Chemistry in 17th-Century New England [Paperback]

This book explores the lively chemistry culture that arose during the 17th century in Colonial New England. This was chiefly due to the efforts of John Winthrop, Jr. who brought both chemical knowledge and the largest library of chemical books in the New World to Boston. He founded towns, such as Ipswich and New London, and industrial enterprises, such as salt works and ironworks, while also serving as the primary source of Paracelsian medicines, which led him to become the most famous physician in Colonial New England. Moreover, the book covers topics such as the founding of Harvard College, and the life and works of Cotton Mather, especially Magnalia Christi Americana, one of the most important vanity volumes in the history of scholarly publication.

Introduction.- The Puritan Mind in the 17^th Century.- The Errand into the Wilderness.- John Winthrop, Jr.: The Making of an Adept.- Ipswich: Founding a Town in New England.- Return to England (1641) and the New England Ironworks.- New London and the Alchemical Plantation.- Obtaining the Charter for Connecticut and Election to the Royal Society of London.- The Winthrop Circle in New England.- Harvard College and 17^th Century Chemistry.- Conclusions and Reflections.

Historians who are just beginning their exploration of New England alchemy will find that the book provides a good & overview, with references to most of the more important scholarship on alchemy from the last century. & As a brisk run through the history of New England alchemy, Pattersons book is admirable and should be a welcome reference work for chemists with an interest in history and historians new to the study of the region. (George D. Elliott, Ambix, September 6, 2021)

Gary Patterson is Professor of Chemistry Emeritus at Carnegie Mellon University in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania.  He is a member of the Board of Directors of the Science History Institute ilã&