Modern Alchemy: Occultism and the Emergence of Atomic Theory

Morrisson, Mark

ISBN 10: 0195306961 / ISBN 13: 9780195306965

Published by Oxford University Press, 2007

About this Item

Hbk, viii, 262 p. ; 25 cm. Contents : Introduction -- From the golden dawn to the alchemical society -- Occult chemistry, instrumentation, and the theosophical science of direct perception -- Chemistry in the borderland -- Atomic alchemy and the gold standard -- Epilogue. [Alchemy History - Occultism History - Nuclear chemistry - Alchemy in literature] h1931 / m15274.

Seller Inventory # 015274

Bibliographic Details

• Title: Modern Alchemy: Occultism and the Emergence of Atomic Theory
• Publisher: Oxford University Press
• Publication Date: 2007
• Language: English
• ISBN 10: 0195306961
• ISBN 13: 9780195306965
• Binding: Hardcover
• Edition: 1st Edition
• Condition: As New
• Dust Jacket Condition: As New

About this title

Synopsis

Alchemists are generally held to be the quirky forefathers of science, blending occultism with metaphysical pursuits. Although many were intelligent and well-intentioned thinkers, the oft-cited goals of alchemy paint these antiquated experiments as wizardry, not scientific investigation. Whether seeking to produce a miraculous panacea or struggling to transmute lead into gold, the alchemists radical goals held little relevance to consequent scientific pursuits. Thus, the temptation is to view the transition from alchemy to modern science as one that discarded fantastic ideas about philosophers stones and magic potions in exchange for modest yet steady results. It has been less noted, however, that the birth of atomic science actually coincided with an efflorescence of occultism and esoteric religion that attached deep significance to questions about the nature of matter and energy.

Mark Morrisson challenges the widespread dismissal of alchemy as a largely insignificant historical footnote to science by prying into the revival of alchemy and its influence on the emerging subatomic sciences of the late 19th and early 20th centuries.Morrisson demonstrates its surprising influence on the emerging subatomic sciences of the late 19th and early 20th centuries. Specifically, Morrisson examines the resurfacing of occult circles during this time period and how their interest in alchemical tropes had a substantial and traceable impact upon the science of the day. Modern Alchemy chronicles several encounters between occult conceptions of alchemy and the new science, describing how academic chemists, inspired by the alchemy revival, attempted to transmute the elements; to make gold.
Examining scientists publications, correspondence, talks, and laboratory notebooks as well as the writings of occultists, alchemical tomes, and science-fiction stories, he argues that during the birth of modern nuclear physics, the trajectories of science and occultism---so often considered antithetical---briefly merged.

About the Author

Mark Morrison is Associate Professor of English, Pennsylvania State University