An Introduction To Alchemical Philosophy

In this companion book to Alchemy Deciphered, Alasdair Forsythe discusses the foundations of alchemical theory and natural philosophy. What does the water cycle have to do with yin-yang, and what does this teach us about alchemy? Find out in An Introduction to Alchemical Philosophy. Excerpt The philosophy of alchemy is not limited to the understanding of alchemy alone. If it were then it must surely be untrue, as there can be no truth that does not apply in every circumstance and in every situation. To be called a truth it must be true everywhere and at all times. Alchemical philosophy is fundamental, it applies in every instance of every circumstance of everything, throughout the universe. Alchemical philosophy should not strictly be referred to as anything other than just 'philosophy.' It is the same philosophy that governs everything: from the movement of the stars, to the birth of a child, to the development of a planet. Alchemical philosophy is not an aspect of alchemy; it is an aspect of the universe. Alchemy itself could be said to be no more than the natural effect of philosophy. It is an inevitable result of the philosophy which governs our universe, and so the existence of alchemy can be predicted by anyone who comes to a good understanding of philosophy. Naturally, this is how alchemy came about: a philosopher strived to understand the nature of reality, and from his understanding of philosophy he knew how to guide Nature to create a physical manifestation of its principles, the process for which we now call 'alchemy.' No one can be called an alchemist, and no one will have any chance of making the Philosophers' Stone, unless one understands what they are doing and why they are doing it by reflecting on the fundamental philosophical principles on which alchemy is based. Hence the purpose of this book.

"It was the genius of C.G. Jung to discover in the 'holy technique' of alchemy a parallel to the psychological individuation process. This book, by Jung's long-time friend and co-worker, completely demystifies the subject. Designed as an introduction to Jung's more detailed studies, and profusely illustrated, here is a lucid and practical account of what the alchemists were really looking for--emotional balance and wholeness"--back cover.

" The purpose of this book is to release one particular secret, which has been kept hidden for the last 12,000 years. The Philosophers' Stone, Elixir of Life, Fountain of Youth, Ambrosia, Soma, Amrita, Nectar of Immortality. These are different names for the same thing. Throughout history this secret has been used by a very few to extend their lives hundreds of years in perfect health, with access to unlimited wealth, among many other miraculous properties. Some kept the secret because they understood that the time was not right for the secret to be free for all people, but most kept the secret out of their own jealousy, ignorance, egotism and corruption. The Stone's history and the history of the human race up until this day is a strange story full of secret societies, hooded cloaks, and mystical symbols. Such theatrics are childish and shallow. It's pointless to look for the light in the shadows...;"

Winner of the 2005 Pfizer Prize from the History of Science Society. What actually took place in the private laboratory of a mid-seventeenth century alchemist? How did he direct his quest after the secrets of Nature? What instruments and theoretical principles did he employ? Using, as their guide, the previously misunderstood interactions between Robert Boyle, widely known as "the father of chemistry," and George Starkey, an alchemist and the most prominent American scientific writer before Benjamin Franklin as their guide, Newman and Principe reveal the hitherto hidden laboratory operations of a famous alchemist and argue that many of the principles and practices characteristic of modern chemistry derive from alchemy. By analyzing Starkey's extraordinary laboratory notebooks, the authors show how this American "chymist" translated the wildly figurative writings of traditional alchemy into quantitative, carefully reasoned laboratory practice—and then encoded his own work in allegorical, secretive treatises under the name of Eirenaeus Philalethes. The intriguing "mystic" Joan Baptista Van Helmont—a favorite of Starkey, Boyle, and even of Lavoisier—emerges from this study as a surprisingly central figure in seventeenth-century "chymistry." A common emphasis on quantification, material production, and analysis/synthesis, the authors argue, illustrates a continuity of goals and practices from late medieval alchemy down to and beyond the Chemical Revolution. For anyone who wants to understand how alchemy was actually practiced during the Scientific Revolution and what it contributed to the development of modern chemistry, Alchemy Tried in the Fire will be a veritable philosopher's stone.

Analyzes three important alchemical treatises from the 17th century, explaining them symbolically, psychologically, and magically. This title also includes illustrations, a glossary, a biographical dictionary, a bibliography, an index, and an introduction.

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.

Alchemy and the Philosophers' Stone are real. This is not a joke or a scam. This book covers the full theory and practice of alchemy and how to make the Philosophers' Stone, capable of reversing the aging process and curing all disease to the effect that one could live forever. This is an ancient secret which has never before been publicly released. Please read the book before making any judgement on it; this world is not what it seems to be.

A course of ten lessons, being an introduction to "The Philosophy of Alchemy," by Dr. A.S. Raleigh.