Eirenaeus Philalethes

Eirenaeus Philalethes (the peaceful lover of truth) was a 17th century alchemist and the author of many influential works. These works were read by such luminaries as Isaac Newton, John Locke, and Gottfried Wilhelm Leibniz. Newton's extensive writings on alchemy are heavily indebted to Philalethes, although Newton incorporated significant modifications as well.

Identity

The real identity behind the nom de plume of Eireneaus Philalethes has long been shrouded in secrecy. In recent research,[1][2] however it is being argued that it was George Starkey, an alchemist and the first American scientist, who wrote the works attributed to Philalethes.

Works

First printings of Philalethes' tracts were published between 1654 and 1683:

A number of these tracts, including the Three tracts and the Introitus were also included in the Musaeum Hermeticum of 1678.

All English works of Philalethes have been recently compiled in one volume.[3]

Available online:

References

  1. ^ Gehennical Fire: The Lives of George Starkey, an American Alchemist in the Scientific Revolution by William R Newman, University of Chicago Press, 2003 (ISBN 0226577147)
  2. ^ Alchemy Tried in the Fire: Starkey, Boyle, and the Fate of Helmontian Chymistry by William R. Newman, Lawrence M. Principe, University of Chicago Press, 2002 (ISBN 0226577112)
  3. ^ Alchemical Works: Eirenaeus Philalethes compiled, Cinnabar, 1994, ISBN 0964006707