• The Sceptical Chymist, 1661

Curatorial Notes:

• In the Sceptical Chymist, Robert Boyle challenged the Paracelsian idea that matter was composed of three chemical principles: Mercury, Sulphur, and Salt. Yet the work does not disavow transmutational alchemy. Boyle himself conducted extensive alchemical experiments, and studied the work of Ripley and other medieval alchemists. His own view that matter was composed of particles drew on arguments advanced in earlier alchemical writings, including those of Eirenaeus Philalethes — which, unknown to Boyle, were authored by his own chemistry tutor, George Starkey.

Credit Line:

• Rare Books Division, Department of Special Collections, Princeton University Library

Format:

• Book

Type:

• Early works to 1800

Creator:

• Boyle, Robert, 1627-1691

Author:

• Boyle, Robert, 1627-1691

Language:

• English

Publisher:

• Oxford, Printed by H. Hall for R. Davis and B. Took, 1680.

Date:

• 1680

Extent:

• 11 p.l., 440, [27], 268 p. 18 cm.

View in catalog:

• https://catalog.princeton.edu/catalog/9924729023506421

Subject:

• Chemistry—Early works to 1800

Description:

• "Experiments and notes about the prodvcibleness of chymicall principles" with special t.-p. and separate pagination: [27], 268 p. at end.

Identifier:

• ark:/88435/x920g383q