A concise guide to the history, theory, and practice of alchemy (the "great work")--the art of working with the energies of nature for spiritual development, healing, and transformation.Alchemy is a means of understanding and working in concert with the energies of nature for spiritual development, healing, and transformation. In this book, Brian Cotnoir offers a step-by-step introduction that explores alchemy's mysteries while illustrating its use as a modern spiritual system of attainment.He provides an overview of the history of alchemy, from the first meldings of Egyptian technology to the Middle Ages--the golden age of alchemy--to contemporary techniques. He demystifies the relationship between alchemy and chemistry, and provides evidence that alchemy is much more than a medieval form of psychotherapy. The guide also includes practical laboratory experiments that safely and intelligently lead readers to an understanding of this ancient art and spiritual practice.Provides step-by-step instruction for beginning a practice in alchemyExplains the theory underlying the art and science of alchemy and how it worksDemystifies the relationship between alchemy and chemistry, while going well beyond the "psychological interpretation" advanced by nonscientistsIntroduces the practice of alchemy to students of the Western magical arts This book was previously published as The Weiser Concise Guide to Alchemy. This new edition includes a foreword by Robert Allen Bartlett, author of Real Alchemy.