C9696 Alchemy - journey to/through knowledge

Faculty of Science
Spring 2026
Extent and Intensity
2/0/0. 2 credit(s) (plus extra credits for completion). Type of Completion: k (colloquium).
In-person direct teaching
Teacher(s)
doc. Mgr. Jan Havliš, Dr. (lecturer)
Guaranteed by
doc. Mgr. Jan Havliš, Dr.
National Centre for Biomolecular Research – Faculty of Science
Supplier department: National Centre for Biomolecular Research – Faculty of Science
Prerequisites
the course is open to everyone interested in alchemy, chemistry, the development and importance of knowledge in human society. basic orientation in ancient and medieval philosophy, chemistry and European and world history would be an advantage :)
Course Enrolment Limitations
The course is offered to students of any study field.
Course objectives
the main objective of the course is to introduce students to the origin and development of alchemy, along with its social influence. alchemy also serves as an interesting model for understanding the (material) nature of the world.
Learning outcomes
at the end of this course, the student will be able to:
understand the different aspects of alchemy (its concepts, practices and context)
understand the social and conceptual influences of alchemy on society
be able to name important milestones in the development of alchemy, and consequently of knowledge, and explain their causes and influence on further developments.
Syllabus
  • 1. alchemy and its formation - the situation at the  contemporary level of knowledge
  • : antiquity; alternatives (atomists, etc.)
  • 2. the foundations of alchemy and its cognitive aspects
  • : ancient crafts, religion and philosophy, magic
  • 3. alchemy or the great work
  • : the origin of the name and its classical form
  • 4. chronological and regional history of alchemy I.
  • : Near and Middle East - Ptolemaic Egypt and Byzantium
  • 5. chronological and regional history of alchemy II.
  • : Near East - Mesopotamia, Persia, Arabia
  • 6. chronological and regional history of alchemy III.
  • : the Far East - China, India
  • 7. chronological-regional history of alchemy IV.
  • : Europe, modern alchemy, Czech trace
  • 8. laboratorium chymicum
  • : intentions, approaches, methods of laboratory work, glassware, procedures
  • 9. how alchemy was written about
  • : nomenclature, descriptions and understanding of (al)chemical processes
  • 10. contemporary critiques of alchemy
  • : exoteric vs esoteric alchemy, chemistry
  • 11. alchemy, alchemy/chemistry, chemistry
  • : the transition from art to science
  • 12. cultural overlaps of alchemy
  • : sociocultural awareness, literature, theatre, film, visual arts
Literature
    recommended literature
  • D. Ž. Bor, Napříč říší královského umění, Trigon 1995
  • Lawrence M. Principe, The Secrets of Alchemy, University of Chicago Press 2012
  • John Read, From Alchemy to Chemistry, Courier Corporation 2013
  • KARPENKO, Vladimír. Alchymie : svět pohádek a legend. Vydání 1. Praha: Academia, 2008, 389 stran. ISBN 9788020015792. info
  • KARPENKO, Vladimír. Alchymie : nauka mezi snem a skutečností. Vyd. 1. Praha: Academia, 2007, 521 s. ISBN 9788020014917. info
  • Lexikon alchymie a hermetických věd. Edited by Claus Priesner - Karin Figala, Translated by Petr Babka. Vyd. 1. Praha: Vyšehrad, 2006, 342 s. ISBN 8070218150. info
  • KARPENKO, Vladimír and Pavel AUGUSTA. Křivolaké cesty vědy : řemeslníci, alchymisté, chemici. Praha: Albatros, 1987. info
  • KARPENKO, Vladimír. Prvky očima minulosti. Edited by Jaroslav Zýka. Praha: Práce, 1984. info
Teaching methods
the lecture is based on a ppt presentation, its explication and discussion to this explication. presentation it-self will be available as study material (printable pdf with high resolution and restricted access rights). it is recommended to attend the lecture, because of the explication, which significantly extends the presentation.
Assessment methods
written exam in a form of essay; the student writes an analytic essay on the selected topic of alchemy and its relation to natural sciences, crafts, culture or history.
Language of instruction
Czech
Further Comments
The course is taught annually.
The course is taught every week.
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