Alchemy and the Alchemists (Four volumes, complete); Giving the secret of the philosopher's stone, the elixir of youth, and the universal solvent : also showing that the true alchemists did not seek to transmute base metals into gold, but sought the highest initiation or the development of the spiritual nature in man: "Now Thyself"
Allentown, PA: The Philosophical Publishing Co., 1907. First Edition Thus. Hardcover. Small octavo. Four volumes (complete). Vol. I: 266pp; Vol. II: 230pp + xpp adverts; Vol. III: 243pp + xpp adverts; Vol IV: 214pp + iv'pp adverts. Original brown textured cloth with gilt lettering to spine and gilt "TRY" device to upper boards. By his own account Clymer based this work on Ethan Allen Hitchcock's "Remarks Upon Alchemy and the Alchemists" (1857) in which Hitchcock, a US General and friend of Abraham Lincoln's with a passion for mysticism and the occult, examined the connection between alchemy and mysticism. Clymer wrote that he considered Hitchcock's book "one of the best works ever issued on the 'Philosopher's Stone,' 'The Elixir of Youth,' and 'Universal Solvent.'" and set about revising and expanding it having first sought material "from nearly every known author or Alchemist of any repute." The result was the present work, containing "at least four times" the material of Hitchcock's, although Clymer sought to preserve the integrity of Hitchcock's work, noting: "while all the original matter is contained in the present work, what is added is done in such a way as to make one harmonious whole, and the added quotations and new matter do not interrupt the original work." Very light bruising to corners and spine ends, pages toned. Owner's names on front pastedowns of Vols. 2 - 4, and short tear to third blank in Vol. Else a tight, clean near Fine set. Very scarce set. Note: Additional shipping may be required for this 4 volume set. Item #63080
Sold