In 1602, a cobbler strolling outside of Bologna discovered a colorless stone with the curious ability to "accumulate light when exposed to the sun and to emit it in the darkness." His lapis solaris was to be the chemical sensation of the century. [more inside]
posted by Iridic on Oct 17, 2011 - 13 comments

The Visual Image of Chemistry: Perspectives from the History of Art and Science. [Via homunculus (no relation)]
posted by homunculus on Aug 12, 2007 - 10 comments

Folks like Dr. John Dee, Paracelsus, and Comte de St. Germain merged mysticism with science way back when. One could say that the same thing is happening today.
posted by moonbird on Oct 4, 2003 - 8 comments

Beautiful galleries of alchemical imagery selected and complemented with watercolor by Adam McLean. This is a fascinating collection of bizarre medieval illustration, as well as an interesting window on the proto-scientific worldview. His website features more images and even complete alchemical texts, for those inclined to explore further.
posted by eyebeam on Dec 9, 2002 - 7 comments