Customer Reviews

The Alchemists Handbook: Manual for Practical Laboratory Alchemy

5 star:		(7)
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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.

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!

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.

"The Alchemist's Handbook" by Frater Albertus is the one that started it all. Prior to its publication in 1960 there was almost nothing available in the popular literature regarding actual alchemical practices. Written mainly as a beginner's guide as well as an introduction to the Paracelsus Research Society he would later found, the "Alchemist's Handbook" has guided many on their first steps of the alchemical path. Criticised as being heavy on theory and light on practice, it follows the alchemical injunction of 'theory before practice' and does give enough practical information to begin making spagyric products.

Since the creation and later closing (2000)of the Franco-American alchemical society The Philosophers of Nature there has been an explosion of alchemical information on the Internet, in addition, much of this material has also found its way into print. In 2006 at least three books addressing practical laboratory methods appeared in print, all in some fashion having a connection to Albertus and this slim but important book. One of Albertus' later works, "Praxis Spagyrica Philosophica - Plain and Honest Directions on How to Make the Stone" contains additional information and should also be read, unfortunately it is often out of print.

If you are new to hermeticism and alchemy and would lilke to know a little about practical work, or are seeking foundational steps along the path of the Philosophers, this book is for you.

This is an excellent instruction in Alchemy. I find myself coming back to it again and again. It describes the art in-depth better than some books twice it's size, and some larger than that. Everything you need to create herbal remedies using an Alchemy lab.

As a neophyte to the Royal Art, I found this book to be exceedingly, in the words of Israel Regardie, worth it's weight in gold. If you've even a smidgen of interest when it comes to practical Alchemy, this book has all you need, as a beginner in the Royal Art, when it comes to the proper Spagryical operations.

Alchemist's Handbook has all the information you're going to need to master the Prima Materia, using modern equipment. From how to collect various plant materials and how to prepare them, to the Astrological correspondences of plants and metals and the proper ciphers and glyphs, this book is perfect for the aspiring Alchemist.

My only criticism is the lack of description when it comes to traditional, Alchemical apparatus and how to use them. Though, this will only be a concern with those of a more traditional mindset.

Some books I recommend picking-up along with this book are Alchemical Guide to Herbs & Food, Alchemy Reference Guide, and A Time For Magick.

This is a great beginner's book into the art of practical alchemy. It gives advice on how to set up a practical alchemical lab using widely available apparatus, and how to get started with the Lesser Circulation (herbals). Also included is a great overview of the Magnum Opus of alchemy. A must-have on any alchemist's shelf, or for anyone interested in alchemy.

The Alchemist's Handbook by Frater Albertus is quite possibly the greatest and most concise piece of work on practical laboratory Alchemy known to man. Within a mere 124 pages, the author explains in detail the processes by which any would-be Alchemist may create herbal elixers. The process is simple and can be learned quickly and inexpensively. Mastering the Great Art that is Alchemy, however, takes significantly longer (I myself have been practicing for many years and still have not touched its surface). Frater Albertus does not, thankfully, fall into a deep and penatrating discussion of each elixer and its properties(of which there would be thousands), but rather explains how to create them and leaves the aspiring Alchemist to practice, study, ponder and create. In doing so, he insures that those who would like to venture into the Great Art have the capacity to learn it for themselves.

I saw this in a bookstore and, knowing little of alchemy, bought it. It explains much of the minor arcana (the herbal kingdom) and little of the major arcana (the mineral kingdom) because, Albertus writes, "it is not permissible." I was skeptical when I began to read, but he is very convincing. Anyone with the slightest interest in alchemy should read it.

This is a good book for those interested in chemistry and/or herbs; also a good book for an initiate who can get his hands on chemistry equipment. It basically describes how to extract plant matter; it has a section at the end entitled "Wisdom of the Sages", which is to be studied and meditated on to gain full benefit.