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"Lives of Alchemystical Philosophers" by Arthur Edward Waite is a historical account written in the late 19th century. This work delves into the lives and contributions of prominent figures in the field of alchemy, presenting a blend of biographical sketches and philosophical explorations of the alchemical tradition. The book aims to shed light on the true nature of alchemical practices and beliefs, as well as the spiritual underpinnings that drove these historical figures in their quest for knowledge. The opening of the book sets the stage by outlining its foundation in earlier works and offering insights into the historical context of alchemy. Waite emphasizes the significance of alchemical philosophy and its objective of achieving not just material transformation but also spiritual enlightenment. He introduces the reader to the complexities of interpreting alchemical writings, remarking on the division of opinions among scholars regarding the ultimate goals of alchemy. Through a cr

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PREFACE.

The foundation of this work will be found in “The Lives of
Alchemystical Philosophers; with a Critical Catalogue of Books in
Occult Chemistry, and a Selection of the most celebrated Treatises on
the Theory and Practice of the Hermetic Art,” which was published in
the year 1815 by Lackington, Allen, & Company, of Finsbury Square,
London. This anonymous book has been attributed by certain collectors
to Francis Barrett, author of the notorious treatise entitled “The
Magus, or Celestial Intelligencer;” but it may be safely affirmed
that, alike in matter and treatment, it far transcends the extremely
meagre capacities of that credulous amateur in occultism. It is indeed
a work of much sense and unpretentious discrimination, and is now a
bibliographical rarity which is highly prized by its possessors.

The independent researches which have supplemented the biographical
materials of the original compilation have produced in the present
volume what is practically a new work under an old title; those lives
which have been left substantially untouched as to facts have been more
or less rewritten with a view to the compression of prolixities and the
elimination of archaic forms, which would be incongruous in a work so
extensively modified by the addition of new details. The “Alphabetical
Catalogue of Works on Hermetic Philosophy” has been considerably
enlarged from such sources as Langlet du Fresnoy’s Histoire de la
Philosophie Hermétique. The preliminary account of the “Physical
Theory and Practice of the Magnum Opus” is a slight original sketch
which, to readers unacquainted with alchemy, will afford some notion
of the processes of accredited adepts. The introductory essay on the
object of alchemical philosophy advocates new and important views
concerning the great que

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