Alchemy (Medieval Chemistry and Philosophy Discipline)

Alchemy General Facts:

• Medieval forerunner to chemistry.
• Alchemy particularly looked at the formation of inanimate substances.
• Alchemy was also known as a system of philosophy that dealt with the mystery of life.
• The discipline is a blend of astrology, chemistry, magic and occultism, together with ideas derived from religious systems and other obscure sources.

Alchemy Claims:

• Purported to have developed the ability to transmutate base metals, such as lead & mercury, into silver & gold.
• The technique reportedly used the philosopher's stone, a substance which was also said to have the power to give eternal life.

Word Derivation:

• The Arabian phrase "al-kimia" - refers to the preparation of the Stone or Elixir by the Egyptians.
• The Arabic root "kimia" comes from Coptic "khem" - alluding to the fertile black soil of the Nile delta.

Alchemy Origins:

• Probably began in Egypt - based on early records.
• Legends attribute alchemy to Hermes Trismegistus.
• Other religious claims include the fallen angels of the Book of Genesis, & revelations by Moses and Aaron.

Alchemy Practitioners:

• Albert Poisson
• Antoine Lavoisier
• Dr Johnson
• Gottfried Leibniz
• Hermes - origin of hermetically sealed.
• Isaac Newton
• Jabir ibn Hayyan (Geber)
• Johann Glauber,
• John Dalton
• Parmigianino
• Robert Boyle
• Roger Bacon
• Saint Albertus Magnus
• Saint Thomas Aquinas
• Tycho Brahe
• Thomas Browne
• Vincent of Beauvais

Image Credit (top) Alchemist Workshop by Curious Expeditions (cc)
Image Credit (bottom) Alchemist with scale by Chemical Heritage Foundation (cc)

Posted by ALCHEssMIST.
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