Mastering the Elements

Despite the significance of the natural sciences for humanity’s present and future, the principles of today’s scientific practices are often not exposed to the broad social discourse they deserve. Through a combination of philosophy and photography, Jana Hartmann produces a visual exploration of the history of alchemy and science. In the book, she initiates an intriguing dialogue on reductionistic and holistic worldviews, using excerpts from both alchemical writings and modern scientific publications, interwoven with selectively framed images of scientific phenomena. In examining humanity’s conquest of nature, Hartmann fosters curiosity towards a world that all too often remains opaque.