The event will be held in English. The lecture will be recorded and published on our homepage.
The symbolic, enigmatic language used by the alchemists has always left much room for interpretation, which is why numerous myths have entwined around alchemy for centuries. For a long time, it was also reputed to be dubious. Recent research, in which Prof. Lawrence Principe is also involved, have shown that early alchemical texts, despite their obscure language, were based on real chemical operations, which inspired not only natural scientists such as Robert Boyle and Isaac Newton. The conversation will focus on recent findings about the achievements of alchemy and its influence on society.
Prof. Principe is the Drew Professor and the Director of the Singleton Center for the Study of Premodern Europe of the Humanities at Johns Hopkins University. He is a distinguished historian of science whose research has transformed our view of early modern alchemy and has published numerous books on the subject of alchemy, including „The Secrets of Alchemy“ and „The Transmutations of Chymistry“.
The entrance is free. The event takes place under reservation, according to the official requirements. Please register via info@aestiftung.de.