Hermetic worldviewMichael MaierRosicrucianismWestern esotericismearly modern alchemy
Figures from the paper
Abstract (AI)
The author presents with this intellectual biography of the Lutheran alchemist Count Michael Maier an academic study of western esotericism in general and to the study of alchemy and rosicrucianism in particular. The author charts the development of Maier's Hermetic worldview in the context of his service at the courts of Emperor Rudolf II and Moritz of Hessen-Kassel. The problem of the nature of early Rosicrucianism is addressed in detail with reference to Maier's role in the promotion of this "serious jest" in the years immediately prior to the outbreak of the Thirty Years' War. The work is set in the context of ongoing debates concerning the nature of early modern alchemy and its role in the history of Western esotericism.
Key Findings
1
It situates early modern alchemy within broader debates about its significance in the history of Western esotericism.
2
It traces the development of Maier’s Hermetic worldview during his service at the courts of Emperor Rudolf II and Moritz of Hessen-Kassel.
3
The study examines Maier’s role in promoting early Rosicrucianism as a “serious jest” shortly before the Thirty Years’ War.
4
The study presents an intellectual biography of Lutheran alchemist Count Michael Maier as a case study in Western esotericism.
Research Object
Count Michael Maier’s Hermetic worldview, alchemical thought, and involvement in early Rosicrucianism
Research Subject
The development of Maier’s ideas and his role in promoting early Rosicrucianism within the context of early modern alchemy and Western esotericism
Publication Details
Publication Date
2003-12-31
Journal
Publisher
ISSN
Access Type
Author Information
Download PDF
Subscribe to digest