Gold, Elixirs and Books of Secrets: A Brief History of Alchemy
Sponsored by Wagner Free Institute of Science

Where:
1700 W. Montgomery Avenue
Philadelphia, PA 19121

Date(s):
Thursday, November 5, 2009

Hours: 4-7 PM, Lecture at 5:30 PM

Description:
The Wagner Free Institute of Science presents “Gold, Elixirs and Books of Secrets: A Brief History of Alchemy,” an illustrated presentation by Dr.Anke Timmermann, Associate Director of the Beckman Center for the History of Chemistry at the Chemical Heritage Foundation. Alchemy, the ancient art of transforming matter, fueled the imagination of scholars, doctors and noblemen for hundreds of years as they searched for the philosopher’s stone – a legendary substance that would make one near-immortal. Using symbolic images from rare books, Dr. Timmermann will decipher the often misunderstood story of alchemy, from its beginnings and medieval heyday, to its eventual demise in the shadows of modern chemistry. Come early to explore the Wagner’s historic building and unparalleled collections. This program is part of the Institute’s evening lecture series, “Weeknights at the Wagner.” Dr. Timmermann will speak on Thursday, November 5th, 2009, at 5:30 PM. The museum will stay open late (4-7 PM) for this event.

Event Details

Indoors/Outdoors? Indoor Event

Preregistration? No
Fee? No

Directions from nearest major city:
By car: From I-76 or I–95, take 676 to the Broad Street exit. Follow Broad north to Norris Street (look for Temple University’s red banners). Turn left on Norris, go three blocks to 17th Street, make a left and follow 17th Street one block to Montgomery Avenue. On street parking is available on Montgomery Avenue, in front of the museum and nearby. Garage parking is available at Temple’s Liacouras Center; the garage entrance is on 15th Street, below Montgomery Avenue.

For More Information

Contact Name: Lauren Zalut
Address: 1700 W. Montgomery Avenue
City/State: Philadelphia, PA 19121
Phone: 215-763-6529
E-mail: zalut@wagnerfreeinstitute.org
Web Site: http://www.wagnerfreeinstitute.org