1. The Alchemy is the origin of the today’s science, which are metal engineering and metal chemistry. The basic idea of the Alchemy is that create new metal, such as gold, by mixing two metals. This idea of the Alchemy is base of the traditional science, chemistry. At the time, people believe that if they combine two metals, it will become silver or gold. However, early 19th century, it was discovered that the gold was not able to make from combination of other metals. The Alchemy is related with idea of the astrology. The astrology studies in relationship with star and human being. On the other hand, the alchemy studies in relationship with the object on the earth and human being. Both are based on the idea of sign from the sky and the earth. The magic is based on the idea which affect the natural event with mystic power that human being does not have. The magic is not based on the power of the god. People believe if they combine some objects, it will have a mystic power which will display or behave fantastic things. The huge difference between magic and traditional science is result. Both have a same idea that combines the objects. However, the magic come with fantastic staff, which human being is not able to do. The traditional science comes with more real staff, which wishes to become the silver or gold.
2. The origin of a word “Holistic” is “whole”. Therefore, holistic medicine considers the relationship with whole condition of the patient, which is characteristic, environment, pattern of disease, mental and physical status. The holistic medicine is the pursuit of releasing of stress and well being of patient. General idea of medicine considers the human body as “organic machine”, which is physical structure and organ system. If the machine is not working property, the doctor tries to find out the solution from material and mental level. However, the effort of understanding the human body in pure biochemical and system machine is ignore the basic idea of human life. In the Holistic medicine field, it is the important that the balance, constancy and health. Such a balance is the life energy which allows moving the human body. If the human body damaged physically, mentally and emotionally, the balance of the human body lose the balance and become illness. Human body basically tried to cure the illness by itself. However, if the human body gets serious damage or continuously feels pain, then the human body needs to get the treatment.
3. The human being always desire to live forever and is afraid to death. However, the live or die is the territory of the god. The god decided the human’s fate. However, people have been studies how to live longer. There are some of the evidences that human being’s effort to against aging and live forever. The first evidence is the aging cosmetics or plastic surgery. Women often use the wrinkle free cosmetics to reduce their wrinkle or do the removal wrinkle surgery. Men use the hair restorer to regain or keep their hair. These are effort of keeping young and against the time passing by. The second evidence is the reproduction. The human reproduction is prohibited in most, all of the countries because it violates the territory of the god. Currently only the animal reproduction has been allowed. There are reproduced dog, cow, cat, pig, sheep and goat. The human reproduction also uses same technology that animal reproduction used. However, it is not ethical thing to do. Also, the percentage of the success in reproduction is very low. These two evidences are the effort of human being fought with the death and desire to live forever.
Sunday, September 14, 2008
The Emerald Tablet
1. Alchemy, which means “the art of transformation,” is neither magic nor science, but contains characteristics of both. Alchemy originated from the transformation of alloy metals into gold and silver with the use of alkahest – a hypothetical universal solvent used by alchemists (Encarta Dictionary). The process of combining various compounds to create chemical reactions and new materials would fall under the category of science. However, some Alchemists claimed that this universal solvent had magical powers and can potential rid one of disease and grant eternal life. Achieving Immortality and the cure of diseases with a single ingredient would be considered nothing short of magic or supernatural power. Alchemy falls somewhere in between magic and science because its origination dates back to a time where religion was the predominant higher education and was used to explain the unknown therefore not allowing science to be the accepted theory.
2. Holistic medicine or health refers to the idea that in order to properly cure diseases one must treat the physical, mental, spiritual, and emotional factors that may have led to the illness. Holistic medicine provides an alternative or sometimes an addendum to the modern treatments. Holistic health, similar to the second principle in The Emerald Tablet, preaches unity and a combination of factors working together as one to reach a common goal or “miracle.” Unless all the aspects are “like” each other , meaning they are interdependent and equal parts of a whole, the will not achieve the desired effect and “accomplish the miracle.”
3. It seems that throughout time human beings are searching for a way to be immortal. Other students have mentioned Botox, plastic surgery, laser surgery, but is not only limited to what’s aesthetically pleasing. Most products these days are attempting to be the contemporary “Elixir of Youth” and claim to improve health and help us live longer. Every drink is raving about antioxidants and their effect on the harmful free radicals. Most people don’t know what that means and why it will make them healthier, but buy the products anyway. Pharmaceutical companies are creating drugs that allow men and women to be sexually active well into old age. One of the biggest pursuits of immortality is cloning and stem cell research. Scientists have basically found a way to create life and rebuild organs. Although still in its relatively primitive stages, advances are occurring exponentially and it could be only a few decades before we are replacing all our body parts and living up to 200 years. (If we can afford it) A modern “Philosopher’s Stone” can be something that converts our waste and pollution into something positive and useful (The Economist March 2006). Alchemists thought of this universal solvent as solution that can take the less desired and turn it into something special. Having a product that can convert our garbage and waste into fertilizer or a substance that can help improve the environment would be invaluable.
-Alex Samusevich
please comment :-)
2. Holistic medicine or health refers to the idea that in order to properly cure diseases one must treat the physical, mental, spiritual, and emotional factors that may have led to the illness. Holistic medicine provides an alternative or sometimes an addendum to the modern treatments. Holistic health, similar to the second principle in The Emerald Tablet, preaches unity and a combination of factors working together as one to reach a common goal or “miracle.” Unless all the aspects are “like” each other , meaning they are interdependent and equal parts of a whole, the will not achieve the desired effect and “accomplish the miracle.”
3. It seems that throughout time human beings are searching for a way to be immortal. Other students have mentioned Botox, plastic surgery, laser surgery, but is not only limited to what’s aesthetically pleasing. Most products these days are attempting to be the contemporary “Elixir of Youth” and claim to improve health and help us live longer. Every drink is raving about antioxidants and their effect on the harmful free radicals. Most people don’t know what that means and why it will make them healthier, but buy the products anyway. Pharmaceutical companies are creating drugs that allow men and women to be sexually active well into old age. One of the biggest pursuits of immortality is cloning and stem cell research. Scientists have basically found a way to create life and rebuild organs. Although still in its relatively primitive stages, advances are occurring exponentially and it could be only a few decades before we are replacing all our body parts and living up to 200 years. (If we can afford it) A modern “Philosopher’s Stone” can be something that converts our waste and pollution into something positive and useful (The Economist March 2006). Alchemists thought of this universal solvent as solution that can take the less desired and turn it into something special. Having a product that can convert our garbage and waste into fertilizer or a substance that can help improve the environment would be invaluable.
-Alex Samusevich
please comment :-)
Hermes Trismegestus/ Alchemy
1) Alchemy differs from magic and traditional science in the fact that it is a combination of chemistry and philosophy having as a goal the transmutation of metals into gold. Also, it is its goal the discovery of the panacea and the discovery of an elixir for longevity. In the other hand, magic is an art that attempt to control or forecast natural events, effects, or forces by invoking the supernatural. Science uses the observation, identification, experimental investigation, description and theoretical explanation of phenomena.
2) Holistic medicine is know as an approach to life and health which brings together the physical, mental and spiritual aspect of a person in order to create a total sense of well being. The principle two, “What is bellow is like that which is above, and what is above is like that which is below, to accomplish the miracles of one thing,” is connected to holistic medicine based in the fact that both believe that the actions or effects of one side are direct connected or are consequences of the other side. In other words, the well or bad being of the body is a direct consequence of the mind.
3) In the medical world the spirit of the alchemy is still alive. There is a billionaire industry that exploits the idea of The Elixir of Youth and the Philosopher’s Stone. Plastic surgery, skin care products are just a few examples of that industry. Also, fitness clubs exploit that idea based in that fact that some research indicates that moderate amount of aerobic exercise can “roll back the clock” and delay many of the changes of ageing.
2) Holistic medicine is know as an approach to life and health which brings together the physical, mental and spiritual aspect of a person in order to create a total sense of well being. The principle two, “What is bellow is like that which is above, and what is above is like that which is below, to accomplish the miracles of one thing,” is connected to holistic medicine based in the fact that both believe that the actions or effects of one side are direct connected or are consequences of the other side. In other words, the well or bad being of the body is a direct consequence of the mind.
3) In the medical world the spirit of the alchemy is still alive. There is a billionaire industry that exploits the idea of The Elixir of Youth and the Philosopher’s Stone. Plastic surgery, skin care products are just a few examples of that industry. Also, fitness clubs exploit that idea based in that fact that some research indicates that moderate amount of aerobic exercise can “roll back the clock” and delay many of the changes of ageing.
Friday, September 12, 2008
bfilip alchemy
1) Alchemy differs from, but incorporates, magic and traditional science. Alchemy was a preliminary form of chemistry. Therefore, “experiments” were performed with a belief in an effort to reach the goal of making Gold from other metals and creating an elixir of youth, which would cure all ailments. Through these efforts, elixirs (some of which did have great healing powers) were created. In some cases, juices were squeezed from plants and fruits. Magic depends on control through the belief in supernatural powers. Alchemists believed in the spiritual level with power and its importance, but did not think the way to control the environment was through mere spells, physical activity was required. Traditional science does not account for the spiritual level of life and the environment. It does not acknowledge the supernatural. It only concentrates on the physical world and what can be proven. Alchemy incorporates the physical, the spiritual and the supernatural.
2) Principle number two from the “Emerald Tablet” can be interpreted in many ways and on many levels including the physical and spiritual. If we consider the psychological, physical and spiritual levels together, we can relate this to holistic health. In this way, we can interpret this principle to be about the wholeness, sameness and unity of the body, mind and soul. Holistic medicine attempts to treat these all together at once recognizing how they are interdependent. Principle two states that all are the same and all are one and therefore must be treated accordingly. In this way the mind body and soul work together to promote a balanced and healthy life. We could conclude then that Holistic medicine is a form of Alchemy seeking the cure for all ailments and instead of concerning itself with only one part, the physical, for healing like traditional medicine, a combination of approaches including the physical, mental and spiritual are utilized.
3) There are many examples of modern day alchemy-like behavior. These include our current cosmetic industry, our weight loss industry, and our “Health”food/ supplement industry, which are all looking to find the combination of ingredients that will preserve youth. In the jewelry industry, in order to produce more valuable items from less valuable raw materials, “laboratory created diamonds” have been produced.
Perhaps the best case of Alchemy at this time is the recently completed Large Hadron Collider (LHC) built below the France-Swiss border. Over 2,000 physicists from countries around the globe have worked for up to 19 years to build this machine, which will send atoms crashing together. The hopes of the scientists are to find a sub-atomic component some are calling “the God Particle.” As written by Richard Ingham, AFP on the Discovery Channel website in the article Atom-Smasher Gears Up to Find 'God Particle’, “ It could shed clues on the mystery of how the universe came to be. And it may determine whether, as some physicists believe, space-time holds dimensions other than our own” It seems to me, this could be the “Philosophers Stone.”
2) Principle number two from the “Emerald Tablet” can be interpreted in many ways and on many levels including the physical and spiritual. If we consider the psychological, physical and spiritual levels together, we can relate this to holistic health. In this way, we can interpret this principle to be about the wholeness, sameness and unity of the body, mind and soul. Holistic medicine attempts to treat these all together at once recognizing how they are interdependent. Principle two states that all are the same and all are one and therefore must be treated accordingly. In this way the mind body and soul work together to promote a balanced and healthy life. We could conclude then that Holistic medicine is a form of Alchemy seeking the cure for all ailments and instead of concerning itself with only one part, the physical, for healing like traditional medicine, a combination of approaches including the physical, mental and spiritual are utilized.
3) There are many examples of modern day alchemy-like behavior. These include our current cosmetic industry, our weight loss industry, and our “Health”food/ supplement industry, which are all looking to find the combination of ingredients that will preserve youth. In the jewelry industry, in order to produce more valuable items from less valuable raw materials, “laboratory created diamonds” have been produced.
Perhaps the best case of Alchemy at this time is the recently completed Large Hadron Collider (LHC) built below the France-Swiss border. Over 2,000 physicists from countries around the globe have worked for up to 19 years to build this machine, which will send atoms crashing together. The hopes of the scientists are to find a sub-atomic component some are calling “the God Particle.” As written by Richard Ingham, AFP on the Discovery Channel website in the article Atom-Smasher Gears Up to Find 'God Particle’, “ It could shed clues on the mystery of how the universe came to be. And it may determine whether, as some physicists believe, space-time holds dimensions other than our own” It seems to me, this could be the “Philosophers Stone.”
Alchemy- Maria C
1. Alchemy refers to both an early form of investigation of nature, philosophical and spiritual discipline, combining elements of chemistry, physics, medicine, astrology and art all to help to achieve their goals. The main goals of the alchemists were the transformation of common metals into gold or silver. Alchemists use metal and alchemical substances to demonstrate magical properties that seem to pass supernatural energy. Magic differs from alchemy since is a performing art that entertains an audience by creating illusions, they use magic tricks effect to manipulate the state of mind but do not uses any science. Traditional science basically focuses in real illnesses and to find cure for it. They use medicine as part of treatment and do not believe or agree with natural medicine or supernatural divines.
2. Holistic medicine believes that if one part of the body or mind is not working properly, it is to consider that affects the whole person. Holistic focus on the whole person rather than just the illness and approaches the emotional and spiritual aspects. Holistic medicine focuses on how the physical, mental, emotional and spiritual elements of the body are interconnected to maintain wellness. It also believes that using it with conventional medicine will give us better results. I think is similar to the alchemical principle 2 since its saying that in order for you to accomplish something you need the help than more that one thing. In the holistic medicine they use their believes with conventional medicine to cure their illness.
3. In the Alchemy, The Elixir of youth basically it’s the desire of immortality. Philosopher’s stone it s the power of turning metals into gold. In today’s world we also are seeing that Scientifics are interesting in finding immortality. In Tokyo, geneticists Shinya Yamanaka recently strike on the way to convert any normal adult cell into an immortal stem cell. Both living forever and able to convert into any type of organ or tissue needing replacement in a sick or aging body. Also we are seeing that petroleum has become very expensive and probably less accessible so now they are transforming corn oil to Ethanol. People are using their knowledge to accomplish new things.
2. Holistic medicine believes that if one part of the body or mind is not working properly, it is to consider that affects the whole person. Holistic focus on the whole person rather than just the illness and approaches the emotional and spiritual aspects. Holistic medicine focuses on how the physical, mental, emotional and spiritual elements of the body are interconnected to maintain wellness. It also believes that using it with conventional medicine will give us better results. I think is similar to the alchemical principle 2 since its saying that in order for you to accomplish something you need the help than more that one thing. In the holistic medicine they use their believes with conventional medicine to cure their illness.
3. In the Alchemy, The Elixir of youth basically it’s the desire of immortality. Philosopher’s stone it s the power of turning metals into gold. In today’s world we also are seeing that Scientifics are interesting in finding immortality. In Tokyo, geneticists Shinya Yamanaka recently strike on the way to convert any normal adult cell into an immortal stem cell. Both living forever and able to convert into any type of organ or tissue needing replacement in a sick or aging body. Also we are seeing that petroleum has become very expensive and probably less accessible so now they are transforming corn oil to Ethanol. People are using their knowledge to accomplish new things.
Alchemy
1. Alchemy is known from the Greek words “spagyric art” which means “separate and join together”. The best and very well known an example of Alchemy is the transmutation of common metals into gold.
Even though, magic is an illusion it is something that person can learn and there is always explanation for each trick. While science is something that people have to study and do experiments in order to learn something. In my opinion Alchemy has a little of magic and science. It was studied and for each experiment alchemists had an explanation.
2. Holistic Medicine focuses on physical, mental and spiritual elements of body. It does not concentrate only on the ill part of person’s body but on the whole body. Holistic Medicine can also involve conventional therapy but mostly stresses on lifestyle changes. For example, to reduce stomach cancer a person might quit smoking, eat more vegetables and fruits, improve oral hygiene etc. Principal 2 is very similar to Holistic Medicine. The “below is like the “above”. Each part is equal, and if we want to achieve something we must concentrate on the whole body.
3. I think that people are still looking for The Elixir of Youth. People spend a lot of money just to look beautiful, especially wealthy people. They spend thousands of dollars for operations (plastic surgery), creams… everything just to look more beautiful and young. Are they still looking for the Philosopher’s Stone” Yes. I think that oil is today’s elixir of life. I agree with my classmates that it is very valuable because it can be use for various things.
Even though, magic is an illusion it is something that person can learn and there is always explanation for each trick. While science is something that people have to study and do experiments in order to learn something. In my opinion Alchemy has a little of magic and science. It was studied and for each experiment alchemists had an explanation.
2. Holistic Medicine focuses on physical, mental and spiritual elements of body. It does not concentrate only on the ill part of person’s body but on the whole body. Holistic Medicine can also involve conventional therapy but mostly stresses on lifestyle changes. For example, to reduce stomach cancer a person might quit smoking, eat more vegetables and fruits, improve oral hygiene etc. Principal 2 is very similar to Holistic Medicine. The “below is like the “above”. Each part is equal, and if we want to achieve something we must concentrate on the whole body.
3. I think that people are still looking for The Elixir of Youth. People spend a lot of money just to look beautiful, especially wealthy people. They spend thousands of dollars for operations (plastic surgery), creams… everything just to look more beautiful and young. Are they still looking for the Philosopher’s Stone” Yes. I think that oil is today’s elixir of life. I agree with my classmates that it is very valuable because it can be use for various things.
hermes trismegestus
Alchemy differs from magic and traditional science in that it fuses the two together to create a chemistry-like science that is based in magic. Alchemy is based largely in philosophy and spirituality. It bridges the two, focusing on nature and the human world. Alchemists manipulated the elements attempting to create magical items, such as the elixir of life, a remedy to cure all life’s ailments. Alchemy has many mystical features and often attempted to discover or create concoctions that would cure many of life’s ailments. Thus, as alchemy strived to be a science it was rooted largely in magic and mysticism.
Holistic medicine is founded in the belief that one cannot be physically healthy without being mentally healthy. It believes in the inter-connectedness of the mind and body and the way in which both must be in balance for one to be healthy. The alchemical principle 2 also echoes this belief. It states that what is above and what is below must be in balance, referring both to the mind and body, as well as to the heavens and the earth. It portrays a necessary balance to keep the world in order, as well as to keep one healthy. Holistic medicine replicates this sentiment in the way in which it approaches one’s health.
As humans grapple with their mortality there have always been those who have searched for ways to elude it. Alchemists sought the Elixir of Youth and the Philosopher’s stone as two items that would bring them eternal life. Although not to quite the same extent, science still attempts to address the issue of mortality. A person born in the year 2008 has an average life expectancy of 78 years old. The average life expectancy 50 years ago was 69 years old. This is due largely to the increase in technology and the advances in modern medicine. Scientists and chemists are constantly attempting to find ways to increase one’s life span and treat ailments or diseases that end it. As Western medicine attempts to prolong life through scientific methods, Eastern medicine does the same through more natural, holistic ways. Eastern medicine focuses on natural remedies and herbs that can both heal ailments and aim at eluding mortality. Through the use of natural products, as well as non-traditional practices (i.e. acupuncture) Eastern medicine also strives to discover the key to immortality.
Holistic medicine is founded in the belief that one cannot be physically healthy without being mentally healthy. It believes in the inter-connectedness of the mind and body and the way in which both must be in balance for one to be healthy. The alchemical principle 2 also echoes this belief. It states that what is above and what is below must be in balance, referring both to the mind and body, as well as to the heavens and the earth. It portrays a necessary balance to keep the world in order, as well as to keep one healthy. Holistic medicine replicates this sentiment in the way in which it approaches one’s health.
As humans grapple with their mortality there have always been those who have searched for ways to elude it. Alchemists sought the Elixir of Youth and the Philosopher’s stone as two items that would bring them eternal life. Although not to quite the same extent, science still attempts to address the issue of mortality. A person born in the year 2008 has an average life expectancy of 78 years old. The average life expectancy 50 years ago was 69 years old. This is due largely to the increase in technology and the advances in modern medicine. Scientists and chemists are constantly attempting to find ways to increase one’s life span and treat ailments or diseases that end it. As Western medicine attempts to prolong life through scientific methods, Eastern medicine does the same through more natural, holistic ways. Eastern medicine focuses on natural remedies and herbs that can both heal ailments and aim at eluding mortality. Through the use of natural products, as well as non-traditional practices (i.e. acupuncture) Eastern medicine also strives to discover the key to immortality.
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