Newton the Alchemist

The exploration of Isaac Newton's alchemical pursuits reveals a complex interplay between science and mysticism. William Newman delves into the newly uncovered manuscripts, presenting a fresh perspective on Newton's genius as he navigated alchemy not as a mere religious quest but as a serious scientific endeavor. By replicating Newton's experiments and tracing the evolution of his ideas over three decades, Newman illustrates how alchemy informed Newton's groundbreaking work in various scientific fields, particularly in optics and "chymistry."