"Alchemy is also called Hermeticism.  Hermes, from the mythical standpoint, is the Egyptian God both of Wisdom and Magic -- which concepts include therapeutics and physical science as then it was known.  All these subjects may, therefore claim just inclusion within the scope of the significance of the terms Alchemy and Hermetic subjects." -- Israel Regardie, The Philosopher's Stone, page 14 *********************************************************************************************************** "...the study of alchemy, above all other branches of occult science, demonstrates the value of Analogy in our search after the real meaning of the mysteries of man and his relation to the Universe." -- MacGregor Mathers, An Introduction to Alchemy *********************************************************************************************************** "There is more to be gained in Alchemy than vain glory.  In fact, vain glory cannot be obtained in Alchemy.  It has nothing to do with it and is as far as the day separates the night.  It comes back to the simple statement [...]  "Alchemy is the raising of vibrations." -- Frater Albertus, The Alchemist's handbook, page 10 *********************************************************************************************************** "Therefore learn from Alchemy, which is otherwise called Spagyria.  This teaches you to discern between the true and the false.  Such a light of Nature is it that it is a mode of proof in all things, and walks in light.  From this light of Nature we ought to know and speak, not from mere phantasy, whence nothing is begotten save the four humours and their compounds, augmentation, stagnation and decrease, with other trifles of this kind.  These proceed not from the clear intellect, that full treasure house of a good man, but rather are based on a fictitious and insecure foundation. [...]  Alchemy is, so to speak, a kind of lower heaven, by which the sun is separated from the moon, day from night, medicine, from poison, what is useful from what is refuse." -- Paracelsus, "Paramirum" Lib. I c.3, et "De Colica" ***********************************************************************************************************