Introduction to Alchemy (FIA Conference)

This is from a lecture I gave last year at the Flint Institute of Art on the history, theory, and symbolism of alchemy. This will serve as an introduction to alchemy while I wait to produce a series for the channel.

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Recommended reading:

Linden, Stanton J. (ed.) The Alchemy Reader: From Hermes Trismegistus to Isaac Newton. 978-0521796620. Beautifully edited collection of primary alchemical texts.
Principe, Laurent. The secrets of alchemy. 978-0226103792. A Current History of Alchemy.
Newman, William. Newton the alchemist: science, enigma and the quest for nature's “secret fire” 978-0691174877. Cutting-edge research on alchemy in the 17th century. An incredible wok of erudition.
Roob, Alexander (ed.) Alchemy and Mysticism. 978-3836549363. A collection of alchemical images and symbolism, also a lovely coffee table book!

School of Spiritual Interpretation/Psychology

Atwood, Mary Anne. A suggestive investigation into the Hermetic mystery…. (many reprinted editions). The first text to introduce the "spiritual interpretation" of alchemy.
Eliade, Mircea. The Forge and the Crucible: The Origins and Structure of Alchemy. 978-0226203904. Religious and philosophical interpretation of alchemy.
von Franz, Marie-Louise. Alchemy: an introduction to symbolism and psychology. 978-0919123045. An introduction to the Jungian psychological interpretation of alchemy.

#alchemy #transmutation #hermeticism