Alchemy

By Crusader1307

 During The Middle Ages, a select group of persons known as “Alchemists”, attempted to create the laboratory process for Gold. Although most of Alchemy is theoretical (at best), a large and driven group actually attempted (and put great effort into) – trying to create the element of gold in their labs. In addition, the second most driving force in Alchemy was to make humans “immortal”. In order for The Alchemist to achieve these “secrets” (known but forgotten and hidden away for centuries by The Ancients) – they needed to remain pure of spirit. They called it Science, we in the Modern Era call it the “Mystical Arts”. In Europe, the basis for Alchemy's methodology came from Greek Philosopher Aristotle. He theorized that 4 natural elements (earth, wind, fire and water), were the building blocks of everything in the Natural World.

The correct blend of these elements could therefore yield gold (which was thought to possess the perfect combination of the previously mentioned elements). It was further thought that if an imperfect metal (such as lead) could be transformed to retain the perfect “balance” of the elements – gold would be produced. In order to alter the properties of matter, Alchemists would heat and disintegrate, liquefy and vaporize – substances – hoping to achieve gold. In the process, they gained practical experience that would ultimately form the foundation of the Science of Chemistry.

Alchemists theorized on the existence of a substance called “The Philosopher's Stone”. This substance was thought to have the power to transform the base metals into gold. It could also restore youth and beauty. The finding of this substance was the primary focus of research and experiments for most Alchemists. Alchemy was not a new Art in The Middle Ages. Practices were documented by many ancient cultures before the Era. Often, from The Middle East – great expense (as well as life and limb), were spent to collect and find ancient Alchemy documents and writing. These were needed so that Medieval Alchemists could re-attempt the experiments. In the 11th Century, Persian Alchemist Ibn Sima - theorized that impure metals could never be broken down into their bases and changed to gold. Other Alchemists were not so sure (thinking Sima found the secret and was simply hiding it).

Following The Crusades, many Arab texts were brought back to England and other Countries – translated and studied. Initially, The Catholic Church viewed Alchemy as a form of science, and even allowed Thomas Aquinas to study it (although it is unclear if Aquinas attempted any experiments). Many Kings and Royalty spent untold sums to hire Alchemists to attempt to create gold. Although many other useful chemicals and compounds were discovered or created, no “Philosopher Stone” was truly uncovered. When The Church discovered that Alchemists used Astrology in conjunction with their experiments – Alchemy was condemned as heretical. Alchemists had to work “underground” and without Royal sanction (although there were plenty of rich and greedy Nobles to fund them. Alchemy did lead to important discoveries nonetheless. Some were Sulfuric and Hydrochloric acids as well as Nitric acids. These were identified in 13th Century as “Mineral Acids”.