The Alkahest
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About This Book
Historically, an alkahest is a universal solvent that has the power to dissolve any substance known to man, even gold. It also was speculated that the alkahest was in actuality the philosopher's stone, or the element that could turn anything into gold and would make a man immune to even death. A philosopher at his core, Balzac utilizes this mythological device to explore obsession and its effects.As the main character of the book, Balthazar Claes, is introduced to the mysteries and wonder of alchemy, his quest for the alkahest or the philosopher's stone begins. His determination quickly become...
Chapters (25)
- THE ALKAHEST
- Translated by Katharine Prescott Wormeley
- THE ALKAHEST
- ADDENDUM
- THE ALKAHEST
- (THE HOUSE OF CLAES)
- CHAPTER I
- CHAPTER II
- CHAPTER III
- CHAPTER IV
- CHAPTER V
- CHAPTER VI
- CHAPTER VII
- CHAPTER VIII
- CHAPTER IX
- CHAPTER X
- CHAPTER XI
- CHAPTER XII
- CHAPTER XIII
- CHAPTER XIV
- “And now, mademoiselle, what do you intend to do!” said Pierquin.
- CHAPTER XV
- CHAPTER XVI
- ADDENDUM
- The following personages appear in other stories of the Human Comedy.
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