1 Alchemy[ | ]
- all adapted from http://www.chemsoc.org/viselements/pages/alchemist/alchemy.html
The art of alchemy was handed down through the centuries from Egypt and Arabia to Greece and Rome, and finally to western and central Europe. The word is derived from the Arabian phrase "al-kimia," which refers to the preparation of the Stone or Elixir by the Egyptians. The Arabic root "kimia" comes from the Coptic "khem" that alluded to the fertile black soil of the Nile delta. Esoterically and hieroglyphically, the word refers to the dark mystery of the primordial or First Matter (the Khem).
Simplified, the aims of the alchemists were threefold: to find the Stone of Knowledge (The Philosophers' Stone), to discover the medium of Eternal Youth and Health, and to discover the transmutation of metals. To the medieval alchemist’s mind the different elements were but the same original substance in varying degrees of purity. Gold was the purest of all and silver followed closely.
In the early days of alchemy, the astronomical signs of the planets were also used as alchemical symbols. Then in the centuries of medieval persecution and suppression every alchemist invented his own secret symbols. Charlatans, quacks and cheats took over and alchemy became, along with sorcery and witchcraft, infamous for fraud and extortion. In the 18th century scientists tried to pry loose the real achievements in chemistry, pharmacology and medicine from this confusing cornucopia of science and magic.
2 Alchemical Symbol[ | ]
- all adapted from http://www.chemsoc.org/viselements/pages/alchemist/alchemy.html
| Antimony
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The metal antimony symbolizes the animal nature or wild spirit of man and nature, and it was often symbolized by the wolf.
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| Arsenic
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Arsenic was widely used by early alchemists and was also sometimes represented by the image of a swan.
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| Bismuth
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Although mentioned in alchemical texts it is uncertain what role Bismuth played in alchemical processes.
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| Copper
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Copper is one of the seven metals of alchemy (gold, silver, mercury, copper, lead, iron & tin).
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| Gold
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Gold is one of the seven metals of alchemy (gold, silver, mercury, copper, lead, iron & tin). For the alchemist, it represented the perfection of all matter on any level, including that of the mind, spirit, and soul. The symbol for gold could also be used to represent the sun in astrology.
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| Iron
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Iron is one of the seven metals of alchemy (gold, silver, mercury, copper, lead, iron & tin). The symbol for iron could also be used to represent the planet Mars in astrology.
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| Lead
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Lead is the first and oldest of the seven metals of alchemy (gold, silver, mercury, copper, lead, iron & tin). The symbol for lead was also used to represent the planet Saturn in astrology.
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| Magnesium
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Alchemists used 'Magnesia alba' (literally "white magnesia") which was magnesium carbonate (MgCO3), also known as 'mild magnesian earth.'
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| Mercury
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Mercury, called quicksilver by the ancients was used to make red mercuric oxide by heating the element in a solution of nitric acid. The reaction of quicksilver in nitric acid is striking as a thick red vapor hovers over the surface and bright red crystals precipitate to the bottom. Alchemists were convinced that mercury transcended both the solid and liquid states, both earth and heaven, both life and death. Mercury is one of the seven metals of alchemy (gold, silver, mercury, copper, lead, iron & tin). The symbol for mercury could also be used to represent the planet of the same name in astrology. The metal is often also represented by a serpent or snake.
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| Phosphorus
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Alchemists often used light as a symbol of the spirit, therefore they were especially interested in light that seemed to be trapped in matter such as phosphorus.
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| Platinum
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Alchemists believed platinum to be an amalgamation of gold and silver.
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| Potassium
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Potash (potassium carbonate) was widely used in alchemical processes.
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| Silver
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Silver is one of the seven metals of alchemy (gold, silver, mercury, copper, lead, iron & tin). The symbol for silver is also associated wth the moon in astrology.
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| Sulfur
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Sulfur is one of the three heavenly substances (sulfur, mercury & salt). It was widely used in alchemical pratice.
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| Tin
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Tin is one of the seven metals of alchemy (gold, silver, mercury, copper, lead, iron & tin). The symbol for tin could also be used to represent the planet Jupiter in astrology.
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| Zinc
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Philosophers' wool, or nix alba (white snow) was zinc oxide made by burning zinc in air.
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