All the many personalities who have immortalized themselves in alchemical research through the centuries are introduced in this very readable, compact presentation for today's interest in this fascinating, age-old quest in the metamorphosis of the human being. Mr Waite shows that the real alchemist quest was no the goal of turning base metals into gold, but rather the unfolding of the human being, the releasing and manifesting of the higher self. Seen in this light, alchemy is of profound interest and vital concern to awakened interests in development of spiritual powers and potentialities. Throughought the book are beautiful, historically significant illustrations.