Alchemy

Definition of Alchemy

Defined: medieval chemical science and

speculative philosophy with goals of
transmutation of cheap metals into gold, a
universal cure for disease, and a way of
prolonging life.
 Seeking

a) Philosopher’s Stone (a stone that is no

stone but contains within it the seeds to
transform cheap metals into gold)

b) Elixor of Life (cure disease)

c) Fountain of Youth (extend life)

 Contributions

a) lab techniques

b) medicines

c) lab tools and supplies

 Laboratory Techniques

a) distillation
b) filtration
c) crystallization
d) coagulation
e) evaporation
f) extraction
 Mineral Acids

H2SO4 (aq) Sulfuric Acid

HCl (aq) Hydrochloric Acid
HNO3 (aq) Nitric Acid

Minerals to make these acids are present in

large quantities, are easily transported, and
properties do not change on shelf
 Alchemist Subtypes:

Four types of alchemist:

a) mystical or religious
b) philosophical
c) mercenary
d) scientific
 Aristotle

Greek Philosopher: Aristotle

a) gold and circle as examples of nature's
perfection
b) 4 Primal Elements of Greeks: Earth, Air,
Fire, Water
 Influence of Aristotle

Rule of Aristotle for 2000 years:

a) common sense
b) comprehensive
c) Church taught it
d) 17th century brought scientific approach
e) alchemy provided services
 Alchemy to chemistry

Democritus: first idea of atom

Geber: stereotypical alchemist
Paracelsus: last alchemist/first chemist
Robert Boyle: definition of atom
Georg Stahl: phlogiston theory
 Joseph Priestley

Oxygen experiments
Phlogiston problem
First to create carbonated beverages
 Antoine Lavoisier

a) 101 day reflux experiment

b) candle in water experiment
c) tin box experiment
 Accomplishments of Lavoisier

Known as Father of chemistry

First chemistry textbook
First to explain true nature of burning
Named oxygen
Naming system for chemicals
Explained Law of Conservation of Mass
 Henry Cavendish

Scientist that proved water to be a

combination of elements
Zn (s) + H2SO4 (aq) + CuSO4 (aq) 
CuSO4 (aq) + H2 (g) + ZnSO4 (aq)
2H2 (g) + O2 (g) + energy  2H2O (l)
Catalyst, exothermic chemical reaction,
aqueous, zinc sulfate single displacement
chemical reaction