Alchemy
Alchemy is a science that was widely
practiced during the Middle Ages by scientists and monks. Alchemists
used science and "magic" in devoting their time to finding a way to transmute,
or change substances from one form into another.
The two major goals of alchemists
were : the transmutation of lead and other base metals into gold, and the
discovery of the "elixir of life". Supposedly, this drink would cure
all illnesses, restore youth, and prolong life. This elixir was even
said to provide immortality.
Alchemy originated in Egypt
in approximately 300 B.C. One legend says that alchemy was founded
by the Greek god Hermes, or Mercury, as he was called by the Romans.
Truthfully, alchemy was started by Greek scientists who were trying to
change common metals into gold. Although they were unsuccessful in
their mission, they did learn how to make copper look like gold, using
mercury.
Alchemy spread from Egypt to the Middle East, and
also Western Europe. It flourished during the Middle Ages, and was
quite popular. But by the 18th century, it slowly started to fade
away. Scientists sort of gave up on the practice, but it isn’t totally
dead.
Alchemists believed that each
metal was represented by one of the bodies of the solar system. In
this system, gold represents the sun, silver represents the moon, iron
represents Mars, mercury represents Mercury, copper represents Venus, and
tin represents Jupiter. These alchemists believed that the success
of their experiments depended on the position of these bodies.
Most of these "scientists" were
phony, and tricked gullible people into believing their tricks. But
some alchemists, such as Roger Bacon, and Paracelsus made important contributions
to science. Experiments done by such men provided information about
salt, mercury, sulfur, and other substances. They also provided
answers to questions about chemical processes, like condensation, evaporation,
and combustion.
Although alchemists never achieved their goal, modern
scientists nearly have. By bombarding atoms with protons and neutrons,
atoms of one element have been changed into atoms of a different element.
It has even been proven possible to change lead into gold.
Bibliography
1. Merit Students Encyclopedia, Letter A.
Macmillan Educational Company: New York, 1991.
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