Alchemy has traditionally been viewed as "the history of an error," an example of medieval gullibility and greed, in which alchemists tried to turn lead into gold, but it has also been described as "the mightiest secret that a man can possess," and it obsessed the likes of Isaac Newton, Robert Boyle, and many of the founders of modern science.

This book explores the history of the so-called Royal Art, from its mysterious beginnings in Egypt and China, through the Hellenistic world and the early years of Islam and into medieval Europe.

Compact and handsomely produced (with curved spines, gold stamping, and generous margins), this book is one of the Pocket Essentials seriesconcise cultural guides offering facts and opinions, history and insights, essays by experts, and detailed information.