PROMETHEAN AMBITIONS by William R. Newman ( 9780226575247 ) - Books & Audio Books at Pickabook.co.uk

Item Details

Title:

PROMETHEAN AMBITIONS
ALCHEMY AND THE QUEST TO PERFECT NATURE

By:

William R. Newman

Format:

Paperback

List price:

£32.00

Our price:

£28.80

Discount:

10% off

You save:

£3.20

ISBN 10:

0226575241

ISBN 13:

9780226575247

Availability:

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Stock:

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Publisher:

THE UNIVERSITY OF CHICAGO PRESS

Pub. date:

15 August, 2005

Pages:

352

Description:

In this book, the author uses alchemy as a means to discuss the thinning boundary between the natural and the artificial. Focusing primarily on the period between 1200 and 1700, he examines the labors of pioneering alchemists and the responses to their efforts. This book imbues a millennium-old scientific and ethical debate with modern relevance.

Synopsis:

"In Promethean Ambitions", William R. Newman uses alchemy as a means to discuss the thinning boundary between the natural and the artificial. Focusing primarily on the period between 1200 and 1700, Newman examines the labors of pioneering alchemists and the impassioned - and often negative - responses to their efforts. Newman also shows that alchemy was not an unformed and capricious precursor to chemistry; it was an art founded on coherent philosophical and empirical principles - with vocal supporters and even louder critics - that attracted individuals of first-rate intellect. The historical relationship that he charts here between human creation and nature has innumerable implications today. "Promethean Ambitions" ably imbues a millennium-old scientific and ethical debate with modern relevance.

Illustrations:

8 colour plates, 20 halftones

Publication:

Imprint:

University of Chicago Press

Returns:

Returnable

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