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The goal was more psychological than spiritual. The alchemists were attempting to cure the "darkness of midlife". The psychologist Carl Jung studied the work of the alchemists for decades, and believed that hidden within their writings, were psychological explanations for their work.

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What is alchemy and what were the elements and goals of alchemists?

Alchemy was a philosophical and protoscientific tradition that aimed to transform base metals into noble metals like gold. The elements of alchemy were sulfur, mercury, and salt, which corresponded to the three properties of matter: volatility, liquidity, and solidity. Alchemists sought not only the transmutation of metals but also the purification of the soul and the attainment of spiritual enlightenment.


What were the three goals of western alchemy?

The three primary goals of Western alchemy were the transmutation of base metals into noble metals, particularly gold; the creation of the philosopher's stone, which was believed to grant immortality and ultimate wisdom; and the pursuit of the elixir of life, a substance that would bestow health and longevity. Alchemists sought to understand the nature of matter and the transformation processes, blending spiritual and material pursuits in their experiments. Ultimately, these goals reflected a quest for both physical and spiritual enlightenment.


Why did the alchemists try to change other metals into gold?

Alchemists believed that by transforming other metals into gold, they could achieve spiritual enlightenment and immortality. The pursuit of creating gold was also driven by the desire for wealth and power.


Why were alchemists interested in mercury?

Alchemists believed that mercury held transformative properties and could be used in the process of transmuting base metals into noble metals like gold. They thought that mercury possessed spiritual qualities and symbolic significance in their quest for enlightenment and the Philosopher's Stone.


Is there an alchemists symbol for cerium?

Cerium was not known by alchemists.


What was the main goal of alchemists?

The Alchemists mostly wanted to find a means by which lead could be transformed into gold.


What was the goal of alchemists in Europe?

The goal of alchemists in Europe was to transform base metals into gold, find a universal cure for diseases (the philosopher's stone), and attain spiritual enlightenment through the transformation of the self. They believed in the idea of transmutation and were also interested in achieving immortality.


What was the alchemists view on atoms?

The alchemists were unaware that atoms even existed.


Why are all the famous alchemists men?

Most of the strongest Alchemists appear to be men.


Why don't we consider alchemists to be scientists?

Because the alchemists learned by trial and error they never tried to take their observations and draw conclusions.


Medieval scientist who attempted to change worthless metals into gold?

Alchemists. Alchemists.


Why did alchemists think they could tun other metals into gold?

Alchemists believed in the principle of transmutation, the idea that base metals could be transformed into gold through a series of chemical processes. This was rooted in their pursuit of spiritual enlightenment and the quest for the Philosopher's Stone, a mythical substance believed to facilitate this transformation. Despite their efforts, alchemists were never successful in turning other metals into gold.