"Martin Eastburn" wrote in message
...
Chemistry before 1800 - easily with the Church -
and with their high priest - Alchemy and early chemistry.

e.g. in May 1653, alchemist William Backhouse entrusts
royalist 'Intelligencer' Elias Ashmole with the true
secret of the Philosopher's Stone. And with that under his
belt, begins a rise in fame and fortune - Becoming the most
knowledgeable man in England, Founder member of
the Royal Society, Windsor Herald, Astrologer to the King,
fosterer of science and inspiration to Isaac Newton (his student).

Known a Magus and preserver of his country.

A good book on this man is ISBN 0954330927

Martin

http://www.ashmolean.org/

jsw