Alchemy - HOEFER (Ferdinand). History of chemistry.... Lot 30

Alchemy - HOEFER (Ferdinand). History of chemistry. Second edition, revised and enlarged. Paris, Firmin Didot frères, fils et Cie, 1866-1869. 2 vol. in-8 half-basin purple, spines threaded, title and tomaison gilt (period binding). Engraved figures in the text. Rubbed, a few small freckles. "This is truly a history of Alchemy, and the most substantial that has appeared to date. The author makes meticulous researches on all the adepts, even the most obscure, studies their processes, discloses their mysteries, and going back to the mists of time, reveals to us the secret of the ancient mysteries, perpetuated until our time under the cover of initiatory societies. Here is an excerpt from the table: Systems of Greek philosophers. Pythagoras and his school. Aristotle. Plato. Study of poisons. Practice and theory of the sacred art. Initiation. Punishments inflicted on perjurers. Mysteries of the planets, etc... Mysteries of numbers, letters, plants, animals. The philosopher's stone. Doctrine of the Neoplatonists of Alexandria. Magic. The Kabbalah. Hermes Trismegistus." Caillet (5200).