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Alchemy: An Illustrated History of Elixirs, Experiments, and the Birth of Modern Science

Description:

Flush with hundreds of illustrations, this book revisits the histories of chemistry, medicine, ideas, and culture through the lens of alchemy
 
“Philip Ball’s book is a treasure: beautifully illustrated and, as usual, the author caries his learning lightly.”—David Wootton, Spectator
 
The craft of alchemy has intrigued and mystified people since antiquity. Many early cultures are known to have experimented with chemical transformations: from dyes, glazes, and cosmetics in Bronze Age Egypt to life-extending elixirs pursued by scholars in ancient China and India. Many have also attempted to transform lead, mercury, and other metals into gold—and some claim to have succeeded. In this visually stunning volume, Philip Ball sets alchemy within the context of the history of science and culture, showing that it was not simply an esoteric fantasy but an important phase in the development of experimental science and natural philosophy.
 
Rich illustrations complement a narrative history of the methods and techniques developed in alchemical workshops, the search for the philosopher’s stone and “elixirs of life” that extended across diverse cultures, and the controversies surrounding the practices of making alchemical gold and alchemical medicine. Ball explores the rise of alchemy from its inception in Hellenistic culture, through the golden age of Islamic natural philosophy in the eighth to the eleventh centuries, to the emergence of the tradition of natural magic in the Renaissance, and to the roles of alchemical thought and practice in the beginnings of early modern science in the seventeenth century. He traces the persistence of alchemical ideas through the occult revival of the late nineteenth century and the fascination of the topic for modern artists and writers. This engaging and accessible book will provide readers of all backgrounds with a nuanced understanding of alchemy and its history.
Read more

Editorial Reviews

Review

“Philip Ball’s book is a treasure: beautifully illustrated and, as usual, the author caries his learning lightly.”—David Wootton, Spectator

“Philip Ball illuminates the history of alchemy without excluding readers at any level. Alchemy: An Illustrated History is a great accomplishment.”—Lawrence M. Principe, author of The Secrets of Alchemy

“In this absorbing exploration of alchemy and alchemists, which ranges from the ancient world to the modern and from East to West, Philip Ball takes a refreshing approach to alchemy as a science and as a philosophy. It is a delight to read, with its many illustrations, concise biographies, and engaging prose.”—Owen Davies, author of Art of the Grimoire: An Illustrated History of Magic Books and Spells

About the Author

Philip Ball is an award-winning author, writer, and commentator. His many books include How Life Works: A User’s Guide to the New Biology.

Reviews:

4.0 out of 5 stars A lavishly illustrated journey through the shimmering fog of ancient laboratories

D.C. · October 26, 2025

What makes it shine:📚 Narrative richness: Ball traces alchemy’s evolution from Hellenistic roots through Islamic golden ages, Renaissance magic, and into the scientific revolution with clarity and nuance.🎨 Visual splendor: The artwork isn’t just decorative—it’s integral, offering glimpses into manuscripts, apparatuses, and esoteric symbols that shaped centuries of thought.

4.0 out of 5 stars Great background on chemical history.

J.A.R. · September 4, 2025

Purchased as a gift for a chemist friend. He praised the book as well written, engaging, not boring. Well illustrated and pointed out how some alchemists were trying to be scientific, while others were charlatans. In summary a very good read.

Visit the Yale University Press Store

Alchemy: An Illustrated History of Elixirs, Experiments, and the Birth of Modern Science

Product ID: U0300280874
Condition: New

3.6

AED29859

Price includes VAT & Import Duties
Type: Hardcover
Availability: In Stock

Quantity:

|

Order today to get by 7-14 business days

This item qualifies for free delivery

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Imported From: United States

At BOLO, we work hard to ensure the products you receive are new, genuine, and sourced from reputable suppliers.

BOLO is not an authorized or official retailer for most brands, nor are we affiliated with manufacturers unless specifically stated on a product page. Instead, we source verified sellers, authorized distributors or directly from the manufacturer.

Each product undergoes thorough inspection and verification at our consolidation and fulfilment centers to ensure it meets our strict authenticity and quality standards before being shipped and delivered to you.

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All product information, images, descriptions, and reviews originate from the manufacturer or from trusted sellers overseas. BOLO is not affiliated with, endorsed by, or an authorized retailer for most brands listed on our website unless stated otherwise.

While we strive to display accurate information, variations in packaging, labeling, instructions, or formulation may occasionally occur due to regional differences or supplier updates. For detailed or manufacturer-specific information, please contact the brand directly or reach out to BOLO Support for assistance.

Unless otherwise stated, all prices displayed on the product page include applicable taxes and import duties.

BOLO operates in accordance with the laws and regulations of United Arab Emirates. Any items found to be restricted or prohibited for sale within the UAE will be cancelled prior to shipment. We take proactive measures to ensure that only products permitted for sale in United Arab Emirates are listed on our website.

All items are shipped by air, and any products classified as “Dangerous Goods (DG)” under IATA regulations will be removed from the order and cancelled.

All orders are processed manually, and we make every effort to process them promptly once confirmed. Products cancelled due to the above reasons will be permanently removed from listings across the website.

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Visit the Yale University Press Store

Alchemy: An Illustrated History of Elixirs, Experiments, and the Birth of Modern Science

Product ID: U0300280874
Condition: New

3.6

Alchemy: An Illustrated History of Elixirs, Experiments, and the Birth of Modern Science-0
Type: Hardcover

AED29859

Price includes VAT & Import Duties
Availability: In Stock

Quantity:

|

Order today to get by 7-14 business days

This item qualifies for free delivery

Returns & Warranty policies

Imported From: United States

At BOLO, we work hard to ensure the products you receive are new, genuine, and sourced from reputable suppliers.

BOLO is not an authorized or official retailer for most brands, nor are we affiliated with manufacturers unless specifically stated on a product page. Instead, we source verified sellers, authorized distributors or directly from the manufacturer.

Each product undergoes thorough inspection and verification at our consolidation and fulfilment centers to ensure it meets our strict authenticity and quality standards before being shipped and delivered to you.

If you ever have concerns regarding the authenticity of a product purchased from us, please contact Bolo Support. We will review your inquiry promptly and, if necessary, provide documentation verifying authenticity or offer a suitable resolution.

Your trust is our top priority, and we are committed to maintaining transparency and integrity in every transaction.

All product information, images, descriptions, and reviews originate from the manufacturer or from trusted sellers overseas. BOLO is not affiliated with, endorsed by, or an authorized retailer for most brands listed on our website unless stated otherwise.

While we strive to display accurate information, variations in packaging, labeling, instructions, or formulation may occasionally occur due to regional differences or supplier updates. For detailed or manufacturer-specific information, please contact the brand directly or reach out to BOLO Support for assistance.

Unless otherwise stated, all prices displayed on the product page include applicable taxes and import duties.

BOLO operates in accordance with the laws and regulations of United Arab Emirates. Any items found to be restricted or prohibited for sale within the UAE will be cancelled prior to shipment. We take proactive measures to ensure that only products permitted for sale in United Arab Emirates are listed on our website.

All items are shipped by air, and any products classified as “Dangerous Goods (DG)” under IATA regulations will be removed from the order and cancelled.

All orders are processed manually, and we make every effort to process them promptly once confirmed. Products cancelled due to the above reasons will be permanently removed from listings across the website.

Description:

Flush with hundreds of illustrations, this book revisits the histories of chemistry, medicine, ideas, and culture through the lens of alchemy
 
“Philip Ball’s book is a treasure: beautifully illustrated and, as usual, the author caries his learning lightly.”—David Wootton, Spectator
 
The craft of alchemy has intrigued and mystified people since antiquity. Many early cultures are known to have experimented with chemical transformations: from dyes, glazes, and cosmetics in Bronze Age Egypt to life-extending elixirs pursued by scholars in ancient China and India. Many have also attempted to transform lead, mercury, and other metals into gold—and some claim to have succeeded. In this visually stunning volume, Philip Ball sets alchemy within the context of the history of science and culture, showing that it was not simply an esoteric fantasy but an important phase in the development of experimental science and natural philosophy.
 
Rich illustrations complement a narrative history of the methods and techniques developed in alchemical workshops, the search for the philosopher’s stone and “elixirs of life” that extended across diverse cultures, and the controversies surrounding the practices of making alchemical gold and alchemical medicine. Ball explores the rise of alchemy from its inception in Hellenistic culture, through the golden age of Islamic natural philosophy in the eighth to the eleventh centuries, to the emergence of the tradition of natural magic in the Renaissance, and to the roles of alchemical thought and practice in the beginnings of early modern science in the seventeenth century. He traces the persistence of alchemical ideas through the occult revival of the late nineteenth century and the fascination of the topic for modern artists and writers. This engaging and accessible book will provide readers of all backgrounds with a nuanced understanding of alchemy and its history.
Read more

Editorial Reviews

Review

“Philip Ball’s book is a treasure: beautifully illustrated and, as usual, the author caries his learning lightly.”—David Wootton, Spectator

“Philip Ball illuminates the history of alchemy without excluding readers at any level. Alchemy: An Illustrated History is a great accomplishment.”—Lawrence M. Principe, author of The Secrets of Alchemy

“In this absorbing exploration of alchemy and alchemists, which ranges from the ancient world to the modern and from East to West, Philip Ball takes a refreshing approach to alchemy as a science and as a philosophy. It is a delight to read, with its many illustrations, concise biographies, and engaging prose.”—Owen Davies, author of Art of the Grimoire: An Illustrated History of Magic Books and Spells

About the Author

Philip Ball is an award-winning author, writer, and commentator. His many books include How Life Works: A User’s Guide to the New Biology.

Reviews:

4.0 out of 5 stars A lavishly illustrated journey through the shimmering fog of ancient laboratories

D.C. · October 26, 2025

What makes it shine:📚 Narrative richness: Ball traces alchemy’s evolution from Hellenistic roots through Islamic golden ages, Renaissance magic, and into the scientific revolution with clarity and nuance.🎨 Visual splendor: The artwork isn’t just decorative—it’s integral, offering glimpses into manuscripts, apparatuses, and esoteric symbols that shaped centuries of thought.

4.0 out of 5 stars Great background on chemical history.

J.A.R. · September 4, 2025

Purchased as a gift for a chemist friend. He praised the book as well written, engaging, not boring. Well illustrated and pointed out how some alchemists were trying to be scientific, while others were charlatans. In summary a very good read.

Similar suggestions by Bolo

More from this brand

Similar items from “History”

Share with

Or share with link

https://www.bolo.ae/products/U0300280874