Jung on Alchemy

By C.G. Jung and Jung C.G. Schwa

Book Overview

Illuminating selections from Jung's writings on alchemy and the transformation of the human spirit

The ancient practice of alchemy, which thrived in Europe until the seventeenth century, dealt with the phenomenon of transformation--not only of ore into gold but also of the self into Other. Through their work in the material realm, alchemists discovered personal rebirth as well as a linking between outer and inner dimensions.

C. G. Jung first turned to alchemy for personal illumination in coping with trauma brought on by his break with Freud. Alchemical symbolism eventually suggested to Jung that there was a process in the unconscious, one that had a goal beyond discharging tension and hiding pain. In this book, Nathan Schwartz-Salant brings together key selections of Jung's writings on the subject. These writings expose us to Jung's fascinating reflections on the symbols of alchemy--such as the three-headed Mercurial dragon, hermaphrodites, and lions devouring the sun--and brings us closer to the spirit of his approach to the unconscious, closer than his purely scientific concepts often allow.

• Format: Paperback
• Language: English
• ISBN: 0691010978
• ISBN13: 9780691010977
• Release Date: December 1995
• Publisher: Princeton University Press
• Length: 228 Pages
• Weight: 0.80 lbs.
• Dimensions: 0.7" x 5.8" x 9.0"

Customer Reviews

Nicely organized set of excerpts

Jung wrote extensively on non-rational human endeavors such as mythology and alchemy. This work is an attempt to bring together for the first time all of his thoughts on the subject from various works. The book is quite fascinating, and a great tribute to Jung. Of additional outstanding value is the introduction by Schwartz-Salant detailing the problems studying alchemy as a serious system today, and the importance of Jung's work in understanding why important early scientists were so captivated by this field. In general, I would recommend this work to anyone who is a fan of Jung, is studying the history of thought, or is interested in the history of science. However it assumes a base understanding of early philosophy and/or alchemy and so may not be the best introductory work to the subject.