Alchemy
Protoscience - the origin of new sciences
Alchemy is an early protoscientific practice combining elements of chemistry, physics, astrology, art, semiotics, metallurgy, medicine, mysticism, and religion. There have been three main goals for many alchemists. The most renowned goal of alchemy is the transmutation of any metal into either gold or silver. Also, it has been common for alchemists to seek a remedy that would cure all diseases and prolong life indefinitely. In some alchemical traditions, the "philosopher's stone" was the key in these goals. This mythical substance, which could just as well be powder or liquid as a stone, had the ability to both transmute metals and promote long life. The third goal was creating human life. Alchemy can be regarded as the precursor of modern sciences such as chemistry prior to the formulation and widespread practice of the scientific method.
The logo for the protoscience wikia is a portion of a painting, The Alchemist by Sir William Fettes Douglas.
[edit] Modern alchemy
It can be argued that all of the key elements of traditional alchemy have become incorporated into conventional sciences. Transmutation of elements has been accomplished by physicists. Modern medical science is devoted to the treatment of disease and the prolongation of life. Biological techniques provide a significant level of control over the creation of new life from non-living chemical precursors.
All of these alchemy-inspired activities within modern science continue to force us up against the boundaries of conventional science. Transmutation is difficult and expensive. Immortality is a dream of many transhumanists. Only the most primitive forms of life can be constructed from scratch. Artificial life is still in its infancy. Creation of a robotic artificial life form with human qualities might be viewed as one way of satisfying the dream of creating life. Genetic engineering has begun to provide tools for the creation of new forms of biological organisms.
[edit] Alchemical substances
[edit] External Sources
- Wikipedia article on Alchemy.
