Book excerpt: Alchemy is the medieval predecessor of chemistry which was based on trying to transform matter, especially changing base metals into gold. This vintage book explores the various alchemistic doctrines, as well as their relationships with mysticism and science. Also included are chapters on the lives and theories of the most notable alchemists. Contents include: “The Aim of Alchemy”, “The Transcendental Theory of Alchemy”, “Failure of the Transcendental Theory”, “The Qualifications of the Adept”, “Alchemistic Language”, “Alchemists of a Mystical Type”, “The Meaning of Alchemy”, “Opinions of other Writers”, etc. Many vintage books such as this are becoming increasingly scarce and expensive. It is with that in mind that we are republishing this volume now in a modern, high-quality edition complete with a specially commissioned new introduction on folklore.