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Alchemical symbols were used to denote chemical elements and compounds, as well as alchemical apparatus and processes, until the 18th century. Although notation was ...
The Squared Circle: an alchemical symbol (17th century) illustrating the interplay of the four elements of matter symbolizing the philosopher's stone The 16th-century Swiss alchemist Paracelsus ( Philippus Aureolus Theophrastus Bombastus von Hohenheim ) believed in the existence of alkahest , which he thought to be an undiscovered element from ...
Another literary work taking inspiration from the alchemical tradition is the 1988 novel The Alchemist by Brazilian writer Paulo Coelho. Visual artists have had a similar relationship with alchemy. While some used it as a source of satire, others worked with the alchemists themselves or integrated alchemical thought or symbols in their work.
The magnum opus had a variety of alchemical symbols attached to it. Birds like the raven, swan, and phoenix could be used to represent the progression through the colors. Similar color changes could be seen in the laboratory, where for example, the blackness of rotting, burnt, or fermenting matter would be associated with nigredo.
Alchemical authors used similes to describe the universal nature of the prima materia. Arthur Edward Waite states that all alchemical writers concealed its "true name". Since the prima materia has all the qualities and properties of elementary things, the names of all kinds of things were assigned to it. [5]
Pseudo-Geber – later Latin alchemist who wrote the influential Summa perfectionis. Roger Bacon – staunch proponent of the use of alchemy. Paracelsus – developer of iatrochemistry. Robert Boyle – alchemist critical of Paracelsus, credited as the father of modern chemistry. Mary Anne Atwood – key figure in the occult revival of alchemy.
Glauber's salt – sodium sulfate.Na 2 SO 4; Sal alembroth – salt composed of chlorides of ammonium and mercury.; Sal ammoniac – ammonium chloride.; Sal petrae (Med. Latin: "stone salt")/salt of petra/saltpetre/nitrate of potash – potassium nitrate, KNO 3, typically mined from covered dungheaps.
Pages in category "Alchemical symbols" The following 14 pages are in this category, out of 14 total. This list may not reflect recent changes. ...