ALCHEMY

See Also: ASTROLOGY; MENU

Until the early 17^thC belief natural magic was a rationale worldview. Gravity and magnetism were regarded as being evidence of the occult forces that were in operation. Alloys proved that metals were transmutable.

Alchemists were involved in the development practical technology processes, such as dyeing.

Geoffrey Chaucer's Cannon Yeoman's Tale gave a very jaundiced view of alchemy.

Ben Jonson portrayed the fraudulent practitioner in his plays.

##

Dr Dee

### ####

Dr Dee's Mirror

#####

The obsidian mirror was Aztec-made. Bat excrement was used to polish it. The material retained the skeletons of insects, therefore, a very fine abrasive.

Language seems to have been invented. Long-distance trade in obsidian, etc. emerged at much the same time.

Location: The British Museum, Great Russell Street, WC1B 3DG (blue, yellow)

##

Sir Isaac Newton

###

Newton wrote over a million words on alchemy. He wrote even more on theology.

Location: 87 Jermyn Street, SW1Y 6JD (red, brown)

Westminster Public Library, 35 St Martin's Street, Leicester Fields (now Leicester Square), WC2H 7HP. (purple, brown) Newton settled in a house on the eastern side in 1710.

Website: www.newtonproject.ox.ac.uk/texts/newtons-works/alchemical

David Backhouse 2024