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  Adam's Alchemical Symbols: Hermetic Studies No. 10
Posted by: Paul Ferguson - 01-17-2026, 12:38 PM - Forum: Reviews and book notices - No Replies

"In 1755 the most comprehensive listing of alchemical symbols was published at Ulm in Germany, the 'Medicinisch-chymisch- und alchemistisches Oraculum'. The book consists of a series of thirty four full page engravings of 1829 symbols with the names in Latin and German overprinted in letterpress. There are 359 entries with multiple graphic images associated with each entry. Some ten years ago Adam McLean placed these images onto his alchemy web site. A number of people then asked him to provide explanations for the obscure terms, but he was not immediately able to find the time to do this. At the end of 2013 he had the idea of issuing this in book form, and after a few months editorial work and research this has resulted in the present volume in the Hermetic Studies series."

https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/alchemi...1126428780

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  Alchemical geomaterials in a Western Han tomb?
Posted by: Paul Ferguson - 01-17-2026, 12:35 PM - Forum: Articles on alchemy - No Replies

Geomaterials for medicine or alchemy in a Western Han (206BCE–8CE) Tomb at Hongtushan, Shandong

"This study examines geomaterials from the Western Han Hongtushan tomb in Shandong, using an integrated analytical approach that includes optical imaging, Raman spectroscopy, handheld XRF, XRD, and EPMA. Several types of geomaterials were identified: cinnabar, realgar, talc, kaolinite and its hydrothermal variant, quartz, calcite, and semi-fossilized oyster shell. The cinnabar shows selenium substitution and is associated with barite, suggesting its origin from the northeastern Guizhou mercury metallogenic belt. Other materials like talc, kaolinite, and quartz are likely sourced regionally. Comparing early Chinese medical and alchemical texts shows a strong correlation between geomaterials and substances like Dānshā, Huáshí, and Bái Shíyīng. This suggests that Han-period geomaterial choices were methodical and based on empirical understanding, highlighting the connection between medicine, material science, and cultural symbolism."

https://www.nature.com/articles/s40494-026-02312-1

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  Fiction: Tea & Alchemy by Sharon Lynn Fisher
Posted by: Paul Ferguson - 01-09-2026, 01:45 PM - Forum: Reviews and book notices - No Replies

"The novel works beautifully as a standalone while rewarding those familiar with Fisher's previous Cornwall-set romance, Salt & Broom. Her ability to blend historical detail, supernatural elements, and emotional depth marks her as a distinctive voice in the romantasy genre."

"Harker Tregarrick emerges as one of the more compelling vampire characters in recent romantasy fiction. Fisher’s decision to give him chapters told in first person creates an intimate portrait of centuries-old suffering. Unlike brooding immortals who revel in their darkness, Harker is a scientist desperately seeking a cure for his condition through alchemical experimentation. His laboratory, perched in the ruins of a medieval chapel atop Roche Rock, becomes both sanctuary and prison."

https://www.bookishelf.com/tea-alchemy-b...nn-fisher/

https://www.amazon.co.uk/Tea-Alchemy-Sha...1662528698

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  The Golden Ratio - Masonic Numerology & Kabbalah
Posted by: Paul Ferguson - 01-09-2026, 01:42 PM - Forum: Articles on alchemy - No Replies

By SEBÖK, Ferenc Ödön

"In Freemasonry, alchemical and esoteric traces can be detected in symbolic form. Kabbalah and numerology seem to be closely linked and present in Masonic symbolism. Can reading the Zohar enlighten us? These are important questions for the initiated, but also for the uninitiated who are interested in symbolism and esotericism."

https://zenodo.org/records/18154870

https://www.academia.edu/145791163/The_G..._The_Zohar

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  Explorations in Daoism. Medicine & Alchemy in Literature
Posted by: Paul Ferguson - 01-09-2026, 01:37 PM - Forum: Reviews and book notices - No Replies

By Ho Peng Yoke.

"The Daoist canon is the definitive fifteenth century compilation of texts concerning ritual, alchemical and meditation practices within Daoist religion. Many of these texts are undated and anonymous, so dating them is essential for a clear understanding of the development of Chinese alchemy, and the place of these texts in history.Ho Peng Yoke's Explorations in Daoism brings together an extraordinary compendium of data on alchemical knowledge in China, describing the methods used for dating important alchemical texts in the Daoist canon, and reconstructing and translating a number of alchemical texts that exist only in fragments scattered throughout the Daoist canon, pharmacopoeia and other compendia.This book provides a clear guide for students and scholars about the methods required for dating and reconstituting texts using techniques that can be applied to other areas of traditional Chinese culture also. As such, this book will appeal to those interested in Chinese alchemy, the history of science, Daoism and Chinese history."

https://tinyurl.com/y9m9xj42

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  Fiction: System of the World
Posted by: Paul Ferguson - 01-09-2026, 01:30 PM - Forum: Reviews and book notices - No Replies

The System of the World is a novel by Neal Stephenson and the third and final volume in The Baroque Cycle. The title alludes to the third volume of Isaac Newton's Philosophiae Naturalis Principia Mathematica, which bears the same name. The System of the World won the Locus Award for Best Science Fiction Novel and the Prometheus Award in 2005, as well as a receiving a nomination for the Arthur C. Clarke Award the same year. 

AI summary: In Neal Stephenson'sThe System of the World, alchemy is a pervasive force, intertwining with the novel's historical plot in 1714 London, particularly through the secret conflict between alchemist-Mint Master Isaac Newton and counterfeiter Jack Shaftoe (King of the Coiner) over Britain's new monetary system. The elusive, seemingly immortal figure Enoch Root acts as a catalyst, linked to ancient alchemical gold, while natural philosopher Daniel Waterhouse navigates this world of secret wars, scientific discovery (Newton vs. Leibniz), and the quest for the Philosopher's Stone, all set against the backdrop of political upheaval and the search for enduring value in a changing world. 

Key Alchemical Elements & Themes:

  • Isaac Newton: A historical figure deeply engrossed in alchemy, seeking the secrets of transmuting metals and achieving life eternal, even as he manages the Royal Mint.
  • Jack Shaftoe: A rogue driven by love for Eliza, involved in counterfeiting and seeking legendary alchemical gold, creating chaos in the nascent financial system.
  • Enoch Root: An enigmatic, ancient figure who appears across Stephenson's works, connected to vast, ancient alchemical treasures, including the mythic "Solomonic gold".
  • Mercury (Quicksilver): A central symbol, representing alchemy, finance (money), communication, and trickery, linking the characters and plots.
  • The Logic Mill & The Great Work: Daniel Waterhouse's pursuit to reconcile science and philosophy (like Newton's calculus vs. Leibniz's) mirrors the alchemical quest for perfection and understanding the "System of the World" itself, beyond just gold. 

The Conflict:
The book culminates the Baroque Cycle, where the struggle to control Britain's money (a new "system") is a proxy for deeper conflicts between order and chaos, science and mysticism, and the very nature of value, all deeply rooted in alchemical traditions. 


https://www.amazon.com/System-World-Neal...0434011770

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  Rudolf Steiner on Alchemy
Posted by: Paul Ferguson - 01-09-2026, 01:20 PM - Forum: Reviews and book notices - No Replies

The Evolution of the Mysteries
by Rudolf Steiner
Excerpts from Rudolf Steiner's lectures and writings: Alchemy and the Rise of the Modern Mysteries; The Loss of the Divine and the Alchemical Quest; Mysteries of the Metals; The Standpoint of Human Wisdom Today; Alchemy and Consciousness - the Transformation; Alchemy and Archangels; The Alchemy of Nature - Mercury, Sulphur, Salt; Beyond Nature Consciousness - the Spiritual Goal.


https://skylarkbooks.co.uk/alchemy/

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  Source Library MCP Server
Posted by: Paul Ferguson - 01-09-2026, 01:14 PM - Forum: Articles on alchemy - No Replies

"Today, we're diving into something super cool for all you history buffs, researchers, and anyone who loves digging into the really old stuff: the Source Library MCP Server. Seriously, if you're into historical texts, especially those hard-to-find Hermetic, alchemical, and Renaissance manuscripts, you're going to want to pay attention. This isn't just another digital archive; it's a game-changer that brings academic rigor to rare texts with DOI-backed citations. We're talking about making obscure historical knowledge accessible and verifiable, which is a huge win for scholarly pursuits and curious minds alike."

https://talkin.icu/blog/source-library-f...historical

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  Sendivogius: Appendix to Philosophical and Cabalistic Letters
Posted by: Paul Ferguson - 01-09-2026, 01:13 PM - Forum: Alchemy texts - No Replies

1750.


[*]Translated by Mitko Janeski

[*]
https://www.alchemy-texts.com/book/appen...c-letters/

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  Nicolas Flamel - Écrits Alchimiques
Posted by: Paul Ferguson - 01-09-2026, 01:07 PM - Forum: Alchemy texts - No Replies

Only 1 copy available.

Sans doute le plus célèbre des alchimistes français, Nicolas Flamel (mort en 1418) doit sa gloire à sa prodigieuse fortune, aux origines inexplicables, sinon par la magie. C'est en effet en découvrant et en décryptant un livre fabuleux, Le livre d'Abraham le Juif, que Flamel aurait appris le secret de la pierre philosophale. Désireux de transmettre un si précieux secret, il aurait ensuite composé différents ouvrages, qui comptent parmi les textes fondateurs de l'Alchimie.

https://www.anathemapublishing.com/books...lchimiques

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