Real Alchemy: A Primer of Practical Alchemy [Paperback]

Robert Allen Bartlett (Author), Dennis William Hauck (Foreword)

Book Description

Publication Date: May 1, 2009

A ground-breaking modern manual on an ancient art, Real Alchemy draws on both modern scientific technology and ancient methods. A laboratory scientist and chemist, Robert Allen Bartlett provides an overview of the history of alchemy, as well as an exploration of the theories behind the practice. Clean, clear, simple, and easy to read, Real Alchemy provides excellent directions regarding the production of plant products and transitions the reader-student into the basics of mineral work--what some consider the true domain of alchemy. New students to practical laboratory alchemy will enjoy reading Real Alchemy and hopefully find the encouragement needed to undertake their own alchemical journey. Bartlett also explains what the ancients really meant when they used the term "Philosopher's Stone" and describes several very real and practical methods for its achievement. Is the fabled Philosopher's Stone an elixir of long life or is it a method of transforming lead into gold? Judge for yourself.

Editorial Reviews

Review

Robert has created a work for the ages in this book -- a true classic. Filled with many useful examples and explanations, I rank this book up there with Manfred Junius and Frater Albertus' work on alchemy. The book is a must for everyone's alchemical library. It holds a wealth of information for the novice and some obscure gems for the advanced worker in the Arts.
-- John H. Reid III -- Lulu Review, 20 September 2006 --This text refers to an alternate Paperback edition.

From the Back Cover

Within these pages, we're going to explore alchemy - the Real Alchemy. This means we will be exploring Practical Laboratory Alchemy. We will include here the history, theory, and simple practices that anyone can use to prepare herbal and mineral extracts in the ancient tradition.

-- Robert Bartlett, author of Real Alchemy

The book before you is an amazing accomplishment in many ways. My friend and fellow alchemist Robert Bartlett has laid bare the secret processes and experiments of our discipline with exceptional clarity and openness. He has exposed the Hermetic origins of alchemy and shown how modern alchemists approach the ancient art. But first and foremost, his book is a revelation of the genuine craft of alchemy as it was meant to be practiced.

-- Dennis William Hauck, author of The Emerald Tablet: Alchemy for Personal Transformation and The Sorcerer's Stone: A Beginner's Guide to Alchemy --This text refers to an alternate Paperback edition.

See all Editorial Reviews

Product Details

• Paperback: 224 pages
• Publisher: Ibis; 3rd edition (May 1, 2009)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0892541504
• ISBN-13: 978-0892541508
• Product Dimensions: 8.9 x 6 x 0.6 inches
• Shipping Weight: 11.2 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.8 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (21 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #25,413 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)
  • #83 in Books > Professional & Technical > Professional Science > Chemistry > General & Reference

More About the Author

Discover books, learn about writers, read author blogs, and more.

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

53 of 54 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Ascendng the Hermetic Pillars., May 12, 2007

By 

Errin Davenport "Ronin Dervish" (Fresno, CA) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: Real Alchemy: A Primer of Practical Alchemy (Paperback)

The 3 traditional pillars of the Hermetic arts are Alchemy, Astrology, and Qabalah. None of these are stagnant but are all living, growing and evolving arts which are completely compatible with both religion and science.

This amazing tome, written by one of the foremost living authorites on Alchemy, combines practical modern science with the ancient Alchemical sciences and gives working students a firm fondation on which to build their temples.

This book is truely a treasure which provides years of practicle work, and with it one could ascend to mastery in this both ancient and sacred art/scence/religion/philosophy (Magick.) For a deeper understanding of the philosophy I suggest "Sorcerer's Stone," by Hauck. And for a more guided introduction to the subject, especially for students with a background in other schools of magick, I suggest, "The Path of Alchemy," by Stavish.

These three books I have called (semi jokingly but still in truth) the "Holy Trinity of Modern Alchemy." They compliment one another perfectly, each focuses in a slightly different manner and the combined information is a very nice place to start your journey in preparation for the actual process. Read all three, make sure you understand them well, and then slowley and with utmost care begin your Great Work!

16 of 16 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Better than Best!, May 11, 2007

By 

A. McDonald "A. McDonald" (TN United States) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: Real Alchemy: A Primer of Practical Alchemy (Paperback)

I loved this book! It takes you through a well researched history, basics and on to advanced practices, in an easy to understand way. Although there are no illustrations to aid in explaining the processes or equipment, it is very easy to understand. This is a excellent read on the subject, without all the antiquitated terms and cryptic words. Highly recommended!

19 of 22 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Between the Worlds, November 4, 2006

By 

Mark Stavish, The Institute for Hermetic Stud... (Wyoming, Pennsylvania) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Real Alchemy: A Primer of Practical Alchemy (Paperback)

Real Alchemy - A Primer of Practical Alchemy by Robert Allen Bartlett is a book that many have waited a long time for. Clean, clear, simple, and easy to read, it provides a foundation in the theory and method of producing plant products, and transitions the reader-student into the basics of mineral work - or what some consider the true domain of Alchemy. New students to practical laboratory alchemy will enjoy reading Real Alchemy, and hopefully will find the encouragement needed to undertake their own alchemical journey.