by Kerschagl
[Title Page and Publication Details]: This segment contains the title pages and publication metadata for Richard Kerschagl's work 'Die Jagd nach dem künstlichen Gold: Der Weg der Alchimie'. It identifies the work as part of the series 'Volkswirtschaftliche Schriften' (Heft 202) and provides publishing information for Duncker & Humblot, Berlin, 1973. [Inhaltsverzeichnis (Table of Contents)]: The table of contents for the book, listing chapters from the preface to the subject index, covering the history of alchemy from antiquity to the 20th century. [I. Vorwort (Preface)]: Kerschagl introduces the study as a concise examination of alchemy's essence, focusing on relevant scientific problems rather than mysticism. He argues that while alchemists failed to produce gold, their work laid the foundations for modern physics, metallurgy, chemistry, and medicine, comparing their accidental discoveries to Columbus finding America. [II. Einleitung (Introduction)]: The introduction traces the transition of alchemy from a mystical, allegorical pursuit to a scientific precursor of chemistry and medicine. It highlights the role of Arab scholars in preserving Greek knowledge and the eventual decline of alchemical mysticism after 1600, while noting that modern atomic theory has finally made some alchemical goals theoretically possible. [III. Die Anfänge der Alchimie (The Beginnings of Alchemy)]: This chapter explores the origins of alchemy in Mesopotamia and Egypt, moving through the Greek influence of Aristotle and the Alexandrian school. It details the crucial role of Arab scholars like Geber and Avicenna in systematizing chemical knowledge and the subsequent translation of these works into Latin by figures like Albertus Magnus, which opened the field to the West. [IV. Die Alchimie des Mittelalters (Medieval Alchemy)]: A detailed look at alchemy during the Middle Ages, focusing on the tension between scientific inquiry and religious persecution. Kerschagl discusses major figures like Albertus Magnus, Roger Bacon, and the legendary Nicolas Flamel, as well as the use of alchemy for currency debasement by figures like Jacques Le Coeur. The chapter concludes with the transition to the Renaissance through Agrippa and Paracelsus. [V. Schwindler, Könige und Gelehrte (Swindlers, Kings, and Scholars)]: This section examines the 'golden age' of alchemical fraud and royal patronage, particularly under Emperor Rudolf II in Prague. It profiles famous adventurers and swindlers such as Cagliostro, Saint Germain, and Casanova, alongside more technically proficient figures like Leonhard Thurmeysser. Kerschagl explains why monarchs continued to fund alchemists despite frequent deceptions. [VI. Die Opfer (The Victims)]: Kerschagl chronicles the high personal cost of practicing alchemy, detailing how many practitioners faced imprisonment, torture, or execution by the Inquisition or disappointed patrons. He notes that alchemical physicians were particularly at risk if their 'universal medicines' failed or accidentally poisoned high-ranking patients. [VII. Haben die Alchimisten wirklich Gold gemacht? (Did Alchemists Really Make Gold?)]: The author addresses the central question of alchemical success, concluding that while true transmutation was never achieved, the pursuit led to massive economic breakthroughs like European porcelain (Böttger) and new chemical dyes. He describes the various tricks used by swindlers to fake gold production and discusses the shifting economic importance of gold during the mercantilist era. [VIII. Die Entdeckungen der Alchimisten (The Discoveries of the Alchemists)]: A survey of the genuine scientific and industrial contributions made by alchemists. Key discoveries include the amalgamation process for mining, the invention of gunpowder (or its re-discovery), the creation of phosphorus, and the development of various salts and acids. Kerschagl emphasizes that these 'byproducts' of the search for gold were essential to the development of modern industry. [IX. Die Alchimie im 19. Jahrhundert (Alchemy in the 19th Century)]: This chapter explains the decline of alchemy in the 19th century due to the rise of the gold standard, massive new gold finds in South Africa and Australia, and the increasing rigor of modern chemistry. It notes a brief resurgence of interest toward the end of the century as early atomic research began to hint at the possibility of elemental transmutation. [X. Kaiser Franz Josef und seine drei Alchimisten (Emperor Franz Joseph and His Three Alchemists)]: A historical account of a late alchemical episode in 1867, where Emperor Franz Joseph I, facing financial crisis after the war with Prussia, authorized experiments by three adventurers (Fresno y Landres, de la Rosa, and Roccatini). The experiments, overseen by Professor Schrötter at the Austrian Mint, ultimately failed to produce gold and were dismissed as fraudulent. [XI. Die Goldmacher der neuesten Zeit (Modern Goldmakers)]: This chapter examines 20th-century attempts at gold making, ranging from the fraudulent schemes of Franz Tausend (supported by General Ludendorff) to serious scientific research by Professor Miethe and Siemens. Kerschagl discusses how modern patent laws and the economic pressures of the interwar period fueled these attempts, which eventually transitioned into nuclear physics. [XII. Gold heute (Gold Today)]: An overview of the modern gold industry, covering geological occurrences, mining techniques (amalgamation, cyanide process), and global production statistics. Kerschagl discusses the role of South Africa and the USSR as leading producers and the diminishing role of gold as a direct monetary base in the face of international financial cooperation. [XIV. Zur Frage der Literatur & XV. Zusammenfassung (Bibliography & Summary)]: The author provides a bibliographic essay on key alchemical texts and a final summary of the book's arguments. He reiterates that while alchemy failed in its primary goal, it was the essential precursor to modern science, and that the true value of the alchemists lay in their transition from 'fabling' to 'experimenting.' [Namenverzeichnis (Index of Names)]: An alphabetical index of historical figures, alchemists, monarchs, and scientists mentioned in the text, ranging from Abraham the Jew to Zosimos. [Sachverzeichnis (Subject Index)]: A comprehensive subject index covering terms from 'Aberglaube' (superstition) to 'Zyanidmethode' (cyanide method). [Verlagsanzeige: Volkswirtschaftliche Schriften (Publisher's Advertisements)]: A list of publications in the series 'Volkswirtschaftliche Schriften' published by Duncker & Humblot, featuring works on price formation, competition, social product, and various economic theories up to the early 1970s.
This segment contains the title pages and publication metadata for Richard Kerschagl's work 'Die Jagd nach dem künstlichen Gold: Der Weg der Alchimie'. It identifies the work as part of the series 'Volkswirtschaftliche Schriften' (Heft 202) and provides publishing information for Duncker & Humblot, Berlin, 1973.
Read full textThe table of contents for the book, listing chapters from the preface to the subject index, covering the history of alchemy from antiquity to the 20th century.
Read full textKerschagl introduces the study as a concise examination of alchemy's essence, focusing on relevant scientific problems rather than mysticism. He argues that while alchemists failed to produce gold, their work laid the foundations for modern physics, metallurgy, chemistry, and medicine, comparing their accidental discoveries to Columbus finding America.
Read full textThe introduction traces the transition of alchemy from a mystical, allegorical pursuit to a scientific precursor of chemistry and medicine. It highlights the role of Arab scholars in preserving Greek knowledge and the eventual decline of alchemical mysticism after 1600, while noting that modern atomic theory has finally made some alchemical goals theoretically possible.
Read full textThis chapter explores the origins of alchemy in Mesopotamia and Egypt, moving through the Greek influence of Aristotle and the Alexandrian school. It details the crucial role of Arab scholars like Geber and Avicenna in systematizing chemical knowledge and the subsequent translation of these works into Latin by figures like Albertus Magnus, which opened the field to the West.
Read full textA detailed look at alchemy during the Middle Ages, focusing on the tension between scientific inquiry and religious persecution. Kerschagl discusses major figures like Albertus Magnus, Roger Bacon, and the legendary Nicolas Flamel, as well as the use of alchemy for currency debasement by figures like Jacques Le Coeur. The chapter concludes with the transition to the Renaissance through Agrippa and Paracelsus.
Read full textThis section examines the 'golden age' of alchemical fraud and royal patronage, particularly under Emperor Rudolf II in Prague. It profiles famous adventurers and swindlers such as Cagliostro, Saint Germain, and Casanova, alongside more technically proficient figures like Leonhard Thurmeysser. Kerschagl explains why monarchs continued to fund alchemists despite frequent deceptions.
Read full textKerschagl chronicles the high personal cost of practicing alchemy, detailing how many practitioners faced imprisonment, torture, or execution by the Inquisition or disappointed patrons. He notes that alchemical physicians were particularly at risk if their 'universal medicines' failed or accidentally poisoned high-ranking patients.
Read full textThe author addresses the central question of alchemical success, concluding that while true transmutation was never achieved, the pursuit led to massive economic breakthroughs like European porcelain (Böttger) and new chemical dyes. He describes the various tricks used by swindlers to fake gold production and discusses the shifting economic importance of gold during the mercantilist era.
Read full textA survey of the genuine scientific and industrial contributions made by alchemists. Key discoveries include the amalgamation process for mining, the invention of gunpowder (or its re-discovery), the creation of phosphorus, and the development of various salts and acids. Kerschagl emphasizes that these 'byproducts' of the search for gold were essential to the development of modern industry.
Read full textThis chapter explains the decline of alchemy in the 19th century due to the rise of the gold standard, massive new gold finds in South Africa and Australia, and the increasing rigor of modern chemistry. It notes a brief resurgence of interest toward the end of the century as early atomic research began to hint at the possibility of elemental transmutation.
Read full textA historical account of a late alchemical episode in 1867, where Emperor Franz Joseph I, facing financial crisis after the war with Prussia, authorized experiments by three adventurers (Fresno y Landres, de la Rosa, and Roccatini). The experiments, overseen by Professor Schrötter at the Austrian Mint, ultimately failed to produce gold and were dismissed as fraudulent.
Read full textThis chapter examines 20th-century attempts at gold making, ranging from the fraudulent schemes of Franz Tausend (supported by General Ludendorff) to serious scientific research by Professor Miethe and Siemens. Kerschagl discusses how modern patent laws and the economic pressures of the interwar period fueled these attempts, which eventually transitioned into nuclear physics.
Read full textAn overview of the modern gold industry, covering geological occurrences, mining techniques (amalgamation, cyanide process), and global production statistics. Kerschagl discusses the role of South Africa and the USSR as leading producers and the diminishing role of gold as a direct monetary base in the face of international financial cooperation.
Read full textThe author provides a bibliographic essay on key alchemical texts and a final summary of the book's arguments. He reiterates that while alchemy failed in its primary goal, it was the essential precursor to modern science, and that the true value of the alchemists lay in their transition from 'fabling' to 'experimenting.'
Read full textAn alphabetical index of historical figures, alchemists, monarchs, and scientists mentioned in the text, ranging from Abraham the Jew to Zosimos.
Read full textA comprehensive subject index covering terms from 'Aberglaube' (superstition) to 'Zyanidmethode' (cyanide method).
Read full textA list of publications in the series 'Volkswirtschaftliche Schriften' published by Duncker & Humblot, featuring works on price formation, competition, social product, and various economic theories up to the early 1970s.
Read full text