This is the text of the short story "The Alchemist" by H. P. Lovecraft, the story of a family curse.

Mischievous fairies, monstrous apparitions, and scheming witches: examine how Shakespeare and Renaissance writers played with the magical and supernatural.

This site features the author H. P. Lovecraft including a biography, the full text of the novel The Shunned House, and 27 short stories including "The Alchemist." He is best known for his horror stories.

Eric Rosado details how gunpowder has caused devastation around the world, despite the incandescent beauty of fireworks. [3:24]

[Free Registration/Login may be required to access all resource tools.] Students find out about the history of chemistry, from the rise and fall of the alchemists to modern day implications of the use of chemicals and technology.

From cross-dressing in Twelfth Night to magical storms in The Tempest; from deception in Much Ado to biting satire in The Alchemist, discover the beauty and complexity of Shakespearean and Renaissance comedies.

An image of "The Alchemist", created by David the Elder Teniers during the 1640's (Oil on canvas, 44 x 58 cm).

Uncover the fascinating, colorful lives of Renaissance writers including John Donne, Ben Jonson, and Christopher Marlowe, and explore key features and themes in their groundbreaking plays and poetry.

An image of "The Alchemist", created by Philip Galle, c. 1558 (Engraving).

Investigate how Shakespeare and Renaissance writers explore miscommunication, dishonesty, trickery, and the nature of theatre.

Substantial biographical sketch of Renaissance poet and playwright, Ben Jonson. Includes some information on his plays, "Volpone," and "The Alchemist."

A useful article describing the types of jobs available to chemistry majors in industry.

A great overview of the life of astronomer Tycho Brahe from Wikipedia Encyclopedia. This article discusses his contributions to the world of astronomy, and his building of his observatory called Uraniborg.

A clever account of the history of medicine told as it relates to J.K. Rowling's Harry Potter. Read about the history of real-life beasts, and a brief historical account of healing human sicknesses.

A clever account of the history of medicine told as it relates to J.K. Rowling's "Harry Potter." Read about the history of real-life potions, and what led to the development of modern chemistry.

A clever account of the history of medicine told as it relates to J.K. Rowling's Harry Potter. Read about the history of immortality, and the belief that magic played a role in ancient medicine.

A portrait of Alessandro Cagliostro from the Dibner Library of the History of Science and Technology, made available through the Smithsonian Institution's Scientific Identity Collection.

A portrait of Robert Fludd from the Dibner Library of the History of Science and Technology, made available through the Smithsonian Institution's Scientific Identity Collection.

A portrait of Edward "Beau" Wilson from the Dibner Library of the History of Science and Technology, made available through the Smithsonian Institution's Scientific Identity Collection.

A portrait of Robert Fludd from the Dibner Library of the History of Science and Technology, made available through the Smithsonian Institution's Scientific Identity Collection.

[Free Registration/Login Required] This is a collection of photos and objects from the British Museum that pertain to Dr. John Dee, an astrologer, mathematician, alchemist and magician who acted as an astrological and scientific adviser...

[Free Registration/Login may be required to access all resource tools.] Delves into the history of alchemy and contributions made by alchemists.