Geschichte der Alchemie ("History of Alchemy").

Halle: Verlag der Buchhandlung des Waisenhauses,, 1832. Combining the theory and practice of alchemy First edition of this widely read classic on the history of gold transmutation. Schmieder (1778-1850) was one of the earliest historians of chemistry and one of the first to argue that chemistry and alchemy were two distinct sciences. In the present work, he seeks to demonstrate the veracity of alchemy and the historical existence of successful transmutations. Schmieder published numerous works on natural science, mineralogy, and education, along with several translations of classical literature. He believed that the transmutation of gold was possible and sought to collect alchemical sources together to assist fellow alchemists in their experiments. The present work offers an overview of the progression of the science, from ancient Egypt to the Middle Ages to the 19th century, and profiles famous alchemists such as Raymond Lull and George Ripley. Schmieder was also a member of two Masonic lodges: "Zu den drei Degen" in Halle and "Zur vollkommenen Eintracht und Freundschaft" in Kassel. Alchemy is intertwined with Freemasonry due to their shared emphasis on the duality of the material and spiritual: "Freemasonry and alchemy have sought the same results (the lesson of divine truth and the doctrine of immortal life), and they have both sought it by the same method of symbolism. It is not, therefore, strange that in the eighteenth century, and perhaps before, we find an incorporation of much of the science of alchemy into that of Freemasonry". Schmieder is notable because, rather than admiring alchemy merely for its spiritual dimension, he sought to prove the physical veracity of its claims and the true potential of transmuting base metals into gold. The publisher of this work, Verlag der Buchhandlung des Waisenhauses, was notable for its charitable aims; it was established by the Lutheran clergyman August Hermann Francke (1663-1727) to raise funds for an orphanage and school in the city of Halle. The publishing house produced numerous theological, educational, and scientific works and was active from the 17th to the 20th century. Octavo (215 x 124 mm). Twentieth-century black quarter cloth, marbled paper covered sides, spine lettered and ruled in gilt, cream endpapers, brown speckled edges. Bound without errata leaf at rear. Bumps to spine ends and foot of rear cover, browning to contents else clean, small ink stamp "printed in Germany" to rear free endpaper: a very good copy. C. R. Scarborough, "Alchemy and Freemasonry", Masonic Find, accessible online.