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 :-)
The Emerald Tablet
The Emerald Tablet of Hermes Trismegistus
The Precepts of Hermes, engraved upon the Emerald Tablet
1. Speak not fictitious things, but that which is certain and true.
2. What is below is like that which is above, and what is above is like that which is below, to accomplish the miracles of one thing.
3. And as all things were produced by the one word of one Being, so all things were produced from this one thing by adaptation.
4. Its father is the sun, its mother the moon; the wind carried it in its belly, its nurse is the earth.
5. It is the father of perfection throughout the world.
6. The power is vigorous if it be changed into earth.
7. Separate the earth from the fire, the subtle from the gross, acting prudently and with judgment.
8. Ascend with the greatest sagacity from the earth to heaven, and then again, descend to the earth, and unite together the powers of things superior and things inferior. Thus will you obtain the glory of the whole world, and obscurity will fly far away from you.
9. this has more fortitude than fortitude itself; because it conquers every subtle thing and can penetrate every solid.
10. Thus the world was formed.
11. Hence proceed wonders, which are here established.
12. Therefore, I am called Hermes Trismegistus, having three parts of the philosophy of the whole world.
13. That which I had to say concerning the operation of the sun is completed.
The Precepts of Hermes, engraved upon the Emerald Tablet
1. Speak not fictitious things, but that which is certain and true.
2. What is below is like that which is above, and what is above is like that which is below, to accomplish the miracles of one thing.
3. And as all things were produced by the one word of one Being, so all things were produced from this one thing by adaptation.
4. Its father is the sun, its mother the moon; the wind carried it in its belly, its nurse is the earth.
5. It is the father of perfection throughout the world.
6. The power is vigorous if it be changed into earth.
7. Separate the earth from the fire, the subtle from the gross, acting prudently and with judgment.
8. Ascend with the greatest sagacity from the earth to heaven, and then again, descend to the earth, and unite together the powers of things superior and things inferior. Thus will you obtain the glory of the whole world, and obscurity will fly far away from you.
9. this has more fortitude than fortitude itself; because it conquers every subtle thing and can penetrate every solid.
10. Thus the world was formed.
11. Hence proceed wonders, which are here established.
12. Therefore, I am called Hermes Trismegistus, having three parts of the philosophy of the whole world.
13. That which I had to say concerning the operation of the sun is completed.
Sunday, September 14, 2008
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