The System of the World: Alchemy and the Making of Modern Civilization

Tuesday, October 29th, 2019
5:30 p.m.
Research Collections (Mills Memorial Library, lower level)
Free event. Space is limited, RSVP at alumni.mcmaster.ca/egan to guarantee entry.

Inspired by our recent acquisition of William Salmon’s Medicina Practica et Clavis Alchymiae — a rare alchemical miscellany published in 1692 — join us to hear Dr. Michael Egan speak on situating alchemy (bubbling crucibles, arcane symbols and all!) in its proper scientific and historical context.

Alchemy is widely derided as a form of mysticism or pseudo-science, but to dismiss its deeper importance is to miss the point. Alchemy plays an important role in the development of modern science and the construction of empirical evidence through observation and practice — the crucible in which contemporary ideas about nature and artifice were first examined. It is through alchemy that we might observe the beginnings of the Western belief that nature is subservient to human ingenuity.

Dr. Michael Egan is an associate professor and University Teaching Fellow in the History Department at McMaster University.

For any questions, contact the event organizer at ferard@mcmaster.ca