The Sceptical Chymist

"The Sceptical Chymist" by Robert Boyle delves into the doubts and paradoxes surrounding the principles of alchemy commonly known as hypostatical. The author sets the stage for a discussion on the elements and principles of mixt bodies, contrasting the Peripatetic and Chymical doctrines. The book explores the importance of distinguishing between known facts and uncertainties, emphasizing the need for a critical examination of alchemical notions. Boyle highlights the obscurity and ambiguity in the writings of alchemists, cautioning against blind acceptance of their experiments and theories. Through a series of dialogues and experiments, Boyle invites readers to question traditional alchemical principles and consider alternative explanations for natural phenomena.