![]() ![]() It is a short, cryptic text that claims to reveal the secret of the primordial substance and its transmutations. Many of the medieval alchemists were devoutly Christian or Muslim, and began every day with prayers and devotions.Īlchemy as a philosophy (as well as Tarot, the Kabbalah, astrology and all occult studies) owes its existence to a single document called The Emerald Tablet, also known as the Smaragdine Table, The Secrets of Hermes or Tabula smaragdina of Hermes Trismegistus. Some sources connect alchemy with shamanism and metallurgy it was certainly known in Sumer, Egypt and Babylonia and later in Greece, blending more and more with metallurgy and divination until the advent of Christianity, when it became a full-fledged philosophy in its own right. According to, there is some evidence that the advent of alchemy predates the Agricultural Revolution, which occurred around 8,000 years ago. Alchemy was far more than an infantile protoscience based on quasi-scientific principles and steeped in allegory and metaphor, although it certainly had plenty of that. As we shall see, however, the alchemists themselves were anything but crackpots, heathens and Occultists. That is the standard textbook definition of alchemy as a science, one that is found verbatim on any number of alchemy websites. Another etymology links the word with "Al Kemi", meaning "the Egyptian Art", since the ancient Egyptians called their land "Kemi" and were widely regarded as powerful magicians throughout the ancient world. ![]() (from khumatos, "that which is poured out, an ingot"). The word alchemy comes from the Arabic al-kimiya or al-khimiya and the Greek word khumeia, meaning "cast together", "pour together", "weld", "alloy", etc. Alchemy can be regarded as the precursor of the modern science of chemistry prior to the formulation of the scientific method. Two intertwined goals sought by many alchemists were the philosopher's stone, a mythical substance which would enable the transmutation of common metals into gold and the universal panacea, a remedy that would cure all diseases and prolong life indefinitely. A (Very) Short Introduction to AlchemyĪlchemy is an early protoscientific practice combining elements of chemistry, physics, astrology, art, semiotics, metallurgy, medicine, mysticism, and religion. ![]() Finally, I will attempt to make some predictions about the coming book based on the principles of alchemy and the elements necessary for Harry to finish his journey to enlightenment and spiritual immortality. Later, I will discuss the books one at a time, discussing the alchemical imagery and symbolism in each as it relates to both the Seven Stages and to the plot. This paper will trace the ancient history of alchemy, its goals and objectives, and explain the Seven Stages of Alchemical Transformation. ![]()
0 Comments
Leave a Reply. |
AuthorWrite something about yourself. No need to be fancy, just an overview. ArchivesCategories |