The Story of Alchemy and the Beginnings of Chemistry
Gelesen von Peter Yearsley
M. M. Pattison Muir
(4,571 Sterne; 105 Bewertungen)
A light journey through the history of chemistry, from its start in the obscure mysteries of alchemy to what was, for the author, the cutting edge of the development of modern atomic theory ... and whose developing blind ends we can now see with the advantage of hind sight. (Summary by Peter Yearsley) (5 hr 11 min)
Chapters
Summary of the alchemical doctrine -- the replacement of the Three Principles o…
30:03
Read by Peter Yearsley
The recognition of chemical changes as the interactions of definite substances
13:05
Read by Peter Yearsley
Bewertungen
wcraigcarter
(5 Sterne)
Very interesting history. Highly recommended for chemists (!) who are looking for an amusing perspective on 2000 years of gestation of their field. Peter Yearsley is my favorite reader. He is articulate, wry, and selects great and unusual books long forgotten.
the most fun I've had in a while
Robert A
(5 Sterne)
an absolute hidden gem. the drama! this book is an hour of delightfully insightful history of chemistry and 4 hours of absolutely dunking on the "scientists" of the middle ages. the absolute insanity of the ideas expressed by the people of the time is so brilliantly presented in such a professional and academically petty way. I've been laughing all day at some of the more comical details. that said, the author still gives his subjects credit where credit is due, and is more than aware of the shortcomings of the knowledge of his own time period, providing a very educational peice overall. definitely the best rundown of pholgistain theory I've ever seen. as a lover of the physical sciences, biochemist, and fantasy fiction enthusiast, this was almost tailor made for me. the reader did an absolutely sublime job
Good book, good recording
notmyname
(4 Sterne)
I had never heard of this book before and enjoyed it a lot. If you're interested in the history of pseudoscience and real science, it's fascinating and offers insight into why people believe absurd things. I found parts of it a little repetitive, however. The British-sounding male reader has a nice voice and gives a fine, listenable reading. My only complaint is that, when reading silly quotations from self-proclaimed alchemists, he sometimes exaggerates their silliness. But that's a matter of taste and no doubt other listeners will find it delightful.
Surprisingly good
Grasvëlth
(5 Sterne)
Started listening to that book thinking it would be so boring It would help me fall asleep. Boy oh boy, was I wrong. Excellent book if you're ever so slightly into the history of science. Very accessible. Top notch reader as well.
wonderful book, brilliantly read
Dr Luke Iggulden
(5 Sterne)
Prescribed Reading for all Initiates of The Hermetic Order of Spagyric Alchemists
elm
(4 Sterne)
nicely read - as clear as possible an introductory exposition alcamy as a cognitive quandary
Excellent book
Karen Bromberg
(5 Sterne)
Well I was very pleased with the reading of this book.
ferowyn
(5 Sterne)
really nice recording, very pleasant to listen to!