In recent years scholars have begun to acknowledge that the occult sciences were not marginal enterprises but an integral part of the worldview of many of our ancestors. Astrology was one of the many intellectual tools-along with what we consider to be the superior tools of social and political analysis-that Renaissance thinkers used to attack practical and intellectual problems. It was a coherent body of practices, strongly supported by social institutions. And alchemy was not viewed primarily as a spiritual pursuit, an idea popularized by nineteenth-century occultists, but as a part of natural philosophy. It was often compared to medicine.Many Renaissance writers suggested links between astrology and alchemy that went beyond the use of astrological charts to determine the best time to attempt alchemical operations. Secrets of Nature shows the many ways in which astrology (a form of divination) and alchemy (an artisanal pursuit concerned with the technologies of minerals and metals) diverge as well as intersect. Overall, it shows how an appreciation of the role of the occult opens up new ways of understanding the past. Topics include the career of Renaissance astrologer Girolamo Cardano and his work on medical astrology, the astrological thinking of Johannes Kepler and Galileo Galilei, the history of the Rosicrucians and the influence of John Dee, the work of medical alchemist Simon Forman, and an extended critique of the existing historiography of alchemy.
"synopsis" may belong to another edition of this title.
This is an excellent volume, and one that will be a welcome addition to the library of anyone interested in the histories of alchemy and/or astrology and a necessary one to anyone working on Early Modern science.-Daryn Lehoux, Canadian Bulletin of Medical History
This work presents a fresh look at the role of astrology and alchemy in Renaissance thinking and everyday life. In recent years, scholars have begun to acknowledge that the occult sciences were not marginal enterprises but an integral part of the worldview of many of our ancestors. Astrology was one of the many intellectual tools - along with what we consider to be the superior tools of social and political analysis - that Renaissance thinkers used to attack practical and intellectual problems. It was a coherent body of practices, strongly supported by social institutions. And alchemy was not viewed primarily as a spiritual pursuit, an idea popularised by nineteenth-century occultists, but as a part of natural philosophy. It was often compared to medicine. Many Renaissance writers suggested links between astrology and alchemy that went beyond the use of astrological charts to determine the best time to attempt alchemical operations. "Secrets of Nature" shows the many ways in which astrology (a form of divination) and alchemy (an artisanal pursuit concerned with the technologies of minerals and metals) diverge as well as intersect.
Overall, it shows how an appreciation of the role of the occult opens up new ways of understanding the past. Topics include the career of Renaissance astrologer Girolamo Cardano and his work on medical astrology, the astrological thinking of Johannes Kepler and Galileo Galilei, the history of the Rosicrucians and the influence of John Dee, the work of medical alchemist Simon Forman, and an extended critique of the existing historiography of alchemy."About this title" may belong to another edition of this title.
Shipping:
£ 3.85
Within U.S.A.
Seller: West Side Book Shop, ABAA, Ann Arbor, MI, U.S.A.
Hardcover. Condition: Near Fine. Dust Jacket Condition: Near Fine. 1st Edition. iv + 443 pp, color frontis, Black remainder marker cross on bottom edge at the hinge. Introduction & 7 chapter-papers by contributors each with figures and copious endnotes. List of Contributors, Index. 6.1" x 9.2" black cloth boards, gilt spine letters, in illustrated unclipped DJ with acetate protector. Binding tight and square, pages clean, unmarked, and paper well-preserved. Size: Octavo. Book. Seller Inventory # 009278
Quantity: 1 available
Seller: Object Relations IOBA PBFA, London, United Kingdom
Hardcover. Condition: Very Good. Dust Jacket Condition: Very Good. 1st Edition. 1st ed. 443pp. VG/VG copy, hint of sunning to spine, small nick to jacket spine, now preserved in mylar jacket protector. Seller Inventory # 021155
Quantity: 1 available
Seller: Cambridge Recycled Books, Cambridge, United Kingdom
Hardcover. Condition: Very Good. Dust Jacket Condition: Good. Appears to have hardly been read. Fading to spine of dust jacket.Same day dispatch (Mon- Fri) from the UK if ordered by 1pm. Seller Inventory # SS10220911011
Quantity: 1 available
Seller: dsmbooks, Liverpool, United Kingdom
hardcover. Condition: Good. Good. book. Seller Inventory # D8S0-3-M-0262140756-3
Quantity: 1 available