"Besides being the founders of modern chemistry, the alchemists developed a symbolic kind of chemistry, aimed at producing the gold of mystical illumination. This religious search resulted in a mystical system for man's salvation of his soul and ultimate reunion with his divine source. This system was made up of a series of rituals and symbols, doctrines and procedures, which were guarded with the utmost secrecy and which finally disappeared with the decline of alchemy in the seventeenth century. For the first time, this sunken treasure of medieval culture is unearthed and recreated by the author in a fascinating work of literary archaeology." [From the rear wrap copy].

The emergence of syphilis in Europe at the end of the fifteenth century had a profound influence on the history of Western civilization during the Renaissance. The author's assertion that syphilis was as widespread in England as in the rest of Europe challenges generally accepted views in the field. Working from primary sources, he shows how syphilis spread across the country, what its effect was, the range of cures that were used, and what preventative measures were taken against it. He shows how syphilis brought about a profound change of manners and morals during the Renaissance, leading to an emphasis on monogamy, premarital chastity and absolute fideltiy within marriage. He suggests that, in many ways, the emergence of syphilis has numerous parallels with our latest venereal epidemic, AIDS. There are many indications that a simlar change is taking place in our modern world, and that a moral reaction rivalling that of the Reformation may be on its way.