...Dreams of success, happiness, wealth, long life, health, or intelligence, whatever it may be, dreams affect the lives of many people. Some may live to fulfill their dreams, some live not realizing their dreams, and others hide their dreams in fear of failing in the end. People lay out excuses, whether it may be the problem with time, money, family, or work, these factors should not interfere with working to achieve your dreams. There is no doubt that it won’t be an easy process, there will be obstacles, and there will be challenges, how you overcome these things are up to you. Your reaction to these hardships could in fact make it or break it. This process of achieving your dreams is shown in Paulo Coelho’s The Alchemist. Coelho’s novel was written to show the importance of dreams and having something to live for. In an interview with a magazine, Coelho explained, “The Alchemist is about -- well, it is a fable about the necessity we have to follow our dreams.” Coelho also added, “They will lose their jobs, they will start having problems, but it is the only choice because in any case, you have to pay a price for your dreams,” when he was asked about the problems that may evoke when people would start chasing their dreams. To Paulo Coelho, The Alchemist was written to show the self sacrifice that needed to be made to follow your dreams. The Alchemist outlines the adventures of Santiago, as young shepherd, as he travels from his homeland in Spain to Egypt in search of a treasure...
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...Plot The Alchemist follows the journey of an Andalusian (southern Spanish) shepherd boy named Santiago. Believing a recurring dream to be prophetic, Santiago decides to travel to a Romani fortune-teller in a nearby town to discover its meaning. The gypsy woman interprets the dream as a prophecy telling the boy that there is a treasure in the pyramids in Egypt. Early into his journey, he meets an old king, whose name was Melchizedek, who tells him to sell his sheep to travel to Egypt and introduces the idea of a Personal Legend (which is always capitalized in the book). Your Personal Legend "is what you have always wanted to accomplish. Everyone, when they are young, knows what their Personal Legend is."[3] He adds that "when you want something, all the universe conspires in helping you to achieve it." This is the core theme of the book. Along the way, Santiago meets an Englishman who has come in search of an Alchemist and continues his travels with him. They travel through the Sahara desert and during his journey, Santiago meets and falls in love with a beautiful Arabian woman named Fatima, who resides with her clan near around the desert Oasis. He asks Fatima to marry him, but she says she will only marry him after he completes his journey and finds his treasures. He is perplexed by this, but later learns that true love will not stop nor plead to sacrifice one's Personal Legend, and if it does, it is not true love. Santiago then encounters a lone alchemist who also teaches...
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...Hennig Brand discovered phosphorus in 1669, in Hamburg, Germany, preparing it from urine. (Urine naturally contains considerable quantities of dissolved phosphates.) Brand called the substance he had discovered ‘cold fire’ because it was luminous, glowing in the dark. He did not reveal his method publicly, choosing instead to sell it to Johann Daniel Kraft and Kunckel von Lowenstern. For further payment he also revealed his secret to Gottfried Wilhelm Leibniz, better known for discovering calculus independently of Isaac Newton. Leibniz, also thinking as an alchemist, mistakenly believed Brand might be able to discover the philosophers’ stone by producing a large quantity of phosphorus. Brand’s method is believed to have consisted of evaporating urine to leave a black residue that was then left for a few months. The residue was then heated with sand, driving off a variety of gases and oils which were condensed in water. The final substance to be driven off, condensing as a white solid, was phosphorus. This was a typically alchemical method – alchemists examined the properties of body fluids, hoping to better understand living things in their search for the philosophers’ stone, which they believed offered the prospect of eternal life. Brand’s method became more widely known in 1737 when an unknown person sold it to the Academy of Sciences in Paris. Phosphorus was produced by this method until the 1770s when Swedish scientist Carl Wilhelm Scheele – the discoverer of chlorine and...
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...The History of Ancient Chemistry © Copyright 2002 by Lois Fruen This article accompanies the textbook The Real World of Chemistry 6th ed by Lois Fruen Kendall/Hunt Publishing ISBN 0-7872-9677-5 (Information from Alan Shapiro’s History of Science class at the University of Minnesota and Early Greek Science: Thales to Aristotle by G.E.R. Lloyd.) __________________________________________________________________ It is said that science began with the Greeks. However, development of science in Greece drew on the older, more mature cultures of Egypt and Babylonia. Scientific thought advanced and literature flourished in Babylon under King Hammurabi (1792-1750 BC) due to the stability of his reign. Babylonian astrologers kept records of the movement of planets and made detailed lists of stars and constellations. Known metals such as gold, silver, mercury, lead, tin, iron, and copper were matched with the brightest heavenly bodies: sun, moon, Mercury, Saturn, Jupiter, Mars, and Venus respectively. Symbols assigned to these metals by the ancient Babylonians are used today by astronomers as the symbols for the planets. The early Greek (Presocratic) philosophers were particularly concerned about the origin of the universe and began to explain natural phenomenon by natural causes rather than supernatural acts. Philosophers who lived in Miletus (on the coast of modern-day Turkey) were the most influential early thinkers. Thales of Miletus (582 BC) suggested that water was the basic...
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...1/21 4/19/2015 The Rosicrucian Initiate Degrees (19) lessons thread, page 1 The first Initiate degree introduces the concept of polarity and its relationship to the subatomic world and its vast range of vibratory rates. It introduces the full spectrum of physical and non‐physical manifestations. An understanding of these subjects gives you an appreciation of the system and order of the universe, the interconnectedness of all nature and how everything is governed by natural law. Topics include: Structure of Matter The Vibratory Keyboard Positive and Negative as Vibratory Polarities Rosicrucian Definitions of Electricity, Magnetism, and Electromagnetism Subatomic Particles Rosicrucian Classification of Elements Material Alchemy Exercises relating to the topics. Degree 2 Duration: 3 months The second...
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....2. Definition of literary criticism Literary criticism is the study, analysis, and evaluation of imaginative literature. Everyone who expresses an opinion about a book, a song, a play, or a movie is a critic, but not everyone’s opinion is based upon thought, reflection, analysis, or consistently principles. A single thought does not reflect a complete criticism. To develop literary criticism or any type of academic criticism, a student needs to support his/her ideas with examples from the text. 4. Examples (Frankenstein and Hamlet) Mary Shelley's Frankenstein is an early product of the modern Western world. Written during the Romantic movement of the early 19th century, the book exemplifies themes that were born from the romantic era. The liberation of European revolutions came with high ideals and a strong belief in man's influence over his environment. In Shelley's novel, the reader can see the harsh reality that takes hold of such ideals. The book provides the concepts of the romantic disillusionment with the established order produced a crisis of idealism, faith in human perfectibility, and revolutionary energy. 6. Historical Analysis of the story How does the work reflect the time in which it was written? * In the XIX century, the creationism was in crisis, so that the positivism appeared, -although not totally- the faith in science replaced faith in God. In the story, science itself becomes religion not only for Aylmer but also for Georgina (along...
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...Alchemy Recipes There are multiple methods of discovering useful recipes – the most obvious is just to guess. However, this is not the recommended way, as it can result in wastage of precious reagents, and time of course. The other alternative is to purchase recipe formulae from merchants and learn them. However, that takes up money, so be careful about the quality of recipes you buy. Minor Potions – As the name would suggest, these are the most basic potions with average effects. Some minor potions, along with their recipes, are given below: Minor Alchemist’s Art 1x Embereyes,1x Sky Blossom Minor Assassin’s Evasion 1x Cripplespore Caps,1x Sky Blossom Minor Blacksmith’s Craft 1x Tindertwig,1x Sky Blossom Minor Blazing Salve 2x Tindertwig,1x Scarwood Bark Minor Bleeding Resistance 2x Scarlet Flowstone,1x Ysa’s Breath Minor Burning Sentinel 2x Tindertwig,1x Edelweiss Minor Current Stopper 2x Eel Petal,1x Ysa’s Breath Minor Damage Boost 3x Sativa Fibers,3x Star Thistle,2x Scarwood Bark Minor Damage Deflection 2x Sativa Fibers, 2x Star Thistle, 1x Ysa’s Breath Minor Dispelling Boost 1x Star Thistle, 1x Sky Blossom Minor Experience Boost 2x Prismere Dust,1x Leechwood Bark Minor Flameguard 1x Tindertwig,1x Ysa’s Breath Minor Flesh Eater 2x Black Cohosh,2x Leechwood Bark Minor Force Potion 2x Sativa Fibers,1x Scarwood Bark Minor Freezing Sentinel 2x White Flake,1x Edelweiss Minor Frostbite 2x White Flake,1x Scarwood Bark Minor Frostguard 1x White Flake,1x Ysa’s Breath ...
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...e-mail: dotero@spanport.rutgers.edu phone: 732. 848.6874 seminar description: Paulo Coelho’s The Alchemist is as a modern classic. Originally published in Portuguese in 1988, this novel has since been translated into 67 languages, becoming one of the best-selling books in history. Inspired by the teachings of ancient alchemy, the story narrates the adventures of a shepherd named Santiago, as he travels through the African desert in the pursuit of his dream: to see the pyramids in Egypt. As he journeys through the desert, Santiago becomes the ultimate alchemist when he learns to transform his life by tapping into the language of the soul. Our first goal in the seminar will be two-fold: to explore the contemplative principles of ancient alchemy as the foundation for this allegorical text and to delve into the “messy” stages of a hero’s journey. In medieval times, alchemy was considered a science, aimed specifically to transmute base metals into gold, to discover a universal cure for disease, and to prolong life. In our days, “alchemy” is basically understood as a metaphor for personal transformation. Indeed, the poetic connotations of the word “alchemy” underscore its lack of substantive merit to make it in the “real” world. Because highly industrialized societies, such as our own, unequivocally privilege clear, specific, and goal-oriented plans as the main foundation for success rarely an academic seminar addresses the role that creativity, authenticity and happiness play...
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...Over the past several centuries, artists and chemists have works with one another to develop the pigments and paints that we use today. Beginning in ancient Mesopotamia craftsmen discovered that by combing soapstone, ground up copper minerals, sand, and chalk, they could create a blue material. This material eventually became a crucial part of Egyptian art and culture. At the beginning of the eighteenth century, an alchemist was working on creating a red lake pigment. A lake pigment is usually made by combining a dye with metallic salts. At some point, this alchemist received contaminated potash, an alkaline potassium compound often potassium carbonate or hydroxide, and produced a dark blue color. This pigment was soon sold in large amounts...
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...In the following research paper, it will be argued that Lavoisier single-handedly advanced chemistry from the long-lasting period of alchemy to the era of modern chemistry that we know today. In support of such claim, Lavoisier’s discrediting of the phlogiston theory in 1778 and subsequent publication of “Elements of Chemistry” in 1787 will be discussed, with mention being made to Lavoisier’s implementation of algebra into his chemical equations. The question that will be asked is why did alchemy have to be replaced? What made the public and scientific community shy away from alchemy, and what were Lavoisier’s effect in that? When chemistry emerged, it became a concise practice that aided in bridging the gap between the natural sciences....
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...Cosmetic surgery: the magic potion? A study by Psychology Today magazine shows that many people are not satisfied with their looks: 60,000,000 do not like their noses; 30,000,000 do not like their chins; 6,000,000 do not like their ears and 6,000,000 do not like their eyes. Unfortunately, science has achieved so far to try to meet our society's unhealthy level of ‘perfect body'. Cosmetic surgery: the hype of the moment. But is it the magic potion? Certainly not. To begin with, there is no point in cutting into a healthy body. How small the operation might be, for example cosmetic nose surgery, there is always a chance something goes wrong. The numbers are very alarming: in 20% of all cases, the patient has to recover from the damage he experienced. Although serious risks such as blindness and heavy lung problems are rather rare, less serious risks may not be concealed: chronic pain, allergic reaction, delayed or prolonged healing, ... In any case, cosmetic surgery is far from pain free. And what is more: a number of surgeries have already failed. ‘The magic potion' caused a many people to die because of operations that were far from needed. To take one example: the 36-year old housewife Lorraine Batt, mother of three young children, came to an untimely death as the result of surgery that would make her belly more pretty to look at. Such tragic events are a strong warning that our society has to move into a less appearance-focused...
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...Zachary Pashenee College Writing/Research Mr. Kreiner 4/14/11 Critical Analysis The Alchemist Paulo Coehlo’s novel “The Alchemist” is a narrative story written in third person omniscient. On the surface, the title may be viewed simply as the title of a key character in the story. However, the title holds a much deeper meaning. The author, in the novel “The Alchemist,” is actually drawing many parallels from the teachings of alchemy and he is applying them to a healthy lifestyle. As you read deeper you discover an ever deeper level of connection as Paulo creates a philosophical map to reach your goals and dreams. Alchemy at its very basic fundamentals is an ancient practice of taking something invaluable and, through change, making it valuable. A teaching that allows insight into a very important life quality: using the resources you have to your advantage. “When each day is the same as the next, it’s because people fail to recognize the good things that happen in their lives every day that the sun rises” (29). This is a quintessential element in “The Alchemist.” Santiago, the main character, embarks on a journey after a dream reveals to him a destination of hidden treasure in the Egyptian desert. Each day Santiago faces new challenges on the road to his treasure, and each time he accepts these challenges and turns them into steps that bring him closer to his treasure. The author makes Santiago very relatable throughout the novel by creating the absence of a name. Allowing...
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...The Canon's Yeoman's prologue and Tale Canon and Yeoman are two new characters that join the pilgrimage. Just about second nun is about to finish her story; these two men come riding on their horses and join them. The host invites them to join the group and ask them to tell the tale. Yeoman steps in and start telling about Canon, how he trick others. Canon listening to Yeoman quickly ran away and did not come back. Yeoman starts the story with his seven years experience in Alchemy with Canon. He explains how he is discolored working front of fire. Working with Canon has made him broke and he is in large debt now. The Tale is about Alchemist, art of converting base metal into gold. According to narrator Alchemist use trickery rather than their art. “That al this ground on which we been ridyng, Til that we come to Caunterbury toun, He koude al clene turnen up-so-doun, And pave it al of silver and of gold”. Meaning, Canon can pave all the remaining distance to Canterbury with gold and silver. Initially it was unclear to readers, what it meant, yeoman explained how he and Canon used to trick people, Yeoman was confessing the crime, he and Canon commit, by taking people money and giving them false gold. Yeoman introduces us to the priest, who was tricked by them by his own foolishness, thinking metal can be turned in to gold. Yeoman explain by tricks and schemes, Canon gets money from people and taking them in confidence and conning them, taking more money is also part of their act...
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...There are many ways to examine the subject of alchemy, including alchemy as a source of symbolism, psychology, and mysticism. It has also been an influence on the world view of various writers, artist, and musicians. The focus of this report is alchemy as a pre-chemistry, which gave a new impulse towards the preparation of medicinal remedies and also was a major influence on today's scientific investigations. Alchemy is an ancient art, practiced in the Middle Ages. The fundamental concept of alchemy stemmed from Aristotle's doctrine that all things tend to reach perfection. Because other metals were thought to be less perfect than gold, it was reasonable to believe that nature created gold out of other metals found deep within the earth and that a skilled artisan could duplicate this process. It was said that once someone was able to change, or transmute a "base" chemical into the perfect metal, gold, they would have achieved eternal life and salvation. In this way, alchemy turned into not only a scientific quest, but a spiritual quest as well. Although the purposes and techniques were often times ritualistic and fanciful, alchemy was in many ways the predecessor of modern science, especially the science of chemistry. The birthplace of alchemy was ancient Egypt, where, in Alexandria, it began to flourish during the Hellenistic period. Also at that time, a school of alchemy was developing in China. The writings of some Greek philosophers may be considered to be among the...
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...Soul of the World What is Soul? "the spiritual or immaterial part of a human being or animal, regarded as immortal." In some philosophical and religious belief systems, a spiritual principle having the same relation to the physical world as the human soul does to the body. The soul is self, the "I" that occupies the human body and acts through it. Without the soul, the body is like a light bulb without electricity, mobile without camera. Soul gives our body the ability to see, hear, think, talk, emotions, will power, desire, personality and identity. The soul is eternal. It has always existed! It existed long before your birth as a physical human, and will exist forever after your physical death. A physical lifetime is just a blink of the eye; a temporary "soul growth experience". In reality, not only the human beings but every little thing possesses a soul, as do plants and even inanimate objects; every leaf on branches has a soul, and so does every grain of sand. Soul doesn’t only keep us alive but it supports our existence as well. Soul gives meaning and purpose to our existence. God created every soul in a different way, no soul resembles to one another, soul is an 'inner identity'. As you age, your body gets older, weak, tired, but spiritually you don't feel it. You hear people say, " I don't feel 50 years old!" That's because you are feeling your soul. Your soul never ages, get sick, or dies. The 'soul of the world' is according to various systems of thoughts...
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