The Conversation: Deciphering the Philosophers’ Stone
Institute fellows Megan Piorko and Sarah Lang help crack a 400-year-old alchemical cipher.
The work of Science History Institute fellows Megan Piorko and Sarah Lang is featured in an article in The Conversation, a nonprofit news network that publishes stories written by academic experts and researchers. The article talks about how Piorko (a second-year Allington Postdoctoral Fellow) and Lang (a short-term Herdegen Fellow) contributed to the decryption of a 400-year-old cipher written by alchemists John Dee and his son, Arthur Dee. As suspected, the ciphertext contained an alchemical recipe for the fabled philosophers’ stone, an elixir that is supposed to prolong the owner’s life and grant the ability to produce gold from base metals.
Read more on theconversation.com >>
Alchemical emblem in Sloane MS 1876 f1v. © British Library Board, Author provided (no reuse).
More News
Science History Institute Hosts Food Drive to Support Philadelphia’s Old Pine Community Center
Donations of non-perishable items can be dropped off in the Institute’s lobby now through December 19.
Science History Institute Unveils New Mineral Exhibition at Packed Opening Celebration
Ribbon cutting officially opens Earthly Matters and brand-new gift shop, marking the completion of the Institute’s major lobby renovation.
Applications for 2026–2027 Beckman Center Fellowships Now Open
Researchers can apply by January 15 for various long- and short-term programs, including two-year curatorial fellowships.