Week 6: Alchemy - Science, magic, art?

Back in the 17th century “Alchemy” and Chemistry were synonymous, and both referred to “the study of matter by analysis, synthesis, and transmutation”. Then in the 18th century, the term alchemy started to be used to refer to attempts to turn base metals such as lead into gold. By the 20th century, the meaning of the term alchemy came to be used in yet a different manner, referring primarily to psychic or spiritual transformation.

I would venture to say that alchemy can be considered all three: science, art and magic. The science part is easy, due to the common heritage of today’s chemistry from the soil of alchemy. And, indeed, today there is a new type of alchemy developing in chemistry with the development and future use of super atoms which can combine into super molecules, with the potential for becoming new materials…the chemistry of which might be able to be harnessed to make more efficient fuels. Another possibility, is that these super atoms might provide new types of materials, like expanded crystals, with superconducting capabilities. These, in turn, might be able to be used to bond with other conducting polymers, in order to create new, unique molecules with improved conductivity. And another use of such materials would be as a fuel additive to boost the reactivity and produce more energy from a given fuel. This application is pure science; yet, there is also an aspect of art inherent in this process of discovery and creation of new materials.

On the other hand, alchemy can be considered a magical process, especially as it relates to the human psyche and the healing arts. The alchemical process of healing is inherently one of transformation: with the use of acupuncture and herbs, from illness and imbalance comes health and balance. Certainly the use of the needles and herbs induce changes in the body that invoke changes in the body’s chemistry. To go from a state of sickness to health, due to the body’s own healing mechanism, is nothing short of pure magic!