ABSTRACT
This chapter explores some strands of thought discernible in the medieval science of alchemy which show interesting parallels to the present state of scientific metaphysics and also provide indications of how the contemporary dilemma. Essentially the same tension between power and wisdom is present in the alchemical tradition. The alchemist believed that the meaning of life was hidden, but could be perceived and experienced if one adopted the right attitude of mind and performed the right actions. The aspect of alchemy that is so central to the present inquiry is the fact that alchemical tradition attempted to fuse knowledge and meaning by combining science, the study of natural process, with morality, man's attempt to realize his own perfectibility and self-fulfilment, itself a continuous process. The subjective element can thus return to science, but within a higher level of consciousness, the scientist becoming aware of the role he is playing in presenting or supporting one viewpoint rather than another.
