Cracking the Philosophers' Stone is a combination of historical commentary with reproducible chemistry that thoroughly analyses one of the most respected and mysterious chemical reactions in the history of science and technology. This book guides the reader through the origins and evolution of the archetypal recipe for the Philosophers' Stone of early Alexandrian alchemy. LaPort and Gabrielsson also provide details for various chemical reproductions based on the authors' interpretation and hypotheses of ancient chemistry preserved in encrypted form in alchemical texts. The book is written for both the curious layperson, historian of science and technology or as a source book for the experimental aspiring alchemist / chemist. This book will appeal to the student of ancient history, occult studies, historical chemistry, or the layperson familiar with the Philosophers' Stone but wants to learn more. The book is a must-have for every Rosicrucian and Freemasonic library (or the like) due to its discussion of ancient systems of thought and corresponding symbolism. Because of the human stories and historical backdrop, every layperson will find something of value to expand their understanding of the ancient world. Even scientists and specifically chemists will be fascinated with the reproducible chemical experiments presented in this ground-breaking work. The book is actually three books in one: 1) an introduction to alchemy, 2) a detailed history of alchemy's origins and evolution, and 3) a technical reference for actual reproducibility of alchemy's most sought-after prize - the Philosophers' Stone. Cracking the Philosophers' Stone is organized into three major sections. The first provides the reader with an overview of the Philosophers' Stone in the context of a general early history of alchemy. This foundational understanding serves as a framework for introducing newcomers and general enthusiasts to alchemical history, substances and processes discussed further into the work. In this section, the reader is systematically guided through major historical bifurcations that allowed for the evolution of technique and novel recipes for the Philosophers' Stone. This section is written in such a way that the reader follows the authors' sense of discovery and logic in a pedagogical fashion. Section two is a record of reproducibility. It includes details of each process, complete with frank discussions in the language of chemistry, which greatly facilitate review and reproduction of the experiments and syntheses detailed in the book. It is the 'how-to' section, if you will. Section three explores the practical applications for the Philosophers' Stone along with a hypothesized mechanism of action for each application. Conclusions are contextually counter-balanced by traditional alchemical texts and original interpretations.

Cracking the Philosophers' Stone: Origins, Evolution and Chemistry of Gold-Making (Paperback Black & White Edition) (Quintessence Classical Alchemy)

History

LaPort, J. Erik

Ancient Civilizations

Quintessence Publishing (IL)

Cracking the Philosophers' Stone is a combination of historical commentary with reproducible chemistry that thoroughly analyses one of the most respected and mysterious chemical reactions in the history of science and technology. This book guides the reader through the origins and evolution of the archetypal recipe for the Philosophers' Stone of early Alexandrian alchemy. LaPort and Gabrielsson also provide details for various chemical reproductions based on the authors' interpretation and hypotheses of ancient chemistry preserved in encrypted form in alchemical texts. Because of the human stories and historical backdrop, every layperson will find something of value to expand their understanding of the ancient world. Even scientists and specifically chemists will be fascinated with the reproducible chemical experiments presented in this ground-breaking work. The book is actually three books in one: 1) an introduction to alchemy, 2) a detailed history of alchemy's origins and evolution, and 3) a technical reference for actual reproducibility of alchemy's most sought-after prize - the Philosophers' Stone. Conclusions are contextually counter-balanced by laboratory experimentation, traditional alchemical texts and original interpretations.

Cracking the Philosophers' Stone: Origins, Evolution and Chemistry of Gold-Making (Paperback Color Edition) (Quintessence Classical Alchemy)

Transmission of Alchemy is a new literal Arabic to English translation from two versions of an ancient source-work known as The Epistle of Morienus, the Wise Monk, to Prince Khālid bin Yazīd.
The expression of alchemy preserved in these wonderful manuscripts was foundational to both Islamic and European alchemical traditions. The Epistle of Morienus is considered a primary historical eyewitness account of the momentous occasion when the torch of Byzantine alchemy was transmitted to the Islamic Empire. From there, it would evolve into its dynamic new, experimental and medicinal form as Islamic al-Kīmyāʼ.
Not only is it a record of alchemy's transmission to the rich Islamic culture of the Umayyad Caliphate during the 7th century, but also Islamic alchemy's transmission into Europe. The original Arabic form of The Epistle of Morienus is considered by many researchers to be one of the first - if not the first - of many initial alchemical texts translated into Latin during the 11th and 12th centuries.
The dialogue between Morienus and Prince Khālid holds the key to realizing alchemy as a model for mystic insight, be it framed in terms of Greek philosophical principles, Alexandrian Chrysopoeia or Christian mysticism - all of which Morienus harmonizes and wonderfully expresses with a startling wholeness. Somewhat Hermetic or Gnostic in tone, Morienus draws on these as well as Persian, Greek, Jewish and Egyptian sources of wisdom accurately and from memory in his dialogue with Prince Khālid.
Morienus' alchemical expression reflects several Alexandrian Chrysopoeian precedents, yet is surprisingly unique in its own right. The work also reveals itself as seamlessly marrying operative and mystic foundational theory with practical work in both alchemy and transcendent wisdom. Transmission of Alchemy will delight professionals and enthusiasts alike who share interest in alchemy, history, spirituality and mysticism.
Bonus Material: 
Originally scheduled as a separate book on its own, a new literal Latin-English translation of Cabala Mineralis, by Aaron Butler MA, MAR, is included in the Transmission of Alchemy. Aaron arduously examined every single word and word combination in his painstaking efforts to provide an incredibly accurate and new literal translation of the Cabala Mineralis. In addition, he included exhaustive and detailed footnotes explaining each translation. His efforts are sure to reveal nuances heretofore unavailable to most researchers, which will allow for a fresh new appreciation for the Cabala Mineralis. Researchers interested in the Cabala Mineralis will be delighted to find Aaron's translation and extensive footnotes incredibly insightful and revealing.

Transmission of Alchemy: The Epistle of Morienus to Khālid bin Yazīd (Paperback Color Edition) (Quintessence Classical Alchemy)

Europe

Cracking the Philosophers' Stone: Origins, Evolution and Chemistry of Gold-Making (Hardcover Color Edition) (Quintessence Classical Alchemy)

Keys to the Kingdom of Alchemy is a decoding of the chemical reaction encrypted in Basil Valentine's The Stone of the Great Philosophers - The XII Keys. This new interpretation primarily addresses operative alchemy. Apart from operative aspects however, a tremendous amount of rich allegorical storytelling and masterful conceptual blending reveals the author of The XII Keys to have been a highly educated polymath fluent in not only alchemy but also Christian mysticism, Greco-Roman mythology and Perennial Philosophy. Such a complete package in a single author is certain to be of interest to professional researchers and alchemy enthusiasts.

Keys to the Kingdom of Alchemy: Unlocking the Secrets of Basil Valentine's Stone (Paperback Color Edition) (Quintessence Classical Alchemy)

Religion & Spirituality

Occult & Paranormal

Keys to the Kingdom of Alchemy: Unlocking the Secrets of Basil Valentine's Stone (Hardcover Color Edition) (Quintessence Classical Alchemy)

Transmission of Alchemy: The Epistle of Morienus to Khālid bin Yazīd (Hardcover Color Edition) (Quintessence Classical Alchemy)

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Books by LaPort, J. Erik