The Book of Alchemy: Learn the Secrets of the Alchemists to Transform Mind, Body, and Soul [Hardcover]

Francis Melville (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: August 10, 2002

Alchemy—the ancient science that aims to transform various substances into different and more noble elements—remains one of the most misunderstood of the great wisdom traditions. Often scorned as a deceptive pseudo-science practiced by the greedy in pursuit of gold, alchemy is gaining renewed recognition by many today as a legitimate way to understand certain workings of nature. It is also seen as a complex key to our understanding of humanity's relationship to the universe and a means of improving our health and well-being. The Book of Alchemy teaches its readers how to penetrate the obscure symbolic language of the alchemists . . . understand how alchemical transformation can initiate a profound change of consciousness, claimed by practitioners to bring eventual union with the Divine . . . practice traditional meditations and exercises . . . prepare herbal alchemical elixirs to benefit the body . . . and discover how the alchemists' search for purity can become a twenty-first-century model for spiritual development. Readers will also find helpful meditations, brilliant illustrations of alchemical emblems, and instructions for making beneficial alchemical potions from easy-to-obtain herbs. The author shows readers how to harness the powers claimed for alchemy to improve their physical, spiritual, and mental well-being. Approximately 130 full-color illustrations.

Editorial Reviews

From the Back Cover

Alchemy, the ancient science of transformation, remains one of the most mysterious and misunderstood of the great wisdom traditions. Often scorned as a deceptive pseudo-science practiced by the greedy and gullible in pursuit of gold, alchemy is gaining renewed recognition by many as a legitimate way to understand the workings of nature. It is also seen as a richly complex key to our understanding of humanity's relationship with the universe. The Book of Alchemy can teach you how to...

Penetrate the obscure symbolic language of the alchemists

Recognize the archetypal processes of alchemical transformation

Understand how alchemical transformation can initiate profound changes of consciousness that may lead to eventual union with the Divine

Practice traditional meditations and exercises

Prepare herbal alchemical elixirs

Discover how the alchemists' search for purity and perfection can become a twenty-first-century model for spiritual development

About the Author

Francis Melville is a student of theology who currently operates a London-based charitable foundation dedicated to research in alchemical medicine. He is also the author of Love Potions & Charms, and The Book of Angels, both books published in North America by Barron's. He has written on Mind, Body, and Spirit subjects for many magazines and newspapers, including The Times of London. He lives in West Devon, England.

Product Details

• Hardcover: 128 pages
• Publisher: Barron's Educational Series; 1 edition (August 10, 2002)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0764154621
• ISBN-13: 978-0764154621
• Product Dimensions: 7.9 x 6.1 x 0.7 inches
• Shipping Weight: 13.6 ounces
• Average Customer Review: 4.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (1 customer review)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #659,459 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Most Helpful Customer Reviews

15 of 15 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars As Above, So Below..., April 11, 2005

By 

Matthew S. Schweitzer "zohoe" (Columbus, OH United States) - See all my reviews
(VINE VOICE)    (REAL NAME)   

This review is from: The Book of Alchemy: Learn the Secrets of the Alchemists to Transform Mind, Body, and Soul (Hardcover)

"The Book of Alchemy" is a wonderfully illustrated, yet brief introduction to the world of the alchemists and their ancient quest to find The Philosopher's Stone, The Elixir of Life, and Oneness with the Universe. This little book serves as a nice entry into this rather voluminous and complex material for the novice occultist or neophyte alchemist.

This book essentially gives an overview of the history of the Great Work, from its mythical origins in ancient Egypt with Hermes Trismegistus, to modern practitioners of the art today. Along the way we are treated to a miriad of beautiful color images and emblems from some of the most famous alchemical books and manuscripts. The book also gives a short introduction to some of the most famous alchemists and their quest for the Philosopher's Stone. Here we find the likes of Nicholas Flamel, Robert Fludd, Paracelsus, John Dee and even scientific giants like Issac Newton and Robert Boyle, both of whom were known to have dabbled heavily in alchemy. The book also gives insight into the archetypal imagery that pervades alchemical lore and the symbolism that hints at the secret meaning of the 'Great Work'.

This book is meant for those who may not have a deep grounding in the history of alchemy and those who are fluent in its mysteries may find it somewhat superficial. Nevertheless, it is enjoyable for anyone interested in what some have called the precusor to modern science, but even more importantly, alchemy represents the first true attempts by mankind to explore the unknown mysteries of the universe.