What the Hell is... Alchemy?

Isaac Newton is often celebrated as a brilliant scientist, but his dabbling in alchemy can throw a wrench in that polished image. Today, when we hear the word "alchemy," we might think of it as synonymous with impossibility—after all, you can't turn lead into gold. Yet, in Newton's time, alchemy was a serious pursuit filled with potential. It wasn't just about creating precious metals; it was about unlocking the secrets of nature and the universe.

In the 17th century, alchemy was the rock star of the intellectual scene, blending chemistry, philosophy, and mysticism. Great minds like Newton believed that by understanding the transformations of matter, they could uncover the very fabric of existence. As the famous alchemist Paracelsus said, "Alchemy is the art of transformation," and for Newton, this art was a way to explore the world around him.

Newton’s extensive writings on alchemy reveal his deep curiosity. He engaged in experiments and sought to understand the properties of various substances, often blending them in ways that today might seem strange but were cutting-edge for his time. For instance, alchemists believed in the concept of the Philosopher's Stone, a substance that could transform base metals into gold and grant immortality. While we now know these ideas were misguided, they represented the ambition to grasp the mysteries of life.

...like a boy playing on the seashore, and diverting myself in now and then finding a smoother pebble or a prettier shell than ordinary, whilst the great ocean of truth lay all undiscovered before me.—Isaac Newton

Let’s not forget that alchemy was also a spiritual journey. Alchemists viewed their work as a way to achieve enlightenment, and Newton was no exception. He famously said, “What we know is a drop, what we don’t know is an ocean,” reflecting his understanding that the quest for knowledge was limitless.

The stigma surrounding alchemy really took off during the Enlightenment when rationalism began to overshadow mystical pursuits. Alchemy became a relic of the past, dismissed as superstition, but this view neglects the foundational role it played in the development of modern science. Many elements of chemistry have roots in alchemical practices, proving that even the wildest ideas can contribute to progress.

The alchemist Hermes Trismegistus stated, “As above, so below; as within, so without,” reminding us that our quest for knowledge is a reflection of our desire to understand both the universe and ourselves.

In short, while Newton may have been fascinated by the impossible, his alchemical pursuits were part of a grand intellectual adventure. By embracing this exploration, we not only honor his legacy but also acknowledge the fascinating history of science that includes striving for the seemingly unattainable. We should be humbled at the lengths great men went to to prove something was impossible, humbled that we get to sneer at alchemy like we would voodoo or dream catchers. It is only NOT real science because real science was used to prove it so...

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