Cracking the Philosophers' Stone: Origins, Evolution and Chemistry of Gold-Making (Hardcover Color Edition)

Laport, J. Erik

ISBN 10: 0990619834 / ISBN 13: 9780990619833

Published by Quintessence Publishing (IL), 2015

About this Item

Seller Inventory # 24552945-n

Bibliographic Details

• Title: Cracking the Philosophers' Stone: Origins, Evolution and Chemistry of Gold-Making (Hardcover Color Edition)
• Publisher: Quintessence Publishing (IL)
• Publication Date: 2015
• Language: English
• ISBN 10: 0990619834
• ISBN 13: 9780990619833
• Binding: Hardcover
• Condition: New

About this title

Synopsis

Cracking the Philosophers' Stone is a combination of historical commentary with reproducible chemistry that thoroughly analyses one of the most respected and mysterious chemical reactions in the history of science and technology. This book guides the reader through the origins and evolution of the archetypal recipe for the Philosophers' Stone of early Alexandrian alchemy. LaPort and Gabrielsson also provide details for various chemical reproductions based on the authors' interpretation and hypotheses of ancient chemistry preserved in encrypted form in alchemical texts. Because of the human stories and historical backdrop, every layperson will find something of value to expand their understanding of the ancient world. Even scientists and specifically chemists will be fascinated with the reproducible chemical experiments presented in this ground-breaking work. The book is actually three books in one: 1) an introduction to alchemy, 2) a detailed history of alchemy's origins and evolution, and 3) a technical reference for actual reproducibility of alchemy's most sought-after prize - the Philosophers' Stone. Conclusions are contextually counter-balanced by laboratory experimentation, traditional alchemical texts and original interpretations.

Review

"I believe that if you study this book with an open mind you will be greatly rewarded. Listen to the words of J. Erik LaPort who has laid the groundwork for this rediscovery and learn from his unique and unveiled efforts." - Roger Gabrielsson, Ph.D. "What you have before you is not a book, but a key to one of the most mysterious subjects in human history - the story of the Philosopher's Stone." - Dennis William Hauck, Ph.D.