Chemistry of Alchemy: From Dragon's Blood to Donkey Dung, How Chemistry Was Forged

by Cathy Cobb, Monty Fetterolf, Harold Goldwhite

A unique approach to the history of science using do-it-yourself experiments along with brief historical profiles to demonstrate how the ancient alchemists stumbled upon the science of chemistry.Be the alchemist! Explore the legend of alchemy with the science of chemistry. Enjoy over twenty hands-ondemonstrations of alchemical reactions.In this exploration of the ancient art of alchemy, three veteran chemists show that the alchemists' quest involved real science and they recount fascinating stories of the sages who performed these strange experiments. Why waste more words on this weird deviation in the evolution of chemistry? As the authors show, the writings of medieval alchemists may seem like the ravings of brain-addled fools, but there is more to the story than that. Recent scholarship has shown that some seemingly nonsensical mysticism is, in fact, decipherable code, and Western European alchemists functioned from a firmer theoretical foundation than previously thought. They had a guiding principle, based on separate and purify materials by fire and reconstitute them into products, including, of course, gold and the universal elixir, the Philosophers' stone. Their efforts were not in by trial, by error, by design, and by persistence, the alchemists discovered acids, alkalis, alcohols, salts, and exquisite, powerful, and vibrant reactions--which can be reproduced using common products, minerals, metals, and salts. So gather your vats and stoke your fires! Get ready to make burning waters, peacocks' tails, Philosophers' stone, and, of course, gold!

Genres: Science, History, Nonfiction, Alchemy, History Of Science, Chemistry

374 pages, Kindle Edition

First published January 1, 2014

Reviews

[Audrey Driscoll · Rating 4 out of 5]

The authors are very clear about the scope of this book -- an examination of the alchemy of metals from the point of view of chemistry. The writing style is colloquial and lively. The arrangement is chronological, following the development of alchemy from medieval times until the dawn of chemistry in the 18th century, and featuring the life stories of many alchemists. At the end of each chapter are directions for one or more demonstrations of chemical reactions that the alchemists might have discovered in their search for gold. The directions are clear and complete; even though I did not try any of them, I certainly could have.
There is almost no discussion of "spiritual" or mystical alchemy, or its symbolic aspects as written about by C.G. Jung. The authors are chemists, after all. After reading the book I had a good picture of how alchemy was done, by what kinds of people, and how it contributed to early industries and the development of "scientific" chemistry.

[Balika · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was really a 3 1/2 star book. Quite interesting stories of how the field if chemistry evolved from alchemy and the quest to make gold. There were some very cool experiments included, most fairly involved. The author's glee was very evident and some if the stories were downright wacky!

[Anne · Rating 4 out of 5]

I do enjoy a good science history book [Heh, I'm feeling the need to whip out the quotes i.e. "science history" because this was on alchemy. But, whatever.], and this was no exception. It had a delightfully light and engaging tone and, in what has to be the most amazing thing ever, it actually made me want to read more about the dark ages. Ok, I'm sure I really, really don't actually want to do so, but the stuff the authors plucked from that era was incredibly interesting. Once they reached the Renaissance, it did sort of become a mindnumbingly unending parade of dead white guys which may have caused me to star skimming. But eventually we met people I've heard of and I was reeled right back in (OMG, Newton believed in alchemy!?! Yes, that Newton. And, no, he wasn't alone.).

As for all the "demonstrations." Fun! Ok, I stopped reading them after a while, but I shall put this on my mental shelf of things I could do when bored. Some really nifty alchemical activities, all very doable, are here for the making! Heh, maybe I should start an alchemy club to do some of them!

Finally, I think this the first time I've really been exposed to the mythology of the philosopher's stone. I feel pretty safe in saying that I think the first Harry Potter book title was changed in the United State for people like me (and I'm saying that as someone who has many nerdly pursuits). Which, after reading and learning what the are and what they do, kinda makes me sad for the lost opportunity. Anyway, I'm amused that the people believed as long as they did in the philosopher's stone because it sure didn't seem to work to its full potential for any of those that claimed to have discovered it!

3.5 stars

[Sandra · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book was a great introduction to some of the people who through out history have influenced turning the pursuit of the unknown into science. The material is presented in a witty way with doable demonstrations to help edify each alchemist's ideas and understanding of science during their time. Although some of these people were charlatans or working under misapprehensions, they have still, through these experiments and trials made major discoveries with far flung consequences that have created the base of chemistry that is so much a part of our lives today. So, if you've ever wanted to see what that thing does or what happens if I, then read this book. Added bonus, this will appeal to anyone who's interested in the sciences from astrology to zoology, Aristotle to Zosimos..

[Brian · Rating 5 out of 5]

A really fun exploration of the history of chemistry via alchemy, with great explanations and demonstrations of the processes and procedures used by these alchemists in their quest for transmutation. I don't think I'll try out any of the experiments they describe - I fear I'd burn down something - but it was a good read anyways.

[Lauren Wiseman · Rating 4 out of 5]

As I'm researching my own book, this was indispensable in the process. A brief overview of the history of alchemy and how the chemistry evolved from the processes of yore. Not only that, but the authors have ways to recreate what the alchemical pioneers attempted. Fantastic read.

[Marie Verde · Rating 4 out of 5]

What a fun read! I'm researching alchemy for a book character in my next novel, and I found The Chemistry of Alchemy. This book is a fascinating history of alchemy and the early alchemists who eventually created chemistry. Best of all, the authors include simple alchemy experiments you can try. I didn't, of course, cause I'm lazy, but maybe someday.

[Mary · Rating 4 out of 5]

A very amusing history of chemistry, complete with practical experiments! Who knew chemists had a sense of humor?

Interesting stories of historical alchemists and what they brought to modern chemistry.

[Amg · Rating 4 out of 5]

But, really? Kitchen chemistry? I'm not so sure these experiments should be done at home.
But, so great to have them. Would love to try them in a safe location.

[Elizabeth · Rating 2 out of 5]

Reads more like a junior high/freshman level essay. The experiments at the end of each chapter are fascinating though I stopped reading those to get through the book faster.

[lohengrin]

Interesting as my first introduction to alchemy. Written by chemists and full of real-life demonstrations (that I’m unfortunately unable to do at home).

[Douglas Summers-Stay · Rating 4 out of 5]

It was interesting to see what was going on chemically that made alchemists feel like they were making progress towards turning other elements to gold. There was also some of the history and biography of various alchemists and alchemical schools of thought. I figured David would like it.

[John · Rating 4 out of 5]

Reviewed for Library Journal. Fun read, although admittedly cursory on the history at times, because they wanted to leave room for alchemical experiments.

[Sarah Ehinger · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a book that celebrated and encourages curiosity. This would have been a perfect book to tag team a fun history teacher and a fun chemistry teacher on. I would think this would be a must for homeschooling parents looking to introduce inquisitiveness to their kids. Who doesn't love experiments.