Alchemy: Ancient and Modern / Being a Brief Account of the Alchemistic Doctrines, and Their Relations, to Mysticism on the One Hand, and to Recent Discoveries in Physical Science on the Other Hand; Together with Some Particulars Regarding the Lives and Teachings of the Most Noted Alchemists

Metadata

Gutenberg ID

43240

Title

Alchemy: Ancient and Modern / Being a Brief Account of the Alchemistic Doctrines, and Their Relations, to Mysticism on the One Hand, and to Recent Discoveries in Physical Science on the Other Hand; Together with Some Particulars Regarding the Lives and Teachings of the Most Noted Alchemists

Language

en

Book source

Project Gutenberg

Description max 80 words

H. Stanley Redgrove bridges ancient alchemical mysticism with modern physical science, arguing that the transmutation of elements is a realized truth confirmed by radioactivity and atomic theory. This synthesis explores the lives of noted alchemists, the nature of energy as 'First Matter,' and the philosophical implications of controlling sub-atomic processes.

Summary up to 500 words

H. Stanley Redgrove's *Alchemy: Ancient and Modern* challenges the historical dismissal of alchemy as mere superstition by arguing that its core doctrines resonate profoundly with contemporary scientific discoveries. The work posits that all matter shares a single origin and evolves through an energetic process, a concept mirrored in modern atomic theory where elements are distinguished primarily by their energy content rather than being indivisible atoms. Redgrove surveys the mystical theology of ancient alchemists, linking it directly to physical chemistry. The text details the lives and teachings of key figures such as Paracelsus, Thomas Charnock, Andreas Libavius, Edward Kelley, John Dee, Henry Khunrath, Alexander Sethon, and Michael Sendivogius. Redgrove critically examines the legendary Rosicrucian hoax, suggesting it was a benevolent experiment by Valentine Andreaé designed to unite philanthropic minds rather than a secret society of power. A significant portion addresses the scientific reality of transmutation. Citing experiments by Sir Ernest Rutherford and Sir William Ramsay, Redgrove explains how radioactive decay naturally transmutes elements, altering atomic weight and chemical properties. He discusses the theoretical possibility of artificial transmutation to create gold from base metals, noting that while financially chaotic, the energy released would be far more valuable than the resulting gold. The author further explores allotropy, arguing that different forms of carbon (diamond, graphite) represent distinct elements differing only in energy states, thus validating the alchemical view of mutability. Redgrove contends that modern science has lost the philosophical depth of alchemy but has regained the fundamental truth of the unity of the physical universe. The book concludes by affirming that the 'Philosopher's Stone' is essentially concentrated energy and hints at the potential for controlling cellular life through energy manipulation, suggesting the elixir of life may also be within reach.

LLM editorial rating

4.2/5

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Categories

• History
• Science