Review by Choice Review
In this fascinating and well-written book, Morrisson (English, Pennsylvania State Univ.), an authority on the relations between science and humanities, explores how the rise in occultism and interest in alchemy in the 19th century interacted with the scientific discovery of transmutation in the early 20th century. The discoveries of the Curies, Rutherford, and Soddy, among others, demonstrated the conversion of one element into another in the processes of radioactivity, thus giving credence, according to the "new alchemists," to the ancient claims of alchemy. Distinguished scientists were swept up in the enthusiasm to the extent of making claims of artificial transmutations that were later shown to be unsubstantiated. This interesting chapter of scientific history, not previously explored in depth, is fully examined with a complete bibliography. Comprehensive index. Strongly recommended to students of the history of modern science. Summing Up: Highly recommended. Graduate students through professionals. H. Goldwhite emeritus, California State University, Los Angeles
Copyright American Library Association, used with permission.
Review by Choice Review
