Alchemy -the Predecessor Of Modern Chemistry :: essays research papers

There are many slipway to examine the subject of alchemy, including alchemy as a source of symbolism, psychology, and mysticism. It has as well been an influence on the world view of various writers, artist, and musicians. The focus of this propound is alchemy as a pre-chemistry, which gave a new impulse towards the facility of medicinal remedies and also was a major influence on todays scientific investigations.Alchemy is an old-fashioned art, practiced in the Middle Ages. The fundamental concept of alchemy stemmed from Aristotles doctrine that all things tend to reach perfection. Because other metals were melodic theme to be less perfect than property, it was reason equal to(p) to believe that nature created gold out of other metals found deep within the earth and that a skilled artisan could duplicate this process. It was said that once someone was able to change, or transmute a "base" chemical into the perfect metal, gold, they would piss achieved eternal life a nd salvation. In this way, alchemy turned into not exclusively a scientific quest, but a spiritual quest as well. Although the purposes and techniques were often times ritualistic and fanciful, alchemy was in many shipway the predecessor of modern science, especially the science of chemistry.The birthplace of alchemy was ancient Egypt, where, in Alexandria, it began to flourish during the Hellenistic period. Also at that time, a inform of alchemy was developing in China. The writings of some Greek philosophers whitethorn be considered to be among the very first chemical theories, such as the theory that all things are composed of air, earth, fire, and water. Each of these were represented by different elements, such as sulfur, salt, mercury, and, ideally, gold. Other ideas held by alchemists were that each of the cognize elements were represented by heavenly bodies. Gold was earths representation of the sun, silver for the moon, mercury for the planet Mercury, copper for Venus, iron for Mars, tin for Jupiter, and lead for Saturn. The typical alchemists science lab in Renaissance Europe was a dark, cluttered place that stank of jackpot and mysterious chemicals. Many alchemists worked at home, in order to save currency and avoid outside interference. Some settled in the kitchen, to take value of the cooking fire. Others chose the attic or cellar, where late-night activity was less likely to be noticed by inquisitive neighbors. These small, makeshift laboratories were often filled with a grimy jumble of instruments, manuscripts, skulls, animal specimens, and assorted mystical objects.