H. Stanley Redgrove's book <i> Joannes Baptista van Helmont: Alchemist, Physician and Philosopher </i> is a vibrant biography of this amazing scientist and the impact of his life's work. The book begins with a discussion on the Paracelsian Reformation of medicine, followed by an in-depth exploration of Van Helmont's life as it informs his own account of his early life and studies, ending with a discussion of Van Helmont's travels and trials. Clearly enamored with his subject, Redgrove does an incredible job of balancing fact and flattery in this excellent biography. <br><br>A central theme of the text is the exploration the mysticism and magic of Van Helmont's career via the contributions he made to the fields of psychology and alchemy. Redgrove also discusses Van Helmon'ts studies in epistemology (the study of what differentiates opinion from justified belief), ontology (a branch of metaphysics which deals with the nature of being), psychology, and the power of magnetism at length. Furthermore, the alchemical achievements of Van Helmont are cataloged, including his researches on gases, conservation, and the transmutation of metals. Redgrove emphasizes that Van Helmont advanced several healing arts such as psychology, pathology, therapeutics, and the elixir of life through his research and studies.<br><br><i> Joannes Baptista van Helmont: Alchemist, Physician and Philosopher </i> by H. Stanley Redgrove is a wonderful book on the life of Joannes Baptista van Helmont. It thoroughly explores the life of this philosopher and scientist. For the reader interested in a historic account of Van Helmont, or the reader interested in philosophy and alchemy, this book has it all. For the student of alchemy, this book is an interesting account about a man who dedicated a life of work to the field.