Alchemy and the Scientific Revolution

Although alchemy was once considered unrelated to the history of science, or even imagined to be an “obstacle” to the emergence of modern chemistry, historians now recognize it as a crucial contributor to the development of modern science. Many famous figures of the Scientific Revolution pursued alchemy and drew upon its concepts. While alchemical texts can often appear strange to modern readers, careful analysis reveals an oft-forgotten world of remarkable practitioners and keen observers of the natural world.

This lecture will reveal the some of the “secrets” of alchemy, consider its remarkable practices and concepts, and introduce some of its fascinating practitioners who sought to unravel the mysteries of nature. It will also show how modern laboratory reworkings of alchemical processes can verify some of alchemy’s seemingly impossible claims.

Virtual Attendance Option

This program will be presented in-person at The Linda Hall. If you'd prefer to watch this program virtually, please follow this link to register:

CLICK HERE FOR VIRTUAL ATTENDANCE

On view at the Library: Alchemy of Knowledge

Explore our free exhibition, Alchemy of Knowledge: Science and Mystery from Shakespeare to AI, now on view at The Linda Hall. Exhibition galleries are open 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday-Friday; 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. on second Saturdays of each month; and during evenings when the Library hosts public programs.

The speaker:
Lawrence Principe, PhD
Drew Professor of the Humanities, Johns Hopkins University

Lawrence Principe is the Drew Professor of the Humanities at Johns Hopkins University in the Department of History of Science and the Department of Chemistry. He holds a PhD in Organic Chemistry from Indiana University and a PhD in the History of Science from Johns Hopkins.  

Professor Principe’s research focuses on the Medieval and early modern periods, especially the history of alchemy and the science-religion dynamic. He is the author of more than sixty scholarly articles and over ten books, including The Scientific Revolution: A Very Short Introduction and The Secrets of Alchemy.

He is the recipient of a Guggenheim Fellowship, the Francis Bacon Medal, the Prix Franklin-Lavoisier from the Maison de la Chimie (Paris), and the History of Chemistry Award from the American Chemical Society for his contributions to the history of science.