The Sceptical Chymist – Robert Boyle

"I look upon the book of nature as a fine and large piece of tapestry."

Robert Boyle attacks the ancient Aristotelian and Paracelsian theories of the elements (earth, air, fire, water), arguing instead for a corpuscular theory of matter. He defines an 'element' as a substance that cannot be broken down into simpler substances, laying the groundwork for modern chemistry.

This book marks the transition from alchemy to chemistry. By insisting on rigorous experimentation and clear definitions, Boyle helped establish chemistry as a respectable scientific discipline distinct from mysticism and magic.