Elements, Physical Science

The Contributions of the Alchemists to the Science of Chemistry

Objective

In this lesson, you should be able to describe the contributions of the alchemists to the science of
chemistry.

Long before the fundamentals of chemistry were established, there was alchemy. Alchemy was a
speculative science with goals of finding the elixir of life and the philosopher’s stone, which could
transform base metals into gold.

How did alchemy evolve into the science of chemistry?

Learn about it!

Alchemy was a protoscientific tradition practiced in Asia, Egypt, and Europe.

Asian Alchemy

Alchemy developed independently in India. Major accomplishments of Indian alchemists included

isolation of metallic zinc, the invention of steel, and use of flame to identify metals.

In China, alchemy was started by monks. The creation of gold was an aim, but the ultimate goal was
prolonging life. While trying to find the elixir of life, the Chinese were able to invent gunpowder. Also,
through their experiments with sulfur, mercury, and arsenic, they were able to create poisons such as
mercuric sulfide.

In Baghdad, Jabir Ibn Hayyan, a famous Islamic alchemist, used controlled experiments in his
investigations. He was diligent in writing his activities and observations. His works were the first to
mention silver nitrate and red oxide of mercury (mercuric oxide). His writings also described a handful of
laboratory techniques — distillation, crystallization, reduction, calcination, dissolution, and sublimation.

Egyptian Alchemy

Alchemy probably evolved from the Egyptian metallurgy, extending back to 3500 B.C. Some of the
Egyptian documents on alchemy contained manufacturing of imitation gold and silver. They also
contained recipes for dyes and procedures for making artificial gemstones and fabricating pearls. The
recipes and procedures were combined with the knowledge of the classical elements, air, fire, water, and
earth.

European Alchemy

Alchemy also thrived in Europe. One of the foremost alchemists was Paracelsus, who believed that the
organs of the body worked alchemically. He proposed that the three essentials or tria prima, salt,
mercury, and sulfur, should be balanced to maintain health. He also treated diseases with alchemical
approach. He used inorganic salts, minerals, and metals to treat illnesses. He also created laudanum, an
opium tincture used as a painkiller.

The Death of Alchemy and the Beginning of Chemistry

As time passed by, the writings of alchemists became more and more cryptic. They used unintelligible
names for substances. They borrowed symbols and words from myths. Even the simplest formula read
like a magic spell. Even though they used common techniques, alchemists had no standardized scientific
practice.

By the 17th century, alchemy began to decline, as the scientific method was being established. Although
alchemists failed in their lofty goals, they left behind a rich knowledge of chemical information. They
contributed to the vast uses of chemicals such as inks, paints, and cosmetics. They were able to create
procedures to prepare liquors. They developed porcelain material that became China’s most valuable
commodity. Their contributions had been valuable to advancing civilization.

Nonetheless, alchemy had been crucial in the development of the field of Chemistry.

Explore!

Imagine being an alchemist in the Ancient times. What would be your probable contributions to
alchemy?

What do you think?

One of the goals of alchemy was to transform a base metal (such as nickel or copper) into gold. Why is it
difficult with today’s technology?

Key Points
Alchemy was a speculative science with goals of finding the elixir of life and transforming base metals
into gold.

Alchemy was a protoscientific tradition practiced in Egypt, Asia, and Europe.

Although alchemists failed in their lofty goals, they left behind a rich knowledge of chemical information.

Alchemy had been crucial in the development of the field of Chemistry.

Which of the following describe alchemy?

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Q2Single Answer

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Which of the following was believed by the alchemists as the material that could transform base metals
into gold?

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Q3Single Answer

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Who among the following invented the gunpowder?

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Q4Single Answer

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Which of the following is not a contribution of alchemists to modern chemistry?

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Q5Multiple Choice

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Which of the following were the contributions of Indian alchemists?

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Q6Multiple Choice

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Which of the following is true about laudanum?

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Q7Single Answer

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Which of the following sets of substances comprise the tria prima?

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Q8Multiple Choice

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Which of the following became the problems of the alchemy as time passed by?
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Q9Multiple Choice

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Which of the following are contributions of the alchemists to the development of chemistry?

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Q10Single Answer

Question

Alchemists failed to create philosopher's stone, the material that could transform base metals into gold.
But modern scientists can now change base metals such as lead into gold using particle accelerators.

What is the major problem with the use of accelerators?