The Alchemist: Scientist Of A Forgotten Era

An alchemist is one who practices alchemy, or agrees to, and accepts alchemy as a logical stream of thought or way of life. Alchemy, on the other hand, may be described as the philosophical science of trying to achieve creation of the philosopher's stone, or the elixir of life, though other mythological and religious concepts may apply as well.

The Philosopher's Stone was a special stone with the powers to transform base metal into noble form. That is, for example, copper or iron into silver or gold. Many alchemists of past time studied hard to find this stone, and made endless research on how to create it.

The Elixir of Life was purported to harbor healing abilities, as well as a fountain youth and eternal life. The discovery of this panacea might have been driven by low life spans, or quality, or the simple need to extend one's stay on Earth. Limited medical knowledge may also have attributed to the faith of such a liquid, to save mankind from several deadly diseases.

The principles of alchemy may truly sound laughable in today's times, but the keen thinker will identify a pioneering aspect of alchemy in regards to modern science. Modern science features none of the Hermetic principles alchemy once used and it certainly does not believe in the existence of mythological gods, or humano-cosmological unity.

Perhaps it wouldn't be complete if mention of a third objective of alchemy was left out. Alchemy also strove to discover a universal solvent. As much as water was always available to them, it may be safe assume that they were looking for particularly distinguishing characteristics, which water might not have had.

In any case, the alchemist could also have been looking for a more intellectually fulfilling answer. Preferably one construed from meticulous research, long periods of sleepless nights, wonderful calculations, and mystical significance; all this for their insatiable desire for stimulating philosophy.

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