THE alchemy it is a practice of a mystical character that flourished during the Middle Ages, bringing together science, art and magic.
One of its main goals was to obtain the elixir of life, in order to ensure immortality and cure the diseases of the body. Another important quest was the creation of philosophical stone, with the power to transform base metals into gold.
Practiced by several ancient peoples (Arabs, Greeks, Egyptians, Persians, Babylonians, Mesopotamians, Chinese, etc.), alchemy is associated with knowledge of Medicine, Metallurgy, Astrology, Physics and Chemistry. Many of the civilizations that practiced it created secret alchemical codes and symbols.
Alchemists contributed to the development of several techniques, although they did not explain how the phenomena occurred. Until today, it has an important role, being considered fundamental for the development of sciences, especially Chemistry.
Origin and History of Alchemy
The origin of Alchemy is uncertain, although some scholars believe it was already practiced in Alexandria, Ancient Egypt, around the 3rd century BC. Ç. and it remained the main science of the Middle Ages (5th to 15th centuries). However, Chinese Alchemy may be one of the oldest, with traces of this practice dating back to 4500 BC. Ç.
In the Middle Ages, alchemical studies advanced through observation of nature, experiments, chemical procedures, use of materials, instruments and apparatus. These factors were fundamental to the development of modern natural sciences.
The Egyptians developed techniques for handling metals and embalming bodies. Later, it was associated with Greco-Roman and Arab knowledge, until arriving in Europe. Thus, Alchemy was the precursor of Chemistry and Medicine.
In Egypt, the leading alchemists were Hermes Trismegistus; in China, Fu Xi stood out; and in Arabia Al Ghazali. Among the most prominent European alchemists are: Alberto the Great, Tritemo, Khunrath, Eliphas Levi.
Contrary to what is publicized, Alchemy was practiced by several members of the Catholic Church. In fact, Pope John XXII had studied Alchemy before his priestly ordination and, in 1317, launched a papal decree condemning false alchemists, those who deceived the population by promising wealth easy.
So, in order to protect themselves, the language of the alchemists became increasingly undecipherable. To ensure that the information was used well, symbols and terms were created that would be accessible only to initiates. In this way, the practice of Alchemy becomes more and more secret.
With the implementation of the Court of the Holy Office (better known as Inquisition) in certain regions of Germany, Switzerland, France and Spain, Alchemy becomes confused with practices considered obscure by the Catholic Church.
Thus, we observed the persecution and condemnation of several sages who were just investigating chemical elements. At that time, the alchemists were excommunicated, imprisoned and burned at the stake.
Alchemy and the Philosopher's Stone
Western alchemy has always remained obsessed with creating a noble metal out of base metals.
The Philosopher's Stone (called the “Great Work” or “Universal Medicine”) was the main objective of alchemists, especially during the Middle Ages.
They predicted, from experiments with the four elements of nature (earth, air, water and fire) and various metals, the discovery of a mystical substance capable of transforming any element into gold.
For alchemists, all metals evolved until they reached the state of perfection: gold. In such a way, if we consider the Philosopher's Stone a metaphorical concept, it would be associated with the spiritual quest for stoning the human soul.
Alchemy and the Elixir of Immortality
Chinese alchemy focused its efforts on healing and salvation, developing these two aspects in the quest for immortality.
Based on doctrinal principles such as Taoism, the idea was to create an elixir of immortality to achieve eternal life and cure all ills.
In the West, the development of an elixir also began to be pursued, apparently independently, but with the same objective.
Top Alchemists
Alchemists are the scientists who used alchemy procedures. They are considered great sages, of which the following have been highlighted in history:
- Mary the Jew (century II a. C): alchemist and Greek philosopher
- Nicolas Flamel (1340-1418): French alchemist and scribe
- Caterina Sforza (1463-1509): Italian alchemist
- Paracelsus (1493-1541): Swiss German alchemist, physician and astrologer
- Marie Meurdrac (1610-1680): French alchemist and chemist
- Count of St. Germain (1712-1784): Romanian alchemist, goldsmith and musician
- Alessandro Cagliostro (1743-1795): Italian alchemist and Freemason
- Fulcanelli (1839-1953): French alchemist
- Eugène Léon Canseliet (1899-1982): French alchemist
Importance of Alchemy
Some researchers believe that Alchemy was not only aimed at transforming chemical substances into others, that is, its objective went far beyond the “proto-science” character.
In this sense, Alchemy was important for the transmutation of values and spiritual growth in harmony with nature.
In China, the alchemists' investigations led to the mastery of many metallurgy techniques and the discovery of gunpowder. Progress in the East and West was notorious, both in knowledge and in the use of mineral and vegetable substances.
Thus, we realize that the alchemists' quest was focused on unraveling the mysteries associated with the human soul and its existence in the world. With that, it proved to be an important step for intellectual development and a step for human evolution.
From Alchemy to Chemistry
The need to understand the relationship between human beings, nature and phenomena made Alchemy a important practice in the development of knowledge and techniques that would later be used in modern chemistry.
For some, in the Arabic language, the term “Alchemy” (Al-Khemy) means “chemistry”.
Alchemists, in order to find the philosopher's stone and the elixir of life, played a fundamental role in the creation of countless laboratory devices, which were gradually perfected.
In this search, processes were developed for the production of metals, soaps, and numerous chemical substances, such as nitric acid, sulfuric acid and potassium hydroxide. The alchemists left their marks with the experiments carried out and the many discoveries paved the way for Chemistry.
However, the ideas that supported Alchemy were abandoned around the 18th century, when it is considered the beginning of modern Chemistry.
