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Encyclopedia of Religion entry forAlchemyOriginally the art of transmuting base metals into gold and silver by a secret chemical process. Alchemy became associated with magic when alchemists thought to discover a solvent containing the original principle of all matter. This solvent was to prove a remedy for all diseases and a means of renewing youth and preserving life. A Chinese alchemist of the fourth century, Koh Hung, says that grease of jade mixed with the juice of herbs, will, if drunk, make one live a thousand years. " He who swallows gold will exist as long as gold." The efficacy ascribed by the Chinese to jade and gold is seen in the fact that they put them in the mouth of the dead to protect the body against putrefaction (see J. J. M. de Groot, R.S.C.). Some of the Hindus, again, have believed that they could attain " salvation during life " or present immortality by swallowing elixirs compounded of mercury and mica, the one being supposed to contain the essence of Siva, the other the essence of his wife Gauri. The elixir, it was thought, repairs and rejuvenates the decaying particles of the body (see Monier-Williams). Alchemy was introduced into Egypt, and flourished there, in the Hellenistic period. The solvent of the alchemists was known in England as the " philosopher’s stone," and those who possessed the secret were called " adepts." The adepts were taught the doctrines in mystical and symbolical language. In the Middle Ages the monks occupied themselves with alchemy. citations: Encyc. of Rel., Canney
article created 2006-04-12 , last updated 2006-04-12 |
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