-
400
Magic!
People have always believed that they could gain control of their fate through the practice of magic -
400
Pursuit of Magic!
Towns and villages had wise ladys or pharmacists that mixed potions or made charms to ward off evil, bring good luck, and cure illness -
450
Alchemy
The first alchemists were mysticism and magic based, and relied on superstition and tradition. Concepts of Alchemy
-derived from the teachings of Aristotle
-matter is composed of 4 elements; water, fire, air, earth
-every element is either hot or cold and warm or dry
-everything can be pared down into it's purest and simplest form
-rearrange properties to transform into other elements (typically gold) -
500
Alchemy Becomes More Scientific
Alchemists focus more on scientific observations, and begin to take notes of reactions -
550
Panacea Potion
Alchemists strived to recreate the Panacea potion created by the goddess of universal remedy, Panacea. The potion was rumored to heal the sick and cure all diseases -
Jan 1, 600
Philosophers Stone
The Philosophers Stone was a myth amongst alchemists. It was thought to be in powder form. According to legend the stone could transform common metals into gold, and the elixr of life could be derived from it. The stone could provide the owner with unlimited funds and immoritality, and was highly sought after. -
Jan 1, 700
Alchemy in the Arabic world
Alchemy is quite popular and advances quickly in the MIddle East, but is not very developed in Europe -
Jan 1, 1000
Pope Sylvester II
Pope Sylvester II travels through the Middle East and returns to Europe with much knowledge about astronomy, mathematics, and science. -
Jan 1, 1100
Adelard of Bath
Adelard of Bath travels extensively through the Middle East and returns to Europe with many texts and resources referring to alchemy and science -
Jan 1, 1200
Spread of Alchemy
By the end of the 12th century Aristotle's and Arabic works regarding alchemy are more readily available to the scholars of Europe -
Period: Jan 1, 1214 to Jan 1, 1294
Roger Bacon
A well educated English Franciscan friar. He was well published, and greatly influenced the advancement of Alchemy as a science -
Oct 19, 1267
Opus Majus
Bacon's most important work is sent to the pope, but won't be published until the late 19th century. The 800 page book contains seven parts adressing philosophy, theology, mathematics, optics, experimental science, astrology and much more. -
Jan 1, 1275
Transition to Science
Alchemy becomes more scientifically focused, and data, research, and observations are more commonly associated with the practice -
Jan 1, 1300
Alchemy defined as a Science
Philippus Aurelius Paracelsus rejects the idea of Alchemy as magic and defines it as a science based on data, research, and observations -
Jan 1, 1300
The church becomes suspicious
The Roman Catholic church calls alchemy heresay and begin suspect alchemists of associating with the devil and practicing withcraft -
Jan 1, 1326
The Church Steps In
Pope John XXII issues a decree forbidding people affiliated with the church from practicing alchemy. Before, many members of the clergy practiced alchemy because they had access to materials and were literate. -
Jan 1, 1400
Persecution
Persecution of alchemists as witches starts -
Period: Jan 1, 1580 to
Height of the Witch Craze
Persecution of witches at its height -
The Foundation for Chemistry
Achemy may seem like voodoo and magic, but alchemist's extensive work with metals and chemicals laid the foundation for modern chemistry