Modern Alchemy

Occultism and the Emergence of Atomic Theory

Nonfiction, Religion & Spirituality, Occult, Occultism, Social & Cultural Studies, Political Science, Politics, History & Theory, New Age
Cover of the book Modern Alchemy by Mark Morrisson, Oxford University Press
View on Amazon View on AbeBooks View on Kobo View on B.Depository View on eBay View on Walmart
Author: Mark Morrisson ISBN: 9780190294496
Publisher: Oxford University Press Publication: April 19, 2007
Imprint: Oxford University Press Language: English
Author: Mark Morrisson
ISBN: 9780190294496
Publisher: Oxford University Press
Publication: April 19, 2007
Imprint: Oxford University Press
Language: English

Alchemists are generally held to be the quirky forefathers of science, blending occultism with metaphysical pursuits. Although many were intelligent and well-intentioned thinkers, the oft-cited goals of alchemy paint these antiquated experiments as wizardry, not scientific investigation. Whether seeking to produce a miraculous panacea or struggling to transmute lead into gold, the alchemists radical goals held little relevance to consequent scientific pursuits. Thus, the temptation is to view the transition from alchemy to modern science as one that discarded fantastic ideas about philosophers stones and magic potions in exchange for modest yet steady results. It has been less noted, however, that the birth of atomic science actually coincided with an efflorescence of occultism and esoteric religion that attached deep significance to questions about the nature of matter and energy. Mark Morrisson challenges the widespread dismissal of alchemy as a largely insignificant historical footnote to science by prying into the revival of alchemy and its influence on the emerging subatomic sciences of the late 19th and early 20th centuries.Morrisson demonstrates its surprising influence on the emerging subatomic sciences of the late 19th and early 20th centuries. Specifically, Morrisson examines the resurfacing of occult circles during this time period and how their interest in alchemical tropes had a substantial and traceable impact upon the science of the day. Modern Alchemy chronicles several encounters between occult conceptions of alchemy and the new science, describing how academic chemists, inspired by the alchemy revival, attempted to transmute the elements; to make gold. Examining scientists publications, correspondence, talks, and laboratory notebooks as well as the writings of occultists, alchemical tomes, and science-fiction stories, he argues that during the birth of modern nuclear physics, the trajectories of science and occultism---so often considered antithetical---briefly merged.

View on Amazon View on AbeBooks View on Kobo View on B.Depository View on eBay View on Walmart

Alchemists are generally held to be the quirky forefathers of science, blending occultism with metaphysical pursuits. Although many were intelligent and well-intentioned thinkers, the oft-cited goals of alchemy paint these antiquated experiments as wizardry, not scientific investigation. Whether seeking to produce a miraculous panacea or struggling to transmute lead into gold, the alchemists radical goals held little relevance to consequent scientific pursuits. Thus, the temptation is to view the transition from alchemy to modern science as one that discarded fantastic ideas about philosophers stones and magic potions in exchange for modest yet steady results. It has been less noted, however, that the birth of atomic science actually coincided with an efflorescence of occultism and esoteric religion that attached deep significance to questions about the nature of matter and energy. Mark Morrisson challenges the widespread dismissal of alchemy as a largely insignificant historical footnote to science by prying into the revival of alchemy and its influence on the emerging subatomic sciences of the late 19th and early 20th centuries.Morrisson demonstrates its surprising influence on the emerging subatomic sciences of the late 19th and early 20th centuries. Specifically, Morrisson examines the resurfacing of occult circles during this time period and how their interest in alchemical tropes had a substantial and traceable impact upon the science of the day. Modern Alchemy chronicles several encounters between occult conceptions of alchemy and the new science, describing how academic chemists, inspired by the alchemy revival, attempted to transmute the elements; to make gold. Examining scientists publications, correspondence, talks, and laboratory notebooks as well as the writings of occultists, alchemical tomes, and science-fiction stories, he argues that during the birth of modern nuclear physics, the trajectories of science and occultism---so often considered antithetical---briefly merged.

More books from Oxford University Press

Cover of the book Empirical Musicology by Mark Morrisson
Cover of the book The Bottom Billion : Why the Poorest Countries are Failing and What Can Be Done About It by Mark Morrisson
Cover of the book Architects of Piety by Mark Morrisson
Cover of the book Al-Qaeda 2.0 by Mark Morrisson
Cover of the book Pressure Cooker by Mark Morrisson
Cover of the book The Living Constitution by Mark Morrisson
Cover of the book The Kiss: Love Stories from North America Level 3 Oxford Bookworms Library by Mark Morrisson
Cover of the book Digital Tradition by Mark Morrisson
Cover of the book Food and Addiction by Mark Morrisson
Cover of the book Our Lady of the Exile by Mark Morrisson
Cover of the book Empirical Market Microstructure by Mark Morrisson
Cover of the book Virtue Epistemology by Mark Morrisson
Cover of the book Assembly by Mark Morrisson
Cover of the book Colonial America:A Very Short Introduction by Mark Morrisson
Cover of the book One Nation, Two Realities by Mark Morrisson
We use our own "cookies" and third party cookies to improve services and to see statistical information. By using this website, you agree to our Privacy Policy