The Catalogue of Works on Alchemy and Chemistry, Exhibited at the Grolier Club (1891) is a comprehensive bibliographic record of an exhibition held at New York’s esteemed Grolier Club from January 16 to 26, 1891. This exhibition showcased a curated selection of rare and significant texts that trace the evolution of alchemical and chemical thought from antiquity through the Renaissance and into the early modern period. The catalogue serves as both a historical document and a scholarly resource, reflecting the Grolier Club’s commitment to preserving and promoting the study of these foundational sciences.
The exhibition featured works by prominent figures such as Andreas Libavius, Angelo Sala, and Johann Conrad Barchusen, among others. Libavius’s Alchemia (1597) was highlighted for its systematic approach to alchemy, emphasizing laboratory techniques and chemical processes. Sala’s contributions, particularly in the field of iatrochemistry, were noted for their early exploration of chemical remedies and the rejection of alchemical transmutation. Barchusen’s works were recognized for their detailed descriptions of chemical procedures and laboratory apparatus, bridging the gap between alchemy and modern chemistry.
The catalogue also included texts attributed to legendary figures such as Hermes Trismegistus, reflecting the mystical and symbolic dimensions of alchemical tradition. Notably, the Emerald Tablet, a foundational Hermetic text, was featured for its cryptic teachings on the nature of the cosmos and the alchemical process. These works underscore the rich tapestry of philosophical and spiritual ideas that intertwined with the development of chemical science during this period.
The Catalogue of Works on Alchemy and Chemistry offers a window into the intellectual milieu of the late 19th century, showcasing the enduring legacy of alchemical and chemical thought. It highlights the Grolier Club’s role in preserving and disseminating knowledge, providing contemporary readers with insights into the historical progression of scientific ideas and the cultural contexts in which they developed.