Memoirs of Extraordinary Popular Delusions — Volume 3

"Memoirs of Extraordinary Popular Delusions — Volume 3" by Charles Mackay is a historical account written during the mid-19th century. The book delves into the bizarre and often absurd beliefs and irrationalities that have captivated humanity throughout history, particularly focusing on the delusions associated with alchemy, fortune-telling, and other esoteric practices. The opening of this volume introduces the concept of discontent as a driving force behind the flawed pursuits of people seeking remedies for life's certainties, such as death and ignorance of the future. Mackay sets the stage for an in-depth exploration of historical figures and their pursuits of the philosopher's stone and the elixir of life. The narrative begins by listing various alchemists and their misguided beliefs, accompanied by tales of their relentless quests and the societal implications of their pursuits. Through these accounts, Mackay emphasizes that the folly of past generations should serve as an enlightening lesson for the present, revealing the strange and often humorous fabrications of the human mind in its search for meaning and fulfillment. (This is an automatically generated summary.)

Charles Mackay, McKay, or MacKay may refer to:Charles Mackay (author) (1814–1889), Scottish poet, journalist, author, anthologist, novelist, and songwriter Charles McKay (1855–1883), American naturalist and explorer Charles Mackay (mayor) (1875–1929), New Zealand lawyer, local politician, and Mayor of Wanganui Charlie MacKay (1880–1953), Australian rules footballer and physician Charles Reay Mackay, Australian immunologist, fellow of the Australian Academy of Science Charles R. MacKay, pseudonym for William Harral Johnson and William Stewart Ross used on Life of Charles Bradlaugh, M.P. (1888), a libelous attack on Charles Bradlaugh Charles MacKay, American arts administrator