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The Riddle of Alchemy
This book deals with alchemy's rich, multifaceted tradition from three perspectives - history, psychology, and nomothetic science - something rarely seen in other books on the same subject. Part I - Histories concerns the interdisciplinary and cross-cultural intercourse that occasioned the rich tapestry of alchemical tropes, themes, narratives, and pursuits, addressing the harmonious fusion of Hellenistic nature philosophy, Gnostic mythology, and Egyptian crafts and metallurgical practices in late antiquity - and much more, including the alchemy's role during the Renaissance, its influence on Jacob Boehme’s theosophy, and its medieval imagery's integral role in Jung’s theory of the collective unconscious. Part 2 - Processes of the Mind looks at the alchemical opus and its stages in the context of analytical, developmental, and clinical psychology, offering psychological interpretations of the Splendor Solis plates and integrated alchemical interpretations of personality, personal growth, and the human condition. Part 3 - The Noetic Science examines the empirical validity of alchemical theory and pursuit, addressing the viability of metallic transmutation, the theory of esoteric correspondences - the planet-metal connections - and how its animistic paradigm and principles of transformation might connect to more innovative, radical ideas emergent within the nomothetic disciplines.
287 pages, Kindle Edition
Published December 10, 2024
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22 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 12 of 12 reviews
January 9, 2025
Excellent read!!
The Riddle of Alchemy by Paul Kiritsis is a fascinating and thought-provoking exploration of the ancient practice and philosophy of alchemy. I found it to be a captivating read, skillfully blending historical context, philosophical depth, and scientific insights. The author presents complex ideas in a way that is both engaging and intellectually stimulating, making this book a rewarding experience for both newcomers and those already familiar with alchemical traditions.
What stood out most to me was the depth of research and clarity in presenting the historical evolution of alchemical thought. Kiritsis delves into the symbolic and mystical aspects of alchemy while also examining its connections to early scientific discovery, which kept the narrative balanced and informative. The writing style is articulate yet accessible, making dense philosophical concepts easier to grasp without oversimplifying them. The inclusion of historical figures and their contributions added depth and context, which made the subject feel more tangible and relatable.
I am giving this book a full five-star rating because it not only held my attention from start to finish but also offered a well-rounded and comprehensive look into the subject matter. The book appeared meticulously edited, as I did not notice a single typo or grammatical error throughout my reading. This level of polish further reflects the professionalism and care that went into its publication.
If I were to suggest any area for improvement, it would be the pacing in some sections where the philosophical discussions became particularly dense. While fascinating, these moments could feel slightly overwhelming for readers less familiar with the topic. However, the author's commitment to thoroughness ultimately outweighed this minor issue.
Overall, The Riddle of Alchemy is a masterful work that successfully bridges the gap between historical study and philosophical exploration. Its flawless editing, rich content, and engaging presentation make it a standout read. I highly recommend it to anyone interested in the history of ideas, esoteric philosophy, or the roots of modern science.
The Riddle of Alchemy by Paul Kiritsis is a fascinating and thought-provoking exploration of the ancient practice and philosophy of alchemy. I found it to be a captivating read, skillfully blending historical context, philosophical depth, and scientific insights. The author presents complex ideas in a way that is both engaging and intellectually stimulating, making this book a rewarding experience for both newcomers and those already familiar with alchemical traditions.
What stood out most to me was the depth of research and clarity in presenting the historical evolution of alchemical thought. Kiritsis delves into the symbolic and mystical aspects of alchemy while also examining its connections to early scientific discovery, which kept the narrative balanced and informative. The writing style is articulate yet accessible, making dense philosophical concepts easier to grasp without oversimplifying them. The inclusion of historical figures and their contributions added depth and context, which made the subject feel more tangible and relatable.
I am giving this book a full five-star rating because it not only held my attention from start to finish but also offered a well-rounded and comprehensive look into the subject matter. The book appeared meticulously edited, as I did not notice a single typo or grammatical error throughout my reading. This level of polish further reflects the professionalism and care that went into its publication.
If I were to suggest any area for improvement, it would be the pacing in some sections where the philosophical discussions became particularly dense. While fascinating, these moments could feel slightly overwhelming for readers less familiar with the topic. However, the author's commitment to thoroughness ultimately outweighed this minor issue.
Overall, The Riddle of Alchemy is a masterful work that successfully bridges the gap between historical study and philosophical exploration. Its flawless editing, rich content, and engaging presentation make it a standout read. I highly recommend it to anyone interested in the history of ideas, esoteric philosophy, or the roots of modern science.
January 25, 2026
Dreams, visions, and hallucinations containing archaic figures of alchemy may explain the intricacies of inner turmoil, situations of our waking life , and possible threats perceived via subconscious pattern assessments. The Riddle of Alchemy is an interesting read, rich with the histories of alchemy, and explores ideas of how quantum physics of intelligent thought may intersect with reality. The author speculates that the processes of the psyche correlate with the procedures of alchemical practices, which may allow the mind to heal the body.
This book is divided into three sections; namely, the histories of alchemy, the processes of the mind, and the noetic science. The Histories section follows the earliest practices and documentation of alchemical practices and symbolism, as well as how these practices were claimed and incorporated in various regions throughout history.
The second section, Processes of the Mind, explores the adaptation of thought processing by examining various conjectures of philosophers and psychologists, and subsequently how the state of the psyche can be interpreted.
The final section, The Noetic Science, elucidates the transmutation processes of alchemy and contains the author’s perception on modern science.
I would rate this book 3/5.
I personally enjoyed reading the first two sections, diving into the connections between symbolism and Jung's analytical psychology, and the vast history of alchemy. However, the third section contained largely inaccurate claims and many biased opinions against modern science, despite the author’s consistent use of quantum physics (a subset of modern physics) as the connecting factor between mind and body. This contradiction felt highly hypocritical. As fascinating and innovative as the numerous experiments discussed are that support mind influencing matter, including examples of different reaction rates and planetary influence on metals, the egregious falsities in Chapter 12 soured the experience and undermines the credibility of the book.
Thus, I would only recommend the first two-thirds of this book.
This book is divided into three sections; namely, the histories of alchemy, the processes of the mind, and the noetic science. The Histories section follows the earliest practices and documentation of alchemical practices and symbolism, as well as how these practices were claimed and incorporated in various regions throughout history.
The second section, Processes of the Mind, explores the adaptation of thought processing by examining various conjectures of philosophers and psychologists, and subsequently how the state of the psyche can be interpreted.
The final section, The Noetic Science, elucidates the transmutation processes of alchemy and contains the author’s perception on modern science.
I would rate this book 3/5.
I personally enjoyed reading the first two sections, diving into the connections between symbolism and Jung's analytical psychology, and the vast history of alchemy. However, the third section contained largely inaccurate claims and many biased opinions against modern science, despite the author’s consistent use of quantum physics (a subset of modern physics) as the connecting factor between mind and body. This contradiction felt highly hypocritical. As fascinating and innovative as the numerous experiments discussed are that support mind influencing matter, including examples of different reaction rates and planetary influence on metals, the egregious falsities in Chapter 12 soured the experience and undermines the credibility of the book.
Thus, I would only recommend the first two-thirds of this book.
February 7, 2026
The Riddle of Alchemy is a comprehensive and multidisciplinary exploration of one of the most enduring esoteric traditions in human history. Paul Kiritsis approaches alchemy from three distinct yet interconnected perspectives history, psychology, and nomothetic science offering a depth of insight rarely seen in other works on the subject.
The historical section examines alchemy’s rich cross-cultural tapestry, tracing its evolution from Hellenistic nature philosophy and Gnostic mythology to Egyptian metallurgical practices, Renaissance developments, and its influence on thinkers such as Jacob Boehme and Carl Jung. The psychological section interprets the alchemical opus as a framework for personal growth and personality integration, offering a bridge between symbolic imagery, developmental theory, and clinical psychology. Finally, the book’s scientific lens explores alchemy’s nomothetic potential, investigating empirical claims, esoteric correspondences, and transformational principles that intersect with modern scientific inquiry.
At its core, The Riddle of Alchemy is about transformation historical, psychological, and conceptual. Kiritsis demonstrates how ancient practices resonate with contemporary understanding, inviting readers to consider alchemy not only as a mystical pursuit but also as a profound framework for examining the human condition. Insightful, rigorous, and multidimensional, this work will resonate with readers interested in history, psychology, spirituality, and the intersection of science and esoteric traditions.
The historical section examines alchemy’s rich cross-cultural tapestry, tracing its evolution from Hellenistic nature philosophy and Gnostic mythology to Egyptian metallurgical practices, Renaissance developments, and its influence on thinkers such as Jacob Boehme and Carl Jung. The psychological section interprets the alchemical opus as a framework for personal growth and personality integration, offering a bridge between symbolic imagery, developmental theory, and clinical psychology. Finally, the book’s scientific lens explores alchemy’s nomothetic potential, investigating empirical claims, esoteric correspondences, and transformational principles that intersect with modern scientific inquiry.
At its core, The Riddle of Alchemy is about transformation historical, psychological, and conceptual. Kiritsis demonstrates how ancient practices resonate with contemporary understanding, inviting readers to consider alchemy not only as a mystical pursuit but also as a profound framework for examining the human condition. Insightful, rigorous, and multidimensional, this work will resonate with readers interested in history, psychology, spirituality, and the intersection of science and esoteric traditions.
February 5, 2025
The Riddle of Alchemy by Paul Kiritsis is a captivating exploration of the ancient art of alchemy, skillfully blending history, philosophy, and science. The author presents complex ideas in a way that is both intellectually stimulating and accessible, making this an excellent read for both newcomers and those well-versed in alchemical traditions. Rich in research, the book delves into the mystical and symbolic aspects of alchemy while connecting them to early scientific discoveries, creating a balanced and engaging narrative.
What truly stood out was the clarity in presenting the historical evolution of alchemical thought. The inclusion of key historical figures and their contributions added depth, making the topic relatable. Kiritsis’s articulate yet approachable writing style makes dense philosophical concepts easier to grasp without oversimplifying them. The book’s structure—divided into sections on history, mind, and science—further aids understanding, while the appendices break down complex ideas for beginners.
The editing is impeccable, and the content is enriched with historical illustrations and references. However, some philosophical sections can feel dense, potentially overwhelming less familiar readers. Visual aids like timelines or diagrams could enhance accessibility.
Overall, this is a thought-provoking and well-rounded work, perfect for those interested in the intersection of spirituality, science, and enlightenment.
What truly stood out was the clarity in presenting the historical evolution of alchemical thought. The inclusion of key historical figures and their contributions added depth, making the topic relatable. Kiritsis’s articulate yet approachable writing style makes dense philosophical concepts easier to grasp without oversimplifying them. The book’s structure—divided into sections on history, mind, and science—further aids understanding, while the appendices break down complex ideas for beginners.
The editing is impeccable, and the content is enriched with historical illustrations and references. However, some philosophical sections can feel dense, potentially overwhelming less familiar readers. Visual aids like timelines or diagrams could enhance accessibility.
Overall, this is a thought-provoking and well-rounded work, perfect for those interested in the intersection of spirituality, science, and enlightenment.
January 13, 2026
The Riddle of Alchemy is an informative book regarding the subject of alchemy. Alchemy, while an important piece in human history, is rarely discussed as in depth as it was throughout this book. The topic and its rich history were discussed in extraordinary detail, leaving no stone unturned Not only is alchemy discussed, but it is also related to a variety of topics, including religion, modern-day science (mainly DNA), and historical art. Relating alchemy to other topics that readers may be more familiar with allows for a deeper understanding while keeping the reader engaged with the topic.
The author of this book clearly put in a lot of time and effort into this endeavor. The topic was well researched, and each chapter had an extensive list of sources at the end, showing the accuracy of what the author wrote about. The editing of the book is also top-tier, as there is not a single error, formatting issue, or uncited information, further proving the amount of time that went into crafting this book. The terminology used in the book is complex, as the topic itself is. This book is not a light read and may not be suitable for every reader.
Unfortunately, at least the eBook version of the book doesn’t have the pictures in color; rather, they are in black and white. This becomes an issue in the chapters discussing the symbolism of the art, referring to the colors; however, this is a minor complaint as the author clearly tells the name of the art, making it easy to look up the colored version. In addition, the book does jump around at times, making it slightly difficult to follow the author's train of thought.
Overall, this is a well-written, interesting book, making it a perfect option for those interested in the complex topic of alchemy. I rate this book a five out of five stars.
The author of this book clearly put in a lot of time and effort into this endeavor. The topic was well researched, and each chapter had an extensive list of sources at the end, showing the accuracy of what the author wrote about. The editing of the book is also top-tier, as there is not a single error, formatting issue, or uncited information, further proving the amount of time that went into crafting this book. The terminology used in the book is complex, as the topic itself is. This book is not a light read and may not be suitable for every reader.
Unfortunately, at least the eBook version of the book doesn’t have the pictures in color; rather, they are in black and white. This becomes an issue in the chapters discussing the symbolism of the art, referring to the colors; however, this is a minor complaint as the author clearly tells the name of the art, making it easy to look up the colored version. In addition, the book does jump around at times, making it slightly difficult to follow the author's train of thought.
Overall, this is a well-written, interesting book, making it a perfect option for those interested in the complex topic of alchemy. I rate this book a five out of five stars.
July 27, 2025
A Journey Through Mind, Matter, and Myth...
Paul Kiritsis doesn't just study alchemy—he breathes life into it, like gold coaxed from shadow. In The Riddle of Alchemy, he untangles centuries of mystical symbolism and scientific curiosity, leading us through ancient crucibles, Renaissance visionaries, and the psyche itself. What could have been dry intellectualism becomes a rich tapestry of myth, mind, and metal. His tone? Scholarly, yes—but warm, almost reverent, like he’s guiding you through a forgotten library where every page pulses with hidden light.
This isn’t your average esoteric deep-dive. Kiritsis melds historical insight with Jungian psychology and even dares to ask whether transmutation had more than metaphor in mind. His three-part approach—past, psyche, and science—gives readers a panoramic view of alchemy’s lingering magic. Whether you're a seeker, skeptic, or somewhere in between, this book just might change how you see matter—and maybe even yourself.
Paul Kiritsis doesn't just study alchemy—he breathes life into it, like gold coaxed from shadow. In The Riddle of Alchemy, he untangles centuries of mystical symbolism and scientific curiosity, leading us through ancient crucibles, Renaissance visionaries, and the psyche itself. What could have been dry intellectualism becomes a rich tapestry of myth, mind, and metal. His tone? Scholarly, yes—but warm, almost reverent, like he’s guiding you through a forgotten library where every page pulses with hidden light.
This isn’t your average esoteric deep-dive. Kiritsis melds historical insight with Jungian psychology and even dares to ask whether transmutation had more than metaphor in mind. His three-part approach—past, psyche, and science—gives readers a panoramic view of alchemy’s lingering magic. Whether you're a seeker, skeptic, or somewhere in between, this book just might change how you see matter—and maybe even yourself.
January 28, 2026
To be honest, this is not the kind of book I would read, but I was intrigued by it.
The Riddle of Alchemy by Paul Kiritsis gives a very detailed explanation of one of history's most enigmatic traditions. Far from being a dusty study of medieval metalworks and weird or strange laboratories, this book reimagines alchemy as a multi-layered human endeavor that spans history, psychology, and science.
The book is neatly divided into three parts, each casting light from a different angle. Throughout, Kiritsis writes with clarity and passion, managing to balance scholarly research with a readability that keeps the pages turning.
If you're curious about how ancient thought intersects with psychology and scientific curiosity, or you simply love stories about transformation, mystery, and the search for much deeper truths, The Riddle of Alchemy is a thought-provoking and rewarding read that will stay with you long after the last page.
The Riddle of Alchemy by Paul Kiritsis gives a very detailed explanation of one of history's most enigmatic traditions. Far from being a dusty study of medieval metalworks and weird or strange laboratories, this book reimagines alchemy as a multi-layered human endeavor that spans history, psychology, and science.
The book is neatly divided into three parts, each casting light from a different angle. Throughout, Kiritsis writes with clarity and passion, managing to balance scholarly research with a readability that keeps the pages turning.
If you're curious about how ancient thought intersects with psychology and scientific curiosity, or you simply love stories about transformation, mystery, and the search for much deeper truths, The Riddle of Alchemy is a thought-provoking and rewarding read that will stay with you long after the last page.
May 27, 2025
This book is enriched with a wide variety of information about psychology, history, religion, and many more. As a follower of Carl Jung himself, the author's context and style are based on Jungian theories and research studies that I think are amazing. I had never learned much about alchemy until I came across this book. It is very insightful and, despite its opposition by religious sects, I am glad to have learned a lot, knowing that alchemy is very useful for future generations. I rate this book 5 stars!
July 29, 2025
The art of transformation
This book completely changed the way I see alchemy. I learned that it is not only about turning metals into gold but also about a deep personal transformation. The author explains complex ideas in a clear and simple way, bringing ancient concepts to life in the modern world. It made me think about the power of symbols and how inner change can be just as real and valuable as physical change. This reading invites reflection on our own growth and on the importance of understanding that true transformation begins within ourselves.
This book completely changed the way I see alchemy. I learned that it is not only about turning metals into gold but also about a deep personal transformation. The author explains complex ideas in a clear and simple way, bringing ancient concepts to life in the modern world. It made me think about the power of symbols and how inner change can be just as real and valuable as physical change. This reading invites reflection on our own growth and on the importance of understanding that true transformation begins within ourselves.
July 31, 2025
The Riddle of Alchemy is a rare and illuminating work that bridges history, psychology, and science with remarkable depth. It unravels alchemy not just
as an ancient practice, but as a profound exploration of human transformation, both symbolic and real. Thoughtful, well-researched, and unexpectedly moving, it’s the kind of book that challenges the mind while speaking to something deeper in the soul.
as an ancient practice, but as a profound exploration of human transformation, both symbolic and real. Thoughtful, well-researched, and unexpectedly moving, it’s the kind of book that challenges the mind while speaking to something deeper in the soul.
August 3, 2025
Wonderful
Alchemy is a topic I have always been interested in, and author Paul Kiritsis crafted such a great explanation of what it is. I liked the way he explained it using simple language for us to understand.
The book is rich in content and enlightening. I recommend it to all those curious, avid readers out there in this world.
Alchemy is a topic I have always been interested in, and author Paul Kiritsis crafted such a great explanation of what it is. I liked the way he explained it using simple language for us to understand.
The book is rich in content and enlightening. I recommend it to all those curious, avid readers out there in this world.
August 4, 2025
This is a very interesting book on alchemy.
This is a very interesting book on alchemy. It completely changed my way of thinking about this incredible subject. It not only tells us how to turn materials into something more valuable, but also how to transform our lives. The author has done a very good job of presenting this book in an easy-to-understand way.
This is a very interesting book on alchemy. It completely changed my way of thinking about this incredible subject. It not only tells us how to turn materials into something more valuable, but also how to transform our lives. The author has done a very good job of presenting this book in an easy-to-understand way.
Displaying 1 - 12 of 12 reviews