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 complete illustrated science encyclopedia covering the history, key discoveries, inventions and people This remarkable reference book reveals the story of scientific progress from the invention of the wheel to 21st-century climate solutions, including everything from ancient Greek geometry and quantum physics to the worldwide web. Explore every key moment of scientific discovery and find out how the concepts, inventions and the individuals behind them have changed our world. With stunning artworks and authoritative information this makes even complex scientific subjects easily comprehensible.

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.