The origins of chemistry

Since chemistry deals with basic human needs and fundamental aspects of 'the nature of things', its roots can be traced very early - and yet it is one of the youngest of sciences. This book, the first of its kind in recent times, studies the science of matter as found in technology, philosophy, alchemy, and medicine, down to the 17th century. It considers the practical knowledge and the cientific pretentions of the leading exponents in these fields, and shows how the various threads came together agter the renaissance to start the chemist on the road which led to Lavoisier. (inside cover).