Page 2 - A critical exposition of Jung's theory of alchemy

Hermetic Research Series Number 12

Jung, Alchemy and History

A Critical Exposition of Jung’s
Theory of Alchemy

By Jon Marshall

It is well known that Jung’s encounter with alchemy was important
for the development of his psychology, and that his writings on the
subject have a reputation for difficulty.

Jon Marshall here gives a brief history of alchemy, a short account
of Jung’s position arranged by subject, a small amount on James
Hillman’s use of alchemy, and some brief criticism. The aim is to
provide people with enough background for them to read Jung’s
writings on alchemy themselves. The overall theme is that Jung’s
writings, while interesting, important and influential, do not
exhaust the complexities of alchemy.

Jon Marshall indicates that Jung gets much from the alchemists,
that they deepen tendencies within his own works, but it is
extremely doubtful that he clears up the mysteries of the texts
themselves. It might be possible to suggest that if the alchemist
projected the secrets of their psyche onto the Work, Jung projected
the secrets of his Analytic Psychology onto Alchemy.

Adam McLean
15 Keir Street
Glasgow G41 2NP
UK
www.alchemywebsite.com/bookshop