author
Arthur John Hopkins
1864–1939
A chemist and historian of alchemy, he brought scientific training and wide curiosity to subjects that ranged from laboratory research to the long intellectual roots of alchemical thought.
1 Audiobook
The reaction between manganese dioxide and potassium permanganate
by Arthur John Hopkins
About the author
Born in Bridgewater, Massachusetts, on September 20, 1864, he studied at Amherst College and later earned a PhD at Johns Hopkins University. His career was centered at Amherst, where he taught chemistry and became a longtime professor, combining academic work with a strong interest in the history of science.
He wrote both technical and historical works. His best-known book, Alchemy, Child of Greek Philosophy (1934), reflects his effort to treat alchemy not as mere superstition but as part of a larger history of ideas. Earlier in his career he also published scientific research, including work on manganese dioxide and potassium permanganate.
Available biographical sources also note that he was married to writer Margaret Sutton Briscoe. He died in 1939. No suitable confirmed portrait image was found from the sources checked.