Alchemists Handbook: (Manual for Practical Laboratory Alchemy

Rating:
Summary: Great Work!
Review: A how-to book of Alchemy seems unheard of, but here it is! Written by Frater Albertus in the 60's, director of the (now closed down as of 1984) Paracelsus Research Society. The book acts as an introduction to the world of Alchemy, describing its process as well as the symbols employed in Alchemical nomenclature. While it may take a couple of readings to really and truly grasp it, the real learning takes place in the laboratory. Frater Albertus is clear in his meaning and attemts not to confuse the reading by falling to far into the mystical language of the alchemists. The only drawback that I personally had with this book is the M.S. of the "Wisdom of the Sages" installed after Albertus' own writings. The M.S. was written in 1777 written in Latin and German (here translated for you). The content is fine and dandy, however, if I wanted to read an alchemical text, I would not have bought this book to do so. There are plenty of ancient and medieval alchemical texts in print now where I can easily pick one up, however, this book's intention was to learn the art and practice of alchemy in its clearest unobtrusive language. Furthermore, the book is a little more than 100 pages, while the M.S. covers 40 of those pages - almost half the book. So this was disappointing when I wanted to read more of what Frater Albertus had to say. So if you are interested in Alchemy and want a glimmer of light into its practice, I highly reccomend this book, save the last portion of it.

Rating:
Summary: A Minute to Learn, A Lifetime to Master
Review: The Alchemist's Handbook by Frater Albertus is quite possibly the greatest and most concise piece of work on practical laboratory Alchemy known to man. Within a mere 124 pages, the author explains in detail the processes by which any would-be Alchemist may create herbal elixers. The process is simple and can be learned quickly and inexpensively. Mastering the Great Art that is Alchemy, however, takes significantly longer (I myself have been practicing for many years and still have not touched its surface). Frater Albertus does not, thankfully, fall into a deep and penatrating discussion of each elixer and its properties(of which there would be thousands), but rather explains how to create them and leaves the aspiring Alchemist to practice, study, ponder and create. In doing so, he insures that those who would like to venture into the Great Art have the capacity to learn it for themselves.

Rating:
Summary: Theory.
Review: This book is really all about theory, for beginners. I still think the theory would be better for beginners if some basic applications were given along with it. The book is good for simple theory, but a little slim on the info. I recommend Manfred Junius's book either instead of, or if you plan to pursue this art seriously and have the money, buy both.

Rating:
Summary: Theory.
Review: This book is really all about theory, for beginners. I still think the theory would be better for beginners if some basic applications were given along with it. The book is good for simple theory, but a little slim on the info. I recommend Manfred Junius's book either instead of, or if you plan to pursue this art seriously and have the money, buy both.

Rating:
Summary: Basic outline of a fascinating art.
Review: This is a good book for those interested in chemistry and/or herbs; also a good book for an initiate who can get his hands on chemistry equipment. It basically describes how to extract plant matter; it has a section at the end entitled "Wisdom of the Sages", which is to be studied and meditated on to gain full benefit.

Rating:
Summary: Excellent book
Review: This is an excellent instruction in Alchemy. I find myself coming back to it again and again. It describes the art in-depth better than some books twice it's size, and some larger than that. Everything you need to create herbal remedies using an Alchemy lab.