Page 23 - All About History - Issue 11-14

Science

“ Alchemists often

became absorbed in
their work […] unable to

tear themselves away”

RECORDING THEIR WORK

By way of keeping track of their work, alchemists
generally recorded their findings in writing, albeit
doing so using their own formulas and code.
This method both allowed them to record their
experiments and keep their discoveries secret from
prying eyes. This code would lay the basis for the
chemical formulae used in chemistry today.
FINANCING WORK

In order to obtain the money that enabled them
to buy the equipment and work space needed for
their work, many budding alchemists had their
own patrons. These would either be wealthy
friends acting as benefactors, or opportunists
looking for a share of the spoils. They would also
offer protection, as during the 17th century the
practice of alchemy was illegal.
CONDUCTING EXPERIMENTS

The primary aim of alchemists was to turn base
metals into precious substances like gold by
heating them up along with various other
types of powder or minerals. A whole
lot of trial and error was involved in
this exercise, with alchemists testing
out several different formulas in
their endeavours. Although various
alchemists claimed to have discovered
various secrets – such as making gold out
Robert Boyle, one of
the world’s most of other substances – to this date, no proof
famous alchemists exists to back this up.
PHILOSOPHICAL STUDY

For many alchemists – Robert Boyle being one
particularly noteworthy example – the study of
subjects like philosophy went hand in hand with
their work, and as such they studied this subject.
Moreover, Boyle’s work in alchemy influenced the
study of chemistry and he is often referred to as
the father of modern chemistry.

SLEEPING IN SAME BUILDING

Alchemists often became absorbed in their work,
so it wasn’t uncommon for them to work through
the night, unable to tear themselves away should
they somehow miss the secret to a truly earth-
shattering discovery. If they finished at a reasonable
time, they would often sleep in a room near or next
to the lab – often in the same building.

23 23