Description
Historians have always sought to gain scientific certainty from sources; however, excessive confidence on the part of the historian regarding their findings is often their greatest mistake. The much-desired "historical truth" takes on various forms, changes its shapes, and deceives us with various promises, only to ultimately reveal itself as more of a Philosopher's Stone, which alchemists longed for – unattainable in its perfection yet motivating continuous searching that yields diverse results. And it is precisely the historiography of alchemy that represents the best example of how a discipline that many historians of science consider indisputable is, in fact, fragile. Historian Rafał T. Prinke from the Polish Academy of Sciences systematically maps the history of alchemy in his extensive book, examining its understanding in various historical periods and thoroughly addressing the development and level of knowledge of other historians and researchers in this field. It is a unique summary of the current state of alchemical historiography.
Information
Author: Prinke Rafal T.
Publication date: November 27, 2019
Manufacturer: Středisko spol. činností AV ČR, v. v. i.
Genres: Non-fiction literature, Non-fiction literature, Books, History and facts
Type: Hardcover books
Pages: 848
ISBN/EAN: 9788020029294