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Alchemy Research Paper

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In modern times, the ancient science of alchemy appears to have drifted in to the realm of science fiction. Regarded as nonsensical, many view alchemy as pointless. After all, their goals were impossible and their methods dangerous. Compared to the rationality of modern science, alchemy was full of supernatural fiction. Yet, it would be foolish to claim it was unimportant when it clearly influenced many modern sciences. Many great scientists were themselves alchemists. Many methods modern chemists use derive from methods of alchemy. While unsuccessful in its endeavors, it was alchemy that birthed chemistry as we know it today.
The main goal of alchemy is change: to change lead into gold, to change old into youth, to change sickness into health …show more content…
Studying Rasavādam, a form of alchemy, Kanada came to the conclusion that the world was made of five elements: water, earth, fire, air, and Aether ("Maharshi Kanada”). The elements came together in different proportions to create different things. In order for this to change, heat or energy must be added (“Maharshi Kanada”). At the very core of all things was the anu, a microscopic, indivisible particle. These particles could be mixed to produce various changes with heat (“Maharshi Kanada”). This parallels the atomic theory of today. Alchemy, while often factually incorrect, has raised many ideas that would be come to be tested over the years. More often than not, a tested wrong answer is just as important as a correct one. It provides a foundation to test upon. Like many early scientific theories, Kanada’s early atomic theory has clear errors; however, it is still fundamentally similar to the modern …show more content…
Educated in the study of ore for mining missions, Paracelsus was introduced to metallurgy and alchemy at an early age (Hargrave). After his graduation from the University of Ferrara, Paracelsus wandered the world and discovered practical alchemy and medicine (Hargrave). He would use this practical knowledge to completely revolutionize the medical field. Founder of the field of toxicology, Paracelsus believed that anything that could hurt the body could also hurt something else hurting the body, or, as he put it, “what makes a man ill also cures him” (Hargrave). Paracelsus realized that chemicals that could harm a human could also be used to cure one of diseases. This use of chemicals against illness once thought to be curses was revolutionary for its time. It is a clear foundation of modern

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