C+-++What+is+Alchemy?

Adrian Sin


 * __ What is alchemy? __**
 * · Alchemy is the precursor to our modern chemistry.
 * · It has been said that alchemy was originated in ancient Egypt
 * · Practiced all over the world in the Middle Ages until the 1800’s when modern chemistry began to replace it.
 * · Alchemy included many of the chemistry-related processes that have become known as chemical arts such as the work of metals and alloys, glassmaking, glass colouring, and the preparation and use of pigments, dyes, and therapeutic agents.
 * · Alchemy involves a study of chemical properties of various substances, however, with a mystical bent.
 * · Appeared as a system of philosophy that strove to penetrate the mystery of life as well as to master the formation of inanimate substances.
 * · Main goals of alchemy were the transmutation of base metals into gold and the attainment of the "Philosopher's Stone," a substance that would bring perfection to life.

The fascination of gold in alchemy came from the idea that gold was the perfect metal. It is very rare, dense, did not tarnish opposed to other metals, and no single acid or base back then could dissolve it. They believed that if one could understand the essence of this perfect metal, the essence of all substances less perfect than gold could be understood, which they thought lead to the creation of all substances, including gold.
 * Why gold? **


 * · The focus of alchemical thought and process was the manipulation of matter in such a way as to, ultimately, increase longevity.
 * · The goals of an alchemist were never really achieved but this did not mean that thousands of years were wasted.
 * · Identified the elements arsenic, antimony, and bismuth.
 * · Invented lab tools and supplies such as the test tube, and closed crucibles.
 * · Established a lot of lab techniques used today such as distillation, filtration, crystallization, and extraction

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"What is Alchemy?." //wiseGEEK: clear answers for common questions//. N.p., n.d. Web. 9 Nov. 2010. .