Alchemy, an ancient science

(how alchemists changed matter into useful applications)

alchemist (s) (noun), alchemists (pl)
A scientist in the Middle Ages who attempted to find out how to transform normal metal into gold; Alchemists were often dismissed as charlatans and eccentrics during their lifetimes.

For some people, the word alchemy evokes images of crazed sorcerers in a laboratory trying to turn base metals into gold and silver. Yet this ancient science, which was based on the theory and the practice of transforming matter, had many useful applications.

Rooted in Hellenistic Egypt, alchemy reached a peak of popularity in 17th-century Europe, where it had a profound influence on Baroque glass-makers.

Alchemy was not just about magic, deception, and fraud. As a precursor to modern chemistry, it actually laid the foundation for the material sciences.

Glass is a good medium with which to explore the impact of alchemy, because its raw materials, sand and ash, are transformed into something completely new when mixed together.

This phenomenon specifically relates to the alchemical notion of mutation, the idea that it is possible to change any substance into something else.

Through innovative experiments, alchemists tried to explain natural phenomena, particularly the generation and growth of natural resources, while investigating the technology of materials, such as glass, metal, ceramics, and their components.

Some alchemists became glass makers themselves. These interactions led to the discovery in the 1670s of crystal in England, where the glass was combined with lead for stability, and central Europe, where either lime or chalk was used as a stabilizing agent.

—Compiled from excerpts of
"Turning lead to crystal and sand to gold ruby glass" by Dana Micucci;
Corning, New York; as seen in the International Herald Tribune;
April 19-20, 2008; page 17.

Also see the "ndex of additional Scientific and Technological Topics.

alchemy (s) (noun), alchemies (pl)
A set of mystical beliefs based on the idea that ordinary matter can be perfected: In the Middle Ages, alchemy ( became a semi-scientific discipline concerned; for example, with attempts to turn various metals into gold.

Baroque (adjective), more Baroque, most Baroque
Relating to, or characteristic of, a style of composition that flourished in Europe from about 1600 to 1750: The Baroque period is marked by expressive dissonance and elaborate ornamentation.
component (s) (noun), components (pl)
1. A significant or important part of a larger unit: The salesman explained that the washing machine had many components that were all replaceable in case anything broke down.
2. An element: Components are the minimum numbers of substances required to specify completely the composition of all phases of a chemical system.
crystal (s) (noun), crystals (pl)
1. A homogenous solid formed by a repeating, three-dimensional pattern of atoms, ions, or molecules and having fixed distances between constituent parts: Some ice crystals formed on the outside of Mary's bedroom window, all of which had regular shapes.
2. A mineral, especially a transparent form of quartz, having a crystalline structure, often characterized by external planar faces: Jenny thought that the glimmering and shining crystal on her mother's desk resembled glass or even ice!
deceive (verb), deceives; deceived; deceiving
To cause to believe what is not true; to mislead: Alice deceived her mother when she said she was going to school, but instead she went shopping with her friend!
deception (s) (noun), deceptions (pl)
A stratagem; a trick: Sam acquired the cash from the old lady by deception and by cheating her.
evoke (verb), evokes; evoked; evoking
To call to mind by naming, citing, or suggesting: When Virginia was in LaVerne, California after so many years, the sights of the college buildings evoked many memories of so long ago.
fraud (s) (noun), frauds (pl)
1. A deception deliberately practiced in order to secure an unfair or an unlawful gain: The city officials were citing inadequate measures to fight money-laundering, vote-buying, fraud, etc.
2. Someone who assumes a false pose; an impostor: The phone call from a man who claimed to be a police officer turned out to be a fraud who wanted to gain access to the elderly couple's apartment in order to rob them of their jewelry and cash.
Hellenistic Egypt (s) (proper noun)
The zenith of Greek influence in Egypt from 323 B.C. to about 146 B.C. (or arguably as late as 30 B.C.): Hellenistic Egypt concerns the time of ancient Egyptian history when Greek customs, culture and language blended with the ones of Egypt under the Macedonian Ptolemaic dynasty.
impact (s) (noun), impact (pl)
1. The force or impetus transmitted by a collision: The impact of the two cars crashing into each othercaused both drivers to die on site.
2. The effect or impression of one thing on another thing: The teachers thought that the decisions of the agenda on the next staff meeting would have a big impact on the future of their school.
influence (s) (noun), influences (pl)
1. A power affecting a person, thing, or course of events, especially one that operates without any direct or apparent effort: Tom's new girlfriend has a very good influence on him, and he is now very considerate and kind to others in comparison to earlier times.
2. Power to sway or to affect someone based on prestige, wealth, ability, or position: Mr. Taylor denies exerting any influence on the citizens to vote for him.
influence (verb), influences; influenced; influencing
To produce an effect on by imperceptible or intangible means; to sway: Tom's mother tried to influence, or persuade him into studying architecture.
innovative (adjective), more innovative, most innovative
Referring to something that is introduced of new ideas or concepts: Little Tommy worked hard on his cardboard house and was most innovative in constructing it. .
material science. (s) (noun), material sciences (pl)
An interdisciplinary field involving the properties of matter and its applications to various areas of science, technology, and engineering: Material science is the study of the functioning, nature, and use of matter or stuff that can be used in technology and science.