The Elements of Alchemy

by Cherry Gilchrist

Book by Gilchrist, Cherry

Genres: Alchemy, Nonfiction, History, Occult

144 pages, Paperback

First published July 26, 1984

About the author

Cherry Gilchrist is a lover of all things ancient and mysterious. Field research for her books has taken her into Russian forests, Silk Road Yurts and to meet stone heads on Easter Island. She has written books on alchemy, mythology, family history and personal relationships. Her latest book, The Circle of Nine relates nine feminine archetypes to everyday lives of women. Cherry has also run a vintage clothes shop, a Russian crafts gallery, taught creative writing and performed as an early music singer. She is a graduate of Cambridge University, and holds a post-graduate diploma from the University of Bath Spa. As a lecturer, she has given many talks at venues ranging from the Temenos Academy to the British Council, the Royal Academy, and the Queen Elizabeth II cruise liner. At present she lives near Stroud, with her husband, artist Robert Lee-Wade and two black cats for luck. She has two grown-up children and two granddaughters. Find her at www.cherrygilchrist.co.uk and www.circleofnine.org

Reviews

[Elaine · Rating 4 out of 5]

I can see why this book is only getting a three-star average rating. It doesn't flow well; there's a lack of cohesion. Nevertheless, it does have good information about alchemy, from a historical and factual perspective that is useful even if one's primary interest in alchemy is psychological or spiritual. (Jung wrote a book called "Psychology and Alchemy," and was an avid student of it, especially in later life.) I keep the book in my library and refer to it often because I do have that interest that is primarily psychological, and I welcome the refresher about alchemy's long history and its relationship to the medieval world.

[Jessica Triana de Ford · Rating 4 out of 5]

An interesting outsider perspective and explanation of Alchemy. The author links many interesting aspects in western history to the principles and practice of alchemy.

[biblio-empire · Rating 3 out of 5]

The Elements of series from Element is described as “a series designed to present high quality introductions to a broad range of essential subjects”, and Gilchrist's efforts at producing a volume on alchemy has yielded a thoroughly researched work. It is apparent how personal her passions for the mysteries of alchemy are, and while some may find her slight deviations into the relevance of alchemy to baroque music and opera not pertinent, Gilchrist's tenderness is nevertheless reflected in the book's quality and lucid structure. Ultimately The Elements of Alchemy patiently takes enthusiastic novices through the labyrinth of alchemical symbolism, while celebrating the very kinks that make the journey of an alchemist strenuous, but worthwhile.

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[Sarah Maguire · Rating 3 out of 5]

Readable but somehow insubstantial overview of alchemy. I don't feel I know or understand much more about the subject than before I started reading. This of course is partly due to the enigmatic nature of alchemy itself, but there was a lack of depth to this study and I wasn't altogether confident that the book was coming from a postion of expertise rather than general reading.

[Joe · Rating 4 out of 5]

A great introduction and overview of alchemy and it's deeper role throughout history. This is a perfect book for someone who knows nothing about alchemy and/or the alchemical process.