In this epochal, precedent-setting publication, a lengthy dialogue concerning the nature and number of the elements, Boyle boldly breaks with alchemical tradition by reporting his experimental results. He doesn't know what the true elements are, Boyle admits, but he insists that those who believe earth, air, fire, water, silver, salt, and mercury to be elements are incorrect. Lots of ideas for the home experimenter and chemical hobbyist. 1661.

Additional information can be found at http://www.library.upenn.edu/etext/collections/science/boyle/chymist/index.html and http://maple.lemoyne.edu/~giunta/boylesc.html.

From Science News, Vol. 156, No. 25 & 26, December 18 & 25, 1999, p. ii. Copyright © 1999, Science Service.