HSTC 3121

This course traces the development of alchemical theories and practices in the Medieval Latin West up to the emergence of early modern chemistry. It employs a multi-disciplinary approach which treats the scientific, technological, esoteric and iconographic dimensions of alchemy as interdependent. The entire development of European alchemy is covered from the transmission of the Greek and Islamic alchemical traditions in the 12th century up to Newton, whose alchemical theories represent a point of transition to early modern chemistry in one direction, and to a more spiritualised occult philosophy in the other.