Explore Alchemy

Cherry Gilchrist

Is alchemy the quest for transforming base metals into gold? Or is it a metaphor for spiritual transformation, or else the pursuit of the elixir of eternal life? Or is it, as some people think, merely an early attempt at chemistry? Cherry Gilchrist shows how alchemy has been at the heart of human wisdom from Taoist sages, through medieval Arabic magi, to heretical monks, twentieth century psychologists and modern day practitioners of the tradition.