connections and the relationship between macrocosm and microcosm constitute the core of the philosophy of alchemy.Some of the world’s most prominent researchers and academics are brought together to analyse alchemy’s worldview and examine how esoteric currents of thought have shaped culture, society and science. Read more