The Enlightenment of Matter: The Definition of Chemistry from Agricola to Lavoisier

Beretta, Marco, 1993, xvi + 396pp., illus. “ . . . Beretta’s book touches on many features of chemistry before 1800, and is a stimulating addition to the literature.” —David Knight, Nature “ . . . what a relief to read a book that is really about science instead of about all sorts of ulterior sociological, political, and rhetorical considerations imputed to it.” —Charles C. Gillispie “ . . . Specialists will find the author’s insightful use of both scholarly literature and original sources thought provoking.” —E.R. Webster, CHOICE “ . . . Beretta’s book represents not only an admirable discussion of the topic announced in the title, but also a major contribution to the Lavoisier literature.” —Alan Rocke, Centaurus