What is alchemy, exactly? Is there any empirical truth to ancient speculative pursuits toward metallic transmutation? How does alchemy intersect with Western mind sciences and science in general?
What is alchemy, exactly? Is there any empirical truth to ancient speculative pursuits toward metallic transmutation? How does alchemy intersect with Western mind sciences and science in general?
Ancient mysteries & controversial knowledge, Folklore & mythology, Mind & body
This book deals with alchemy's rich, multifaceted tradition from three perspectives - history, psychology, and nomothetic science - something rarely seen in other books on the same subject.
Part I - Alchemy: Histories concerns the interdisciplinary and cross-cultural intercourse that occasioned the rich tapestry of alchemical tropes, themes, narratives, and pursuits, addressing the harmonious fusion of Hellenistic nature philosophy, Gnostic mythology, and Egyptian crafts and metallurgical practices in late antiquity - and much more, including the alchemy's role during the Renaissance, its influence on Jacob Boehme’s theosophy, and its medieval imagery's integral role in Jung’s theory of the collective unconscious.
Part 2 - Alchemy: Processes of the Mind looks at the alchemical opus and its stages in the context of analytical, developmental, and clinical psychology, offering psychological interpretations of the Splendor Solis plates and integrated alchemical interpretations of personality, personal growth, and the human condition.
Part 3 - Alchemy: The Noetic Science examines the empirical validity of alchemical theory and pursuit, addressing the viability of metallic transmutation, the theory of esoteric correspondences - the planet-metal connections - and how its animistic paradigm and principles of transformation might connect to more innovative, radical ideas emergent within the nomothetic disciplines.
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Paul Kiritsis’s intricate text The Riddle of Alchemy surveys an esoteric field and enduring fascination with it. The etymology and ancient roots of alchemy are covered early in the book, beginning with Bolus of Mendes in Egypt and following through medieval Europe. A discipline with mystical and philosophical connections, it connected to pragmatic searches for gold and sought to explain the material and celestial worlds. But alchemy was also a complex, sometimes secretive practice, rife with symbols and notations. It was influenced by Hellenistic culture and tied to “chemical arts and the metallurgical crafts.” Only later, the book says, were more abstract notions absorbed into alchemy, including transmutation, prima materia, and human relationships to the whole of the cosmos. The influences of Hermeticism, Plato, and Aristotle are noted alongside Christian objections to the practice. The book’s thematic chapters are divided into three parts: “Histories,” “The Processes of the Mind,” and “The Noetic Science.” Together, they trace some of alchemy’s key developments while adding fresh insights. And, though admitting to the possible “conceptual anachronism” that is involved in looking at alchemy from the perspective of psychology, the book is also enthusiastic about the interdisciplinary angle of its inquiries. Some ideas recur in parceled stages, as with the book’s coverage of the philosopher’s stone; the book’s organization feels winding as a result. Though the tone is inviting to subject neophytes throughout, prior familiarity with alchemy and ancient history is useful, as erudite language and rich references to specialized global texts characterize several passages that explain how these texts set the groundwork for ideas in later periods. When the book’s focus turns to historical figures, though—including Paracelsus, Jacob Boehme, and Carl Jung—its abstract work feels more grounded. Engravings and illustrations from alchemical tracts and treatises further enliven the book; these are colorful glimpses of alchemy’s recurrent themes, including around the sun and the moon. Also included are illustrative plates from Splendor Solis, alongside essays describing the artwork in clear terms and applying psychological concepts to interpret their compositions. Here, the book’s sometimes tenuous connections of alchemy to psychology are at their most convincing. The history book The Riddle of Alchemy elucidates a storied natural philosophy and protoscience, showing its creative influence on modern psychology. ~ Foreword Clarion Review
With its roots in Egyptian metallurgy, Greek philosophy, and the ancient Gnostic quest to liberate the divine spark within, the art of alchemy is a chimeric pursuit which has eluded the narrow focus of most contemporary scholars. Its twilight language gave rise to the wonders of chemical medicine, yet it also lent sustenance to the dreams of transfiguration and mystical union harboured by Renaissance magicians and Christian theosophers alike. In The Riddle of Alchemy, Paul Kiritsis unites these disparate facets to paint a holistic picture of alchemy. Drawing on an in-depth knowledge of the historical record as well as practical psychological insights into the relevance of alchemical symbolism for our inner transformation, he offers new perspectives on the enduring problem of harmonising subjective experience with an objective scientific worldview. As such his goal is not only to solve the riddle of alchemy, but also to heal the existential schism of the modern world. Walking in the footsteps of Carl Gustav Jung, Kiritsis ranges effortlessly in his essays from an analysis of enigmatic alchemical motifs to contemporary issues in physics, evolutionary biology, and neuroscience, all the while drawing on a profound knowledge of ancient Greek mythology and philosophy. A thought-provoking and beautifully written work. ~ Hereward Tilton, BA Hons. I, PhD, FHEA
Kiritsis, a clinical psychologist, explores the history, symbology, and modern relevance of the ancient practice of alchemy. The word ‘alchemy’ has very powerful connotations,” opens the author, as it evokes images of “potent fizzling panaceas able to cure all ailments” and “medieval maverick men at work in their subterranean laboratories.” A ubiquitous feature of antiquity, examples of alchemy can be found not only in medieval Europe, but in China, India, and Tibet as well. Even the more well-known branch of Western alchemy traces its origins to Ptolemy’s Egypt, a society that blended Greek philosophy and intellectualism with native Egyptian culture and spirituality. The writings of Bolus of Mendes, an esoteric thinker who combined the mathematical philosophy of Pythagoras with a mystical understanding of metallurgy and chemistry, argued that “it was possible to convert one form or substance into another.” This history of alchemy is thoroughly covered in the book’s opening section, which examines the rise of Western alchemy from Hellenistic philosophy through its ascendance in Renaissance Europe and tenuous relationship with Christianity. The book’s second part draws on the approach of Carl Jung, whose classic Psychology and Alchemy (1944) connected the myriad of symbols found in alchemical works to psychological processes. To Jung, alchemy was less about the chemistry of turning lead into gold than it was a metaphor for individuation. The book’s final section explores the potential validity of alchemical theories based on contemporary, empirical science and cutting-edge research that challenges traditional scientific orthodoxy. A licensed medical psychologist with graduate degrees in clinical psychology, history, and English, Kiritsis expertly leads an interdisciplinary exploration of alchemy supported by a solid understanding of history, literature, and modern psychology. This analysis is backed by more than 150 scholarly footnotes that carefully balance astute commentary with an engaging writing style. The book does not overwhelm readers with academic jargon, and the text is accompanied by a wealth of visual aids, from historical drawings to full-color reproductions of art found in illustrated manuscripts. Even skeptics will find much to appreciate in this beautifully crafted work. A well-written, expertly researched analysis of the history and legacy of alchemy. ~ Kirkus Reviews, https://www.kirkusreviews.com/book-reviews/paul-kiritsis/the-riddle-of-alchemy/
The Riddle of Alchemy is a dense and lavish text that elucidates a storied natural philosophy and protoscience, showing its creative influence on modern psychology. ~ Foreword Clarion Review
A thought-provoking and beautifully written work. ~ Hereward Tilton, BA Hons. I, PhD, FHEA
A licensed medical psychologist with graduate degrees in clinical psychology, history, and English, Kiritsis expertly leads an interdisciplinary exploration of alchemy supported by a solid understanding of history, literature, and modern psychology. This analysis is backed by more than 150 scholarly footnotes that carefully balance astute commentary with an engaging writing style. The book does not overwhelm readers with academic jargon, and the text is accompanied by a wealth of visual aids, from historical drawings to full-color reproductions of art found in illustrated manuscripts. Even skeptics will find much to appreciate in this beautifully crafted work. A well-written, expertly researched analysis of the history and legacy of alchemy. ~ Kirkus Reviews
The writing and research both impress, and there are enjoyable finds herein... ~ David Messineo, Editor/Publisher of Sensations Magazine
Alchemy, the alleged transmutation of base metals into precious ones, has long captured the human imagination, sometimes serving as a metaphor for other types of change. In the provocative book, Paul Kiritsis discusses the topic from several different perspectives, spanning various eras and cultures. from the chemical laboratories of ancient Greece, to the 'internal alchemy' of Eastern sages, to the psychological insights of Carl Gustav Jung, alchemy is a topic that never fails to delight and intrigue - as Dr, Kiritsis points out in this reader-friendly book, each chapter of which is an eloquently stated discussion of the topic. ~ Professor Stanley Krippner, PhD., California Institute of Integral Studies
Kiritsis’ personal and quality research, active imagination, strong writing skills, as well as his specialized knowledge in metaphysical and esoteric topics make this book a rare and wonderful work of art. ~ Nina Gatzoulis, Classics Lecturer, University of New Hampshire
Kiritsis looks upon or writes about various cults, ancient practices and curious locales with sympathy, understanding, and an open mind: yet, concomitant with this very high level of creativity and imagination comes an author and scholar's appreciation of science, credibility, and genuine research. ~ Dr. Paul Leon Masters, Founder/CEO of the IMM
