Journal of the Alchemical Society (H/B) by R.A. Gilbert

A new edition of the Journal of the Alchemical Society – A Society that provided a forum for a wide spectrum of people – scientists, historians, occultists and mystics – to meet and discuss many aspects of alchemy.

Few subjects are as mystifying and complex as Alchemy. This book brings together many views and perspectives of the exponents of Alchemy that existed and lived at the end of the 19th century; bringing a unique and informative perspective to this perplexing subject. Along with the papers delivered at the society’s meetings and their subsequent discussions, this edition of the Journal of the Society contains all of the material contained within the original edition. including; fascinating articles, book and periodical reviews, reports of each meeting, the ‘Constitution and Rules’ of the society, lists of officers, and the original index.

This information is supplemented by new supporting material. Consisting of brief biographies of all of the contributors, a bibliography of relevant publications, a brief list of recommended further reading, and a general index. A number of illustrations have also been added to the occasional diagrams of the original text. Including portraits, facsimiles and views of the society’s two meeting places.

In addition there is a fascinating historical introduction to the Journal of the Alchemical Society by Dr R A Gilbert, the noted historian of Victorian and Edwardian esotericism, and author of many books, including A. E. Waite: A Bibliography: A. E. Waite; Magician of Many Parts (1987); Elements of Mysticism (1991) and Gnosticism and Gnosis an introduction (20120. Dr Gilbert was born and educated in Bristol, and read Philosophy & Psychology at the University of Bristol. He received his doctorate from the University of London in 2009. Now retired, he lives with his family in North Somerset.

The Foreword is by Professor Mark Morrisson, who deserves praise as the first historian of science to make real use of The Journal of the Alchemical Society, in the preparation of his book Modern Alchemy: Occultism and the Emergence of Atomic Theory (2007). Others will now more easily be able to follow in his footsteps.

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