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.
"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, Patterson's 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)