Medieval alchemists, forerunners of today's chemists, sought to transmute base metals into gold. This lively illustrated history explores intriguing aspects of this mix of science, philosophy, art, religion, and magic, whose roots go back to ancient Egypt. 158 illustrations, 109 in color.

Alchemy, the Noble Art, conjures up scenes of mysterious, dimly lit laboratories populated with bearded old men stirring cauldrons. Though the history of alchemy is intricately linked to the history of chemistry, alchemy has nonetheless often been dismissed as the realm of myth and magic, or fraud and pseudoscience. And while its themes and ideas persist in some expected and unexpected places, from the Philosopher's (or Sorcerer's) Stone of Harry Potter to the self-help mantra of transformation, there has not been a serious, accessible, and up-to-date look at the complete history and influence of alchemy until now.

This reference work describes the trial-and-error experiments, discoveries, and inventions of early humans who lived from before recorded history to the Middle Ages. Krebs travels through the ancient periods of Egypt, China, and Mesoamerica, to the classical Greek and Roman periods, and finally to the Christian era, providing students with the link between science and history, while revealing information about many cultures around the world. Each entry provides the who, when, and where of each discovery, invention, or experiment. Entries include calendars, gunpowder, anesthesia, contraception, spontaneous generation, the Arctic Circle, language, and tides. Part of the Groundbreaking Experiments, Inventions, and Discoveries through the Ages series, this book provides readers with a detailed look early humans' relation to world around them and the scientific advancements they made. It will be useful to high school and college students, teachers, and the general public interested in the history and science behind ancient civilizations.

The 17th century was a time of transition for the study of science and mathematics. The technological achievements of this time directly impacted both society and the future of science. This reference resource explores the major scientific and mathematical milestones of this era, and examines them from both their scientific and sociological perspectives. Over fifty entries, arranged alphabetically, illustrate how this was a time marking the first wide-spread application of experimentation and mathematics to the study of science--an exciting time brought to life through this unique exploration. Students will find not only the familiar names like Galileo and Newton who are well-recognized for their contributions in science, but they will also encounter the names of lesser-known scientists and inventors who challenged long-held doctrines and beliefs. The contributions of the scientists, mathemeticians, and inventors of the 17th century would have a significant impact on the course of science into modern times. This impact is explored in detail to provide an understanding of how scientific study affects everyday life and how it evolves to provide a better understanding of our world.

In a world where science and magic coexist, Elara Wren embarks on an extraordinary journey that will change her life forever. "The Alchemist's Daughter: Secrets of the Codex Arcanum" is a gripping tale of adventure, discovery, and the pursuit of forbidden knowledge. This enthralling fantasy novel explores the delicate balance between light and darkness, the transformative power of alchemy, and the strength that comes from unity and friendship. Elara Wren, a curious and intelligent young girl, has always been fascinated by her father's work. Aldric Wren, a renowned alchemist, dedicated his life to unraveling the mysteries of the natural world and the metaphysical realms. However, his research was shrouded in secrecy, and Elara knew little of the true extent of his discoveries. When Aldric mysteriously disappears, Elara stumbles upon his hidden laboratory and the Codex Arcanum—a book of forbidden alchemical knowledge that holds the key to unimaginable power. As Elara delves into the Codex, she uncovers the true nature of her father's work and the dangerous path he walked. The Codex Arcanum contains the secrets of the Nexus of Worlds, an ancient alchemical construct that connects different realms and dimensions. With this knowledge, Elara realizes the immense responsibility that has been placed upon her. She must protect the Codex from falling into the hands of the Obsidian Order, a shadowy faction of alchemists who seek to use its power for their own dark purposes. Joined by her loyal friend Thalia, a skilled alchemist in her own right, and Kael, a former member of the Obsidian Order seeking redemption, Elara embarks on a perilous quest to safeguard the Codex and unlock the true potential of the Nexus of Worlds. Their journey takes them through treacherous landscapes, ancient ruins, and hidden realms, as they face off against the relentless forces of the Obsidian Order. Throughout their adventure, Elara and her friends must confront their own fears, doubts, and past traumas. They learn that true alchemy is not just about the manipulation of elements, but about understanding the interconnectedness of all things and using that knowledge to create balance and harmony. As they grow stronger together, they discover the power of unity and the importance of compassion, wisdom, and love. "The Alchemist's Daughter: Secrets of the Codex Arcanum" is a captivating blend of fantasy, science fiction, and adventure. It weaves a rich tapestry of intricate world-building, complex characters, and profound themes that will leave readers spellbound. Author [Your Name] masterfully combines elements of classic alchemical lore with imaginative storytelling to create a novel that is both timeless and contemporary. This book is perfect for fans of epic fantasy series, readers who enjoy stories of magic and science intertwining, and anyone who loves a tale of courage, resilience, and the transformative power of knowledge. "The Alchemist's Daughter: Secrets of the Codex Arcanum" invites you to step into a world of wonder and mystery, where the light of alchemical knowledge shines brightly against the encroaching darkness. Discover the legacy of Aldric Wren, the secrets of the Codex Arcanum, and the journey of a young girl destined to become a great alchemist. Join Elara, Thalia, and Kael as they embark on an adventure that will test their limits, forge unbreakable bonds, and ultimately determine the fate of their world. Welcome to "The Alchemist's Daughter: Secrets of the Codex Arcanum"—a story that will captivate your imagination and inspire your spirit.

The liberation of our workplaces through humor, reality, and the findings of scientific research are central themes running through these stories. Before modern medicine came blood-letting, leaches, and witch-doctoring. Before physics, the philosopher's stone and a world that was flat. Currently, the management of our employment systems is stuck in an alchemy-to-science transitional and nonsensical state (like the image on the front cover). Alchemy is evident in the management fads that keep coming back around with different names, like unicorns on a carousel. This book puts an end to all that. And it's about time! And it is actually "Time" - the Time Span that a Real Boss states as needed and accurate for a subordinate role (or employee) to perform a Real Task, for example - that turns out to be the great liberator. So you can forget about all the passing fads. Let this primer start you on a 10-step journey to a happy and productive hierarchy, with a healthier bottom line.

Embark on a journey through the remarkable history of science with 'The History of Science: Discoveries and Innovations That Changed the World.' This comprehensive exploration spans from ancient civilizations to the cutting-edge technologies of the 21st century, highlighting the pivotal discoveries and innovations that have shaped our understanding of the world. Each chapter delves into the key scientific breakthroughs, the brilliant minds behind them, and their profound impact on society. Perfect for history enthusiasts, students, and anyone curious about the transformative power of science, this book provides a rich and engaging narrative of how scientific progress has driven human advancement and continues to shape our future.

Alchemy is a subject that has fascinated scholars, mystics, and seekers of truth for centuries. It is a complex and multidisciplinary field that encompasses elements of chemistry, physics, philosophy, and spirituality. The history of alchemy is shrouded in mystery and has been the subject of much speculation and debate. Some see it as a pseudo-science, while others view it as a profound and transformative practice. In "The Art of Transformation: A Guide to the Ancient Science of Alchemy," the authors have undertaken the challenging task of unraveling the secrets of alchemy and presenting a clear and concise guide to this ancient science. This book provides a comprehensive introduction to the art of transformation, exploring the history, principles, and practices of alchemy. The authors draw on a wide range of sources, including ancient texts, modern scholarship, and personal experience, to provide a well-rounded and insightful overview of alchemy. They explain the symbolism and language of alchemy, its relationship to spirituality, and its practical applications in the modern world. What I appreciate most about this book is the authors' commitment to presenting a balanced and nuanced view of alchemy. They acknowledge the limitations and challenges of studying an ancient and complex subject and resist the temptation to oversimplify or sensationalize their findings. Instead, they offer a thoughtful and informed perspective on the art of transformation and invite readers to engage with the subject in a critical and reflective way. "The Art of Transformation" is a valuable resource for anyone interested in the history, philosophy, or practical applications of alchemy. It is a well-written and accessible guide that will inspire and challenge readers to explore the mysteries of this ancient science. I highly recommend it.

The Middle Ages and the Renaissance were a period of scientific and literary reawakening. Scientific development and a renewed interest in classical science led to new discoveries, inventions, and technologies. Between 500 and 1600 A.D., scientific explorers rediscovered ancient Greek and Eastern knowledge, which led to an eruption of fresh ideas. This reference work describes more than 75 experiments, inventions, and discoveries of the period, as well as the scientists, physicians, and scholars responsible for them. Individuals such as Leonardo da Vinci, Marco Polo, and Galileo are included, along with entries on reconstructive surgery, Stonehenge, eyeglasses, the microscope, and the discovery of smallpox. Part of a unique series that ranges from ancient times to the 20th century, this exploration of scientific advancements during the Middle Ages and the Renaissance will be useful to high school and college students, teachers, and general readers seeking information about significant advances in scientific history.

Alchemists are generally held to be the quirky forefathers of science, blending occultism with metaphysical pursuits. Although many were intelligent and well-intentioned thinkers, the oft-cited goals of alchemy paint these antiquated experiments as wizardry, not scientific investigation. Whether seeking to produce a miraculous panacea or struggling to transmute lead into gold, the alchemists radical goals held little relevance to consequent scientific pursuits. Thus, the temptation is to view the transition from alchemy to modern science as one that discarded fantastic ideas about philosophers stones and magic potions in exchange for modest yet steady results. It has been less noted, however, that the birth of atomic science actually coincided with an efflorescence of occultism and esoteric religion that attached deep significance to questions about the nature of matter and energy. Mark Morrisson challenges the widespread dismissal of alchemy as a largely insignificant historical footnote to science by prying into the revival of alchemy and its influence on the emerging subatomic sciences of the late 19th and early 20th centuries.Morrisson demonstrates its surprising influence on the emerging subatomic sciences of the late 19th and early 20th centuries. Specifically, Morrisson examines the resurfacing of occult circles during this time period and how their interest in alchemical tropes had a substantial and traceable impact upon the science of the day. Modern Alchemy chronicles several encounters between occult conceptions of alchemy and the new science, describing how academic chemists, inspired by the alchemy revival, attempted to transmute the elements; to make gold. Examining scientists publications, correspondence, talks, and laboratory notebooks as well as the writings of occultists, alchemical tomes, and science-fiction stories, he argues that during the birth of modern nuclear physics, the trajectories of science and occultism---so often considered antithetical---briefly merged.