The Forge and the Crucible: The Origins and Structures of Alchemy

Title: The Forge and the Crucible: The Origins and Structures of Alchemy

Author: Mircea Eliade

Publisher: Harper Torchbooks

Publication Year: 1971

ISBN:  0061315524

Primitive man's discovery of the ability to change matter from one state to another brought about a profound change in spiritual behavior. In The Forge and the Crucible, Mircea Eliade follows the ritualistic adventures of these ancient societies, adventures rooted in the people's awareness of an awesome new power.