Outline of alchemy

The following outline is provided as an overview of and topical guide to alchemy:

Alchemy – A philosophical tradition recognized as protoscience, that includes the application of Hermetic principles, and practices related to mythology, religion, and spirituality.

Branches

Influences

Influences upon alchemy – alchemy developed dependent on a number of influences and experienced regional and period-specific variations:

Concepts
Mandala from the Musaeum Hermeticum incorporating the septenary, four elements, tria prima, and hieros gamos.

Processes

Magnum opus – great work of alchemy consisting of:

Alchemists also engaged in practical and symbolic processes including:

Symbolism
Mandala illustrating key alchemical concepts, symbols, and processes. From Spiegel der Kunst und Natur.

Alchemical symbol – 1. Glyphs

2. Imagery

3. Visual Symbolism

Scientific connections
Alchemical apparatus. (Carlo Lancillotti, 1681.)

Substances of the alchemists

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Apparatus

Stills

Vessels

Heating devices

Alchemy organizations

Alchemical texts

Journals

Alchemists
Hermes Trismegistus – traditionally credited as the author of the Hermetica and legendary founder of Western alchemy. (Maier, 1617)
Main article: List of alchemists

The most influential names in the history of alchemy include:

  • Hermes Trismegistus – by tradition, the founder of Western alchemy.
  • Wei Boyang – authored the earliest known book on theoretical alchemy in China.
  • Zosimos of Panopolis – a Gnostic mystic who wrote the oldest known books on Western alchemy.
  • Khālid ibn Yazīd – credited with bringing alchemy to Arabia.
  • Jābir ibn Hayyān – notable for takwin, sulfur-mercury theory, and emphasis on experimental science.
  • Roger Bacon – influenced the reintegration of alchemy and Christianity.
  • Paracelsus – developer of iatrochemistry.
  • Robert Boyle – alchemist critical of Paracelsus, credited as the father of modern chemistry.
  • Mary Anne Atwood – key figure in the occult revival of alchemy.
  • Carl Jung – merged alchemy and psychoanalytic thought.
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See also
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