ALCHEMY
Beginning of paper
The science by aid of which the chemical philosophers of medieval times attempted to transmute the baser metals
into gold or silver. There is considerable divergence of opinion as to the etymology of the word, but it would seem
to be derived from the Arabic al=the, and kimya=chemistry, which in tur ....
Middle of paper
.... they were conversant with their transmutation, employing quicksilver in
the process of separating gold and silver from the native matrix. The resulting oxide was supposed to possess
marvelous powers, and it was thought that there resided within in the individualities of the various metals, that in
it their various substances were incorporated. This black powder was mystically identified with the underworld form
of the god Osiris, and consequently was credited with magical properties. Thus t ....
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Page count: 5 (approximately 250 words per page)
