Humanity has always been interested in something mystical, mysterious, unknown. A science such as alchemy arose a long time ago, but interest in it has not disappeared to this day. And nowadays, many people are wondering what alchemy is. Let's figure it out.
The concept and essence of alchemy
The first association that comes to the mind of an ordinary person when he hears the word "alchemy" is magic. But actually it is an occult science that shows how to achieve the essence of all existing things. Many consider it to be pseudoscience, which is focused on obtaining so-called alchemical gold from ordinary metals and thus enriching it. Many practicing alchemists really set themselves the goal of enrichment, but the original meaning of alchemy was to understand the essence of man and the whole world. Thanks to philosophical thoughts, real alchemists praise the unity of the world, claim that they take part in the cosmic process of creation.
Another association of people with the word "alchemy" is a potion. And there really is some sense in this. In alchemy, mixing of various ingredients is practiced. The main essence of this science is that everything that exists is moving and striving for development.
The history of the word "alchemy"
Answering the question of what alchemy is, it is necessary to know the history of the origin of this science. It is believed that for the first time this science arose in the Ancient World: in Greece, Egypt and Rome, and then it spread to the East. It is impossible to say exactly what this word means, because it has many roots. The first version suggests that alchemy comes from the word Chymeia, which means "insist", "pour". This word indicates the medical practice of many ancient doctors. According to another version, the name comes from the word Khem, which symbolizes the black earth, the country (Egypt). Ancient Greek sources indicate the origin of the words "hum" and "hemevisis" - casting, mixing, flow.
The basis and goals of alchemy
Alchemy performs three main functions:
- Find a way to get gold from simple metals to get rich and gain power.
- Achieve immortality.
- To find happiness.
The basis of alchemy is the use of four basic elements. According to this theory, developed by Plato and Aristotle, the universe was created by the Demiurge, who created 4 elements of the element from the source matter: water, earth, fire, air. Alchemists added three more to these elements: mercury, sulfur, and salt. Mercury is feminine, sulfur is masculine, salt is movement. By mixing all these elements in a different order, transmutation is achieved. As a result of transmutation, a philosopher's stone should be obtained, which is also called the elixir of immortality. Most often, the receipt of this elixir is the main goal of many alchemists. But before receiving the coveted elixir, a true alchemist must comprehend his true spiritual nature. Otherwise, it will not be possible to get the treasured philosopher's stone.
Alchemical evolution and stages of the transformation of metals into gold
The famous alchemists, on the basis of their many years of reasoning and studies, came to the conclusion that from the very beginning all the metals were noble, but over time some of them turned black and dirty, which led to their ignorance.
There are several main stages in the conversion of simple metals to noble:
- Calcinatio - this stage involves the rejection of all worldly things, of all personal interests;
- Putrefactio - this step involves the removal of perishable ashes;
- Solutio - symbolizes the purification of matter;
- Distillatio - consideration of all elements of the purification of matter;
- Coincidentia oppositorum - a combination of opposite phenomena;
- Sublimation - means torment after giving up worldly things for the pursuit of the spiritual;
- Philosophical hardening is a combination of the principles of airiness and concentration.
The evolution of alchemy consists in letting everything pass through itself, even if it brings great harm, and then it is necessary to recover using the energy that you received in the previous stage.
Great alchemists
All alchemists tried to answer the question of what alchemy is. This science has played a significant role in the history of mankind. Many philosophers have suggested that alchemy has much in common with psychology. This science helps a person to open up as individuals and achieve their individual spiritual goals. Many people practiced alchemy from the very beginning of its inception. But the key role in this was played by the alchemists of the Middle Ages.
One of the most famous alchemists is considered to be Nicola Flamel (years of life 1330-1418). Nicola was born in a very poor family, at a young age he left for Paris to become a clerk. He married a middle-aged lady, received a small capital and opened several workshops. Flamel decided to start selling books. His alchemical career began thanks to a dream in which an angel showed Flamel a book containing all the secrets. He found this book and began to study it diligently. It is not known how he was able to comprehend all the truths, but literally three years later the alchemist managed to get a philosopher's stone and turn ordinary mercury into silver, and after a while, gold. Beginning in 1382, Nikola Flamel began to grow rich, he bought land, houses. Engaged in charity and just gave money. Rumors of his fabulous wealth reached the king, but with the help of bribes Flamel was able to hide his wealth from the king. In 1418, the alchemist died. But they say that in addition to gold and silver, Nikola comprehended the secrets of an immortal life. He staged his death, and he went on a journey with his wife.
Alchemist Paracelsus
Another no less famous alchemist was Paracelsus (years of life 1493-1541). This man was a famous physician, and many deny his role in alchemy. Pratsels tried to find a philosopher's stone, but did not believe that he could turn metal into gold. The alchemist needed him in order to comprehend the secret of immortality and create medicines. Pratsels believed that anyone can do something that is beyond the power of nature, only time and effort is needed. Medicine owes much to Pratsels. It was this doctor who rejected the theory that epileptics are obsessed with evil spirits. The scientist said that he managed to create a philosopher's stone, and he is immortal, but died, falling from a height when he was 48 years old.
Denis Zasher: brief information
Denis Zasher (years of life 1510-1556). Born into a fairly wealthy family. In his youth, he went to the University of Bordeaux to study philosophy. His mentor turned out to be an alchemist, who introduced the young guy to this science. Together with the mentor, they studied and tested more and more new recipes for alchemy. But time after time they failed. Zasher’s money quickly ran out, so he went home and mortgaged his property. But the experiments did not bring results, and the money simply flowed through the fingers. Denis decided to go to Paris, where he spent several years alone, studying philosophy and recipes for alchemy. In 1550, he still managed to make a precious metal - gold, out of mercury. Denis gave all his debts to everyone and left for Germany, where he wanted to live a long and carefree life. But a relative killed him while he was sleeping, and left with his wife.
Seefeld at a glance
For a very long time, very little information was known about this alchemist. From childhood, Seefeld was fond of alchemy and conducted experiments. Of course, he did not succeed, and ridicule rained down on him from all sides. Then he left Austria and returned only ten years later, and settled in a small town with one family that received him. In gratitude, he showed the owner how he learned to mine gold from ordinary metals. Soon the whole city knew that Seefeld was a real alchemist. The emperor found out about his experiences and sentenced him to life imprisonment for fraud. But soon Seefeld was pardoned, but on condition that he would continue his experiments for the emperor. But after a while, Seefeld fled the country, and no one else knows anything about his fate. He literally vanished into thin air.
Thanks to the above information, it becomes much clearer what alchemy is, what its essence is and why it is needed.