The Alchemists Handbook: Manual for Practical Laboratory Alchemy [Paperback]

Frater Albertus (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: June 1, 1987

Formerly handed down under oath of secrecy, this clear, concise handbook discusses: the fundamental principles of alchemy; directions for the formation of an inexpensive home laboratory, with illustrations of the necessary equipment; step-by-step instructions for the work of the Lesser Circulation, the alchemical transformation within the plant kingdom?the necessary prerequisite for any work in the mineral kingdom.

Product Details

• Paperback: 124 pages
• Publisher: Weiser Books; Rev Exp edition (June 1, 1987)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0877286558
• ISBN-13: 978-0877286554
• Product Dimensions: 8.8 x 5.9 x 0.5 inches
• Shipping Weight: 7 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.1 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (16 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #161,947 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)
  • #78 in Books > Education & Reference > Encyclopedias > Mythology & Folklore

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

33 of 34 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Great Work!, October 5, 2001

By 

rareoopdvds (San Diego, CA United States) - See all my reviews
(VINE VOICE)   

This review is from: The Alchemists Handbook: Manual for Practical Laboratory Alchemy (Paperback)

A how-to book of Alchemy seems unheard of, but here it is! Written by Frater Albertus in the 60's, director of the (now closed down as of 1984) Paracelsus Research Society. The book acts as an introduction to the world of Alchemy, describing its process as well as the symbols employed in Alchemical nomenclature. While it may take a couple of readings to really and truly grasp it, the real learning takes place in the laboratory. Frater Albertus is clear in his meaning and attemts not to confuse the reading by falling to far into the mystical language of the alchemists. The only drawback that I personally had with this book is the M.S. of the "Wisdom of the Sages" installed after Albertus' own writings. The M.S. was written in 1777 written in Latin and German (here translated for you). The content is fine and dandy, however, if I wanted to read an alchemical text, I would not have bought this book to do so. There are plenty of ancient and medieval alchemical texts in print now where I can easily pick one up, however, this book's intention was to learn the art and practice of alchemy in its clearest unobtrusive language. Furthermore, the book is a little more than 100 pages, while the M.S. covers 40 of those pages - almost half the book. So this was disappointing when I wanted to read more of what Frater Albertus had to say. So if you are interested in Alchemy and want a glimmer of light into its practice, I highly reccomend this book, save the last portion of it.

18 of 19 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Practical (Laboratory) Alchemy!, August 1, 2006

By 

EquesNiger (Prague, Czech Republic) - See all my reviews

This review is from: The Alchemists Handbook: Manual for Practical Laboratory Alchemy (Paperback)

Somewhere between the Renaissance and the late Industrial Era, Alchemy changed from an esoteric practice performed practically, in a laboratory environment, to a New Age process by which one changes themselves through meditation and mysticism. All of the ancient texts and grimoires have been construed in this light, now being seen as "blinds", whose real subject was purely spiritual, the whole laboratory process not intended to be taken seriously. Despite the history of the development of modern chemistry, New Agers have bought into this, and the number of texts out there to help the aspiring "spiritual alchemist" in "translating" the ancient grimoires on the subject and their techniques to spiritual practice abound.

This book goes a long way to putting things back the way they were intended. Frater Albertus (one Albert Reidel), who, along with John Reed, is widely regarded as one of the re-discoverers of modern practical alchemy, believes that grimoires say what they mean, and that the techniques within were designed to be practiced, not as metaphors for further practice and techniques. In the extraordinary handbook for the beginner, Reidel illustrates in detail the basic principles of practical (laboratory) alchemy, and describes for the beginner all the things that they will need, both to know and to practice, in order to begin this most fascinating Art and Science.

It is a beginner's book, without doubt but, coupled with Junius's Practical Handbook of Plant Alchemy, it will get the aspiring alchemist pretty far along the path before additional instruction is required. At that point, the alchemist will need to seek out and enroll in the 7-year course (some have done it in less) in Practical Alchemy prepared by Reidel, or wait until Mr. Joseph Lisiewski finishes his summary course based on the same (pull your finger out, Jo!).

Very highly recommended!

16 of 18 people found the following review helpful:

3.0 out of 5 stars Theory., December 8, 2003

By 

lucifer-dianus "lucifer-dianus" (Louisville KY) - See all my reviews

This review is from: The Alchemists Handbook: Manual for Practical Laboratory Alchemy (Paperback)

This book is really all about theory, for beginners. I still think the theory would be better for beginners if some basic applications were given along with it. The book is good for simple theory, but a little slim on the info. I recommend Manfred Junius's book either instead of, or if you plan to pursue this art seriously and have the money, buy both.