Libavius was one of the most prolific writers of the early modern era yet only scant attention has been given to his writings by historians of science. In over twenty large volumes he defended his own understanding of the dignity and disciplinary nature of chemistry and contended with the philosophical claims, laboratory procedures, and interpretations of nature proffered by Paracelsian empirics, court physicians, literate artisans, and members of academic faculties. The study will follow the course of Libavius's polemics and will investigate the wide range of social, political, moral and religious issues that were often included in debates about chemical-medical reform, the proper use of chemical language, and the preparation of chemical medicines. By analyzing the broader social and intellectual content of the chemical-medical debates surrounding Libavius and by exploring the dynamics of cultural exchange within and between local chemical communities, the project will suggest new ways of understanding the history of chemistry. On a broader level, the discussion of chemists and cultures will propose new techniques for assessing the influence of chemistry itself among the many currents intersecting within the Scientific Revolution. ¢ ¥©/Â¥ ?>?%??à ¢??Ã>Â¥?¢¥¢ />? ?©?%?¢??©Ã?¢ ??%??` _/,Ã?¢ />? ¥©à ÀÃ>Ã?/% ???%??
