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 Posted: Tue Oct 16, 2007 9:35 pm
I have been talking with my science teacher a lot about alchemy the past few days.(He is a physics teacher with a knowledge of chemistry.)And he brought up a good point.
Why would you want to study alchemy when we now have the more advanced and more successful science of chemistry?
Think about it-
Chinese Alchemist-Looking for the Elixir of Life.Potions made were often filled with the crimson water,which was crimson because of cinnabar,and the 'elixirs' were filled with mercury,phosphorus,and other DEADLY AND FATAL chemicals that killed you or permanently handicapped you shortly after consumption;the exact opposite of the desired purpose.
European Alchemist-Search for the Philosopher's Stone.Transmuting invaluable and impure metals like lead into precious gold.They never got closer than the Chinese did with their elixirs.Although this particular search helped lead up to the fields of chemistry,it is still inferior.
And I kept asking,like many of you,for someone to post a alchemical guide,and I am still interested in the field of alchemy,but the thing is,you will stand a better chance of getting your desired results with chemistry.Plus chemistry uses the scientific method more,giving faster and more accurate results.Alchemy is putting elements together using little thought in hopes of getting the desired result.If you are thinking 'Just add a little more thought to it then',then that would automatically make it chemistry.
And someone (I forget who) told us about a school where lessons are given for about $400 dollars.Thats what a course of chemistry cost,according to my science teacher.
All I am saying is that its fine and dandy for us to be interested with alchemy,but we must understand that the chances of us getting our desired results faster than chemist,is slim to none.
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Posted: Tue Oct 16, 2007 10:03 pm
Chemistry is not superior to Alchemy, simply because chemistry is entirely focused on the physical interactions of the elements on the periodic table. Alchemy does not focus solely on these. Alchemy focuses on the perfection of the soul and self. Any physical laboratory tests or experiments are almost entirely symbolic, meant to demonstrate internal processes.
If you're looking for a way to turn physical lead to gold, then be my guest and take up chemistry. If you're on a quest for a more lasting gold then alchemy would be the best course.
The subject of alchemy, stretching all the way from ancient Egypt into the present day is far too complex for me to lay out here, even with my incomplete training in the subject.
Suffice it to say that Chemistry deals solely with the physical. Alchemy works on the perfection of all three levels of reality. What makes you so sure that the Elixir is a physical substance? Or that the gold sought is actual gold?
Symbolism is used in many traditions to hide knowledge and keep it from the wrong hands. Think on that. xd
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Posted: Wed Oct 17, 2007 12:00 am
Correct. If your reaction to an experiment in which you combine an acid and base to make a salt, is "******** YEAH, MAKE THAT SALT! NOW I CAN DIE HAPPY!" Then certainly, chemistry is gonna be the best for you.
However, if your chemistry teacher in passing says that It's impossible for there to be a perfect human being, and you think "******** that s**t, we'll find out" Then alchemy seems definitely the better choice, if you feel you must choose between the two.
This is, of course, a non exhaustive example chosen for hilarity, but hopefully you get the drift.
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Posted: Wed Oct 17, 2007 8:12 am
I agree with Obscurus and Josh. Alchemy is NOT solely physical, where as chemistry is. Let's say Alchemy is the key to immortality, perfection of the soul, and unlimited power. How would we know? Evey supposedly successful alchemist is dead. What if they really aren't dead? What if their souls are perfect and they're now deities that are so highly enlightened that they no longer interact with the universe? Y'know they never found Nicolas Flamel's body. confused I suggest you read at least a few pages of each of these documents, THEN question the reason for alchemy. Alchemy by The Spiritual VenturerAlchemy Array Components (97)Identification of Initiation Into AlchemyAlchemy Key
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Posted: Wed Oct 17, 2007 3:53 pm
Maybe I should have mentioned I was speaking of physical results.
And I know the Elixir was meant to be physical because the documentary we watched talked about a few Chinese alchemy notes explaining process to create the elixir.I am just saying,if you wanna find a PHYSICAL answer to something,chemistry would be a faster and more reliable path.
And I lol'd at the salt thing...
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Posted: Wed Oct 17, 2007 8:35 pm
Dark_of_Niwa Maybe I should have mentioned I was speaking of physical results. And I know the Elixir was meant to be physical because the documentary we watched talked about a few Chinese alchemy notes explaining process to create the elixir.I am just saying,if you wanna find a PHYSICAL answer to something,chemistry would be a faster and more reliable path. And I lol'd at the salt thing... It's interesting that in the Chinese practices of Qi Gong and acupuncture that there are points referred to as "elixir fields". And just because one Chinese alchemist, or a group, thought the Elixir was physical, how do we know they were right? They could have been just as off-base as the Medieval "puffers" trying to make elemental gold.
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