Alchemy/History

History and Significance

Esoteric History of Alchemy

Alchemy started in prehistory and we have no record of this and have to use intuition and the psyche to address this area

Synthesis

The development of modern science

The early history of science integrated the search for truth with a religious component. Modern secularised science felt this aspect of the search for knowledge was contrary to its aims and marginalised any elements with a religious or mystical content.

Alchemists regard 'science' as a 'bastard son' of their Arte. The reason being the moral and spineless pursuit of knowledge bereft of consequence or foresight. Alchemy is more influential than it has ever been. The nature of this influence is found in the Emerald Tablet.

The Philosopher's Stone -- Alchemy and the Physical Sciences

The early history of science integrated the search for truth with a religious component. Modern secularized science felt this aspect of the search for knowledge was contrary to its aims and marginalized any elements with a religious or mystical content. Chemistry is most often associated with alchemy but it can be seen even today in medicine with the caduceus (the staff of Hermes) being the recognized symbol for medicine. The agenda of alchemy has always been the furtherance of human knowledge and the integration and improvement of society. Alchemy has also been a technological system, interested in working operations and the preparation of material wealth, longevity and a big theory of everything now being attempted by 'puffer' physics.

Relationship to Chemistry

Roger Bacon in 1200 came across a recipe involving honey (carbon) and brimstone (sulphur) which created a volatile explosive mixture. Realizing the military potential of this substance he did not release this information and it was another 200 years before the use of gunpowder was 'discovered' by the Western militia.

Relationship to Metallurgy

The charlatans of science claimed that the transmuation of one element into another was impossible. Then they started to understand how this was possible and began to do so.

Now we have quantum science in which observation is altering the nature of reality at the quantum level. Alchemy has always in the operative phase used observation to alter the nature of the Great Work

Atomic table

The Elixir homunculus

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Alchemy is most often associated with chemistry, but it can be seen even today in medicine with the caduceus (the staff of Hermes) being the recognised symbol for medicine.

Elixirs, Caduceus, Bombastus

Spagyrism

Spagyrism is the practical application of alchemy in medical treatment. Philippus Theophrast Bombastus von Hohenheim (1493-1541), commonly called Paracelsus, was one of the most famous spagyrists. "The physician," he wrote, "is he who in the bodily diseases takes the place of God and administers for Him."

Distilling the Soul -- Alchemy and the Perfection of the Spirit

Relationship to Religion

Influence on magic, ritual, Christianity, Rasayana, Taoism, Elixirs

Relationship to Psychology

Jung, dream analysis