Lecture Series "In the Footsteps of Time": Meelis Friedenthal's Lecture "On the History of Alchemy Here and Elsewhere"

On March 27th at 17:30, writer and theologian Meelis Friedenthal will be speaking at the Pärnu Museum.

This time, we will ponder whether alchemy is merely a myth about making gold or if it holds deeper wisdom.

According to the lecturer, the presentation is inspired by an exhibition held in the fall of 2024, which introduced alchemical books from the collections of the University of Tartu Library and the university museum's chemical apparatus. The central theme of the lecture held at the museum is alchemy, which was a much more ambitious endeavor than making gold. Alchemy attempted to unify all existing elements, nature, humanity, planets, and the spiritual realm into a cohesive system. The presentation will provide a brief overview of the history and study of this cultural phenomenon and touch on alchemy and its research in Estonia.

Meelis Friedenthal is one of Estonia's leading researchers on alchemy. He has thoroughly explored this intriguing and mystical topic in both the University of Tartu's lecture series "Introduction to Alchemy" and in the 2023 book "On the History of Alchemy". Both were created in collaboration with historian and biologist Kurmo Konsa. As a writer, Friedenthal has received numerous accolades, including the Estonian Cultural Endowment's Literature Annual Award, the Friedebert Tuglas Short Story Award, and the title of Author of the Year, as well as several Stalker awards.

Tickets are available for €6 in advance sales and on-site before the event.

Teachers are encouraged to purchase a 0-ticket in advance sales.

Participation is free with a museum card.

*The lecture series is a continuing education course for general school teachers and is FREE for them. In the 2024/2025 season, there will be 7 lectures, 3 of which will be on the topic of folk costumes. Participation in at least five lectures will result in a certificate issued by the Pärnu Museum. Participation in the lecture series does not provide credit points.

The last lectures of the 2024/2025 season will take place on 24.04. The schedule is subject to change. More information will be available as the event approaches.