THERE are two varieties of alchemical literature, which may be roughly described as
mystical and practical. The former employs the terms of alchemy in a figurative sense in the
attempt to convey the ineffable, to picture the soul's progress along the Way, and to
delineate the states of ecstasy which are common to the mystics of all nations and religions.
The practical books, on the other hand, are exactly what they profess to be, namely, text-
books of chemistry in which the principal theme is the transmutation of the metals. If this …

THE remarkable exploits of the 'alchemist'Tausend in Germany in 1929 show that, in spite of
the spread of education in science, the lure of alchemy is still sufficiently strong to cast a
spell over the most level-headed and matter-of-fact men if presented in a plausible way. The
history of so persistent a delusion is consequently a matter of considerable interest, not
merely to the student of scientific origins, but also to the general public. The average reader
will find his requirements adequately catered for by Mr. Thompson, who is widely known as …