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Books matching: history of alchemy

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  1. #1

    The Secrets of Alchemy by Lawrence M. Principe
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    A smart, entertaining, and thoroughly researched guide to the history of alchemy - ideal for curious minds, but not for those seeking spiritual speculation.

    'The Secrets of Alchemy' by Lawrence M. Principe is a comprehensive exploration of the history of alchemy, tracing its origins in the third century AD to its decline in the 19th century. The book delves into various aspects of alchemy, including its influence on early medicine, laboratory practices, and chemistry. Principe aims to restore an understanding of alchemy within its historical and cultural context, highlighting the experimental rigor and scientific basis that most alchemists adhered to, contrary to popular misconceptions of it being associated with magic.

    Principe's writing style is engaging and informative, blending historical accounts with his own experiments to recreate the work of famous alchemists. The book covers topics such as the search for the Philosopher's Stone, the transformation of lead into gold, and the impact of alchemy on scientific thought during the Scientific Revolution. Through detailed descriptions and explanations, Principe provides readers with a deeper insight into the complexities of alchemical practices and the evolution of chemical theories over time.

    To locate the origins of alchemy, we must travel back to Egypt in the first centuries of the Christian Era. This place was no longer the Egypt of the far more ancient pharaohs and pyramid builders but...
    December 2012
    294 pages

  2. #2

    A Discovery of Witches - All Souls by Deborah Harkness
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    An enchanting, bookish paranormal romance where academia collides with magic; perfect for fans of slow-burn stories and gothic libraries, but not for those craving fast-paced action.

    'A Discovery of Witches' by Deborah Harkness follows the story of Diana Bishop, a witch who is hesitant to embrace her powers, and Matthew, an ancient vampire who falls in love with her. The book combines elements of romance, mystery, historical fiction, and paranormal themes. The plot delves into the complex relationships between witches, vampires, and daemons, while also exploring the history of these creatures. Harkness's writing style incorporates detailed descriptions of settings, academic research, and character interactions, creating a rich and immersive world for readers to explore.

    The leather-bound volume was nothing remarkable. To an ordinary historian, it would have looked no different from hundreds of other manuscripts in Oxford’s Bodleian Library, ancient and worn. But I kn...
    February 2011
    614 pages

  3. #3

    The Scarlet Alchemist by Kylie Lee Baker
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    A darkly imaginative, blood-soaked, and emotionally rich YA fantasy that stands out with Chinese-inspired history, unique magic, and a relatable heroine. Fast-paced, twisty, and hard to put down - absolutely worth picking up if you’re seeking something fresh in the fantasy genre.

    The Scarlet Alchemist by Kylie Lee Baker is a YA Fantasy novel set in an alternate historical China with elements of alchemy and magic. The story follows Zilan, a talented young girl from a poor province, as she navigates the challenges of becoming a Royal Alchemist and gets entangled in the dark world of the royal family. Alongside her cousins, Zilan practices illegal resurrections to make ends meet, but her life takes a drastic turn when she encounters the Crown Prince, Li Hong, who involves her in dangerous royal intrigues. The book is filled with twists and turns, a mix of romance and adventure, and a well-developed alchemy system that adds depth to the narrative. The writing style is engaging, with vivid descriptions of settings and characters that immerse the reader in this captivating world.

    October 2023
    420 pages

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