A Brief Introduction to Alchemy

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Subject: A Brief Introduction to Alchemy Tue May 30 2006, 15:25

Essay number 3 woo hoo! I'm into Alchemy at the moment - so yes perpare yourself once more. There's going to be many of these coming..::smirks::...Enjoy!

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"The science of alchemy I like very well, and indeed, 'tis the philosophy of the ancients. I like it not only for the profits it brings in melting metals, in decocting, preparing, extracting and distilling herbs, roots; I like it also for the sake of the allegory and secret signification, which is exceedingly fine, touching the resurrection of the dead at the last day."
- Isaac Newton

Well, Alchemy has always fascinated people. It first grabbed my attention several years ago, when I read a Nancy Drew book called "The Mystery Of The 99 Steps". If you've read that book then you'd know what I'm talking about. Later, I read a book on the famous Pracelsus that also intrigued me. Alchemy is indeed intriguing, because no one knows if it's true or if it's pure imagination.

Alchemy is an ancient art and science dealing with the transmutation of base metals into gold, with the discovery of a super cure for all diseases, with and elixir of immortality, and with the fabrication of artificial life. Alchemy was the name given in Latin Europe in the 12th century to a science assimilated with Astrology, as both attempt to discover the relationship of man to the cosmos and to exploit that relationship to his benefit. Both sciences believe that Nature manifests the will of God. Alchemy first emerged in Ancient China, Egypt and Greece. The word is Ancient Egyptian for "Art of the black earth" and Greek for “Art of making metal ingots". Aristotle taught that all matter was composed of four elements: water, earth, fire, and air; and that most materials found in nature had different ratios of these four elements. Therefore, a base metal could be changed into gold. Of course, since Celestial bodies were thought to influence Nature, Alchemists always waited for an ‘appropriate’ configuration of the moon and the stars to transform metals effectively.

As early as the 13th century, Alchemical treatises contained not only mystical theory but also important practical recipes. Arnold of Villanova explained the distillation of wine; Roger Bacon gave a recipe for gunpowder and instructions for constructing a telescope. Consequently, a few kings used Alchemists to increase their fortune; if an Alchemist should fail, he would lose his life. Therefore, from the 15th to the 17th century, alchemical symbolism and allegory became complex. Alchemy used to be considered a criminal activity of witchcraft and blasphemy, yet it was the basis of today’s Chemistry. So Alchemists referred to chemicals, acids and metals in a symbolized way only they could understand. A secret language. For example, a chemical formula mentioning ‘Gold’ would be easily intercepted. And so ‘Gold’ was referred to as ‘The Red Lion’ in all messages exchanged between Alchemists. Thus, ‘The White Queen’ would mean ‘Silver’, and so forth.

Alchemists made sure their labs were impossible to find; often they were located in hidden basements. These labs were filled with numerous instruments, manuscripts, skulls, animal specimens, and mystical objects including altars.

Nothing has been created as ultima materia -- in its final state. Everything is at first created in its prima materia, its original stuff. For alchemy means: to carry to its end something that has not yet been completed. To obtain the lead from the ore and to transform it into what it is made for.... Accordingly, you should understand that alchemy is nothing but the art that makes the impure into the pure through fire.... It can separate the useful from the useless, and transmute it into its final substance and its ultimate essence.

The transmutation of metals is a great mystery of nature. However laborious and difficult this task may be, whatever impediments and obstacles may lie in the way of its accomplishments, this transmutation does not go counter to nature, nor is it incompatible with the order of God, as is falsely asserted by many persons. But the base, impure five metals-- that is, copper, tin, lead, iron, and quicksilver-- cannot be transmuted into the nobler, pure, and perfect metals-- namely, into gold and silver-- without a color, or without the philosophers' stone...."

An excerpt from Paracelsus, Selected writings, ed. Jolande Jacobi, trans. Norbert Guterman.

In the Renaissance, necromancers, wizards and Alchemists obsessed about the Philosopher's Stone. Chinese and Arab Alchemists especially believed it to be a medicine that could turn a base metal into gold and also act as an Elixir of Life. He who possesses the Philosopher's Stone possesses Truth; he is immortal because Reason counters death and he is healed of Ignorance _ the worst of all diseases. Excerpts can be found from a famous text titled: The Water Stone of the Wise.

But, that is all I know about Alchemy – I could go on but I figure that’s enough of a basis for you. Isn’t it fascinating? Let us conclude with a few words from Thomas Norton, a 15th century British Alchemist, words that stress on the secrecy of Alchemy.

"This art must ever secret be.
The cause whereof is this, as ye may see:
If one evil man had thereof all his will,
All Christian peace he might easily spill,
And with his pride he might pull down
Rightful kings and princes of renown."

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There it is - so yes - I'm nuts I KNOW lol.

Sources: As usual my own knowledge and books and for you a site to follow by if ever you need it: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Alchemy

Subject: Re: A Brief Introduction to Alchemy Wed May 31 2006, 17:04

lol I already knew you were nuts!! But it doesnt stop your great writing skills! For another great essay I award you 50 housepoints

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