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The philosophers' stone was a mythical object believed to be capable of turning base metals, such as lead, into gold. It was also thought either to be or to be capable of producing a substance called the "elixir of life," which could give a person eternal youth and good health. Alchemists were after it so they could be immortal, healthy, and rich.

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Q: What was the philosophers stone and why were alchemists during the middle ages searching for it?
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Why were alchemists during the Middle Ages searching for Philosopher's stone?

The Philosopher's stone was a magical substance that could turn lead into gold, or was an elixir of life that could make someone immortal.


What best describes the studies of Muslim philosophers during the Middle Ages?

They were influenced by philosophers such as Aristotle and by the teachings of Islam.


Who are the western alchemists?

The Europeans from the Middle Ages.


Who are the alchemist of middle times?

The alchemists were the first chemists. But in addition to mixing chemicals, they also believed that magic would help with their experiments and formulas. It didn't. But their experiments led to the development of the science of chemistry.


What are the 3 elements discovered by the alchemists of the middle ages?

Alchemists discovered Arsenic, Antimony, and Bismuth. The Golden Dream Alchemists, in the Middle Ages, believed they could turn ordinary metals into gold. The metallic elements silver (Ag), gold (Au) and copper (Cu) are lustrous, malleable, ductile, conductive and valuable. Each metal is used to make sculptures, jewelry and other structures. If ordinary metals are combined with other elements, you can create an alloy. Artists often work with alloys because of their durability and color. Alloys are used to make coins, costume jewelry, sculptures and other items. However, is there a way to turn alloys into one of these precious elements? To answer this question one would have to create an experiment. This experiment should be performed in a chemistry lab. Its objective is to show how alloys are made. Alchemy in the Middle Ages was a right mixture of science, philosophy and mysticism. Nowhere near operating within the modern definition of a scientific discipline. Medieval alchemists approached their craft with a holistic attitude. They believed that purity of body, spirit and mind was necessary to pursue their ideas successfully. At the very heart of medieval alchemy was the idea that all matter was composed of four elements, earth, fire, water and air. With the right combination of elements, it was theorized, any substance on earth might be formed. This included precious metals as well as elixirs to cure disease and prolong life. Alchemists believed that the 'transmutation' of one substance into another was possible, thus we have the cliche of medieval alchemists seeking to 'turn lead into gold'. Medieval Alchemists discovered Hydrochloric and Nitric acid, Potash and Sodium Carbonate. They were able to identify the elements Arsenic, Antimony, and Bismuth.

Related questions

When did the alchemists perform their experiments?

During the Middle Ages.


What did the alchemists do that was an improvement over the Greek method of finding out about matter?

Alchemists were researchers who worked in Europe and the Middle East during the Middle ages.


Why were alchemists during the Middle Ages searching for Philosopher's stone?

The Philosopher's stone was a magical substance that could turn lead into gold, or was an elixir of life that could make someone immortal.


Best describes the studies of Muslim philosophers during the Middle Ages?

They were influenced by philosophers such as Aristotle and by the teachings of Islam.


What best describes the studies of the Muslims philosophers during the middle ages?

They were influenced by philosophers such as Aristotle and by the teachings of Islam.


What best describes the studies of Muslim philosophers during the Middle Ages?

They were influenced by philosophers such as Aristotle and by the teachings of Islam.


Who are the western alchemists?

The Europeans from the Middle Ages.


In medieval times who was most likely to search for the Philosophers' Stone?

Alchemists were most likely to search for the Philosophers' Stone during medieval times. They believed that the Philosophers' Stone had the power to transform base metals into gold and grant immortality.


What did you call the men of the middle ages of chemistry?

Chemists of the Middle Ages were called alchemists.


Who tried to change lead into gold in the middle ages?

Alchemists


Did the German alchemists during the Middle Ages know anything about glazes for pottery?

If the German alchemist lived after 900 AD, then yes. They became more common as time went on.


How did alkaline earth metals get their names?

It came from the alchemists in the Middle Ages because these elements were unchanged by fire.