Publisher's Synopsis
The Sceptical Chymist is a book written by Robert Boyle, an Irish natural philosopher, chemist, physicist, and inventor. The book was first published in 1661 and is considered one of the most influential works in the history of chemistry. The book is written as a dialogue between two characters, Philaretus and Eleutherius, who represent Boyle's own views and those of traditional alchemists, respectively. The central theme of the book is the rejection of the Aristotelian and alchemical theories of matter and the promotion of the scientific method in chemistry. Boyle argues that matter is composed of particles and that the properties of matter can be explained by the behavior of these particles. He also emphasizes the importance of experimentation and observation in scientific inquiry, rather than relying on philosophical or religious beliefs. The Sceptical Chymist is considered a landmark in the history of chemistry, as it challenged the prevailing theories of the time and paved the way for the development of modern chemistry. It is still studied and referenced by chemists and historians of science today.Doubts and Paradoxes, Touching the Spagyrist's Principles Commonly called Hypostatical; As they are wont to be Proposed and Defended by the Generality of Alchymists. Whereunto is promised Part of another Discourse relating to the same Subject. This interesting book purposely played the role of devil's advocate in the alchemical debate. Seemingly antagonistic to alchemy, it provoked the intended opposite effect: it helped to defend alchemy's worth as a sacred science. Extremely scarce.This scarce antiquarian book is a facsimile reprint of the old original and may contain some imperfections such as library marks and notations. Because we believe this work is culturally important, we have made it available as part of our commitment for protecting, preserving, and promoting the world's literature in affordable, high quality, modern editions, that are true to their original work.
