Section 1: Quicksilver, pages 1-69 Summary

"Quicksilver" by Neal Stephenson is the first volume of a historical fiction series about the Baroque period. The novel follows the life and achievements of Dr. Daniel Waterhouse as he becomes involved in the politics of the period, while maintaining his interest in science and his affiliation with the Royal Society of London. "Quicksilver" is an entertaining novel that liberally includes fictional characters and events within the true historical context of the Baroque period.

In Boston Common on October 12, 1713 at 10:33:52 AM, Enoch enters the city to see a woman being hanged as a witch, causing him to worry that "things could go badly for him in Boston" (p. 5) should these people find that his saddlebags are filled with books containing the occult symbols of Alchemists and Kabalists. He continues on to a tavern on the wharf in...